@S S I don't remember, I'm guessing with the place's bewitching beauty and with beauty often being linked to females? 'Cause lets be real, Xen is just about the ideal vacation spot if not for the hazards.
Honestly, I kinda felt bad for the Gonarch when it starts to limp after the fall. The mother's just trying to protect her children, but we're trying to survive...
So, how do headcrabs reproduce now that their mother died? Do they just insert sperm into a certain female, have it grow into a new gonarch? Confusing.
Myup. When it started limping towards me I actually started feeling bad. Probably cos the level was about to end and it was so friggin' intense gettin' stalked and ambushed at times by Gonarch. This was one hell of a fight.
@@Rogu75 I saw it limp, I shared it's feeling of exhaustion. But we both knew only one of us will come out alive...I let out a breath when it finally died, both of relief and grief.
@@JoshMightymouse Im happy about it beacuse its Half-Life but that still doesnt change the fact its not the Sequel we've promised AGES ago. And if you look at the comments they doesnt even know the story at all nor whats the whole half-life universe is about. And its still just a VR game.
I love the way they did the Gonarch boss fight. It goes from feeling like a mindless beast, to feeling like a methodical, intelligent predator. And I never thought I'd be frightened by that goofy ballsack crab, but they pulled it off. And it's awesome. And this playing during the final fight made it even more so.
during the final fight i saw it starting to struggle, like it tried climbing a pillar and fell down. it flailed around a bit, like when a spider falls off of something. really well done. also totally fine with it spawning a load of baby headcrabs instead of just one at a time XD
The entire level felt like something I have never been able to describe in a game. It felt like a duel, the entire way through. The Gonarch and Gordan slowly descending into the nest, taking shots at eachother.
This song PERFECTLY captures how the final chapters of Half Life should feel. After surviving everything in Black Mesa, the danger is still very real in Xen. You’re facing the absolute unknown. Bodies of other HEV suit wearing scientists scattered all around you as you progress. You’re the only person, the only human, to have gotten this far. You go from a scientist just trying to survive to humanity’s greatest hero, and Xen is your proving grounds. This is Freeman’s finest hour (or in my case, several hours after I die like 20 times).
@@Hsaelt come on, black mesa has been in production since 2007, my brother followed the whole thing since the beginning, and i he doesnt want to play it in beta. When he plays it and hears this for the first time, i can only imagine how he'll react
The Gonarch was never evil. It wasn't a moustache twirling villain. It was a mother defending her children. Unfortunately, there was no way for Gordon to proceed without killing her. I think Black Mesa, especially with the help of this amazing soundtrack, emphasizes this far more than the original Half-Life ever did.
Look at this guys, These guys (CC) turned Valve's so-called worst levels into some of the best. I laugh at all of those people who bitched about Xen taking too long to come out, well it was definitely worth the wait! These guys have revolutionized the Source engine in more ways than we thought it was capable of, it's really amazing.
I love how much of a "never surrender" vibe this track has. You're just some absolutely fucking terrified nerd with glasses and a fancy suit of armor, yet you've come this far, you've survived pure hell, you came out of the other side of impossible odds alive, you've watched nearly everyone you care about get brutally murdered before your eyes, and you're not gonna go down without a fight now. Not when you're this close.
📂Documents └📁Music └📁 Black Mesa └📁 Bad Songs └⚠️ This folder is empty This the best soundtracks of Black Mesa that I have had the pleasure of hearing... even more so being part of the trailer for the long-awaited XEN episode thank you Joel
@@JayedSkier Hmm, why? I've personally completed it few times and liked pretty much every single bit of it. There are some other same quality level underrated mods in workshop (THE LONE FUTURE STARTER being my favorite), but come on, that isn't Mel's responsibility.
@@valoch3187 I know the devs. People hate it because it undermines a lot of what made the Portal games great - 90% of the games are tutorials, teaching you what to do. Mel throws all logic and progression out the window and just tries to make the most bone-crunchingly annoyingly difficult puzzles in the world, throwing concepts at you that you have no knowledge of and are never taught, and are only used once and thrown away. I'm friends with one of the devs and he confirmed that there was no rhyme or reason to the puzzle difficulty, they just aimed to make frustratingly difficult puzzles for the sake of being a 'difficult mod'. All it has going for it is that it looks good. The story is bland, it's very fanfictiony, the voice acting is somewhat sub par. I could go on forever about this. Ask some portal modding devs.
It's weird what a good narrative foil Gonarch actually is to Gordon. They both fight like wild animals in this chapter, for the exact same reason: because they're both trying to protect their home from invasion.
1:55 that feeling when you shoot it with a fully charged tau cannon shot right as it falls of the pillar just so it feels like you made it fall of even though you don't have to and it falls down anyway but you want to be more badass and be the reason why
The entire soundtrack is an absolute banger. I can't express just how much I love all of the tracks and all of the feelings they evoke. I've been listening to the whole playlist and reading comments and seeing how it made others feel in the moment, each track perfectly sets the tone at that moment in the game, and this song is just one of many I found to be a favorite of mine. It's amazing how the soundtrack can feel so somber, uplifting, empowering, and inspiring, and for the first time you have clarity and a sense of knowing, when you realize the inhabitants of Xen are just trying to survive like you, they had no say in the matter of invading Earth. When you first see Xen it's beautiful, you don't want to disrupt their world any more than they wanted to disrupt yours. Breathtaking game and soundtrack. One of the best experiences in gaming. A true masterpiece.
