Falcom Sound Team went completely unhinged on this PSP release of Ys: The Oath in Felghana. The guitars hit like they shouldn't be possible on a handheld. "The Strongest Foe" is one of those boss themes that makes you want to fight something in real life, all shredding layered over racing synths.
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Then "Valestein Castle" shifts into this brooding, almost gothic intensity that just builds and builds. The acoustic version of "Premonition" that opens the album is so stripped back and warm compared to everything else.
Like a deep breath before chaos. If you've ever wanted an action RPG soundtrack that plays like a prog rock concert, this is the one to queue up tonight.