History AwesomeMusic / KillerInstinct

* Orchid's theme, [[https://youtu.be/JIE94pn4iJs "Touch Me And I'll Break Your Face"]], which gives a great callback to her original themes, being poppy and electronic; "K.I. Feeling" even gets pretty heavily sampled during idle periods. Features vocals by Ali Edwards, who would later go on to do [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry5 Devil Trigger]].
* Thunder's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOVMIo_Vq40 "Hinnamatoom"]], is just superb, combining traditional and modern instruments in a way that brings out the best of both. The acoustic guitar part that kicks in during intense moments brings a sense of excitement that's different from the other themes. It's a serious standout among a stellar soundtrack. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ckR822Wu4k The OST version]] also adds the amazing audience choir, recorded by Mick Gordon at PAX Australia, giving even more depth and atmosphere to this theme.
* Spinal's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpqct1zMqTE "Warlord"]], manages to take the spirit of "Ya Ha Haa" and then amp up the creepy factor to high, and there's [[OminousLatinChanting Ominous Swedish Chanting]] thrown in to fit with Spinal being the reanimated corpse of a long-dead pirate. It's even more awesome when you consider the "horn" sound used at the start of the theme was created by a Tibetan Kangling, a flute made from a human leg bone.
* Jago's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVBpAikvnHk "The Tiger Warrior"]], now with 100% more throat-singing done by Mick Gordon himself, who actually taught himself how to do so just for this song.
* Fulgore's theme, [[http://youtu.be/6Gpk3Qli-Cg "Type-03"]], a hard-driving metal theme with an old-school sci-fi feel thrown into it. It even features a section of his ''[=KI2=]'' theme during the medley, along with part of "Full-Bore" as idle music.
* Glacius' theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V7gn24QA3U "Shatterhail"]], which also manages to cameo ''both'' of his prior themes, and includes a cameo by [[LetsPlay/TheOnlineWarrior Maximilian Christiansen]] as the voice saying "We are controlling transmission."

* Orchid's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91c525uAFnc "Touch Me And I'll Break Your Face"]], which gives a great callback to her original themes, being poppy and electronic; "K.I. Feeling" even gets pretty heavily sampled during idle periods. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIE94pn4iJs The OST version]] adds more lyrics to the song and an amazing bridge. Features vocals by Ali Edwards.
* The new version of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wHVXaQRuFU "The Instinct"]], now more hardcore than ever before.

* Sadira's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDR8B_d7Wh4 "Ballet of Death"]], the creepiest theme on the soundtrack between the screaming and buzzing. Features vocals by Elspeth Eastman.

The ''Killer Instinct'' series is well known for its music across all three of its entries, most of them achieving serious earworm status. The original ''Killer Instinct''[='=]s soundtrack by Robin Beanland and Graeme Norgate is revered by many as one of the best game soundtracks of all time, to the point where those who purchased the SNES version got a free soundtrack disc under the name "Killer Cuts", but the 2013 title's soundtrack, courtesy of composers Mick Gordon, Atlus Plug, and Music/{{Celldweller}}, has gotten its own fair share of praise.

The ''Killer Instinct'' series is well known for its music across all three of its entries, most of them achieving serious EarWorm status. The original ''Killer Instinct''[='=]s soundtrack by Robin Beanland and Graeme Norgate is revered by many as one of the best game soundtracks of all time, to the point where those who purchased the SNES version got a free soundtrack disc under the name "Killer Cuts", but the 2013 title's soundtrack, courtesy of composers Mick Gordon, Atlus Plug, and Music/{{Celldweller}}, has gotten its own fair share of praise.

* Omen and Shadow Jago's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxnPM-1CBLQ "Herald of Gargos"]], which is pretty much a heavy metal remix of "The Tiger Warrior". But it's so face-melting your mind will be blown from the sheer intensity, with the chanting being replaced by metal-style screaming of the same lyrics. Even excerpts from Gargos's theme managed to get worked into the main melody, with Jago's ''[=KI1=]'' and ''[=KI2=]'' themes being sampled during the idle track. The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxnPM-1CBLQ OST version]] adds in a brand new intro, new backing riffs, and real drums instead of synthesized ones, making it sound even MORE metal than before. Features death metal vocals by Christopher de Leon.

* Omen and Shadow Jago's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgbQuafrmk0 "Herald of Gargos"]], which is pretty much a heavy metal remix of "The Tiger Warrior". But it's so face-melting your mind will be blown from the sheer intensity, with the chanting being replaced by metal-style screaming of the same lyrics. Even excerpts from Gargos's theme managed to get worked into the main melody, with Jago's ''[=KI1=]'' and ''[=KI2=]'' themes being sampled during the idle track. The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxnPM-1CBLQ OST version]] adds in a brand new intro, new backing riffs, and real drums instead of synthesized ones, making it sound even MORE metal than before. Features death metal vocals by Christopher de Leon.

