AMPWALL
Ed Herbers
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Artwork by
Sam Herbers

Dusty Cartridge: Soundtrack to a Forgotten Kingdom

Ed Herbers

February 7th, 2022
34 tracks
103:39
Dusty Cartridge: Soundtrack to a Forgotten Kingdom
Dusty Cartridge: Soundtrack to a Forgotten Kingdom
Junket's Landing
0:00
2:24
1
Junket's Landing
Ed Herbers
The Hero's hometown. Inspired by Mabe Village (Link's Awakening), Kokiri Forest (Ocarina of Time), and Outset Island (Wind Waker).
2:24
2
Across the Highlands
Ed Herbers
The Highlands is the vast, mountainous land that connects to all regions of the kingdom. Inspired by Hyrule Field (Ocarina of Time).
2:27
3
Battle Theme
Ed Herbers
Ambush! Inspired by the various battle themes across the Legend of Zelda series.
1:20
4
Solera Woods
Ed Herbers
These peaceful woods hide a dark secret. Inspired by Faron Woods (Twilight Princess)
3:29
5
Overgrown Tomb
Ed Herbers
No one knows who is buried in the tomb, but there's a dark presence inside. Inspired by the Forest Temple (Ocarina of Time)
3:37
6
Sallet Town
Ed Herbers
Sallet Town borders the Yaru Swamp. Despite the dreary land around it, the town is surprisingly full of life. Inspired by the more lighthearted town themes of Zelda, such as Tarrytown (Breath of the Wild).
3:17
7
Malachi's Shooting Gallery
Ed Herbers
There are rumors that Malachi somehow runs the Staves and Stoves Pawn Shop too... Inspired by the Shooting Gallery (Majora's Mask)
2:20
8
Yaru Swamp
Ed Herbers
Navigating the swamp is treacherous. The trees and fog seem to shift, making it easy to get lost (and somehow end up back where you started). There must be a way through! Inspired by the voodoo swamp (Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge).
3:14
9
Duskstone Tavern
Ed Herbers
Folks at the tavern say they've seen an enormous spectral beast out in the foglands, referring to it as "the colossus." It might just be liquid courage, but the Hero decides to go check it out. Inspired by the Scumm Bar (Secret of Monkey Island) and the music of Grim Fandango.
3:56
10
Agresh Colossus
Ed Herbers
The colossus is a mysterious and massive creature that lurks beyond the swamp. Inspired by the music of Shadow of the Colossus.
6:09
11
Aquabara Village
Ed Herbers
Aquabara is a tranquil seaside village. The locals say that the nearby grotto has recently become overrun with monsters. The Hero agrees to investigate. Inspired by Lurelin Village (Breath of the Wild)
3:50
12
Reefscream Grotto
Ed Herbers
The Reefscream Grotto fills with water when the tide comes in, making some levels inaccessible without proper equipment. Inspired by the water dungeon that everyone hates (Ocarina of Time).
4:49
13
Hollybrook Ranch
Ed Herbers
Located at the edge of the flatlands, Hollybrook Ranch is a great place to get a horse. Inspired by the music of Lon Lon Ranch (Ocarina of Time)
2:31
14
Savane Flatlands
Ed Herbers
The Savane Flatlands is a wide, sparely populated plain. Blackrock Volcano is visible in the distance. Inspired by the music of the Lanayru Desert (Skyward Sword) and the Cleft (Uru: Ages Beyond Myst)
3:12
15
Ballaban Outpost
Ed Herbers
Ballaban Outpost is the final resting point before beginning the dangerous ascent to the Blackrock Volcano. Inspired by Gerudo Valley (Ocarina of Time)
4:01
16
Akkara Lava Plains
Ed Herbers
The barren, lava-scarred land leading up to the Blackrock Volcano. Inspired by the music of the Death Mountain region (Ocarina of Time, Breath of the Wild)
1:40
17
Blackrock Caldera
Ed Herbers
The caldera at the summit of the volcano holds a secret--A massive fortress, full of monsters. Inspired by the music of the Fire Temple (Ocarina of Time)
5:20
18
Fyrosa Battle
Ed Herbers
Fyrosa, the fearsome dragon who guards the Blackrock Volcano's treasure. Inspired by the various boss themes of Zelda.
2:04
19
Windkerk Village Square
Ed Herbers
Fanfare theme for the floating village of Windkerk. Inspired by Shiveria Town (Super Mario Odyssey).
0:57
20
Staves and Stoves Pawn Shop
Ed Herbers
Despite the name, this store only seems to sell masks. And its proprietor looks an awful lot like Malachi... Inspired by the shop theme (Ocarina of Time).
2:50
21
Ironhaven
Ed Herbers
A peaceful desert refuge. Inspired by the music of Kakariko Village (Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time) and Mabe Village (Link's Awakening)
3:26
22
Grimestone Forge
Ed Herbers
The Grimestone Forge is where all of the weapons of the king's royal army were crafted. Lately though, it appears to have been taken over by goblins. Inspired by Key Cavern (Link's Awakening).
2:21
23
Northern Snowfields
Ed Herbers
As the elevation of the desert increases, it becomes colder, gradually transitioning into snow. The Northern Snowfields stretch on for a great distance. Frostburn Mountain is visible on the horizon. Inspired by Snowhead Mountain (Majora's Mask).
4:12
24
Frostburn Mountain
Ed Herbers
From a distance, Frostburn Mountain is beautiful. Up close, it is hazardous and unforgiving! Inspired by the mountains of Breath of the Wild.
3:03
25
Snowscale Village
Ed Herbers
Inhabited by a race of lizard-people who are distrustful of outsiders. Desperate, however, they enlist the Hero's help in fighting off the creature that has taken up residence in the Meltwater Manor. Inspired by Snowhead (Majora's Mask).
2:54
26
Meltwater Manor
Ed Herbers
Something sinister has taken up residence in the long-abandoned mansion. The wind howls and the house creaks, making it difficult to hear what's lurking around the corner. Inspired by the Snowpeak Ruins (Twilight Princess)
1:18
27
The King's Crypt
Ed Herbers
The King was once a noble figure, but he became corrupted. A dark presence inhabits his crypt, waiting to be unleashed. Inspired by the Shadow Temple and the bottom of the well (Ocarina of Time)
1:44
28
Highlands at Night
Ed Herbers
The evil force escaped from the crypt, and the Hero rushes across the highlands to the castle, hoping to stop the Demon King before it's too late! Inspired by the Hyrule Field night theme (Twilight Princess)
1:46
29
The King's Corruption
Ed Herbers
The Hero maneuvers through the castle, seeking the King's chambers. Inspired by the music of Ganon's castle (Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, Breath of the Wild)..
2:56
30
Showdown with the Demon King
Ed Herbers
Three-phase boss battle theme for the Demon King. Inspired by the Nightmare King (Hollow Knight), miniboss (Link's Awakening), Phantom Ganon (Ocarina of Time).
5:01
31
Farewell (Credits)
Ed Herbers
A song to celebrate the Hero's victory over evil. Inspired by the music of Outer Wilds.
4:56
32
Private Fishing Spot
Ed Herbers
After all this adventuring, it's time for a little relaxing at the private fishing spot. Inspired by "Birdman" from Pilotwings 64.
3:31
33
Prepare for Adventure (Bonus)
Ed Herbers
Press Start!
0:40
34
Junket's Landing (High Quality Rip)
Ed Herbers
SiIvagunner inspired meme version of Junket's Landing
2:24

