Joel Nielsen Xen Soundtrack 05 Alien

[@shingshongshamalama]

"Well shit that was an easy puzzle." "Wait why do I hear boss music."

[@Icytouched1337]

The extremely high availability of explosive ordnance in a very wide arena-esque section was definetly pre-selling the idea of a boss fight 😂

[@56bturn]

Don't lie, all the supply pods warping in with rockets had you sweating _beforehand_ "Why are they giving me so many rockets?"

[@Ben-pj1ds]

"There was a time they cared nothing for Miss Vance... When their only experience of humanity was a crowbar coming at them down a steel corridor."

[@jockeyfield1954]

every vortigaunt knows what it's like to be killed by him they all know what freeman has been through, what he's seen, who controls him, and still, the vortigaunt that's standing right in front of freeman, has never physically seen him in their entire life

[@Ben-pj1ds]

I see you are versed in the "Vortessence" too!

[@Leitis_Fella]

@@jockeyfield1954 Do you think that when the Vorts healed Alyx by binding with Gordon in Ep2, they were able to see all his memories? Do you think that's how they learned human language--by healing other humans and connecting them to the Vortessence? (before the events of HL2 of course)

[@valoch3187]

Roses are red, Violets are blue. World you're in? Xen. And alien is you.

[@arkintarwn9542]

THIS. In Xen, Houndeyes, Bullsquids, Headcrabs etc. are no longer aliens. In Xen, human is alien.

[@BGMaxie]

@@arkintarwn9542 Technically everyone is an alien there.

[@FurroTheWolf]

@@BGMaxie theres no alien or human here. We're just creatures.

[@Bacony_Cakes]

This sounds like a Vort wrote it.

[@MaxiLol]

@@Bacony_Cakes very true.

[@yourfellowducky2712]

In Terra, you’re the one killing aliens. In Xen, *you’re the one being the alien.*

[@trololl27029]

if you think about it, that's true

[@GKPB]

Not only being the alien, but the menace bringing destruction and catastrophe to it's environment

[@Teresa-ky7zy]

@@GKPB isnt xen also doing the same thing

[@plutoidrepublic2765]

nothing is native to xen tho

[@Commander_Shepard.]

@@plutoidrepublic2765 But they have accumulated to the environment a long time ago. Freeman is the foreign species to the land.

[@merzarino]

The vocal gives this level a motherly tone, I can feel her rage. Nice soundtrack

[@simplyaregularguy131]

It adds a motherly tone but also an anguished tone as well, you feel the rage of a protective mother but also the anguish she feels as she is hurt and her children die trying to protect her.

[@revolveralice]

Black Mesa: You're in it's territory. It's hungry for your blood. The only thing you can do is pray. Half Life 1: Haha testicle spider lol

[@KrypandeNej1]

This

[@hydradude3989]

Chelsea KrypandeNej is

[@KrypandeNej1]

@@hydradude3989 Sparta

[@od4361]

How can such a simple comment be so genius?

[@МихаилКурбатов-п9ш]

Well actualy strafejump.

[@willbunyan]

This made the gonarch so terrifying

[@lizord0]

I honestly got anxiety when it was chasing me in the gonarchs lair chapter

[@nathancritz]

I really wonder what goes through Gordon's mind when he encounters a giant enemy. The Gargantua, the Gonarch, hell maybe even the tentacles in the silo earlier in the game. And the horror of him having to eventually either struggle to kill it, or evade it entirely. That's what this track reminds me of, how Gordon has been surviving against all odds, but probably at the cost of his own sanity. I like to think these are the reasons why he stopped talking and became silent. After seeing everything he saw while going through Black Mesa and Xen, it probably left him traumatized forever, and that he can never go back to being just a regular scientist.

[@aaronvold47]

Gordon is a sociopath, Valve approved canon Freeman's Mind by Accursed Farm is what you need to watch. True story! More at 11:00

[@EpicGamer-fl7fn]

this is some theory i once read but due to him being "employed" by G-man, he might have himself lose the perception of time to some extend, which would mean he is basically reliving his entire life in his mind infinite ammounts of times or something like that. and that's why he stopped talking and that's why he actually doesnt even bother or care.

[@barneycalhoun4611]

Man’s got some PTSD probably lmao

[@MyuuNao]

"Umm... I think I'm in the wrong place?"