* Aganos's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQDab8vT8GU "Polemos"]] ("War"), a prog rock piece with heavy Greek chanting in the background by a choir of 461 crowdsourced voices, including the entire Creator/IronGalaxyStudios staff, several from Microsoft, and many others. The dramatic, moving style of the piece is very fitting for a character who has wandered centuries to fulfill its singular task.

* Shin Hisako's theme, curiously titled [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoZBuKVhE_0 "Shin Hisako"]], forgoes the horror elements of her original theme in favor of returning to her Japanese roots, mixing in various Japanese instruments in conjunction with dubstep, metal, and redone Japanese lyrics to represent Shin Hisako being freed of the rage and hatred that had consumed her when she was an onryō.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUSpjSdrvp0 Kilgore's theme]] combines industrial techno with hints of dubstep and metal. The differences in tempo and instruments compared to Fulgore's theme serves to remind everyone that while Kilgore is the prototype and is in some aspects underdeveloped compared to the enhancements of its successor, it is still dangerous in its own way and should not be underestimated.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoZBuKVhE_0 Shin Hisako's theme]] forgoes the horror elements of her original theme in favor of returning to her Japanese roots, mixing in various Japanese instruments in conjunction with dubstep, metal, and redone Japanese lyrics to represent Shin Hisako being freed of the rage and hatred that had consumed her when she was an onryō.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQUm7YwmLek Eagle's theme]], similar to that of his brother Thunder, combines both traditional and modern instruments while featuring authentic vocals by Native American singers of the Nez Perce tribe to create a triumphant anthem fitting for Eagle's long-awaited debut to ''Killer Instinct''.

%%* The opening / main theme of the game, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYrLvg1JaNg "The Instinct"]].

* There's a hidden track on the Season 2 OST which plays after 2 minutes of silence from the end of "Herald of Gargos" - [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ekew5-OO6Bc an acoustic version of "The Instinct"]]. Why is it there? Because it's Mick Gordon's parting gift to the fans. He announced shortly after the OST was released that he would not be doing the soundtrack for Season 3.

%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample entries are not allowed on wiki pages. All such entries have been commented out. Do not uncomment them without expanding them to explain what makes these tracks awesome. Identifying the games in which a track appears is not context; that explains nothing about why they're awesome. WeblinksAreNotExamples; Youtube videos and accounts are deleted all the time. Explain why the track is awesome in a way that doesn't require clicking on a link.

%% ZeroContextExample entries are not allowed on wiki pages. All such entries have been commented out. Do not uncomment them without expanding them to explain what makes these tracks awesome. Identifying the games in which a track appears is not context; that explains nothing about why they're awesome. WeblinksAreNotExamples; Youtube videos and accounts are deleted all the time. Explain why the track is awesome in a way that doesn't require clicking on a link.

* Glacius' theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V7gn24QA3U "Shatterhail"]], which also manages to cameo ''both'' of his prior themes, and includes a cameo by [[TheOnlineWarrior Maximilian Christiansen]] as the voice saying "We are controlling transmission."

* Cinder's theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm-rGsr87a4 "Trailblazer"]], which could double as the boss music for Eyedol if he was fought on the Lava Bridge stage (the temple had [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGtoiIDvZqo "The Extreme"]]). In the console version, The Extreme played at the Lava Bridge too.

* Cinder's theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm-rGsr87a4 "Trailblazer"]], which could double as the boss music for Eyedol if he was fought on the Lava Bridge stage (the temple had [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGtoiIDvZqo "The Extreme"]]).

* [[VideoGame/{{Battletoads}} Rash's]] theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBfDtaljCcM "Enter the Battletoad"]], is a toadally radical ''Battletoads'' remix in the style of Music/VanHalen, with some Chiptune flavor sprinkled throughout. The theme is primarily based around the NES title screen theme, but it mixes in the melodies of other stages like Turbo Tunnel and Surf City, with an 8-bit ''KI'' theme added in for effect. Idling during gameplay will even trigger an upbeat remix of the infamous Pause theme.

* Mira's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOarI2EwHLY "Nocturne in Blood"]], n eerie mix of gothic opera, orchestra, and techno-rock that sounds like something straight from ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}''. It carries a heavy air of danger and suspense, but also a sense of refinement and dignity, signifying how Mira relishes her new strength and status as a vampire queen and remembers her inherent training as an ex-huntress.
* Gargos's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE5WclWqafw "Kneel to Your God"]], an up-to-date remix of his original ''Killer Instinct 2'' theme, now even more metal than before. Just like 20 years ago, it's perfectly fitting for a final boss battle, and now sounds like something straight out of ''Doom''. The OST version adds more background ambience, with shrill howling guitars emulating agonized and terrified screaming.
* General RAAM's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0bFl5Mu5gY "For the Horde!"]], a {{Djent}} remix of the ''VideoGame/GearsOfWar'' main theme.

