History AwesomeMusic / Castlevania

** ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy-0VVWJUmY Harmony of Despair]]'' version.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AZ5XZHIDh0 "Vampire Killer"]], the first stage music from the first game. This one has been used quite a bit since then, to say the least. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0w35exSNkQ Here you go]]. "Vampire Killer" from 25 different games. Since two games have two variatons, it results in [[UpToEleven 27 Vampire Killer themes in about 24 minutes]]. And yes, it includes [[WhatCouldHaveBeen Resurrection]].

* The game may be accused of suffering from hitting the PolygonCeiling, but no one can deny that ''Lament of Innocence'' has some great themes, such as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6EEuBN3dvA "Melancholy Joachim"]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox2uW5Y6rj0 "Lament of Innocence/Leon's theme"]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me8aktW_5Wc "Bizarre Room"]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOCJg3u3BeI "House of Sacred Remains"]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZqXZQCAl-4 "Dark Night Toccata"]] and, of course, the absolutely ''epic'' remix of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh1qqLbuBww "Dracula's Castle"]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m62xBKmavMo "Black Banquet"]] from ''Symphony of the Night'': [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sMhU48qbZY "Castlevania Reincarnation"]].

%%** How about the ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaTheDraculaXChronicles Dracula X Chronicles]]'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnB25KVyynA version]]?
* Here's [[https://www.smwcentral.net/?p=section&a=details&id=10367 a 16 bit remix]] used in [[GameMod ROM Hacks]] of ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'', which fully uses the SPC700 chip's capabilities to make an orchestrated version that rivals the best official versions in clarity.

** Here's [[https://www.smwcentral.net/?p=section&a=details&id=10367 a 16 bit remix]] used in [[GameMod ROM Hacks]] of ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'', which fully uses the SPC700 chip to make an orchestrated version that rivals the best official versions.

%%** Here's [[https://www.smwcentral.net/?p=section&a=details&id=10367 a 16 bit remix]] used in [[GameMod ROM Hacks]] of ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'', which features custom samples not in the vanilla game.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7QR01Jgwg4 "Top Floor"]], and the regular [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJAh5NCByWE Castle Corridor]] music. ''Harmony of Despair'' gives us the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brh1biuL2VU awesome remix of the latter]].

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxQGB7a-6xQ "Bloody Tears"]], from ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaIISimonsQuest Simon's Quest]]'' and ''VideoGame/HauntedCastle''. You don't have to like the games to like this one.

* Back in the days when [=CDs=] were used as storage for game data, developers would often include warnings on the discs just in the event of someone actually putting them in a CD player. However, if one were to put ''Symphony of the Night'' in a CD player, then one is treated to a DummiedOut [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF2htc3XDaw&t=273s track after Alucard's warning]]. Cool EasterEgg, even if many do not know of this track's existence.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLLz8-HMnJA "Mortvia Fountain"]]. In contrast to Mortvia Aqueduct's gloomy atmosphere, Mortvia Fountain is an upbeat Latina dance track that sure makes you want to dance along (just be mindful of the monsters).

* [[https://youtu.be/X7Fbb-DSSoI "Garibaldi Courtyard"]] also deserves a mention for its serene atmosphere. It is even reminiscent of Lament's Fog-Enshrouded Nightscape: a solemn piece for a side area connected to a main area that has a more bombastic theme (compare Fog-Enshrouded Nightscape with Garden Forgotten by Time, and Garibaldi Courtyard with Garibaldi Temple).

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZa3S9BDU3o "Garibaldi Temple"]]. A very regal piece, with its prominent harpsichord highly reminiscent of Yamane's previous "Wood Carving Partita". [[https://youtu.be/X7Fbb-DSSoI "Garibaldi Courtyard"]] also deserves a mention for its serene atmosphere.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8bVZoscHwI "Cross Your Heart"]], originally from ''Haunted Castle''. It was also remixed for ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TqQwRtccgs Dracula X]]''.

%%* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwMA-ahMlLs "Devil's Revival"]], stage 2.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsSm6CgCF6M "Clocktower's Fear"]], stage 5. Very often gets misnamed as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zE5qK65428 "Underground Melodies"]] and vice versa, as the comments of the now fixed videos shows.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l0llHjI3fM "Don't Wait Until Night"]]. It's an awesome song. If you're looking for the same song combined with [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA9FhBwRtoc "Heart of Fire"]] from the {{UsefulNotes/NES}} and MSX ''Castlevania'', look the ''Aria of Sorrow'' section for more information.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reA3mmMtE-o "Sent To The Devil's Requiem"]], the hi-score list theme. It's unfortunately a wasted song, but [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tViz7huwhJA this remix]] made for ''Adventure Rebirth'' certainly isn't.