[@PlasticShitlord]

Freeman's Mind

[@Ryxis]

When the crowbar wielding alien slayer becomes the alien

[@JoelNielsenMusic]

This is the way I view Xen. Awesome to see others feel that way as well. :)

[@lyokianhitchhiker]

JoelNielsenMusic Gordon was defending his home from hostile invaders, now he is the invader.

[@Ryxis]

That just shows how badass Gordon freeman is. He’s willing to travel to another goddamn world to save his own planet.

[@declanedmison5442]

@@Ryxis Not only that, another dimension.

[@nicolai_savciuc]

gordon freecrab

[@killbot1476]

we gonna need a bigger crowbar..........

[@ardantop132na6]

Brother. Get the Tau Cannon. *THE OVERCHARGED TAU CANNON*

[@klutzycactusgaming1188]

@@ardantop132na6 ANG THE *GLUON GUN*

[@powerful7845]

Wait can the game be beaten using only a crowbar?

[@klutzycactusgaming1188]

@@powerful7845 if your suicidal enough

[@killbot1476]

@@powerful7845 ummmm well yes

[@9seed.]

"Why do I hear boss music?"

[@kingakis6596]

Why do i hear boss mus.. oh my god

[@TheKingtiger501]

Its Big Momma. The Mother of all Headcrabs.

[@MaxiLol]

Said someone before the disaster

[@ThatJuangamer]

DUDE this music PLAYs WHEN YOU SEE THE GONARCH FOR THE FIRST TIME I WAS SCARED OUT OF MY MIND new edit: Truly Epic

[@ThatJuangamer]

btw beta is out

[@paesanng]

When I played the first fight against Gonarch, this song immediately gave me the sense of, "You are all alone in this hostile world." Thank you for invoking such emotion in a song. Very well put together set of tracks.

[@hammadansari7811]

Arachnophobia + Gonarch + Joel Nielsen Soundtrack = Perfect XEN Experience !

[@casp175a4]

meanwhile in australia

[@bozo69420-l]

☠️

[@ggwp-dy2di]

Gonarch is more like a crab tho

[@naturesquad9174]

I was expecting the gonarch to show up when it did, but its entrance + the atmosphere was so much more intense and oppressive, especially with this new music, that my jaw dropped

[@cmb9173]

the music is as foreign and mystic compared to the previous pieces as xen is to earth i love it

[@BarrettKillz]

This was clearly the most emotional battle in the game. I have no idea why I felt so bad of myself after killing the Gonarch. Nihilanth: "Done... what have you done..."

[@adamwuk]

You don't have to kill the Gonarch though!

[@ftblaze6175]

@@adamwuk there was a method where you can skip the gonarch fight entirely

[@nekolare]

​@@ftblaze6175 kill her with the toxic gas?

[@phatwcinfrcr]

@@nekolareYou can go to toxic gas route and then skip turning it on and escape. It's an achievement as well.

[@bringmethewungus]

@@phatwcinfrcr she still dies, remember that xen fricking blows up after you defeat nihilanth

[@Tangent_Pixel]

This entire game really felt like I was experiencing Half-Life the way it was always meant to be experienced... Some small locations where missing, and a lot of stuff was changed, but every key event was dialed up to 11... And the music really sold that feeling!

[@mattdavis9267]

I dont think many people understood that you were about to be teleported before the gonarch hit you, which gives this track a sense of that theres no easy way of getting out of here

[@TechnoCinemaMusic]

I legit got chills from this music while fighting the Gonarch! Wouldn't have composed it any other way.

[@simonevo9743]

Oh hai Danny

[@deathrow5261]

Pretty aggressive I must say maybe when you are getting closer to the lair of the gonarch?....

[@Redbr34]

i think it must be near or in the alien factories

[@deathrow5261]

Red maybe

[@yukich6957]

Gonarch Fight Epic as fuck

[@SCP--gk7db]

This is where you encountered Gonarch the first time.

[@Redbr34]

nope

[@AlexeyDance]

The atmosphere in Black Mesa is perfect, total immersion!

[@Biddybud]

gordon is an ant in this world, and this track exemplifies the fact that you are just a small creature in a larger world than you could ever imagine.

[@НикитаБыкадоров-у8л]

This music and the appearance of the Gonarch... he (or she, whatever) is now more powerful. That brings the thought... that you ARE THE ONLY HOPE OF HUMANITY!

