Return To The Wild Review (Music from Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) 💿 @RoPanuganti

Like Breath of the Wild? Like prog rock? If you do, then metal musician Ro Panuganti has an album for you. 

Hailing from Raleigh, South Carolina, USA, Return to the Wild is the second in his series of rearranged Legend of Zelda music, with this album running the gamut from the blues rock of Tarrey Town to the wailing prog of Awaken.

The 14 tracks on the album vary in tempo and sound, rather than just sticking to the more uptempo stuff, as you might expect from a rock musician. Guardian brings a driving, slow energy with thumping double kicks and a military cadence, whereas Riding Day completely strips things down to a gentle piano riff before the aptly-named Hinox breaks out the wailing guitars and epic scope.

Panuganti also makes Indian folk music, and brings these influences in at times: the tabla drumming at the start of Gerudo Town is a nice surprise. 

However, we don't have to wait long before the big guitars are back: Shrine is one of the standout songs, with unusual vocal samples backing up an 80s prog sound that's really satisfying. 

Molduga is another big hitter, with low-tuned juddering guitars bringing things into the modern world, while the epic, sunsetty Rito is probably the crown jewel here.

The album can be found on Panuganti's Bandcamp page in both digital ($8) and limited CD ($12) editions here.

SUMMARY

Overall, if you played Breath of the Wild and liked the music (and, be honest, who didn't?) then this is a great series of rocky reimaginings that deserves a listen.