I think this track is a perfect example of expanding on a minimalist source and executing on a specific track vision. The way the haunting piano and string stabs play off one another is just great. On top of that, the track is downright terrifying to listen to. It's definitely still the recognizable source material, but there is just so much more "there" to enjoy. He really expanded on the central and accompaniment parts and took them to a whole new level. Pete agreed to tackle it and I honestly couldn't be happier with what he did here. Early on in the project, I was worried about what we were going to do with this track. The biggest example of this is the US boss theme. " The US soundtrack of Sonic CD, in general, has a lot of detailed and lush sources, but oftentimes lacks a main catchy melody like the JP/EU soundtrack. We JUST celebrated Halloween, but already I'd be queueing this one up for next year's haunted house, etc. Listen by yourself with the lights off for maximum effect.
I usually work at night downstairs by myself, and I ended up freaking myself out pretty good a few times, which to me is a sign that I've done what I set out to do pretty effectively (or that I'm a big pansy :P). This track started off creepy, and only got more and more unsettling and eventually downright scary as I continued to work on it. Obviously, this is also where the name of the remix comes from. By putting in a certain code, you're taken to a screen with a really messed up looking version of Sonic, with some Japanese text that translates to "Fun is infinite with Sega Enterprises. So anyway, this track spawned from the absolutely unnerving mood of the original, especially when paired with an Easter egg at the sound menu of the game. Matt did a hell of a job orchestrating everything, and I'm sure it won't be his last album project as the head honcho! "I wanted to start by saying this was a really fun project to work on, and though I didn't do as much as I could, it was fun staffing and giving feedback where I could help. In case the mix title didn't give it away, Co-Director Phonetic Hero takes things in a darker direction with his atmospheric, demonic, & disturbed arrangement of the US boss theme, blending industrial, ambient, & orchestral flavors: