Adam Nelson’s ‘Metal Mario’ EP is a love letter to classic gaming with an edge. It’s loud, clean, and full of personality — a project that doesn’t just reimagine old Mario themes but gives them new life with metal guitars, powerful riffs, and a ton of heart. These aren’t covers — they’re reimaginings with swagger. Metal Mario kicks off with “Super Mario Bros Metal Theme” and from the first riff, it’s clear Adam’s not here to play it safe. The original theme is intact, but it’s played with a thicker distortion and speedy strumming. The timing is tight, and the layers are considered — it’s not just louder, it’s deeper. You can hear he’s worked through every note of the original and built something larger, more driven, and more dynamic.
Next up is “Super Mario Bros 2 Metal Theme”, which experiments a little more with tones. The back-and-forth between hard and fun sections is smooth. It’s almost like an entire stage soundtrack with build-ups and drops. Adam hits the playful vibe of the original while adding an intensity that never loses the fun. The standout, though, is “Super Mario Land Metal Theme”. This one balances drive with melody beautifully. It has a crisp, almost film-like drive — a final boss fight with a smile. The lead guitar is bright and singing with the music behind it. It’s playful and intense in the best way.
Across the board, you can hear how much Adam loves these games. This isn’t just a rekindling of nostalgia — it’s an expression of talent, passion, and care. All recorded in his home studio, it’s a snapshot of what focused craft can sound like when someone knows their tools. With just three songs, ‘Metal Mario’ might be short, but it’s got more energy and heart than most albums. It’s a marriage of youth and adult musicianship in the best way. And for anyone who’s ever stomped a Goomba or raced through 1-1, it’ll bring a smile — right before the guitars burn a hole in your face.
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