To think, there Gordon was, fighting against HECU soldiers and Xen aliens back in Black Mesa with all that badass soundtrack, and here he is, made it this far to Xen itself with a beauty of a soundtrack that just drops so hard it brings you more than a dozen emotions and feelings towards all that beautiful and what seems to be a harmless alien world. Joel, sir. I believe you gave birth to a wholesome masterpiece ever. I can't even get off of the whole album on Spotify and I don't think I ever will. Thank you for this, you deserve all the best. Liked without a doubt and any hesitation.
I'm late to the party, but your music is something else. I've only played through Black Mesa recently, but those vocals are incredible. Themes are important, even more so for a game as legendary as Half Life, and you understood this. The way those vocals instill a sense of wonder in the opening shot of Xen, and how they get twisted into something that fills you with dread during the Gonarch boss-fight. They are ever-present through Xen, and they tie your Xen composition together very well.
I was wondering when the music from the trailer would be here. It’s seriously awesome and gives that sense of purpose, adventure, in over our heads, running out of time and (again) hope. Great track. Looking forward to hearing where it is played in the game.
This was legit my first playthrough: 0:24 Gonarch lands in the arena 1:20 Gonarch stops attacking and seems idle 1:35 We fall into the second arena 1:50 I locate the rocket ammo drop and go after it while avoiding Gonarch 2:25 Gonarch dies 2:33 I land on the last floor and look around in peace before moving on Every time I replay that battle I always try to recreate that perfect timing and fail haha
I cant help but feel like many people are missing a part of the meaning of this piece, or perhaps its just me. But I always felt as this song supported the feeling and idea that this is no longer a fight of "underdog player vs boss monster" but instead, two equals, just as much of a boss as one is to the other. Both fighting for their race, neither good nor bad. This is a fight for survival, nothing more, nothing less.
A mute sir David Attenborough exploring an alien wilderness, his trusty SPAS-12 in hands... On a more serious note, this track beautifully encompasses the essence of Xen: eerie beauty and deadliness.
I remember like it was yesterday. I was 8, sitting at home in Poland when my mother brought me a package from USA. Appeared that my godfather was there and he bought me the brand new copy of Half-Life, after it's release. I never heard of it before. I played games like Blood, Doom or Duke Nukem 3D. And then started Half-Life and totally fell in love with. It was laggy on that PC back then. I remember I made it to Lambda Core and it was nearly unplayable there. Finally I beat the game later on another PC. Since then I was waiting for any sequel that will push the story forward. Same after Half-Life 2 and both Episodes. And I'm still waiting for the story to end. Black Mesa is an awesome comeback to the roots, it let me delve into my past when everything was smooth and easy. Such a wonderful times, just go to school, do your homework and play Half-Life as fast as possible. Screw football and playing outside.
I love how when the music kicks in after the introduction is timed perfectly when Gonarch lands in her nest. Only one alpha is leaving that nest alive!!
I've timed the music almost perfectly every time I got to this point, most of the time unintentionally. XD I always thought it was coded for the music to pick up at the exact moment the Gonarch lands in the arena, but it actually isn't. Really shows how much I adore this music, and soundtracks in general. Video games are quiet and empty without them.
I downloaded this soundtrack after playing black mesa. 3 years later and i still listen to it sometimes in the car sometimes while running, still giving me goosebumbs. Love it!
i played half life1 when i was 15 years old. at that time my life was floorless shithole. my grandma was old and someday she became like a baby. cannot talk cannot do anything without our help.. my father became alchoholic. also my mother beat me up everyday. in school? it was hell. and that first time i meet half life with a shitty old computer, i felt LIFE- during playing THAT game. you guys might laugh but this game woke my some sort of survival instinct. so i am alive now somehow i think. i played half life 1 for about 500 hours like a mad man over and over. and....god...! that moment. that freeman-me going throw to the gate to the XEN. that first moment i was in XEN, i felt horror and endless freedom. i was still alive. and now? kinda living pretty happy life now i guess. i am living by my own. thanks to valve crew. and this composer. great music. i cried once when i listened to this music. this reminds my old days and that xen moment.
I don't ever recall listening to something as much as I've listened to this album and it still have the power to give me chills. Thanks for the good times Joel.
hearing the trailer theme ingame combined with the sheer difficulty of new Gonarch had my mouth literally dropped, incredible work from everyone involved
Xen made me question the source engine and reoptimize my optical buds along with my eardrums. It wouldn't have been the same without the music! I hope Operation Black Mesa comes out!
Shed many tears listening to this track. the struggles of one Scientist desperately trying to save his home from an alien threat. Freeman never gave up on his mission nor his friends, family, And kind. Neither should you.
Internal Conflict not only shows Gordon’s conflicting decision to kill the Gonarch, but also shows the human resistance in the Seven Hour War. I think that Internal Conflict represents humanity’s futile resistance against the Combine in the Seven Hour War. Imagine the Combine has begun bombarding the globe with orbital strikes and the human military and resistance struggling to hold off against an invasion force that they themselves had never dealt with. And when the music slows down, that gives humanity the realization that they are not going to win. And when the music drops again, the human military decides to keep on fighting until the last man. This is why I love Black Mesa: Xen OST, it gives you the feeling that humanity’s problem are far from over and it’s going to get worse from that point. Joel, you are everything that was meant what Black Mesa stood for as the best re-living experience of Half-Life.
This guy could truly be the next Marty O Donnel, I haven't felt the same level of emotions from hearing a game soundtrack since the old Bungie Halo days.
The fact that this man composed all of these awesome and beautiful soundtracks, and I just discovered him with Black Mesa is insane to me, he should be standing tall with the giants like Salvatori.
