The Instinct (Killer Instinct Theme)

One of my favourite fighting arcade games growing up was Killer Instinct and always loved the orginal theme song. I decided to do a version of it, splicing Robin Beanland's original version with hints of Mick Gordon's newer version in there adding a bit of guitar shred from yours truly for good measure!
Had fun working on this in between being in the studio working on new Five Finger Death Punch music and a new solo single coming out soon \m/
Im not the copyright owner of this piece of music.
Andy James Official Store - andyjamesstore.org
Kiesel Signature Guitars - www.kieselguitars.com/catalog...
Plug in suite - STL Tones Tonality - www.stltones.com/products/ton...
Jim Dunlop USA ‘Flow’ Picks - www.jimdunlop.com/andy-james-...
Five Finger Death Punch - fivefingerdeathpunch.com
#andyjames #andyjamesguitaracademy #5fdp #kieselguitars #stltones #evertune #gruvgear
#modes #shredding #virtuoso #learnshredguitar #jeffkiesel #monstersolo

[@suvammukhopadhyay8444]

As a 90's kid..this is my Stairway to Heaven

[@horusosiris5488]

Fuck yeah

[@panospapavasiliou174]

Same here 🙋

[@optimalstate3190]

Ohhhhh well said!

[@user-fw2rn6gu8o]

😊​@@horusosiris5488

[@stevetrop]

So damn true. I remember in the 90s playing friends in fighting games, no matter the fighting game, this was always my prep-song, this was the jam that would hype me up.

[@chrisg1556]

Im 40 and spent entire summers playing KI in arcades and on the SNES . This is heaven.

[@morbidmike]

Ultra Ultra Ultra

[@RedTideRTS]

Ditto

[@dielloarias]

Man.. that song is pure nostalgia!

[@the_oneandonlycrazyjess1396]

Me too

[@rafaelhoyosweht2603]

me too, I turn 40 in a week

[@capncheeks]

This better get played at my funeral or I'm coming back as Cinder

[@ConstantK103]

This one got me 😂😂😂🔥🔥🔥

[@briankochert1305]

Dude I'm 47, 1994 was my senior year when KI came out... I dumped a shit-ton of quarters in that game... this.... dude this is absolutely badass... almost 30 years later and still the BEST fighting game theme. Nostalgic AF for me. Rock on my man

[@AndyBonesSynthPro]

Omg there's more than one of me. Cheers dude

[@josephvaccaro876]

Exact same age and story here 👍@@AndyBonesSynthPro

[@shawnm1472]

​@@josephvaccaro876 KI original and KI gold were the best. I bought super Nintendo just for KI.

[@fromashestoangels378]

​​@@AndyBonesSynthPro looks like there's 4 of us. Same here and dude up above me 😁

[@briankochert1305]

@@shawnm1472 I was sooooo disappointed in the SNES version

[@the_shadow_realm5110]

I’m in the gym, and that outro at 3:27 is still one of the nastiest and filthiest outros I’ve ever heard. Pure epic-industrial brutality. Listening to it literally gives me at least 3 more reps when I’m completely depleted.

[@jisatsu_exe9329]

That palm muted section gave me goosebumps...

[@musicalmooku]

Good to see other KI fans here. I remember all those days of throwing controllers against the walls and floor out of frustration from losing to the CPUs lol. It felt good to finally finish Eyedol at the end. Thanks for making this video, Mr. James! For a musician who loves KI.... This is a real treat.

[@garycormack]

The original is a highly nostalgic theme for me , but this makes the hairs on my neck stand on end, just outstanding

[@Andithewicked]

Where can I find the original?

[@mangelangel2570]

​@@Andithewicked just search it

[@user-ok1oh7jl4w]

The same. I start squeezing an imaginary joystick in my hands and repeating combos😂

[@halfagallonjerry8753]

I just seen a man put his entire soul and universe into some strings enough to make a grown man cry... Thank you for uniting me and many others together to hear your story

[@floevo]

Thanks for your support \m/

[@RkJohnsonNingthemcha]

We the fans would really appreciate to see some of the mix and mastering process and thoughts behind the tone and overall sound you have achieved.

[@dan8402]

I agree with RK here. I would love to see the mix, and creative process you use. Chasing tones seems to be a thing too. 😎😎

[@floevo]

I’ve definitely considered it, I’ve even tried shooting it. But I get like 10 minutes in and realise it’s not really that interesting haha but that’s just me thinking it’s not I suppose rather than what others might get from it. It’s a relatively simple process I guess, it’s not like 7 hours of content or anything like some mix tutorials

[@dan8402]

@@floevo You could totally do an interview with Robert Baker or any number of online folks and do a dive into tone, and equipment. I geek out on that type of thing, and it may seem boring, but it is a basis for your art, like a painter's choice of brushes and canvas. 😎

[@rmanor5508]

@@floevo try it out for a couple videos and see how many likes and view it gets. I’ll be there, just remember , ANYTHING YOU PUT OUT IM A FAN OF BIG TIME. your thought process and tones in your head translate to pure excellence and that’s what I like.

[@merenimchen6060]

Bro, glad to see you here I agree with you. I'm blown away by the tone and playing.

[@brandonmoore587]

KI was a pinnacle achievement in gaming. Nicely done.

[@abujunayed]

How and why did they go so hard on soundtrack for a game in the 90s? Peak nostalgia.

[@erikmoreno3572]

I have been obsessed with this song for as long as I can remember. I owned the CD that came Long with the game and played the track "the Instinct" on repeat. This was back in '95 and here we are 2021 and I still listen to it. Now it was covered by Andy James?!?!? My ears are crying with joy!

[@oscardavidfranco8706]

That's exactly what I think and what I feel right now...this is a dream come true... I've loved this tune ever since I got the game in the 90s, I have the CD right here too... Cheers bro!

[@synthlord6575]

same here man!

[@thegrandwazooofheliopolis4344]

Damn. I forgot about the CD.

[@JrRickard]

I still have the game and the Nintendo console. And the controllers... FIGHT!

[@HaggenKennedy]

I know it sounds cliché, but it's pretty cool to see I'm not alone!

[@user-bt7nj3nh9b]

I paint the universe with this solo.

[@jesusalberto2464]

This is the best cover of this song in all the internet 🤜🤛

[@fm4e357]

I think it's a shame that I haven't seen or heard this song from you before. Especially from minute 2:27, when you really get started, gives me so much strength. Thank you for that!

[@williamgallios7812]

Absolutely sick, you have the styles of John Petrucci, Steve Via, Joe Satriani, and Yngwie Malsteen all wrapped up in one, you are truly a gift from God

[@sjsphotog]

amen. He is the best of all of those guys rolled into ONE package. and no bad songs ever whereas even Joe (one of my idols) has an occiasional stinker :) JP on the other hand (my guitar hero).... but Andy is the PINNACLE. best bang for your buck and WAY WAY underrated player

[@ogucum]

@@sjsphotog You cant compare him with Joe and JP. Those guys are created an era for melodic rock. Because they are not only players but also composers who can affect thousands.

[@satch88]

Mélodie please

[@matt80_s]

more like the style of a 48 hit combo shutdown.

[@illuminoid22]

I bought all his Lick Library DVDs - invested $200 or so - money well spent ! He’s an amazing teacher - they’re so dope ! Andy is def one of the best ever in his genre - He and Marco are my favorites- progressive shred metal all day \m/ \m/

[@charless.3364]

Killer instinct theme was golden back in the day. Hell it still is

[@BlindWitchFire]

20+ years later... I finally Found you bro _!_ *This is what I am talking about*

[@iamcyberpunk68]

AMAZING BRO ALL AROUND THE BOARD BE PROUD OF THIS YOU EARNED 100 PERCENT

[@AstralWolf86]

I think I’ve listened to this about 20 times now 🤔😎

[@joachimbouhadjra293]

Great job, I can’t stop listening 😊

[@rocketbunny0989]

it's been 8 days, are u still loopin this song?

[@audio-love3765]

SUPREME VICTORY!!! Seriously dude, that's SUPERB.

