FM synth wizardry that squeezes more emotion out of a sound card than most full orchestras manage. Tyrian's DOS-era soundtrack by Alexander Brandon and friends is legendary shmup music. Gryphon opens with this pulsing bassline and layered synth leads that feel way too cinematic for a vertical shooter.
Read more
Savara brings in these Middle Eastern-tinged melodies over driving percussion that just gets your adrenaline going instantly. Then you hit something like Sarah's Song and it's suddenly tender and melodic in a way that catches you off guard.
The One Must Fall Tribute is a fun nod too. If you've ever loaded up a DOS game and thought the music couldn't possibly hold up, Tyrian will absolutely prove you wrong.