Darius Gaiden Original Soundtrack

dariusgaidenreprint Album Title:
Darius Gaiden Original Soundtrack
Record Label:
Zuntata Records
Catalog No.:
ZTTL-9052
Release Date:
October 24, 2012
Purchase:
Download on iTunes

Overview

After a mixed second entry, Hisayoshi Ogura returned to the series with more innovations than ever in 1994’s Darius Gaiden. Released originally for arcades, then ported to consoles such as the Saturn and PlayStation, the game’s sound system was vastly superior to Darius and Darius II. As a result, Ogura was able to fully experiment on this title and its follow-up G-Darius, leading to the series’ most experimental scores to date. The soundtrack was originally released by Pony Canyon in 1994, but is now easier to obtain through a digital download provided by Zuntata Records in 2012.

Body

“Visionnerz” is regarded as one of the series’ classics for good reason. In context, this track spans from the introduction of the game right through to the second boss theme, so naturally the development covers a lot of material. After an ethereal opening, Ogura layers a range of forces on top, ranging from edgy industrial bass riffs to soothing jazz piano improvisations. However, perhaps the most remarkable feature is the vocalist featured from the 0:48 mark, who introduces the game’s main theme and brings a familiar yet otherworldly feel to the entire track. The track progresses through various moods and influences in an almost cinematic manner, but all the while retaining the same focus of blending organic and inorganic elements. Absolute bliss to listen to.

After the intriguing yet unfulfilling “Burst Out” and the elegant yet transient “Induction”, Ogura offers more musical fruit with the third stage theme “E-E-G”. The rhythmic beat that dominates most of the track is accompanied quite well by futuristic synth sounds, operatic vocals, and at times, piano passages. Despite being primarily driven by a rhythmic based composition, I think Ogura does a fantastic job of creating a melody that matches quite well with this rhythm. The accompanying boss theme “Axon” intriguingly uses derivation of the rhythm of “E-E-G”, but relies much more on melody. Ogura chose some very fitting and interesting instrumentation to go along with this beat. Interludes of piano and saxophone help to reinforce the futuristic sound that the rest of the composition creates and reinforces the jazz element of the series. The sighing vocals also help to add a bit of texture to this already crazy piece of music.

Ogura introduces a range of other elements to the series on Darius Gaiden. “Reflection”, for instance, sounds influenced by epic science-fiction movie scores with its boundless melodies and driving snares. It could have been horribly derivative, but this is Ogura after all and listeners are guaranteed amazing electronic soundscapes and wild synth solos soon enough. “Singing in the Brain” is the most Asian-influenced track on the series with its pentatonic melodies and earthy instrumentation. The melody’s development itself isn’t that strong, but what it lacks in strength, it makes up for in memorability. Finally, “Tranquilizer” and “Self” deviate from the oppressive quality of many Darius stage themes in favour of a more introspective and psychological approach. These are some of Ogura’s most beautifully soundscaped works.

A fascinating element of this score is the way the motifs from “Visionnerz” recur in numerous tracks. There are hints of the theme in “E-E-G” and “Tranquilizer” that bring some thematic continuity to the gaming experience. However, Ogura reserves the major arrangements for the climactic boss theme “Self” and the reflective minimalistic mix “Refrain”, both of which are very atmospheric in context. As with the other Darius games, the ending credits are much mellower than the preceding pieces. There is a nice blend of organic instrumentation and futuristic synth to create a perfect harmony between the two. The operatic vocal cues throw in an interesting twist and nicely recount influences from “Visionnerz” once more. If only for the emotional effect, this is probably my favorite ending theme for the Darius series.

Summary

Darius Gaiden is one of the most daring game scores ever written. It is definitely a very experimental scores that won’t be for everyone. That said, I totally respect Ogura’s use of daring fusions of organic and inorganic influences throughout this score, as well as his use of technology and integration of motifs. For me personally, this is my favorite soundtrack in the series. The digital version of this soundtrack is complete and reasonably priced. However, hardcore fans may wish to consider the out-of-print physical edition or the series’ sound box instead. Either way, this score is well worth checking out.

Darius Gaiden Original Soundtrack Don Kotowski

Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!

4.5


Posted on November 10, 2015 by Don Kotowski. Last modified on November 7, 2015.

Tags: , , ,


About the Author

Currently residing in Philadelphia. I spend my days working in vaccine characterization and dedicate some of my spare time in the evening to the vast world of video game music, both reviewing soundtracks as well as maintaining relationships with composers overseas in Europe and in Japan.



Comments are closed.

Back to Top ↑
  • Categories

  • Archives

  • Recent Posts

  • Recent Comments

  • Recommended Sites

  • Join Our Community

    Like on FacebookFollow on TwitterSubscribe on RSS






WP Twitter Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com