[@AndyBonesSynthPro]

WHOOAA!!!! Completely sick my friend 👏👏👏⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@user-zn2vg4fk2s]

Я работаю шиномонтажником в городе Анапа, просыпаюсь и перед работой слушаю эти композиции.... взбадривает )

[@user-qn2bn3dp2l]

а я в теплице в ростове бодрюсь с Энди!!!

[@igork.6584]

Мужики, респект ✊ вам! Я дизайном в Подмосковье занимаюсь. Тоже иногда под Энди :)

[@urer-gh4bx4mo5v]

@@user-qn2bn3dp2l а я треню под Энди сейчас...Джеймс этот сукин сын ))) умеет удивлять !!!Признайтесь ребята наверняка сами гитарите?))

[@sasha171]

в машине в дороге часто включаю этого монстра. играю совсем любительски дома.

[@urer-gh4bx4mo5v]

@@sasha171 Ну в основном слушатели его музыки сами гитаристы, не важно какого уровня ...нас таких домашних много)))

[@theoguitars1635]

Kiesel Instinct! My all time favourite fighting game!!!

[@nimeshpatel9570]

What a beast of a solo....Jesus.

[@hosauce5466]

DUDE im still blasting this on a regular basis, please please do every song in the game, one of the best covers of any game period, i always laugh whn that high note makes you shiver, music does that to me as well

[@mikeaaronc77]

I am embarrassed at how many times I have listened to and watched this. I will never tell anyone. This so fucking good.

[@ShredBird]

His cable isn't even fully inserted and his tone is immaculate! 🤘

[@IraTopp]

I literally don't know why I can't stop listening to this... It's one of the best plays I've ever heard. 😎

[@FuelAirSparkTime]

Unlimited ultra combo on that guitar right here

[@fxorr1599]

ULTRA COMBOOOoOOooooo

[@RosstaFloss]

Andy James never disappoints...one of the most consistent musicians around

[@andremazetto]

wow! this should become the official version immediately!

[@RJ-zm3tr]

This goes hard 👍

[@steveedmondson9651]

This takes me back to being a kid playing gold on n64 and listening to the killer cuts cd. Still have my dad's 64 but sadly lost KI gold along with all his 64 games in a robbery. Killer Instinct, starfox, war zone and ocarina of time were my favorites along with forsaken 64

[@alexcairns7096]

It's just so good. What a homage to killer Instinct and the original composer. I'm saying it.... flawless. That was spectacular.

[@markconway7162]

Why is this theme song so addictive. Keep looping back to it since... well... Super Nintendo! Most of all, you freaking rocked it dude!

[@zerpblerd5966]

because it's excellent song

[@sandroschtolpe6803]

Because its one of the best intro themes in gaming. Veeeery few come close.

[@zerpblerd5966]

@@sandroschtolpe6803 check out: Interstate '76 best game soundtrack in my experience

[@jarodneedham7326]

Immediately saw Idol walking towards me with that dang mace! Awesome job.

[@georgeaslanidis4789]

Especially with the last riff. Still gives me chills. *FIGHT ON

[@brandonwhitehead6929]

Tune from my childhood done with impressive respect. Amazing.

[@thegatesofsleep]

Honestly one of the top tier musicians ever to enter KZbin. The man loves music and we love hearing it.

[@Hv90.06]

Thank you, that was beautiful, greetings from Mexico.

[@helloworld1892]

I can't believe no ones given it to you but you deserve it! UUUULLTRAAAAAAA COOOOMBOOOOOOO!!!

[@orionjimenez5769]

I just relived my childhood man dang 😢😂

[@Y0utubesAlgorithmDuckingSucks]

I never got into Killer Instinct seriously, but man...it's still iconic. Love this cover btw. It brought back so much nostalgia. ULLLLTRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA COMBOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[@sumitdas9428]

Goosebumps from where the lead kicks in.

[@user-hn1cq7re7i]

It's one of the best opening songs made for games even in my opinion. congratulations on the work, you play a lot.

