A music enthusiast's treasure trove has been newly announced with the launch of Metal Gear Solid: The Vinyl Collection by Laced Records, in partnership with Konami Digital Entertainment. This splendid 6LP collection is a sonic homage to the legendary video game series, Metal Gear Solid, capturing the franchise's musical journey from its early days on the MSX system with Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake to the more recent Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Samaritan. Fans of the series and vinyl collectors can currently place their pre-orders on Laced's website for £110.
The collection is rich in musical heritage, featuring 53 tracks that have defined the essence of the Metal Gear Solid series. Notable inclusions are fan-favorites such as "The Best Is Yet To Come", "Can't Say Goodbye To Yesterday", "Snake Eater", "Here's To You", "Calling to the Night", "Sins of the Father", and "Heaven's Divide". These tracks not only underscore memorable moments within the games but have also transcended the gaming industry to become integral pieces of video game music history.
Remarkably, the records are housed in a sturdy rigid board slipcase that includes six inner sleeves. To enhance the collector's value, each album features archival illustrations crafted by the renowned Japanese artist Yoji Shinkawa, whose art has become synonymous with the Metal Gear Solid brand. Moreover, the vinyl discs themselves are presented in six different colors, adding a visual appeal that complements the auditory experience.
The vinyl set is organized to take listeners through a chronological journey of the Metal Gear Solid universe. The official track listing reveals an organized approach:
- Disc 1 includes melodies from Metal Gear 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.
- Disc 2 features themes from Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.
- Disc 3 blends tracks from Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.
- Disc 4 contains the medleys of Metal Gear Online and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.
- Disc 5 encapsulates the sounds of Metal Gear Solid V including both Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain.
- Disc 6, labeled ‘Solid Sneaking’ and ‘Vs. Boss’, presents a mixture of stealth themes and boss battle music across various games.
For fans looking for something more concise or with a smaller budget, Laced Records offers an alternative 2LP version titled Metal Gear Solid: Vinyl Selections. Priced at £36, this set includes 18 classic tracks across two heavyweight black vinyl discs. Both the 6LP and 2LP sets are projected to ship to eager fans by October 2024.
The importance of these collections can't be overstated for both new and long-time followers of the Metal Gear Solid series. It not only allows for a rediscovery of the rich aural landscapes crafted by composers like Harry Gregson-Williams and Ludvig Forssell but also serves as a physical reminder of the series' profound impact on video game storytelling and music.
With Metal Gear Solid: The Vinyl Collection, Laced Records has created a defining collector's item that exemplifies the merger of artistic presentation and cherished memories. This offering will surely be a cornerstone in the collection of vinyl enthusiasts and Metal Gear Solid fans alike, ensuring the timeless melodies of this iconic series continue to resonate through the ages.
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