%%* The Boss music, "Creatures in the Depth", [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-NueKAbFT8 Original]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0RkVX_lkg0 SC-55]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJcP9IpgMIc Arranged]].
%%* "Thrashard in the Cave", [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ9zNhBCVxk Original]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPK50zWpZTQ SC-55]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMMIdnJnQ5Q Arranged]].
%%* "Tower of Gears", the Clocktower theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibw49hEkJps Original]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2omyjIIEl4 SC-55]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nrr-BBq9bk Arranged]].
%%* "Moon Fight", [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dptf_kOVakc Original]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J07BQI2y7do SC-55]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0ZFLHng23Q Arranged]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeVAK8glTMk Dracula X Chronicles version]].

%%* "Etude for the Killer", [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byrSexHs3dc Original]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9dLT2sktaI SC-55]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHbeUi3k8XY Arranged]].
%%* The Dracula theme, "You Goddamned Bathead", [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ9OsWNLUOg Original]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXk6aiUAYms SC-55]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUARZuhOsH0 Arranged]].

%%* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG5EzU2EZ5o "Successor of Fate"]].

** And the ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IMLjEqjWTE Dawn of Sorrow]]'' version. [[spoiler:A particularly chilling yet awesome take on the theme considering the player will only hear it as a battle BGM if Soma finally gives in to his powers.]]

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdyuqKI540Y Showdown with Death]] is a very emotional piece of music that plays over a cutscene. It really captures Rosa's [[spoiler: tragic sacrifice]] and the depth of Reinhardt's righteous rage.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiSo9yL59Pw "Heart of Fire"]], Julius Belmont's theme. It takes a song from the obscure arcade title ''Haunted Castle'', a song from the original ''Castlevania'' of the same name, and puts them together in one rockin' medley. You hear it in [[spoiler:the battle with him]], and again in Julius Mode, in the Castle Corridor in place of the regular Castle Corridor music. The ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_2JyzyxhDE Harmony of Despair]]'' version turns the awesome up to 11.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjXK3XRKPoY "You Are Not Alone"]] a short piece that plays at the most heartwarming moment, where [[YouAreNotAlone all of Soma's friends root for him]] [[spoiler: when he's about to destroy Chaos, the castle's source of power and evil.]]

* It's actually very ironic to hear [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqi02UU4CYg "Vampire Killer"]] playing on your first playthrough since [[spoiler: Soma is Dracula's reincarnation.]]

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XXYDzl7T5w "Lament to the Master"]], the theme for the battle against [[spoiler:Barlowe]], really captures the mood of the fight.

* The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2EK_zXCEAU Dracula boss theme]] which mixes a mostly ominous beat with a heroic orchestra backing it, then you realize [[spoiler: [[FridgeHorror the ominous beat is getting stronger...]]]]

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH9X1iRAjC0 "Iron Blue Intention"]], from the Munitions Factory, is considered by many to be the game's signature tune. Using the Genesis/Mega Drive's Yamaha soundchip to its maximum potential, the track mixes classical composition with hard-hitting, metallic bass to create a catchy melody that will keep players tapping their feet while tackling Stage 4. Remixed thrice, once for 13th Street ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4Nw--_-N0g Portrait of Ruin]]'', again for fighting Eric himself in ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTbror-zFY8 Judgment]]'', and finally as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQYVo1EHUjs the theme for Dracula's Castle stage]] on ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate''.

** “[[TheDreaded I terrify them.]] [[TheArchmage Sypha disorients them.]] [[TerrorHero Alucard]] [[WesternAnimation/Castlevania2017 goes over the top.]]” [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU6961fLz0Q And the audience bows.]]

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKVmvVRXXCM "Theme of Simon"]], from ''Super Castlevania IV''. Used for a ThemeMusicPowerUp during the FinalBattle and as a "stage complete" {{Sting}} (see first 4 seconds of link) throughout. Also appears in ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QED4D3sgNs Portrait of Ruin]]'', as well as ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwUd3RclPUc Bloodlines]]'' and ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBN1iWHZ2Hs#t=3m40s Castlevania]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBN1iWHZ2Hs#t=6m58s Chroni]] [[https://youtu.be/ZWJ2dN22rEM cles]]''. And there is this [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFKgWh7sryU awesome arranged version]] as well.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntOol8Ubx00 "Clockwork Mansion"]] from the same game. Slightly repetitive, sure, but very original, creepy and tension building.

