Thunder Force V's soundtrack goes absolutely nuclear with this dense, aggressive electronic rock sound that Technosoft just owned in the late 90s. Tsukumo Hyakutaro composed something that feels like pure adrenaline pushed through Saturn and PS1 hardware.
Read more
"Legendary Wings" on Stage 1 sets the bar impossibly high with layered synths and driving percussion that never lets up. "Steel of Destiny" shifts into this heavier, almost industrial groove that hits different. Then you get the arranged remixes on top of the originals and "Rising Blue Lightning [Reffi's Mix]" reimagines the track with this wild energy.
The boss themes alone could carry the whole album. Essential listening for anyone who thinks shmup soundtracks peaked on the Genesis.