This is when I cried. At first, my eyes and mouth were both wide open in disbelief. But when this started playing and I advanced further to see Xen's fauna flying along that beautiful purple atmosphere, that's when I just couldn't take it. My eyes narrowed and my lip quivered as I silently cried. I was too overcome with joy because it's the moment I'd been waiting for eight years. Your music has done wonders to make Black Mesa what it is. It's an amazing remake, such a passionate application of creative design and YOU helped shape it!!! Thank you for all of your hard work and patience!!
JoelNielsen was the perfect to make the music for Black Mesa, and to tell you You are the best, the music just gives a vibe that reminds me of good times, coming home after school and play through the game for the 500th time!!
with your music and with what the crowbar initiative has done to bring back the XEN from its ashes....it's art directive, the animations...level design....I thank you all....i can get lost in XEN and wander around for hours....
I cannot get over how genuinely _epic_ 1:49 sounds when the brass line joins in with the repeating chorus. Really adds to the climatic final battle between Freeman and the Gonarch.
they made xen good. listening to this again makes me wanna go back and play it again! can't say that for the original xen. we'll realise in a few years actually how much of a masterpiece this is.
This is a result of Valve's Copy & Paste. Crowbar Collective has not just created a game that just surpasses the original, but also proves how Valve is wrong. Let this be more than perfect replacement of HL3! My personal & public thanks to Crowbar Collective, since just saying "thanks" is simply just not enough in comparison to this masterpiece. #NeverForgetHL3 #NeverForgetBlackMesaSource
@Marek I've played Black Mesa. While it's an impressive amount of work they ruin the flow of the story and the feel and mood is inconsistent. There's a reason Half-Life is still considered a classic. Its consistent in its tone, flow and feel.
@Marek We're just going to have to agree to disagree. I don't like the changes that were made with Black Mesa. The game looks great, sure but the pacing is off, the new music doesn't fit and it just feels like a slightly better than average source mod. I appreciate they put a lot of work into it but I don't believe it's better than the original by any means.
@@ZiddersRooFurry Would you please clarify how is it off in a bit more detail? Because so far I have found it to match perfectly with the old game. I am just wondering, nothing else. But in my opinion, even if it doesn't make up for it, it is a really good and solid A game, that puts many Trips to shame (considering it is built on the legacy). Also the music doesn't fit the HL? Perhaps, I find it fitting. But undeniably, it fits the Black-Mesa.
I waited years for the Xen levels to be finished after I bought the mod on Steam. The beautiful graphics, accompanied by the level design and your incredible music left me with my jaw-dropped for the first time in my life. Thank you for all your hard work giving nerds like me such an amazing experience.
This track is so extremely Half Life. The heavy synth and the focus on percussion is so inline with the series' identity, whilst simultaneously being very unique and memorable. Hat's off to you for this incredible song, and this incredible soundtrack.
What I like about the re-imagining of the Gonarch battle is how it more seemlessally fit into the story, whereas the original was like "Lol random giant crab with big sack". But this version? The thought doesn't even really cross your mind. From the foreshadowing from research sketches, to when the creature interrupts your teleportation and thus creates conflict with you the protagonist, across the entire time of your cat-and-mouse game with it, up even to the point you are finally beating the last flickers of life out of it, and it finally expires in 'In The Shadow of Colossus' fashion, it doesn't cross your mind until you've had a moment of reflection... "All that...from a random giant crab with a sack......LOL."
Incredible musical accompaniment. I'm stunned by Xen with this music. This is the best thing to happen with a classic. There are no words, it's incredible. Love it
I'm getting goosebumps just from hearing this. Time to reinstall Black Mesa and face Gonarch while this piece of art plays in the background. Thank you for this wonderful song.
I remember when i have discovered Black Mesa project back in 2005 year, been following it since that, have been checking BM page 30 times per day, back then i was a student. I remember when first web page was introduced for BM project, there was player with all your music on the front page. Have been listening to all your sound tracks, i was downloading them and putting on my player and listening. That's where i started to follow you, later discovered your web page, insta downloaded all your tracks from there, i even donated some money, i hope it helped you.... It's just amazing to track all your progress back when you started and what you have achieved. You are truly great artist , 15 years of work... respect and all the best to you ;)
This and 'Shadows of Death' have to be my two favourite tracks on the album. I just finished my first playthrough of Black Mesa/Xen the other day, and your compositions made it a sublime experience. As a fellow artist to another, thank you for all of your hard work.
Can i just say thanks so much for making this bloody great music and for supporting the team with music to match the visuals. All the support in the world for what ever you do next because it shall be glorious.
Have to say - I had goosebumps on my arms and a grin on my face fighting Gonarch thanks to the music. I felt like a total gun toting, equation slinging, rocket launching badass. Sublime work my dude.
This track still brings me to tears. The background bass, the angelic singing, the drums, it all just screams to me of the end of a true journey. The feeling of true unknown and alien wonder the entire set of Xen levels brings to me is so indescribable, it's so perfectly alien. This music is such a big part of that atmosphere, stepping out of the teleporter and seeing Xen for the first time as this kicks in tells the player everything they need to know about what they are going to experience. What everyone at Crowbar Collective has accomplished with this masterpiece of a game is truly incredible. It really is the result of a team of truly passionate fans working their hardest, and the wait for the final release was absolutely worth it and then some. This final push of Xen levels had my expectations so high and somehow they were completely and totally surpassed in all regards. Thank you so much Joel for composing this absolutely fucking fantastic soundtrack, and to all of the passionate fans at Crowbar Collective for truly remaking this historical game in a way that feels authentic, and truly pushes the source engine to its limits. I wish nothing but the best for this entire team, and I hope there is more in store for the future.
Absolutely amazing track. The way it was implemented at the final showdown with the gonarch...its beyond words with how perfect it is. I played that part a few times since last night and this just amplifies the sheer adrenaline high you get while fighting. Again, just amazing.