[@user-hn1cq7re7i]

The best game in the series !!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqnHdJVsaLWXrLM

[@custom2456]

His phrasing is absolutely amazing ! He builds all the tension in the world with tasteful playing and then blows you away with his warp speed runs !

[@darkone12541]

Someone, finally had the balls to male an absolute challenge to KI meets metal! Excellent cover my dude! ***** 5 stars

[@Danandrea737]

Sometimes I wonder how much those games and soundrack did actually shaped our music tastes... I didn't even knew what metal was, back then... and now is part of my life for the last 15 years. That, Zelda, and Banjo & Kazooie. Gawd

[@jensklingenmaier1745]

Banjo Zelda and ki? Hi soulmate :3

[@Danandrea737]

@@jensklingenmaier1745 Hi to you too, my friend 😁😁

[@Midnight_Freefall]

Nice work. Love the clean notes, the reverb and the tasteful solo. You kick ass!

[@Vivid114]

This combines the best of both versions. I actually want this as the theme for the next game, if that's possible.

[@Deetroiter]

Anyone who remembers the original game in the arcade can tell you that whatever speakers they installed in the games arcade booth was crazy compared to other game units. The speakers were LOUD, sounded clear, and had some serious bass to them. You couldn’t walk by the machine without hearing the music blasting and the announcer saying. ‘Killllerrrr instinctttt”

[@trcvince]

Oh man, very nice and nostalgic feelings, thanks for this masterpiece.,

[@SnakeTheCowboy]

After listening this track a lot of times now I can't imagine any other versions including original at 1st places. Now to me this is original. This is how it should sound when I'm playing KI.

[@pablofederico1793]

One of my favorite guitarists, playing the theme of one of my favorite games ... what else can I say? Thanks for everything!

[@feedbackking1316]

Brought literal tears to my eyes... this is ascended beyond all that is. Never played guitar in my life, but this... this makes it very tempting to at least try.

[@charlyhasenohrl1400]

I have seen you on KZbin, i have seen You in Munich live... Keep on doing what you do brother. be proud of yourself. You are worth it.....

[@samiolox]

I listen to this track 4 days a week. There isnt a single workout i do without Andy J in my ears. Melody meets sensational shred. ❤

[@infam0u59er]

Chills at 3:27.... "Fight mode!... C-c-c-c-combo breaker!"

[@ErayAslan]

He's such a beast, an inspiration. Long live the king! 👑

[@absentmindedalchemist8496]

This is how the instinct should been . You sir are an audio alchemist. Aaaand your alchemy is strong🧪⚗️🍵🪔🧉🌿❤️⚙️

[@TsimonF]

Straight up gave me flash backs. Wow.

[@normanstansfield773]

0:50 made me shiver with nostalgia. Beautifully executed man, truly!

[@crxvtec0069]

I watched this quite a few times now just had to leave a comment to tell you how amazing this is. For us 40+ year olds growing up in high school in the early 90s playing this game at the arcades is mega nostalgia for us. KI was THE arcade game that dominated the scene back then. Hearing the theme music and the “ultraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa combooooooo” and “c-c-combo breakerrrr” was just mesmerizing. Your take on this theme was amazing, I love every note and touch you played. It accents everything perfectly, and then the very end riffs - got us all in the feels my friend. That character select music is so brutal, this is a 10/10 my friend. Bravo!

[@fabianologfatec]

I lost count of the quarters I spent on this game, it was the best one could play back in the day.

[@D.L8602]

I just started learning and practicing guitar, there's a few cover themes I want to learn. KI, especially your cover on it, is one of them. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@brianjohnson9423]

It just hits right and it hits hard. Especially at the end.

[@ratrod40manuel88]

"Killer combo riff" (perfect) ... nicely done 😎👍

[@Drc902]

This is one of the best covers of anything I have ever heard!

[@hakunamatatatata]

We need more killer instinct you absolute maniac

[@bradduncan8962]

Once again, here he comes on his rocket ship of shredness, we want to see you live Andy Plz come to the states and show everyone you are here!!!!! you are the best guitar player of our time....my son is 13 and can't get enough of you....bro you inspired him to play.....bless you brother for doing that for him......we will never forget !!!

