If there’s one thing I treasure as a music writer and a lifelong gamer, it’s when two worlds I love collide in a completely organic and authentic way. Meet Adam Nelson, an emerging artist from Columbia Falls, United States, whose recent instrumental cover EP, ‘Metal Mario,’ is a tribute to Nintendo’s pixelated past; it’s a full-blown power-up for your ears.
Let me first welcome Adam Nelson to your blog, dear readers. He isn’t just a guy who grew up gaming and decided to dabble in guitar. He is someone who has carefully honed his craft at the crossroads of music technology and video game culture. His work feels lived-in, deliberate, and sincere. Every note on this EP was shaped by years of experience, housed in the four walls of his own studio, and driven by a mission not just to entertain, but to transport us—back to simpler times, when blowing into a cartridge was a sacred ritual and side-scrolling was the way we explored worlds.
From the moment “Super Mario Bros Metal Theme” kicks off, it’s like jumping headfirst into World 1-1, only this time the mushrooms are forged in metal and the coins ring with distortion. The iconic melody is instantly recognizable, but it’s what Adam adds that makes it sing: layered guitar harmonies, tight rhythmic crunches, and a driving double-kick drum line that turns Koopa-stomping into a headbanger’s dream. His delivery is precise, but never sterile—each riff bends with a joy that feels as contagious as the original theme’s bounce. The production is sharp and full-bodied, with each layer—from rhythm guitar to lead licks—polished yet raw enough to retain that gamer’s edge. Adam doesn’t just recreate; he revives the spirit of the original with a muscular, melodic rock heart.
“Super Mario Bros 2 Metal Theme” caught me off guard in the best way. It’s always been the more surreal entry in the Mario saga, and Adam leans into that quirkiness while grounding it with syncopated guitar rhythms and a slightly darker tonal palette. There’s a dreamlike atmosphere here, heightened by the use of ambient textures underneath the chugging guitars—something that subtly mirrors the strange, dreamlike tone of Mario 2 itself.
Midway through, Adam throws in a guitar solo that soars, playfully referencing the original theme while also letting his own musical identity rip through. He respects the source material, but you can tell he’s also having a blast reinventing it. It’s a delicate balance, and he pulls it off effortlessly.
Now, “Super Mario Land Metal Theme” is where the EP hits its emotional high score. The Game Boy’s Super Mario Land has a soundtrack etched into the memories of many of us who first gamed on grayscale screens. Adam’s version doesn’t just pay homage—it amplifies the heart of that experience. With a slightly more melancholic edge, this cover begins with a clean, chorus-kissed guitar tone that soon builds into a towering melodic metal arrangement, complete with galloping rhythm sections and blistering solos that evoke the fast-paced platforming action of Sarasaland.
This track feels the most cinematic of the three. There’s a real sense of movement, of progression—not just in the gaming sense, but in Adam’s own narrative voice as a composer. It’s like he’s guiding us through the levels, boss battles and all, but through six strings and steel instead of pixels.
Adam Nelson has created something more than a novelty project—Metal Mario is a passionate fusion of childhood nostalgia and adult-level musicianship. His attention to tone, texture, and musical dynamics speaks volumes about his background in both technology and creative performance. This is music made by someone who not only understands the importance of these classic tracks but who can speak their language fluently—in guitar solos, tempo changes, and layered production choices.
The EP’s mix is crystal clear, with the lead guitar always front and center, supported by rhythm guitars that fill out the sonic spectrum. The drums—likely programmed but extremely well-executed—add punch and pace, giving each track a heartbeat that drives the energy forward. It’s a one-man project with the weight and power of a full band.
For those of you who’ve fallen for Metal Mario, there’s more where that came from. Adam also offers a Zelda-inspired release under the same artist name on all platforms—a companion piece that promises even more 8-bit nostalgia reinvented in melodic metal glory. Whether you’re a gamer at heart, a lover of guitar-driven instrumental music, or just someone who appreciates innovation and authenticity, Metal Mario is a must-listen.
Listen to “Metal Mario” on Spotify
You can follow Adam Nelson here for more information.