* It's been written that the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14wA6GWMif4 "Submerged City"]] theme was the most complex piece of 16 bit music ever composed. It's Bach meets Jazz meets Funk, all awesomely blended together.

** How about the ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaTheDraculaXChronicles Dracula X Chronicles]]'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnB25KVyynA version]]?
** Here's [[https://www.smwcentral.net/?p=section&a=details&id=10367 a 16 bit remix]] used in [[GameMod ROM Hacks]] of ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'', which features custom samples not in the vanilla game.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLK9Y86B-Uc Magma Castle from]] ''VideoGame/KonamiKrazyRacers''.
** The ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaDawnOfSorrow Dawn of Sorrow]]'' [[https://youtu.be/GPhfiM-8VR0 version]] is something to write home about.
** ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaJudgment''[='s=] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C-YX6LUUuU remix]] is used as Trevor's theme.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTW8deqCxBs "Dracula's Tears"]], the music that plays in the Wizardry Laboratory.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMFZ7to5RPM "Subterranean Hell"]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGbqQ-MIm1c "Scarlet Battle Soul"]], and [[https://youtu.be/ckG40kQHAq4 "Underground Melodies"]].

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcmhmtMvG0 "Momentary Moonlight"]], the credits theme.

* The remixed version of [[https://youtu.be/peHpQdULNgg "Riddle"]].

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnMxMOV7LN0 "Hard Won Nobility"]].

* [[https://youtu.be/1FmuND1Q22s "In Search of the Secret Spell"]], played in the Underground Pyramid in the game's second version of the Egypt aesthetic. The way this blends with the flickering, almost magically-charged backgrounds and foregrounds in the area creates an atmosphere that's bloody brilliant. Much like "Shin Onigashima" from ''Brawl'', it may surprise the listener that it is remixed from [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bgIDgJV82M an 8-bit game that was never released in the US]]. (It starts at 3:13.)

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMFZ7to5RPM "Subterranean Hell"]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGbqQ-MIm1c "Scarlet Battle Soul"]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xg_MqhERqk "Underground Melodies"]].

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIF0QUuJv1s "A Toccata into the Blood-Soaked Darkness"]] is amazing. Listen closely to how many layers of choral action there are, and get goosebumps at the sudden triumphant major chords.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSG7O16h-ic "The Young Nobleman's Madness/Insane Aristocracy"]] (title depends on translator). Dig the Queen-esque guitar licks, the tie-in to the tune in the idlng cinema, the chanting - Isaac has the best boss-theme after Dracula.
* "When you're fighting ''Trevor Belmont'', the music has to be awesome. It has to be... legendary. I know! We'll call it [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnij2yqPe5E 'Belmont the Legend'!]]"

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZa3S9BDU3o "Garibaldi Temple"]]. A very regal piece, with its prominent harpsichord highly reminiscent of Yamane's previous "Wood Carving Partita".

* ''Order of Ecclesia'' has longtime ''Castlevania'' composer Michiru Yamane and another Konami composer, Yasuhiro Ichihashi, continuing to provide us with damn amazing scores, such as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AePLgoN_FbA Ebony Wings]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIPQTG2gcnw "Sorrow's Distortion"]] (Albus's theme), and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaxeTuuo-74 "An Empty Tome"]] (the music for the first part of Dracula's Castle).

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNqEsLMEhds "Chamber of Ruin"]], a boss battle theme from within the castle. As one of the comments on the video states, the first 40 or so seconds symbolize the threatening nature of one of the bosses that uses this theme, and then suddenly a mad beat kicks in symbolizing Wallman's flamboyant silliness.
* A theme barely heard in the game, but [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miFe25t1MkY "Lone Challenger"]] is awesome anyway.
* The theme for Minera Prison Island, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I3s_RQJ0qE "Rhapsody of the Forsaken"]] is one of the better early game themes.
%%* The remixed version of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhwonPgzaWU "Riddle"]].

%%* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnMxMOV7LN0 "Hard Won Nobility"]].
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyQ_uGU0Iu0 "Emerald Mist"]] captures the state of the world in one of the first outdoor stages in a Castlevania in a long time. Its somber nature really makes one feel truly alone.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAT50diA4fo "Edge of Sky"]], also sometimes known as "Lapis Lazuli-colored Virgin", a melancholic, even tragic, composition, as if foretelling a farewell.

