The Axis Unseenis a new horror game created by former Bethesda developer Nate Purkeypile that features breathtaking landscapes, mysterious lore, and a handful of unique game mechanics. One feature that stands out from the rest is theindie game’s dynamic metal soundtrack. Described as “primitive metal,” the soundtrack not only helps accentuate the atmosphere of the game, it also has an interesting backstory.
Game Rant spoke with Purkeypile, known for his work on titles such asSkyrimand the upcomingStarfield,about the story behind the “primitive metal” soundtrack on his new, independently developed gameThe Axis Unseen,which can be wishlisted now on Steam.
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How The Axis Unseen’s ‘Primitive Metal’ Soundtrack Came to Be
The Axis Unseenis an open-world horror experience that sees players thrust into an unknown world full of mythic creatures and eye-catching landscapes. Players will collect elemental arrows for their bow and tracking senses to aid in following and taking down its collection of beasts, among other unique abilities.The world has a lot of deep, dark loreleft by hunters from the past that will help players better understand its world, but the soundtrack is really what ties the whole experience together.
The soundtrack ofThe Axis Unseenis not purely ornamental, it functions as a central gameplay mechanic to signal things to players as they progress throughout the world. Sometimes it’s full-on metal, while other times it’s simply atmospheric.Music is a tool that helps indicate to players that they may be in danger, or they’ve come across somewhere safe for the time being. It serves a mechanical function and builds the atmosphere as well, letting players know they made it through the night or as a reminder they are creeping through the dark with danger lurking around every corner.
“All those different events will cause different things like as soon as the sun peaks after a night, for example. So the music track will kick off at a certain point, and you’re like, ‘I made it through the night.'”
Purkeypile expresses his love for metal music, and laments that there aren’t more games out there utilizing the genre. So, when it came to making his own game, he knew it had to be metal. In fact, the process ofbuilding the game and integrating its soundtrackhappened in lockstep. Traditional metal wouldn’t be enough to accentuate the mystic, ancient feeling of the game, so that’s where Purkeypile’s idea of “primitive metal” comes into play.
This style is described as the primal, percussive soundtrack ofSenua’s Sagameets classic metal instrumentation. Purkeypile said there aren’t many preexisting examples of musicians making this kind of sound, buthe cites several sources of inspiration including a Mongolian metal bandnamed The Hu, as well as the band ISIS - whose member Clifford Meyer is a collaborator onThe Axis Unseen. Purkeypile told Game Rant that while he was a big fan of ISIS’ work, it was pure coincidence that he and Meyer came together.
When it came time to find music for his game, Purkeypile turned toISIS' Bandcampin hopes of learning whether one of his favorite bands licensed their music. Upon discovering that they did, he reached out on a whim. He cited some of his credits, includingThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim,and as it turned out, Meyer was a fan.
“I did not expect that response, so I’m super happy that that worked out, and it was awesome to work with him.”
Purkeypile explained to Meyer his idea for the direction ofThe Axis Unseen’s music, sharing his inspirations, and the two got to work. Despite the soundtrack’s unusual take on metal, Meyer was quick to acclimate, with the first track he returned to Purkeypile even being used in the game’s trailer. From there, the rest is history.
The Axis Unseenis in development, and available to wishlist on Steam now.
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