Videos

In a box of old video games, you find a dusty old cartridge. You don't remember the game at all, but the soundtrack is somehow familiar...

This album is an homage to the video game music that inspires and influences me (most specifically the Legend of Zelda series, but it contains many nods to other video game composers and soundtracks). These songs are not covers. They are entirely original pieces, drawing inspiration from the music and atmospheres of the games I love. This was an incredibly fun project to put together; I got to play around with so many different styles and genres and invent an entire imaginary universe, and I’m really thrilled to share it with you. I hope it sparks your imagination and takes you on an adventure of your own.

Dusty Cartridge also includes a series of original artwork created by Sam Herbers. The locations depicted in each image complement the music, bringing each imaginary location to life. Check out the art for each track in the gallery above, or:

— See the artwork for each track on YouTube

— Album download includes a PDF booklet with unique artwork for each song. A zip folder containing high resolution copies of each tracks art is also included.

— Check out the notes / lore for each track in the Ampwall player (click/tap the “lyrics” button next to the title of the song)

Credits

All songs written, mixed, and mastered by Ed Herbers, except for "Private Fishing Spot," written by Sam Herbers.

All tracks produced in Renoise 3.3.2.
Accordion, Ukulele, and Piano performed and recorded by Ed Herbers.
Rhodes electric piano, organ, and clavinet on “Private Fishing Spot” performed and recorded by Sam Herbers.
Environmental ambience from Mixxit.com.

Album artwork by Sam Herbers

Thank you to all of the soundtrack composers whose work provided significant inspiration to my own development as a songwriter, including (but not limited to):
Dan Hess (Pilotwings 64)
Kōji Kondō (Legend of Zelda)
Michael Land (Monkey Island)
Christopher Larkin (Hollow Knight)
Tim Larkin (Uru: Ages Beyond Myst)
Ryan Miller (Myst)
Andrew Prahlow (Outer Wilds)
Rich Vreeland/Disasterpeace (Fez)

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Ed Herbers - Dusty Cartridge: Soundtrack to a Forgotten Kingdom
Ed Herbers - Dusty Cartridge: Soundtrack to a Forgotten Kingdom
Cassette

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