''Super Mario Bros Metal Theme'' by Adam Nelson

Super Mario Bros Metal Theme

There’s something both wild and weirdly comforting about hearing the sounds of your childhood thrown into a pit with shredding guitars and double-kick drums. That’s exactly what Adam Nelson does on his Super Mario Bros Metal Theme EP. It’s a three-track blast of undiluted nostalgia, reimagined with heavy metal teeth and a grin that never fades. You don’t need a controller for this trip — just a love for classic games and a taste for distortion.

The first track, a metal twist on the original Super Mario Bros theme, wastes no time. Nelson dives right in, turning that cheerful melody into something you could stage dive to. It’s sharp, fast, and honestly kind of ridiculous — in the best way. Instead of playing it safe, he leans into the chaos. Guitars whirl around the familiar tune, giving it an entirely new kind of energy. It’s Mario, but with a devil horn salute.

Track two goes deeper with the Super Mario Bros 2 theme. The game was strange, and Nelson kept that spirit alive — but with bigger, bolder sounds. He builds layers of guitar that feel like they’re telling a story, not just showing off. There’s something theatrical about it, like a rock opera unfolding in a game world. He kept the heart of the song intact while giving it real muscle.

The last track, based on Super Mario Land, might be the standout. What was once a beepy Game Boy melody now feels huge. Nelson takes those simple notes and turns them into something that could fill a stadium. It’s fun, yes — but there’s also something sincere about it. You can really tell he loves this stuff, and that passion leaks into every bend and break in the guitar.

Nelson’s not chasing trends here. He’s doing this because it means something to him. This EP doesn’t feel like a gimmick — it feels like a tribute. One part metal, one part memory, all heart. Whether you grew up with Mario or just like your music loud and clever, there’s something here for you. It’s short, it’s bold, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously — just like the games that inspired it.

Follow Adam Nelson on Facebook.