Throughout the years, we’ve been treated to classic gaming soundtracks across all platforms. We all our preferences and we all have that soundtrack that’s near and dear to us for whatever reason. However, as you probably know thanks to Youtube, various artists are covering gaming music and this post will recommend some the lesser knowns artists. While most gamers are familiar with Youtubers likes RichaadEB and FamilyJules that covers popular tunes, there are bands out there dedicating albums to gaming soundtracks. With this post, I’ll share 5 albums I believe deserve a listen!
1-) Vomitron – “No NES for the Wicked” (re-release)
First up is Vomitron. Vomitron is a metal band that does metal inspired medleys of game music; NES-era music more specifically. Throughout their albums, they have covered games like Mega Man, Journey to Silius, Karnov, Tetris; just to name a few. Their take on the 8-bit classics are faithful to the original sound while adding their own metal flair. To be honest, it’s difficult to recommend a single album, but I do recommend the re-release of No NES for the Wicked which released in 2021.
Favorite track: Castlevania
2-) 8-Bit Boys – “8-Bit Diagrams”
Next up is 8-Bit Boys. A nerdcore hip-hop group that uses sampling from gaming soundtracks, still from the NES era, to create dope beats with solid bars. Their album 8-Bit Diagrams is highly recommended whether you’re a fan of hip-hop or just 8-bit soundtrack. Unfortunately, they seem to have gone radio silent since 2013, which is unfortunate.
Favorite Track: Late Gamer
3-) DJ Cutman – “Volume III”
The third artist on this list is DJ Cutman; a Philadelphia based DJ who has provided music for Twitch, Adobe, and even WWE among other companies. He’s also a recurrent performer for the GameChops music label. His Bandcamp account offers most if not all of his solo releases. Of all is singles and albums, I highly recommend Volume III featuring remix from classic NES era games with his own touches.
Favorite Track: Trip to the Tropics
4-) bLiNd- “NESterYears Deluxe Edition”
bLiNd is an electronic DJ that first started in the industry wayback in 1998. He is known for his high-quality remixes of videogame tunes. He is known for the added touch of EDM, Electronic Dance Music, to popular game tracks. He is currently signed under the Braille Records label. Out of his releases, I highly recommend NESterYears Deluxe Edition which released in late 2021. Whether you’re a fan of EDM or not, you’re sure to find a track to bop your head to.
Favorite Track: Skull King (Mega Man 2)
5-) Megadriver – “Heavy Man X”
And finally, we’re going back the metal route with MegaDriver; Brazillian metal band covering gaming music since 1999. To be honest, I just discovered this band, so I’m still exploring their discography, however, thus far Heavy Man X has caught my attention, mainly because Mega Man (“regular” and X) hold a special place in my heart. MegaDriver’s take on the Mega Man X is a highly recommended headbanging affair.
Favorite Track: Storm Eagle (Speed Version)
So that concludes my top 5 recommended gaming inspired albums. If you have a favorite, feel free to share in the comments!