The moment this song played, I got goosebumps. Fighting the Gonarch, traversing throughout Xen and it's stunning, beautiful environments, coming across the Vortigaunts. Xen, and it's amazing soundtrack, was definitely worth the wait.
Im glad my dad managed to play all the black mesa with xen and everything in April/May. We played the whole life something and half life was one of his favorite. RIP he passed away suddenly in early june only 51 years old. The last two days after he came back from hospital he played the last time half life 2 remaster. *I know you're looking down on us from up there, miss you every day*
Half-life 1 was my my favourite game since childhood, After playing black mesa I have a massive appreciation for this track not only for improving the atmosphere of zen from the first game but absolutely out classing the original zen and gonarch sections with this soundtrack. The music hits so hard with nostalgia. A true gaming masterpiece.
I will love you forever for doing this for Gonarch. I was a fan of that character since day 1 but noone really took her seriously because well, she's a giant ballsack crab. But this really did what i had in mind since day 1. She's a mother putting her life in line to protect her homeland and her children. And this song literally couldnt have done better at saying this. You're amazing.
This is like final boss music. This was just such a fantastic moment for me, I even killed the Gonarch right when the intense part of the song died down so it felt extra satisfying
This track is Xen itself. Thank you, Joel.
Fuck yeah, all i see is Gordon making his way through Xen with Nihilanth watching his every move.
Xen HERself.
i thought you were talking about joel from vinesauce for a sec lol
For me this is the theme song of the universe itself
@S S I don't remember, I'm guessing with the place's bewitching beauty and with beauty often being linked to females? 'Cause lets be real, Xen is just about the ideal vacation spot if not for the hazards.
Honestly, I kinda felt bad for the Gonarch when it starts to limp after the fall. The mother's just trying to protect her children, but we're trying to survive...
So, how do headcrabs reproduce now that their mother died? Do they just insert sperm into a certain female, have it grow into a new gonarch? Confusing.
Myup. When it started limping towards me I actually started feeling bad. Probably cos the level was about to end and it was so friggin' intense gettin' stalked and ambushed at times by Gonarch. This was one hell of a fight.
Bananappleboy World I always thought that at the end of there lifecycle they grow into a Gonarch
not sure about this.... In the lair she uses her "kids"....
@@Rogu75 I saw it limp, I shared it's feeling of exhaustion. But we both knew only one of us will come out alive...I let out a breath when it finally died, both of relief and grief.
I want you as the composer for the next HL game. Valve, hire this guy.
"For the next HL game" thats not gonna happen. Not from Valve anyway
@@DevilWolf000 alyx?
@@username85729 A VR game is hardly the Half-life we're waiting for
RazzeK 9.6 million people disagree
@@JoshMightymouse Im happy about it beacuse its Half-Life but that still doesnt change the fact its not the Sequel we've promised AGES ago. And if you look at the comments they doesnt even know the story at all nor whats the whole half-life universe is about.
And its still just a VR game.
To me, this song represents Half-Life rising from the ashes after years of neglect. It's a great feeling, isn't it?
3 likes, the forbidden number
Stephen Flesch 6 likes now HALF LIFE 6 CONFIRMED BOIS
The Veteran tru tru
Stephen Flesch Half Life Alyx "Comes.... Another...."
Half life Adrian Shephard 3
episode 34
I love the way they did the Gonarch boss fight. It goes from feeling like a mindless beast, to feeling like a methodical, intelligent predator. And I never thought I'd be frightened by that goofy ballsack crab, but they pulled it off. And it's awesome. And this playing during the final fight made it even more so.
The more difficult boss in Half Life and the best
*NOTHINGS IMMUNE TO EXPLOSIVES! IS THIS GOD, AM I FIGHTING GOD? IS THIS WHAT GOD LOOKS LIKE?*
during the final fight i saw it starting to struggle, like it tried climbing a pillar and fell down. it flailed around a bit, like when a spider falls off of something. really well done.
also totally fine with it spawning a load of baby headcrabs instead of just one at a time XD
“Goofy ballsack” nice
The entire level felt like something I have never been able to describe in a game. It felt like a duel, the entire way through. The Gonarch and Gordan slowly descending into the nest, taking shots at eachother.
This is such an eargasm
evet
Do u need something?
lan Black Mesa ve Türkler mi ?
birde kalp almış joel reisten
yani neden olmasın
This song PERFECTLY captures how the final chapters of Half Life should feel. After surviving everything in Black Mesa, the danger is still very real in Xen. You’re facing the absolute unknown. Bodies of other HEV suit wearing scientists scattered all around you as you progress. You’re the only person, the only human, to have gotten this far. You go from a scientist just trying to survive to humanity’s greatest hero, and Xen is your proving grounds. This is Freeman’s finest hour (or in my case, several hours after I die like 20 times).
I just read this listen the music, damn, i cries
im 14 and this is deep
@@Hsaelt come on, black mesa has been in production since 2007, my brother followed the whole thing since the beginning, and i he doesnt want to play it in beta. When he plays it and hears this for the first time, i can only imagine how he'll react
@@rippernmode8015 ok and? I mean good for him I guess?
If only everyone could understand how P H U C K I N G D E E P this soundtrack is.
The Gonarch was never evil. It wasn't a moustache twirling villain. It was a mother defending her children. Unfortunately, there was no way for Gordon to proceed without killing her. I think Black Mesa, especially with the help of this amazing soundtrack, emphasizes this far more than the original Half-Life ever did.
There is. Unlock the unquestionably ethical achievement.
The Gonarch is a filthy alien. It must be exterminated for good.
