Check Out Rozen’s Latest Zelda-Themed Album “Sins of Hyrule”

“This album explores the eternal conflict between the goddess Hylia and the Evil of evils, Demise, across the dimensions of time. Featuring music from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess and Breath of the Wild.

A sonic experience that embraces epic music with electronic flavors. Live instruments, huge percussion, choir, hybrid elements, and dreamy vocals.”

I had the massive pleasure of getting to listen to Rozen’s new album Sins of Hyrule. It was both a pleasure to receive it, but also a pleasure to listen to it. If you know me at all or have read any of my other ravings about Rozen, then you know how big a fan I am of his music. He always seems to take it a step further with each new album and Sins of Hyrule is no different. The tracks go from haunting, to empowering, to nostalgic, to everything in between. The album functions as a “Best of Legend of Zelda” compilation as it reimagines each track.

The album opens with “The Ancient Battle,” where the interplay between the vocals and instrumentation sets the stage for the rest of the album. While this album is very orchestral, there are modern twists to the tracks, including electric guitars and synths among other things, that make the thematic tracks feel more at home in a modern setting. In fact, many of the tracks, especially “Gerudo Legend,” recall tones that are familiar of his last album, Nier Automata: Glory to Mankind. The album culminates in the powerful “Sins of Hyrule,” a medley drawing inspiration from all four games on the album.

As amazing as this album is, all the credit cannot go to Rozen. Vocalists like Laura Intravia and Julie Elven help make both aforementioned tracks as memorable as they are. Along with the vocalists are the instrumentalists, such as London Strings and ETHEReal String Orchestra, lending their talents to the Twilight Princess tracks “Monarchy in Shadows” and “King of Light and Shadow,” respectively. “Dark Lord Ganondorf” carries some names with it that might be familiar, as Theophany and Maxxxwell Carlisle team up with Rozen to deliver a finale to the Twilight Princess saga that feels like it could be a fitting end to the album. However, the album continues Reven’s Breath of the Wild, a track from the latest Zelda game that she manages to make feel nostalgic.

Rozen never really fails to disappoint. As long as I’ve been a listener of his, I’m constantly impressed by the work he manages to put out. Even before I played Skyrim (I know, I was late to the party), his Skyrim album gave me an appreciation for the music of the game. His greatest strength is the passion that he puts into each track. Each album is a labor of love, speaking to the memories and feelings he has about each game. This is why his music comes across so elegantly and perfectly (not to mention his immense talent.) I’d highly recommend this album if you’re a fan of music in general, as I think it has something for everyone. Unless you want a Zelda rap.

Rozen, your next venture should be an orchestral, Zelda rap album. You’re welcome.

This WordPress won’t let me embed players, so check out the album on Band Camp: Sins of Hyrule by Rozen