Zelda Dark Side of the Triforce Review
Buy Zelda the Dark Side of the Triforce
Editor’s Note: A review copy of the album was provided to GameGrooves.
While the artwork and title suggest a prog rock experience, Zelda Dark Side of the Triforce is more of a classic rock affair. Covering eight games from the Zelda series, Epic Game Music has created a memorable tribute album that seeks to respect the original tracks rather than reinterpret them.
Zelda fans should have no trouble enjoying this album as Epic Game Music has picked some of the most recognizable and enjoyable tracks from the Zelda series including “The Great Sea”, “Tal Tal Heights”, “Song of Storms”, “Midna’s Lament”, and many more. Expect mid-tempo rock with catchy solos, tight production, and a few twists. The addition of electronic elements in particular was a pleasant surprise, and collaborators Lorenzo de Sequera and Ro Panuganti also add a lot of flavor to the mix. I wouldn’t say that Epic Game Music excels at anything in particular, but his arranging is rock solid, and the album moves quickly despite having two tracks over five minutes.
“Calling the Four Giants”, my favorite track on the album, is a perfect example of Epic Game Music’s songwriting ability. The track begins slowly with ambient electronics before being joined by a lone guitar, choir vocals, and a ticking clock. Before long, a slick drumbeat and a crunchy rhythm guitar are introduced. The last piece of the puzzle, a soaring lead guitar, completes the arrangement, but it’s the second half of the track where Epic Game Music truly shines with an impressive solo section that brings the song to a close. The track has a natural ebb and flow, and the transitions are smooth as butter.
I have to admit that I haven’t been paying much attention to Epic Game Music lately, but after this album, I think it’s time that changed. Zelda Dark Side of the Triforce isn’t a particularly ambitious album, but it’s well-crafted and reveals an undeniable passion for its source material.
RATING: RECOMMENDED
(Fans of Zelda and Rock Should Enjoy)