Well. It's funny you should say that. XD
if it's a mother, then why does it have a testicle
@@BiddaMeanwaterthat's where all the babies are.
Wake up.. Mr. Freeman! Wake up and listen to this masterpiece!!!
this music is why freeman woke up
true
Look at this guys, These guys (CC) turned Valve's so-called worst levels into some of the best. I laugh at all of those people who bitched about Xen taking too long to come out, well it was definitely worth the wait! These guys have revolutionized the Source engine in more ways than we thought it was capable of, it's really amazing.
That they did but it wouldn't have been the same without Joel's vision of how it would have sound.
Well part of the long await is they probably just took a damn break after the moddb release lol
I love how much of a "never surrender" vibe this track has. You're just some absolutely fucking terrified nerd with glasses and a fancy suit of armor, yet you've come this far, you've survived pure hell, you came out of the other side of impossible odds alive, you've watched nearly everyone you care about get brutally murdered before your eyes, and you're not gonna go down without a fight now. Not when you're this close.
beautifully written.
📂Documents
└📁Music
└📁 Black Mesa
└📁 Bad Songs
└⚠️ This folder is empty
This the best soundtracks of Black Mesa that I have had the pleasure of hearing...
even more so being part of the trailer for the long-awaited XEN episode
thank you Joel
I'm surprised no one replied to your comment besides the love from the publisher.
@@koona1992 No kidding. This was creative.
everyone knows. ALL SOURCE ENGINE MUSICS ARE GOOD
I’ll give you props to creativity. I was genuinely impressed.
wow, very creative
Joel...
This just hit the feels.
There is no words in the English or Xen dictionary to express how fucking amazing this song is. So much emotion, so much badass
galunga
Tahr, galalung da, galunga!
Raagrah, gallen galla.
churrrrr
goolunga
Black Mesa is proof that you can have a soundtrack with a gloomy symphony without being generic. All tracks from Xen are memorable.
"AM I FIGHTING GOD? IS THIS WHAT GOD LOOKS LIKE?!"
LOL, it's an awesome idea as you do play music in certain parts of the Freeman's Mind episodes where the music usually starts in the levels. XD
What's this reference ? i dont get, can u explain me please
@@beratgunay320 Freeman's Mind
As a wise man once said: “Jesus tap dancing Christ.”
Freeman's mind: IS THIS GOD!?
This soundtrack: It ain't even a deity, yet it's badass
Black Mesa: Xen for Half-Life is like Portal Stories: Mel for Portal.
It takes something good
and makes it *b r e a t h t a k i n g*
you are breathtaking!
(PS: Mel is largely hated by the portal modding community, just gonna let you know lol. It's not that amazing.)
@@JayedSkier Hmm, why? I've personally completed it few times and liked pretty much every single bit of it.
There are some other same quality level underrated mods in workshop (THE LONE FUTURE STARTER being my favorite), but come on, that isn't Mel's responsibility.
@@valoch3187 I know the devs. People hate it because it undermines a lot of what made the Portal games great - 90% of the games are tutorials, teaching you what to do. Mel throws all logic and progression out the window and just tries to make the most bone-crunchingly annoyingly difficult puzzles in the world, throwing concepts at you that you have no knowledge of and are never taught, and are only used once and thrown away. I'm friends with one of the devs and he confirmed that there was no rhyme or reason to the puzzle difficulty, they just aimed to make frustratingly difficult puzzles for the sake of being a 'difficult mod'. All it has going for it is that it looks good. The story is bland, it's very fanfictiony, the voice acting is somewhat sub par.
I could go on forever about this. Ask some portal modding devs.
@@JayedSkier What do you call a good portal mod then, just out of curiosity?
It's weird what a good narrative foil Gonarch actually is to Gordon. They both fight like wild animals in this chapter, for the exact same reason: because they're both trying to protect their home from invasion.
That feeling when you time it perfectly and Gonarch dies at exactly 2:32
It feels like Gonarch was singing it lol
well i died in this moment once time ex de
I did the first time I tried it, but the second time I killed it too early and waited 10 seconds in the pit beneath
Same here.
1:55
that feeling when you shoot it with a fully charged tau cannon shot
right as it falls of the pillar just so it feels like you made it fall of
even though you don't have to and it falls down anyway but you want to be more badass and be the reason why
The entire soundtrack is an absolute banger. I can't express just how much I love all of the tracks and all of the feelings they evoke. I've been listening to the whole playlist and reading comments and seeing how it made others feel in the moment, each track perfectly sets the tone at that moment in the game, and this song is just one of many I found to be a favorite of mine. It's amazing how the soundtrack can feel so somber, uplifting, empowering, and inspiring, and for the first time you have clarity and a sense of knowing, when you realize the inhabitants of Xen are just trying to survive like you, they had no say in the matter of invading Earth. When you first see Xen it's beautiful, you don't want to disrupt their world any more than they wanted to disrupt yours. Breathtaking game and soundtrack. One of the best experiences in gaming. A true masterpiece.
Just take my money! This final Gonarch battle was amazing!
To think, there Gordon was, fighting against HECU soldiers and Xen aliens back in Black Mesa with all that badass soundtrack, and here he is, made it this far to Xen itself with a beauty of a soundtrack that just drops so hard it brings you more than a dozen emotions and feelings towards all that beautiful and what seems to be a harmless alien world.
Joel, sir. I believe you gave birth to a wholesome masterpiece ever. I can't even get off of the whole album on Spotify and I don't think I ever will. Thank you for this, you deserve all the best. Liked without a doubt and any hesitation.
