Zero - Ace Combat Zero : The Belkan War - Metal Guitar Cover

Yes, buddy, still alive.

I've tried the Ace Combat games earlier this year, and what can I say ? that plane 'tism got to me hard. Zero in particular is such a good game, I expected some standard milsim plot, not Metal Gear Solid but with jets. And that soundtrack ! I considered doing a full medley of the OST since its full of bangers, but the titular track stands so high above the rest I decided to focus my efforts on this one track alone. I did however put a little bit of the credit song « Near the Border » at the very end since it felt fitting enough.

Covering what is essentially a flamenco song (more like half-flamenco half-orchestra) meant featuring classical guitars far more extensively than I ever did. I have nothing but respect for the mad lads who play these fast complicated kind of leads fingerstyle only. For me though ? I'll use a pick, thanks :D It was still a big challenge recording wise, and an even bigger pain in the mixing department. Wonder why you almost never hear nylon string guitars in a metal mix ? Because its tough as nails to mix properly. It sounds quite undermixed compared to the other instruments, but in all my tests its the one volume setting that felt the best, and compressing it anymore than I already did introduced some unwanted grain. I won't say I'm super satisfied with the way it sounds, but thats the best I could do with my current ability. Btw did you know classical guitars and flamenco guitars aren't exactly the same instrument ? The latter sound naturally brighter, now you know.

Also yeah, please welcome my brand new guitar ! Its an Ibanez Ergodyne EDR470EX. Got it on french craigslist for a steal last Christmas. Its basically the dream guitar for me : my fav color, good specs, fast neck profile, great sounding pickups, a floyd... yeah, I feel pretty damn happy tbh ! From now on it will serve as my main lead guitar in place of the Schecter Damien, which I may still use to track rhythms. I'm aware it didn't feature that prominently in this song since it was more acoustic guitar-driven, I'll make sure next video is extra metal so you'll see plenty of the new axe in action ;)


Original composer : Keiki Kobayashi

Gear :
Lead Guitar : Ibanez EDR470EX
Rhythm Guitar : Epiphone Gothic Explorer (customized)
Bass Guitar : Ibanez GSRM25
Nylon String Classical Guitar : Cordoba C5-CE
Steel String Acoustic Guitar : Yamaha FG-300
Microphone : Shure SM57
Drums : Toontrack Ezdrummer 2
Strings : DSK Overture
Amp sim : Bias FX
DAW : Mixcraft 8