Enter the Hyrule Mainframe with New Zelda Fan Album “The Hero of Synth Volume 3”
Posted on May 26 2024 by Josh Wittmershaus
Video game music (commonly abbreviated as VGM) is often seen as a genre encompassing music based on its origin (if it’s from a video game, it’s VGM, as simple as that). The reality is that, historically speaking, VGM is more than just that, as it often harkens back to a synthetic, electronic soundscape associated with 8-bit music made using programmable sound generators (this style of music is also commonly referred to as “chiptune”). And while modern music in the Zelda franchise — namely, everything from Skyward Sword on — utilized an orchestra to create their soundtracks, the classic VGM sound rings true in throughout the majority of the franchise.
Synthwave, sometimes also referred to as retrowave, is a genre of electronic music that draws inspiration from media of the 1980s, including video games. So the synthesis of synthwave with the music of Zelda creates a harmony of soundscapes that can be both new and exciting while also nostalgic.
Enter musicians Chillboy Beats and their newest album, The Hero of Synth Volume 3, a truly retrowave recreation of Zelda songs from across the entire history of the franchise. Using various filters, arpeggiators, and drum samples, Chillboy Beats brings new life and emotion to the melodies we are already so emotionally tied to. My personal favorite of these tracks is their rendition of “Temple of Time” from Ocarina of Time, as it takes the once haunting, vocal-forward chant into an aggressive, neon-lit world. I also really enjoy their interpretation of the “Realm Overworld” from Spirit Tracks, as it finds a way to harness the traversing vibe of the original song — only this time, you’re riding a bullet train across metropolitan areas, rather than a steam engine through fields.
You can find Chillboy Beats and links to their social media on their YouTube page, including a link to their Bandcamp. If you enjoyed The Hero of Synth Volume 3, here are links to Volume 1 and Volume 2.
What are your thoughts on the newest batch of synthwave Zelda songs by Chillboy Beats? What songs would you want to see in Volume 4? Synthesize your thoughts in the comment section!
Source: Chillboy Beats
Josh Wittmershaus is a writer at Zelda Dungeon. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, he now resides in Northern California. Aside from Zelda, Josh enjoys playing music, seeing live music, music history, and all other things music. He also enjoys skating, hockey, and the occasional political or philosophical thought exercise.
