It's not often that I post music that is so far removed from video games, but there are always those few rare instances, of which I believe this is one. Considering that the musicians involved in this album were so heavily influenced by video games in their other endeavors, this site would be doing a disservice to readers and music lovers everywhere to not write about the debut self titled album by Yes, Mayhem.
Created by Dan 'Chunkstyle' Taylor and boasting all stars of VG Rock such as XoC, Danimal of Armcannon, Ryan8Bit, Stemage of Metroid Metal and several more, Yes, Mayhem definitely has it's roots firmly planted in the VG music culture. The album sounds like a love letter to the 90's rock radio that played during those sessions of Donkey Kong Country and Sonic The Hedgehog. Yes, Mayhem displays a mood of grunge metal rock stylings that tread across classic styles, borrowing the best of each in the process. Yes, Mayhem is a great listen for anyone that grew up listening to the music of that era like these folks and I did. That's not to say that the album doesn't cross new ground though, as Chunkstyle and friends incoporate synths, samples, and interesting lyrics to keep things fresh throughout.
Through out the album your ears will be assaulted by a ton of various genres and styles, starting with the slow heavy mood of Release, on through the laid back calm of Take 2. Not to mention pieces like the accordion tinged rock of Whore Shoes, with it's aged guitars and chanting vocals. I believe my favorite track on the album though, is the hard rocking synth infused sounds of Fevered Egos. This track kicks off hard, and only gets harder from there, throwing down an awesome to the point of almost absurd keyboard solo just to start the song. Not to mention the funky bass lines weaving into the song add a nice groove to the intense rocking.
As I have kept repeating through this short write up, this album is a fantastic debut, and I hope to hear more from Chunkstyle and friends in this vein in the future. I am sure you will as well once you grab the album, which is available to download free or for donation over at yesmayhem.com and I highly recommend giving it a listen. It may not be the VG music you know and love, but it comes from some of the most talented folks in the VG inspired music community, and will definitely satisfy that urge for a great new rock album.