* ''Portrait of Ruin'' brought us [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gIjO2gML3A "Piercing Silence"]] (or the ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3IZxbMf0XY Harmony of Despair]]'' version too), one of the two boss themes which plays for the WakeUpCallBoss Dullahan and the more classic bosses, like Death and Medusa. It pratically screams "you're fucked" and warns you that no, ''this'' MetroidVania is NOT that easy.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6sxh4EsWbM "In Search of the Secret Spell"]], played in the Underground Pyramid in the game's second version of the Egypt aesthetic. The way this blends with the flickering, almost magically-charged backgrounds and foregrounds in the area creates an atmosphere that's bloody brilliant. Much like "Shin Onigashima" from ''Brawl'', it may surprise the listener that it is remixed from [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bgIDgJV82M an 8-bit game that was never released in the US]]. (It starts at 3:13.)
* Despite the slew of excellent tracks in the game, its crowning achievement is easily the theme of the final battle, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLH2gGtWFLY "Banquet of Madness"]]. If it wasn't made apparent that you're about to face what could be the most spectacular battle in history by the fact that Death and Dracula are ''tag-teaming'' you, much less by the fact that, halfway through the fight, Dracula uses his soul-stealing powers on Death, essentially the ''keeper of souls'', transforming into a hideous beast with all the power that implies (including a one-hit kill), the haunting tune that accompanies this epic showdown will do the trick.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SALcnafOZQQ "Invitation of A Crazed Moon"]] (or check the ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_NEfUUJ1yM Harmony of Despair]]'' version). Like all ''Castlevania'' first stage music, it is awesome in its own way, and most importantly it doesn't get old, considering that we will visiting that particular area a lot.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Q3UuaUR7I "The Gears Go Awry"]] is, hands-down, the best clocktower-level theme in the series.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQYXvdHtILA "Hidden Curse"]] is also pretty nice, as is [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf5PynRLf2Q "Overture"]], a ''Castlevania III'' remix. "Hidden Curse" received a remix in ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1Z3wy8DnVc Harmony of Despair]]''.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKWVbubGhw8 Chaotic Playground]], one of the series' theme of a demonic circus fair, fitting for Nation of Fools, where you face not only clowns and harlequins, but also the place's bizarre gravity.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp05QrS_-LI "The Pinnacle"]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTTMgv4SDyQ "Into the Dark Night".]] ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEJHf96PJAQ Harmony of Despair]]'' version of the latter.

%%* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTW8deqCxBs "Dracula's Tears"]], the music that plays in the Wizardry Laboratory.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5iPHgqiivg "Pitch Black Intrusion"]] has to be the most splendid CV theme ever. Remixed in ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG-QwgbGpo0 Harmony of Despair]]''.
%%* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMFZ7to5RPM "Subterranean Hell"]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGbqQ-MIm1c "Scarlet Battle Soul"]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xg_MqhERqk "Underground Melodies"]].

%* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcmhmtMvG0 "Momentary Moonlight"]], the credits theme.

** ''Judgment'''s [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-nkQvJJ3PI version,]] where Carmilla uses it as her theme.

** The ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaDawnOfSorrow Dawn of Sorrow]]'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwbqgG50IHI version]] is something to write home about.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAT50diA4fo "Edge of Sky"]], also sometimes known as Lapis Lazuli-colored Virgin, a melancholic, even tragic, composition, as if foretelling a farewell.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RqGeEsXJWY "Requiem For The Gods"]], the chapel theme, the sort of music that plunges you straight into the atmosphere of a cathedral.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKf0p9GmtsQ "Dance of Pales"]][[note]] A mistranslation of Dance of ''Pearls''; the track is also known as "Waltz of Pearls".[[/note]] is a delightful waltz as you enter Orlox's Quarter. The playful, light piece led by the piano is the ''perfect'' backdrop to flying across the corridors with the full moon in full display.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHyHWHIL2Nc "Wandering the Crystal Blue"]] (and its [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4ovOfGkYls remix version dominated by piano]]), the theme for calm waters of Somnus Reef, and another of Yamane's WaltzOnWater themes, quite reminiscent of her previous "Sinking Old Sanctuary".

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AZ5XZHIDh0 "Vampire Killer"]], the first stage music from the first game. This one has been used quite a bit since then, to say the least. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0w35exSNkQ Here you go]]. "Vampire Killer" from different 25 games. Since two games have two variatons, it results in [[UpToEleven 27 Vampire Killer themes in about 24 minutes]]. And yes, it includes [[WhatCouldHaveBeen Resurrection]].

** The ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx24cKBoqik Dracula X]]'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Nj6fT0F6k4&t=614s versions]] are especially awesome.

** The ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h62e6PA7ZE Super Castlevania IV]]'' version is particularly cool.