This review covers the instrumental rock track Levi Nickerson – Aliens, Say Your Prayers! (Metal Cover Tribute to Duke Nukem 3D).
This track was released in 2016 for online free streaming.
The track starts off with the rhythm guitar along with appearances of the drum kit. From there, the drum kit becomes more full as the main track starts up. A lead guitar joins the track. The guitars follow the original soundtrack structure for a bit.
After that, an acoustic guitar takes over for a bit. After that, the main guitars take over again. A wah effect makes an appearance. The lead guitar them more or less hits a solo.
From there, the track pulls back as the guitars hit a few notes here and there. An effect is applied to one of them. After that, a phaser effect is applied to the track as the beginning of the track starts playing again. The track gradually fades out.
This track could be classified as an arrangement, but the author chose the word tribute which is also fitting. The original track came from Duke Nukem 3D. More specifically, it’s from a level in the second episode where Duke Nukem goes to outer space. Outside of the main theme and Stalker (the first level music), this track is definitely one of the most memorable tracks in the entire original game.
So, it’s always a risk when you try and make something based off of an original that is so good. It’s very easy to make something that just doesn’t measure to the original sound. In my opinion, this is one of those rare occasions where this reconstruction of the track is actually an improvement.
The original track is meant to be a very heavy, very bad ass track where Duke Nukem is effectively going on a rampage and taking out anything and everything that moves. The bass guitar and rhythm guitar really reflects that to an impressive degree. That original MIDI has simple chimes as a lead instrument which could arguably hold the track back to a small guitar. The use of that lead guitar pretty much eliminates that problem altogether. So, what you have is one heck of a heavy track that really shines.
I also like the use of the acoustic sound part way through. Without it, I would say that this track has a lack of dynamic sound. That acoustic guitar prevents that from happening.
My only complaint is that the mastering does wash out the drum kit a little bit. This really is a minor complaint, though.
Overall, this is an excellent track. It takes a great original track and builds on that to a fantastic degree. I, for one highly recommend this track as it’s everything you want in a nice heavy rock track.
Score
9/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