[@naturesquad9174]

Or are you the destroyer of humanity? Only the Gman knows.

[@ganefsaber7927]

The only Alien in Xen is Gorden Freeman, he is the most dangerous Species.... a man wiht Doctor titel in Physics

[@CarlosAlola]

Who's Gorden Freeman

[@goochencore4128]

@@CarlosAlola is orange man and he also has big stick he kill thing

[@filipealarza9079]

Entering Xen was when the alien killer became the alien.

[@Neo2266.]

Imma bet this replaces Jungle Drums? (The weird ass song that plays when Gonarch first charges at you in Half Life)

[@adummyguy]

yep

[@finnicol-taylor2976]

I love how you've just managed to use that same vocal sample over and over and every time it feels fresh.

[@instagib783]

>TFW you just solve a puzzle and you feel pretty good >then you teleport into a new area >you drop into a large, flat, arena-like plain >then you notice all the ammo pickups >then you notice the health regen pool >then this music starts playing >suddenly don't feel so good

[@nogoodgreen3274]

The atmosphere building was done in 2 parts: the visuals and the unreal soundtrack! Joel you the man

[@ChkthDeats]

Black Mesa reaffirmed my well-deserved bias that the gonarch is the coolest and most intimidating enemy in both HL1 & HL2. Such a cool sequence.

[@mimi.j0127]

s p o o k y Well done Mr.Nielsen very epic

[@tristensullivan6478]

this gives off such a sense of "this is the Gonarchs land, you're just in it". Such amazing music can actually give off feeling like this. Joel, you're fuckin' amazing.

[@Slobbercat]

Disregarding the context, this song feels like you're fully within the technological side of the dimension. Those vocals feel like the denizens working there are crying, _screaming_ for help, until all that culminates is a well of suffering. Thats how that voice feels. Its suffering.

[@Cool_Calm_Cam]

Maybe I'm being dramatic, but this was singlehandedly one of the greatest boss fights I've ever experienced in a video game ever and it isn't even close. And the primary reason is the soundtrack. There is no beat. There's no percussion. Nothing to trigger your typical "time4action" reflex as a gamer; the experience itself seeks to drill impending dread into you, and the soundtrack trusts you as a player to not hold your hand with glaringly obvious audio cues There's nothing but the quiet, droning intensity. An alien synthesized growl reverberating in your eardrums. A pained, solo vocalist wailing with sorrow in the endless void of an unkind, uncaring world. A had chills throughout my body when I first played through this boss fight. Miraculously, I prevailed on my first try but it was intensely difficult and I truly did not feel like I had a chance. It ate dozens upon dozens of rockets and there was only so much space for me to hide in. All the while, this droning pulsating track triggered something primal deep within me--I am alone, and I do not belong here. *I am the alien.* 7/10, ok soundtrack m8

[@Neo2266.]

Also can i ask, who does the vocals? Or maybe this is secretly Joel’s manly voice? XD

[@hatti...]

Its his wife

[@Neo2266.]

Stephen Flesch Oh yeah i just read that on the comments of the 16th track. Astounding work from both of them

[@tangent4416]

Some vocals better not leave the bedroom.......

[@Neo2266.]

@@tangent4416 they don't... _ˢᵃᵈˡʸ_

[@plisehon]

her name is kala nielsen

[@FeRcHoM130]

For me, the best moment of the game, with that "climate" of the moment and the music, creates a lot of tension

[@TheKingtiger501]

Known as Big Momma, the Mother of all Headcrabs, She is Very Piss, Hit her belly with Rocket launchers.

[@grimsurvivor2394]

my favorite part of the soundtrack by far!

[@dormousedoll]

this game stressed me out SO much. xen was terrible for my extremely bad at navigating self, but the soundtrack? it made EVERYTHING worth it. i jumped out of my skin the first time i heard this track. holy shit, is it *terrifying.*

[@calcutt4]

The prelude to the fight was literally the "why do I hear boss music" meme

[@theoutergod8666]

I think that HPL would be really pleased with the way how the new Xen looks like. You have strange aliens, civilizations different from us, but still somehow being wicked twisted versions of our own. Though it looks awesome, it would only be half as strong without the awesome music you grand master have provided. Do not be shy to have your chin up, because this has hit me among the ammount of soundtracks and music I listen to as something really unique. If he was to live to this day and to witness it with his own eyes, he would be glad not to see his legacy die.