I'm late to the party, but your music is something else. I've only played through Black Mesa recently, but those vocals are incredible. Themes are important, even more so for a game as legendary as Half Life, and you understood this. The way those vocals instill a sense of wonder in the opening shot of Xen, and how they get twisted into something that fills you with dread during the Gonarch boss-fight. They are ever-present through Xen, and they tie your Xen composition together very well.
Love to hear that these details are being noticed!!
I was wondering when the music from the trailer would be here. It’s seriously awesome and gives that sense of purpose, adventure, in over our heads, running out of time and (again) hope.
Great track. Looking forward to hearing where it is played in the game.
It was played on Gonarch's Lair
Lyrics:
Haaaaa Ahhh
Ahhh Haaa
Aaaa Haaa
Haaaa Ahhh
Aaaah hhhaaa
Haaa AAA aaaa?
@@topcomp1066 Nice one
This was legit my first playthrough:
0:24 Gonarch lands in the arena
1:20 Gonarch stops attacking and seems idle
1:35 We fall into the second arena
1:50 I locate the rocket ammo drop and go after it while avoiding Gonarch
2:25 Gonarch dies
2:33 I land on the last floor and look around in peace before moving on
Every time I replay that battle I always try to recreate that perfect timing and fail haha
lol
an absolutely beautiful and emotional track. props to Mr and Mrs Nielsen for their work in producing and singing some really great music
The only thing I hate about Black Mesa Xen, is I only get to play it for the first time, once. A visual and audio masterpiece, well done.
I agree with this so much, i am so happy i bought it this past weekend. Thank you!
I cant help but feel like many people are missing a part of the meaning of this piece, or perhaps its just me. But I always felt as this song supported the feeling and idea that this is no longer a fight of "underdog player vs boss monster" but instead, two equals, just as much of a boss as one is to the other. Both fighting for their race, neither good nor bad. This is a fight for survival, nothing more, nothing less.
A mute sir David Attenborough exploring an alien wilderness, his trusty SPAS-12 in hands...
On a more serious note, this track beautifully encompasses the essence of Xen: eerie beauty and deadliness.
Now I'm thinking of David Attenborough making a documentary of Xen.
I remember like it was yesterday. I was 8, sitting at home in Poland when my mother brought me a package from USA. Appeared that my godfather was there and he bought me the brand new copy of Half-Life, after it's release. I never heard of it before. I played games like Blood, Doom or Duke Nukem 3D. And then started Half-Life and totally fell in love with. It was laggy on that PC back then. I remember I made it to Lambda Core and it was nearly unplayable there. Finally I beat the game later on another PC. Since then I was waiting for any sequel that will push the story forward. Same after Half-Life 2 and both Episodes. And I'm still waiting for the story to end. Black Mesa is an awesome comeback to the roots, it let me delve into my past when everything was smooth and easy. Such a wonderful times, just go to school, do your homework and play Half-Life as fast as possible. Screw football and playing outside.
I love how when the music kicks in after the introduction is timed perfectly when Gonarch lands in her nest. Only one alpha is leaving that nest alive!!
I've timed the music almost perfectly every time I got to this point, most of the time unintentionally. XD I always thought it was coded for the music to pick up at the exact moment the Gonarch lands in the arena, but it actually isn't.
Really shows how much I adore this music, and soundtracks in general. Video games are quiet and empty without them.
I downloaded this soundtrack after playing black mesa. 3 years later and i still listen to it sometimes in the car sometimes while running, still giving me goosebumbs. Love it!
This is just amazing, black mesa shows what people can achieve when they put their hearts to a project just as amazing as this
i played half life1 when i was 15 years old. at that time my life was floorless shithole. my grandma was old and someday she became like a baby. cannot talk cannot do anything without our help.. my father became alchoholic. also my mother beat me up everyday. in school? it was hell. and that first time i meet half life with a shitty old computer, i felt LIFE- during playing THAT game. you guys might laugh but this game woke my some sort of survival instinct. so i am alive now somehow i think. i played half life 1 for about 500 hours like a mad man over and over. and....god...! that moment. that freeman-me going throw to the gate to the XEN. that first moment i was in XEN, i felt horror and endless freedom. i was still alive. and now? kinda living pretty happy life now i guess. i am living by my own. thanks to valve crew. and this composer. great music. i cried once when i listened to this music. this reminds my old days and that xen moment.
Congrats man!
Anyone who laughs at you for this deserves to fall penis first into a woodchipper.
nice glowup
Still getting goosebumps after few days later of the release.
I never get bored of Half-Life somehow. There's something about it that just keeps you coming back.
I don't ever recall listening to something as much as I've listened to this album and it still have the power to give me chills. Thanks for the good times Joel.
hearing the trailer theme ingame combined with the sheer difficulty of new Gonarch had my mouth literally dropped, incredible work from everyone involved
Безумно полюбила эту композицию. Моя самая любимая! Композитор постарался на все 1000%!
Согласен
Всю игру проходила?
@@peperoni146 да, несколько раз, собрав все достижения, учитывая достижения со шляпой и пиццей
@@sora_no на сложном проходила?
@@peperoni146 да, было весело. Хоть, как то растянула игру
The fight against Gonarch was so hard... but when this music kicked in I got so pumped- that walking nutsack didn't stand a chance!!!
its absolutely amazing how the team turned a bland and barren place into something beautiful with a living ecosystem
Xen made me question the source engine and reoptimize my optical buds along with my eardrums. It wouldn't have been the same without the music!
I hope Operation Black Mesa comes out!
it will, and judging from what we've seen so far it'll be just as much of a banger as Black Mesa was.
Shed many tears listening to this track. the struggles of one Scientist desperately trying to save his home from an alien threat. Freeman never gave up on his mission nor his friends, family, And kind. Neither should you.
