Album Review: Andy Gillion – Arcade Metal (Self Released)

Arcade Metal is the second solo album by Andy Gillion (ex lead Guitarist/song-writer for Mors Principium Est). It features appearances from video game composing legend Yuzo Koshiro, Matt Heafy, Jeff Loomis, Per Nilsson, Li-sa-X, Stephen Taranto and Paul Wardingham, with drums performed throughout by 66Samus.

Arcade Metal is a video game themed instrumental shred album. A love letter to video game soundtracks of old. It will be released on September 2nd, 2022.

Incredible. Simply incredible. You don’t have to be a fan of video games to enjoy Arcade Metal but let’s be honest, it probably helps. As does having some nostalgic feelings towards the golden age of arcades. Where you would spend hours pumping coins into a game machine, all so you could get the high score.

It’s that nostalgia that kicks in with the opening synth heavy In the Arcade, which features legendary Streets of Rage/Sonic the Hedgehog composer Yuzo Koshiro. Before we’re fully transported back to the 80’s with the wild and frantic Insert Coin. Intense guitar shredding, groovy effects and a thumping drum beat gets the blood well and truly pumping.

Li-sa-X then features on the racing hyperactivity of 1988, before Matt Heafy lends his immeasurable guitar talents to help make Tokyo Street Massacre one to remember. A track that is heavy on the Far-Eastern vibes but also something that feels so video-gamey. Followed by the short intermission of Level Complete (you did it!) and the groovier, more upbeat tone of Glitch. A track made so much more interesting by the effects that give off a glitchy vibe.

Enjoying the nostalgia? Prepare for something darker as Andy Gillion and Stephen Taranto give those of a certain age horrific flashbacks with Damn You Water Level! Pick a game, any game and you’ll likely remember hating its water level. A great example of how well themed this album is. Which makes the short burst of guitar power that comes from Invincible all the more enjoyable.

Synth heavy, mellower and very catchy, Paul Wardingham is part of Megadrive. Followed then by Jeff Loomis helping turn Enter the Castle into a blistering take on the Mario classic and Per Nilsson helps turn Final Boss into an absolute frenzy of guitars, drums and effects.

The credits are rolling as the powerful GAME OVER rings out but you know how these things go… do you want to Continue? With music this well constructed, this nostalgic and fun, who wouldn’t want too? Fire up the arcade, we’re all coming and we’re bringing some friends!

Andy Gillion – Arcade Metal Full Track Listing:

1. In The Arcade (feat. Yuzo Koshiro)
2. Insert Coin
3. 1988 (feat. Li-sa-X)
4. Tokyo Street Massacre (feat. Matt Heafy)
5. Level Complete
6. Glitch
7. Damn You Water Level! (feat. Stephen Taranto)
8. Invincible
9. Megadrive (feat. Paul Wardingham)
10. Enter The Castle (feat. Jeff Loomis)
11. Final Boss (feat. Per Nilsson)
12. GAME OVER
13. Continue?

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