[@Лавочка-т8з]

Ктулху фтагн !

[@dawoodshafiq142]

in the original half life when your battling the Gonarch the music in the background just feels like your in the jungle fighting a weird creature while in black mesa the music sounds like your fighting got himself

[@bleached.eyebrows32]

Something was off, it was very easy until i started up the teleporter and suddenly everything started shaking while i was being teleportated, and it was until its carcass appeared that i knew I wasn't safe, then I started panicking and shoot her rockets on her weak point and as she and her newborns attacked me I nearly jumped into a nearby floating island to hide and heal but she spitted acid that melt the crystals that were protecting me, i fighted back with the only powerful weapon that had ammo left, the gluon gun, she then falled back and searched for an exit, and as she went throught a web filled hole i knew she was the queen...

[@Parsout]

Wow. SO impressive. 🙏🏼

[@ParkersPlayground]

this one makes me feel like i'm in Xen

[@МихаилКурбатов-п9ш]

This one is masterpiece. First encounter with unkown fearsome creature. Shivers. And 02-internal conflict masterpiece also. At this point you already have confidence, how to fight her, and the whole thing goes to finale. It's you or her. That's best eargasm i expierenced in games PERIOD.

[@galacticstevetherealdeal]

this music just makes the Gonarch more intimidating

[@damonnugent1993]

That's scary and beautiful at the same time!

[@matthewcontreras2811]

Black mesa is one of the most beautiful games we've ever seen

[@arykso5268]

warning the freeman has entered the facility

[@teoborges3949]

SGT Mike: "Ah.. sir, i think us lost the Squad...." GSGT tails: "Ok, Keep with me, us will find our Squad near of us..."

[@tomasviznik182]

It's you who's the alien now. Well damn right! I was going after houndeyes with my shotgun screaming "How do you like it when I'm invading your home now, huh?" Had to shut up a bit when the bass synth gave a nice hint of something a bit tougher coming up.

[@The4xRED]

incredible music

[@furkankubilay524]

Wow, just amazing. You are awesome! Respect from Turkey. Did i mention? YOU ARE AWESOME! All of you. Thank you!

[@Jirusandoicchi]

I've been watching hundreds of astronomy vids in KZbin over the years, and I've yet to find a music that portrays the terrors of outer space better than this one!

[@rocketsfall]

Chills when I got to where this plays.

[@rvgr420]

Hey Joel. Your music never fails to send shivers down my back! Perhaps you should compose for Half-Life 3?

[@KetxGaming]

Thank you Nielsen, very cool!

[@Boondock980]

Haunting. Love it! Just started playing black mesa, remake!

[@redfaerth8026]

This actually made me truly afraid of this giant beast. It emphasizes the fact that you are not the apex predator here, you're in it's territory, and it is not going down without a fight

[@lyokianhitchhiker]

He was defending his home from alien invaders. Now he was the invader.

[@syn1931]

ngl when gonarch suddenly appear I was genuinely got scared, big momma was ready to fuck gordon up real bad

[@SomeKindaSpy]

Dude, I'm so excited

[@Flakyou001]

2 дня назад ты был подающим надежды физиком-теоретиком. Перед тобой были открыты все двери. Ты не знал об экспериментах, о телепортации, о пограничном мире.. А сейчас... Ты Здесь. Боже, это музыка сводит меня с ума...

[@manatarms9071]

Гонарч это просто красивое великолепное, в тоже время и опасная и хитрое животное которое охраняло своё логово от физика-теоретика, с монтировкой в руках...

[@patato3s]

HL1: run testicle run BM: HOLY SHIT THAT TESTICLE RUNNING ONTO ME

[@Richard-iv3ii]

Once I found this video I fealt like I was In the game. This is art. There may be more tracks that are better with feel, but this is best with the feel of dread.

[@JoshBeeles]

Amazing music man! I listen to all your songs in the background while gaming and in my car. Keep up the awesome, hard work and don't stop making music.

[@hatti...]

"Ooh, very scary" -Mario Still, this is very good for my ears, thank you.