* Fulgore's theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kMukxotbzc "Full-Bore"]].
* The opening / main theme of the game, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYrLvg1JaNg "The Instinct"]].
* Glacius's theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_i5JUjJFkg "Controlling Transmission"]].
* T.J. Combo's theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYk0UGwyL08 "Yo Check This Out"]].

* Sabrewulf's theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH_MA3qlUVM "Tooth and Claw"]].
* Spinal's theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T5RqkQP7O4 "Ya Ha Haa"]].
* Riptor's theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I3FN2OgiMM "Rumble"]].

* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BZScZeIb-Q Sabrewulf's theme]].

* Tusk's Conan-esque [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow25ekjy8wA theme song]].

* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nUYEYrHoR8 Fulgore's theme]].

* Jago's theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVBpAikvnHk "The Tiger Warrior"]], now with 100% more throat-singing done by Mick Gordon himself, who actually taught himself how to do so just for this song

* Jago's theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVBpAikvnHk "The Tiger Warrior"]], now with 100% more throat-singing done by Mick Gordon himself, who actually traveled to a Buddhist monastery in Tibet to learn the technique.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUSpjSdrvp0 Kilgore's Theme]] combines industrial techno with hints of dubstep and metal. The differences in tempo and instruments compared to Fulgore's theme serves to remind everyone that while Kilgore is the prototype and is in some aspects underdeveloped compared to the enhancements of its successor, it is still dangerous in its own way and should not be underestimated.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoZBuKVhE_0 Shin Hisako's Theme]] forgoes the horror elements of her original theme in favor of returning to her Japanese roots, mixing in various Japanese instruments in conjunction with dubstep, metal, and redone Japanese lyrics to represent Shin Hisako being freed of the rage and hatred that had consumed her when she was an onryō.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQUm7YwmLek Eagle's Theme]], similar to that of his brother Thunder, combines both traditional and modern instruments while featuring authentic vocals by Native American singers of the Nez Perce tribe to create a triumphant anthem fitting for Eagle's long-awaited debut to ''Killer Instinct''.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MkDyFClK_M Kilgore's theme]] combines industrial techno with hints of dubstep and metal. The differences in tempo and instruments compared to Fulgore's theme serves to remind everyone that while Kilgore is the prototype and is in some aspects underdeveloped compared to the enhancements of its successor, it is still dangerous in its own way and should not be underestimated.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVpb9c2Q8nk Shin Hisako's theme]] forgoes the horror elements of her original theme in favor of returning to her Japanese roots, mixing in various Japanese instruments in conjunction with dubstep, metal, and redone Japanese lyrics to represent Shin Hisako being freed of the rage and hatred that had consumed her when she was an onryō.
* [[https://youtu.be/qz3n5q-Osk8 Eagle's theme]], similar to that of his brother Thunder, combines both traditional and modern instruments while featuring authentic vocals by Native American singers of the Nez Perce tribe to create a triumphant anthem fitting for Eagle's long-awaited debut to ''Killer Instinct''.

* Spinal's theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICKrtbT3PqE "Warlord"]], manages to take the spirit of "Ya Ha Haa" and then amp up the creepy factor to high, and there's [[OminousLatinChanting Ominous Swedish Chanting]] thrown in to fit with Spinal being the reanimated corpse of a long-dead pirate. It's even more awesome when you consider the "horn" sound used at the start of the theme was created by a Tibetan Kangling, a flute made from a human leg bone.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVpb9c2Q8nk Shin Hisako's theme]] forgoes the horror elements of her original theme in favor of returning to her roots of the daughter of a samurai, mixing in various Japanese instruments in conjunction with dubstep, metal, and redone Japanese lyrics to represent Shin Hisako being freed of the rage and hatred that had consumed her when she was an onryō.

* Mira's theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOarI2EwHLY "Nocturne in Blood"]], n eerie mix of gothic opera, orchestra, and techno-rock that sounds like something straight from ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}''. It carries a heavy air of danger and suspense, but also a sense of refinement and dignity, signifying how Mira relishes both her new strength and status as a vampire queen, but also her inherent training as an ex-huntress.