All the effort in the world would have gone to waste if it wasn't for him.
I can not express in words how much i love this song
Christ this is good. I've been playing the entire soundtrack all day today on repeat and I'm still getting tingles listening to it.
Internal Conflict not only shows Gordon’s conflicting decision to kill the Gonarch, but also shows the human resistance in the Seven Hour War.
I think that Internal Conflict represents humanity’s futile resistance against the Combine in the Seven Hour War. Imagine the Combine has begun bombarding the globe with orbital strikes and the human military and resistance struggling to hold off against an invasion force that they themselves had never dealt with. And when the music slows down, that gives humanity the realization that they are not going to win. And when the music drops again, the human military decides to keep on fighting until the last man.
This is why I love Black Mesa: Xen OST, it gives you the feeling that humanity’s problem are far from over and it’s going to get worse from that point.
Joel, you are everything that was meant what Black Mesa stood for as the best re-living experience of Half-Life.
This guy could truly be the next Marty O Donnel, I haven't felt the same level of emotions from hearing a game soundtrack since the old Bungie Halo days.
Сколько не переслушиваю этот саундтрек, до сих пор мурашки по коже
The fact that this man composed all of these awesome and beautiful soundtracks, and I just discovered him with Black Mesa is insane to me, he should be standing tall with the giants like Salvatori.
This is when I cried. At first, my eyes and mouth were both wide open in disbelief. But when this started playing and I advanced further to see Xen's fauna flying along that beautiful purple atmosphere, that's when I just couldn't take it. My eyes narrowed and my lip quivered as I silently cried. I was too overcome with joy because it's the moment I'd been waiting for eight years. Your music has done wonders to make Black Mesa what it is. It's an amazing remake, such a passionate application of creative design and YOU helped shape it!!! Thank you for all of your hard work and patience!!
JoelNielsen was the perfect to make the music for Black Mesa, and to tell you You are the best, the music just gives a vibe that reminds me of good times, coming home after school and play through the game for the 500th time!!
Playing this part of Black Mesa with sound volume super high was the best idea I've had this year.
with your music and with what the crowbar initiative has done to bring back the XEN from its ashes....it's art directive, the animations...level design....I thank you all....i can get lost in XEN and wander around for hours....
I cannot get over how genuinely _epic_ 1:49 sounds when the brass line joins in with the repeating chorus. Really adds to the climatic final battle between Freeman and the Gonarch.
they made xen good. listening to this again makes me wanna go back and play it again! can't say that for the original xen. we'll realise in a few years actually how much of a masterpiece this is.
The second build-up is so perfect. Jaw dropping
This is a result of Valve's Copy & Paste.
Crowbar Collective has not just created a game that just surpasses the original, but also proves how Valve is wrong.
Let this be more than perfect replacement of HL3!
My personal & public thanks to Crowbar Collective, since just saying "thanks" is simply just not enough in comparison to this masterpiece.
#NeverForgetHL3 #NeverForgetBlackMesaSource
There's no need to trash Valve.
@Marek I've played Black Mesa. While it's an impressive amount of work they ruin the flow of the story and the feel and mood is inconsistent. There's a reason Half-Life is still considered a classic. Its consistent in its tone, flow and feel.
@@ZiddersRooFurry I never found it to be consistent in the slightest.
@Marek We're just going to have to agree to disagree. I don't like the changes that were made with Black Mesa. The game looks great, sure but the pacing is off, the new music doesn't fit and it just feels like a slightly better than average source mod. I appreciate they put a lot of work into it but I don't believe it's better than the original by any means.
@@ZiddersRooFurry Would you please clarify how is it off in a bit more detail? Because so far I have found it to match perfectly with the old game. I am just wondering, nothing else.
But in my opinion, even if it doesn't make up for it, it is a really good and solid A game, that puts many Trips to shame (considering it is built on the legacy).
Also the music doesn't fit the HL? Perhaps, I find it fitting. But undeniably, it fits the Black-Mesa.
Joel. All your work on the soundtrack. The original bms ost was awesome, but THIS. This brought me to tears of happiness. Thank you Joel.
I waited years for the Xen levels to be finished after I bought the mod on Steam. The beautiful graphics, accompanied by the level design and your incredible music left me with my jaw-dropped for the first time in my life. Thank you for all your hard work giving nerds like me such an amazing experience.
When i heard that track at first, i've clearly understood - this is going to be true masterpiece.
This score has truly moved me. I'm very glad for it.
It’s so powerful. No words. Awesome soundtrack!!!
black mesa wouldn't be black mesa without you and your music
This track is so extremely Half Life. The heavy synth and the focus on percussion is so inline with the series' identity, whilst simultaneously being very unique and memorable. Hat's off to you for this incredible song, and this incredible soundtrack.
You're a musical genius.
You hit the nail on the head with how Xen should sound
my GOD.I'm having a heart attack. this song ridiculously amazing. I'm hyping so much
What I like about the re-imagining of the Gonarch battle is how it more seemlessally fit into the story, whereas the original was like "Lol random giant crab with big sack". But this version? The thought doesn't even really cross your mind. From the foreshadowing from research sketches, to when the creature interrupts your teleportation and thus creates conflict with you the protagonist, across the entire time of your cat-and-mouse game with it, up even to the point you are finally beating the last flickers of life out of it, and it finally expires in 'In The Shadow of Colossus' fashion, it doesn't cross your mind until you've had a moment of reflection...
"All that...from a random giant crab with a sack......LOL."
Like what Fry said... SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!! The Xen soundtrack is totally legendary.
this is the best soundtrack I've ever heard
Joel my man you are the most talented musician ever. I want this to play when I die.