[@cousinvinnie6222]

*GONARCH'S LAIR*

[@BLOODWRITER14]

When i heard this i felt Danger and fear while i was sitting in broad daylight. This is also a pretty good soundtrack if you go to school to make an exam

[@forgottenspirit4043]

I think female vocals were superfluous. when this monster runs at me, I'm all in suspense, but an angelic female voice sounds that spoils this tense atmosphere. The soundtrack is good, but sometimes it does not fit into the events taking place in the game.(sorry for my english x))

[@JoelNielsenMusic]

Juxtaposition. :)

[@luisormeno6557]

amazing

[@Johny40Se7en]

Bloody love this so much. Those kind of grinding synth sounds are so powerful and dark. Reminds me of a track called 'Hammer' from the Drive OST. Dark as fuck.

[@bonegrave4963]

Half-Life's Gonarch: Ok cool, a mother headcrab. Black Mesa's Gonarch: *NIGERUNDAYO!!!!*

[@ethanmarley678]

"Beep, beep, beep....major lacerations detected. Automatic medical systems engaged. Morphine administered..."

[@Delta547]

7 dislikes from zombies in HEV-suit.

[@muebleoalgo]

A land of dead bodies... the eye of the storm before the battle against a queen of Xen.

[@schizophaningame]

thank you for that masterpiece!

[@РэдрикШухарт-н5к]

Man, I do fell it!!! And it is amazing!!

[@bradleybindle6428]

“Slowed and Reverbed” should take notice of this gem

[@vitiok292]

I've always wondered why Gonarch didn't teleport into our world like Gargantua?

[@Leitis_Fella]

Gargantuas act like living tanks to the xenian forces; the Gonarch is just one wild animal.

[@necrobynerton7384]

the xen scores id say you outdid yourself sir its just unspeakable good

[@Helios8170]

"Alright, open area, lots of ammo and health lying around... where is she?" 30 seconds later... *screaming and shooting*

[@vladikapolon9187]

It’s one level with original music from HL2. Music of Xen part and 2012 game are both great. We are fans of HL love your music and this awesome remake of better game series. Thank you. From Russia with love.

[@denzelovletsplay4026]

omg, this is fantastic!

[@Jay-Tan]

We really need a sequel Crowbar collective you need to make guard duty and black opposing

[@MyuuNao]

"That should scare it off, huh? Maybe I killed it! It's just limping it's final moments now."

[@bleached.eyebrows32]

gonarch wouldnt as badass as it is now if it didnt have this song

[@Redbr34]

this must be near the alien factory

[@endmyexistence]

I've got a good feeling the alien factory is going to be one of the best parts.

[@Redbr34]

nope, its from gonarch's first encounter

[@evanredacted7977]

The tension buildup was so good

[@7Cyber7Angel7]

Oh my god this is insane, but epic!

[@KhrisIvanov]

When I first played this I can’t even explain the feeling of pure dread that was pushed on me. Like I was sinking to the bottom of the worlds deepest pool with no escape. Every move I made only adding more and more stress. Would I make it? Would I start over? Would I even be able to win this one? The feeling of the anger of the beast resonates in this music. A creature sought out to do nothing but to kill you, exterminate you. You tread into it’s home. It is not happy. And all you can do is fight.

[@jetgeliyor4308]

Long jump module's sound is compatible with this music 👍🏼

[@jetgeliyor4308]

Also this music reminds me of Xen's last struggles against Combine.

[@vek0re]

If I'm correct,that's the one used with the elevator to the final moments before using the smaller portal to get to the final portal to him.

[@kristoferkoessel4354]

GOD THIS IS FUCKING AMAZING

[@rebo9190]

They are not the Aliens....you are the Alien...creepy

[@lyokianhitchhiker]

When the creature defending its home from hostile invaders becomes 1.

[@omarandresorellano4142]

La verdad q me gusto este tema de XEN y los demas también 👍👍👍

[@jordipj6855]

Sientes la tensión? ;v

[@trekkinmain4974]

It would have been funny if you could actually one shot the Gonarch using the crowbar

[@hansonkerman7286]

hell hath no fury like a loving mother

[@tailsfan11westandwithukraine]

Isn’t that the truth! Last thing you want is for someone to go into mama bear mode

[@T--kq3pj]

One of my favorite tracks. Did you took the inspiration for it from Hans Zimmer's Man of Steel OST?