[@davethesparrow]

This brought on some HD memory flashbacks, such a groovy tune

[@highborn18]

I know this video is fairly old, but boy, does it bring back great memories!

[@CPUMaster500]

This guy is insane. Nicely played😀

[@canadianloon6433]

Undisputed best guitarist today. Melody plus technique

[@AstralWolf86]

Yea he’s miles ahead of most players. I will never reach his level but I’m happy with that

[@querciosouza]

Simplesmente o melhor é a melhor versão que encontrei até hoje, o cara é mostro , imbatível🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@edifreitas6567]

realmente o cara é muito bom, mas eu acho q a versão do Mick Gordon é melhor!

[@fulgore1663]

Muita nostalgia né

[@fulgore1663]

AGR que lembrei que meu perfil é do fulgore a mais de anos

[@zeck56]

Bicho é pika demais, minha inspiração na guitarra desde os meus 16 anos !

[@winchester7400]

@@fulgore1663 gosto muito do fulgore meu personagem preferido eu jago

[@fromashestoangels378]

ULTRA ULTRA ULTRAAAAA 😎 Giving me flashbacks here 😁

[@skooardn26]

KIIIIIIIINNNNNNGGGG Solo!

[@davidrg1550]

Fantastic. For me there isn’t a better hard rock/metal player on the planet better than Andy.

[@davidgray8387]

If you have not heard it yet, I highly encourage you to look up "Wave of Synergy".

[@AydenTheKilla]

i was 3 years old and i thought pepsi was going to clean out my snes..... boy i was wrong. sparks went flying and the snes broke. well my dad scolded me at first and then went out to target and got us the killer instinct bundle. i remember being 3-4 and just sitting at the intro cause i thought it sounded so cool. great cover by the way. best on youtube gives me chills

[@L3ck5]

Here I am yet again, up late and can't sleep adding another 50 views to this cover. Keep 'em comin' good sir.

[@jqmasamune]

How I missed this, I have no damn idea. ULTRRRAAAAAA

[@Taser1-1]

I would love to see this guy's interpretation of the NES Contra theme.

[@koufdell]

i miss vertexguy -_-

[@ericcartmansstrengthandpow5960]

VOMITRON IS WHAT YOU SEEK.

[@JustInCase_007]

Yeeees

[@OverworkedITGuy]

I did not know how much I needed that lead out to the champ select riff. \m/ \m/ This and Little V Mills iteration are my hands down favorite versions of what is to me the most epic and iconic metal gaming theme song of all time.

[@Sandstorming99]

"This should be played at high volume. Preferably, in a residential area." just absolutely badass.

[@fickleblumper]

Yes it should be.. dude it JAMS in a vehicle even with a good stock system. Trust ne

[@jdfenix7]

SUPER ULTRA MEGA COMBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Awesome stuff man

[@franciscomillanir5292]

No me canso de escuchar esta version con mi hijo , tengo 43 años y mi hijo 4 y ama killer instinct y esta version. De seguro aprendera de aca ya que le tengo su guitarra electrica lista. Saludos desde temuco chile. Los mas brijidos de killer instinct arcade version.

[@chrisandthat]

Wolfgang Amadeus would be proud.

[@johnpaulpersad8997]

SICK!!!!

[@bobwalden1514]

When Andy plays, people listen ❤😢😅

[@briangilvan7376]

‌when Andy posts a new one I always like it first before I watch...nothing he plays can possibly be not perfect

[@gracyvuna7848]

I like the chemistry between your guitar and your environment!!!!😍

[@pinewizard715]

Why am I just now seeing this?! KI RULES!

[@vibraniumrolex6524]

This is genuinely better than the original and any other remix I’ve ever heard

[@hc-fan]

Best cover of this song i`ve ever heard!

[@ryand4533]

One of the best games ever and theme song!!!

[@MSpotatoes]

Amazingly precise and melodic, just brilliant.

[@Davidianable]

What a masterpiece!

[@Rorschach2u]

This brings back good memories of me playing it on my SNES back in the day. Excelent cover, I love it.