Gonarch in Hl1: she pissed you off, so you chase her down
Gonarch in BMX: *you pissed her off, so you run away from her*
Incredible musical accompaniment. I'm stunned by Xen with this music. This is the best thing to happen with a classic. There are no words, it's incredible. Love it
I'm getting goosebumps just from hearing this. Time to reinstall Black Mesa and face Gonarch while this piece of art plays in the background. Thank you for this wonderful song.
this is the best soundtrack in Black Mesa:XEN.
This is illegally good.
I love it!
Drugs?
you are from Poland?)
@@даниельфранкен Ukraine, actually
FBI open up!
@@BeezOne84 oh shi~!
This honestly gives me goose bumps every time. This game has the best soundtrack I've ever heard. Seriously man, your music is incredible.
Someone: How do spell orgasmic?
Me: J-O-E-L N-I-E-L-S-E-N.
I showed this comment to my wife, and she's still laughing. :P
@@JoelNielsenMusic After Xen soundtracks we all love your wife😏👍
@@JoelNielsenMusic thanks man
Whats orgasmic I know orgasm
I remember when i have discovered Black Mesa project back in 2005 year, been following it since that, have been checking BM page 30 times per day, back then i was a student. I remember when first web page was introduced for BM project, there was player with all your music on the front page. Have been listening to all your sound tracks, i was downloading them and putting on my player and listening. That's where i started to follow you, later discovered your web page, insta downloaded all your tracks from there, i even donated some money, i hope it helped you.... It's just amazing to track all your progress back when you started and what you have achieved. You are truly great artist , 15 years of work... respect and all the best to you ;)
Thank you so much! All of the support has helped greatly!
This and 'Shadows of Death' have to be my two favourite tracks on the album. I just finished my first playthrough of Black Mesa/Xen the other day, and your compositions made it a sublime experience. As a fellow artist to another, thank you for all of your hard work.
Can i just say thanks so much for making this bloody great music and for supporting the team with music to match the visuals. All the support in the world for what ever you do next because it shall be glorious.
Have to say - I had goosebumps on my arms and a grin on my face fighting Gonarch thanks to the music. I felt like a total gun toting, equation slinging, rocket launching badass. Sublime work my dude.
This soundtrack makes me cry because of its sheer greatness.
How is this so good, I cant stop replaying it
Your music definitely sets the mood in the levels Joel. Simply fantastic.
This track still brings me to tears. The background bass, the angelic singing, the drums, it all just screams to me of the end of a true journey. The feeling of true unknown and alien wonder the entire set of Xen levels brings to me is so indescribable, it's so perfectly alien. This music is such a big part of that atmosphere, stepping out of the teleporter and seeing Xen for the first time as this kicks in tells the player everything they need to know about what they are going to experience. What everyone at Crowbar Collective has accomplished with this masterpiece of a game is truly incredible. It really is the result of a team of truly passionate fans working their hardest, and the wait for the final release was absolutely worth it and then some. This final push of Xen levels had my expectations so high and somehow they were completely and totally surpassed in all regards. Thank you so much Joel for composing this absolutely fucking fantastic soundtrack, and to all of the passionate fans at Crowbar Collective for truly remaking this historical game in a way that feels authentic, and truly pushes the source engine to its limits. I wish nothing but the best for this entire team, and I hope there is more in store for the future.
Absolutely amazing track. The way it was implemented at the final showdown with the gonarch...its beyond words with how perfect it is. I played that part a few times since last night and this just amplifies the sheer adrenaline high you get while fighting. Again, just amazing.
The moment this song played, I got goosebumps. Fighting the Gonarch, traversing throughout Xen and it's stunning, beautiful environments, coming across the Vortigaunts. Xen, and it's amazing soundtrack, was definitely worth the wait.
Im glad my dad managed to play all the black mesa with xen and everything in April/May. We played the whole life something and half life was one of his favorite. RIP he passed away suddenly in early june only 51 years old. The last two days after he came back from hospital he played the last time half life 2 remaster. *I know you're looking down on us from up there, miss you every day*
I'm very sorry to hear that.
You may not believe me but the 0:24 bass hit exactly as I landed the Gonarch's arena, on my first playthrough! I love this track!
wait, is XEN already available for play?
Yes
It went on the land of the Gonarch for me and It was terrifyingly amazing
After all the build up, all the running... oh man.
Simply amazing.
Half-life 1 was my my favourite game since childhood, After playing black mesa I have a massive appreciation for this track not only for improving the atmosphere of zen from the first game but absolutely out classing the original zen and gonarch sections with this soundtrack. The music hits so hard with nostalgia. A true gaming masterpiece.
I will love you forever for doing this for Gonarch. I was a fan of that character since day 1 but noone really took her seriously because well, she's a giant ballsack crab. But this really did what i had in mind since day 1. She's a mother putting her life in line to protect her homeland and her children. And this song literally couldnt have done better at saying this. You're amazing.
thanks joel nielsen for making this experience fantastic with the beautiful tune for my ears
This is one of the best game soundtracks i have ever heard in my life. 11 out of 10 stars from me.
This constantly gives me goosebumps and makes me feel warm inside.
This is one of the best, if not the best, piece of soundtrack made for any game. Thank you
This is like final boss music. This was just such a fantastic moment for me, I even killed the Gonarch right when the intense part of the song died down so it felt extra satisfying
Black mesa soundtracks are one of the best i have ever heard ! Thanks Joel !!!
Ohhh my goooooood this is the best soundtrack man
probably best bossfight ive ever seen in a game
10/10
I can not get this song out of my mind! Excellent.