* T.J. Combo's theme; [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v8_lHwq2C8 "I'm Back (To Rise!)"]], a hard-hitting techno-rap number befitting the more urban atmosphere of his stage. The lyrics depict Combo's rough past which came abruptly to an end, his pride and his desire to prove that he still has his fighting spirit. The rapping is performed by [=OmegaSparx=], who's written and performed songs for past EVO fighting game tournaments. During the idle part an awesome remix of "Feel The Power" kicks in, hitting you right in the face with nostalgia. There's even a few samples of "Feel The Power" and "Yo Check This Out" that pop up as a backing track behind some of the main lyrics. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JapDyUwAu8 The soundtrack mix]] features [=OmegaSparx=] in some brand-new, gloriously sung chorus verses and ''even more intense'' instruments!

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBfDtaljCcM Enter the Battletoad]], [[VideoGame/{{Battletoads}} Rash's]] theme. A toadally radical ''Battletoads'' remix in the style of Music/VanHalen, with some Chiptune flavor sprinkled throughout. The theme is primarily based around the NES title screen theme, but it mixes in the melodies of other stages like Turbo Tunnel and Surf City, with an 8-bit ''KI'' theme added in for effect. Idling during gameplay will even trigger an upbeat remix of the infamous Pause theme.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZZ5tcMuMLU The Dragon Spirit]], Kim Wu's theme. A fast-paced techno-rock remix of her original [=KI2=] theme, incorporating synthesized drums and keyboards, as well as oriental instruments and an actual Korean vocalist singing a traditional lullaby, at first in tune, but then switching to a more punk-ish sound befitting Kim Wu's spunky attitude.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaB-jpRmgiY The Champion of Sanghelios]], Arbiter's theme. A techno-metal remix of "Impend" from ''VideoGame/{{Halo 2}}'' with elements of the Halo Theme added in. Guitars, heavy drums both tribal and techno, strings, and a Gregorian choir with some Sangheili chanting from Celldweller himself come together to form an ancient and epic sounding piece befitting the Arbiter. According to him, the "Sangheili" spoken in the track is actually nothing more than gibberish, which he admits was intentional as he has no clue as to what exactly the Sangheili language entails. In the first ''Halo'' game, it's revealed that Sangheili speech is actually reversed English lines, so he was unwittingly right on the money when coming up with the chanting used in the track.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxZ-2lQRg-I The Watchman of the Gods]], Tusk's theme. A symphonic metal piece that can be described as "Viking metal", complete with fancy brass orchestra, bombastic drums and a Bulgarian choir. It wouldn't sound too out of place in ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim Skyrim]]''. During the idle portion, the track transitions into a melancholic rendition of Tusk's original theme, fitting his world-weary outlook and thousands of years of living in this world.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1J8D67Uy-c Nocturne in Blood]], Mira's theme. An eerie mix of gothic opera, orchestra, and techno-rock that sounds like something straight from ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}''. It carries a heavy air of danger and suspense, but also a sense of refinement and dignity, signifying how Mira relishes both her new strength and status as a vampire queen, but also her inherent training as an ex-huntress.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSQwERnWO8s Kneel to Your God]], Gargos's theme, an up-to-date remix of his original ''Killer Instinct 2'' theme, now even more metal than before. Just like 20 years ago, it's perfectly fitting for a final boss battle, and now sounds like something straight out of ''Doom''. The OST version adds more background ambience, with shrill howling guitars emulating agonized and terrified screaming.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0bFl5Mu5gY For the Horde!]], General RAAM's theme. A {{Djent}} remix of the ''VideoGame/GearsOfWar'' main theme.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxz-7yEh2j4 A Shattered Eyedol]]. An industrial techno remix of Eyedol's original theme, "The Extreme", which features snippets of the original during the intro. With its 80s horror synths and dark atmosphere it sounds like something out of ''VideoGame/HotlineMiami'' and is more than fitting of a FinalBoss type character such as Eyedol. Many fans believe it to be Atlus Plug and Celldweller's magnum opus for Season 3.

Shortly after that announcement, Iron Galaxy Studios assured that Mick Gordon's role would be filled by very capable hands: Atlas Plug and Music/{{Celldweller}}

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckOb0c1p4uY Mira's theme]], an eerie mix of gothic opera, orchestra, and techno-rock that sounds like something straight from ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}''. It carries a heavy air of danger and suspense, but also a sense of refinement and dignity, signifying how Mira relishes both her new strength and status as a vampire queen, but also her inherent training as an ex-huntress.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSwUCzDKGmU General RAAM's theme]], a {{Djent}} remix of the ''VideoGame/GearsOfWar 1'' main theme.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmrftSLca6c Eyedol's Theme]], an industrial techno remix of the "The Extreme" which features snippets of the original during the intro. With its 80s horror synths and dark atmosphere it sounds like something out of ''VideoGame/HotlineMiami'' and is more than fitting of a FinalBoss type character such as Eyedol. Many fans believe it to be Atlus Plug and Celldweller's magnum opus for Season 3.