Synthbringer: A Retrowave Journey

The neon skyline of Helstalgia pulses with electric energy, a cyberpunk cityscape drenched in synthwave nostalgia. Streets shimmer with digital rain, reflecting the vibrant hues of retro-futurism and 80s-inspired aesthetics. Somewhere in this sprawling metacity, a lone figure rises—Synthbringer, the Defender of Helstalgia, wielding his NES-inspired zapper gun and laser sword in an epic battle against digital corruption and the relentless beat of retrowave music.

This world inspired my first retrowave track, “Synthbringer”, a sonic journey through pixelated highways and neon battles.

The Evolution of a Song: From Demo to Release

This track is where it all started. A song I had been working on for a while. I used it for the basis of a lot of the music I had been writing. Before releasing this version on Spotify and Bandcamp, I had already been messing around with it for a year.

The song went through multiple versions as I refined the synths, reworked sections, and expanded Synthbringer’s story to shape the narrative I wanted to tell.

Early Demos for Patreon Subscribers

There are a few demo versions of the song kicking around. I’ve uploaded one to Patreon, giving subscribers a BTS look at how the track evolved before its final release in November 2022.

The post can now be seen here by subscribers.

The Story Behind My Synthwave Love

I had dabbled in synthesized music and put it aside to pursue other hobbies. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I discovered synthwave music (and boy do I wish I had found it sooner!) and had my interest in creating music pushed to the limits again. This time it was in a different format. I was used to tweaking pedals and amps with my guitar writing heavy metal. I love ’80s music and am a massive fan of that era of Rush (Subdivisions). I have always loved the sound of synths. Discovering Dance with the Dead and Street Cleaner thrust me head first into the entire genre.

What inspired Synthbringer?

I wanted to capture the essence of Synthbringer—the greatest synth player in the metaverse, a legend both on stage and in combat. His music isn’t just for show—it’s a weapon, a force of resistance against those trying to crush Helstalgia under silence and control. I needed the song to feel like something he’d play, like the soundtrack to an all-out battle where every note is a strike against the system.

Crafting the Sound of a Metaverse Hero

The track is packed with soaring arpeggios, pulsing basslines, and deep cinematic synths, all riding on a relentless, driving rhythm. It’s meant to hit you in the chest—something you’d hear blasting through a cyberpunk battlefield or thundering through a digital coliseum while Synthbringer steps onto the stage, ready to shred.

Retrowave Enhances the LitRPG Story

The music tells the story of Synthbringer and Helstalgia. It is a part of the lore and experience, and listening to the song is supposed to mirror listening to Synthbringer play his music in Helstalgia.

Synthbringer is a hero of the metaverse. One that is looked up to by the people of Helstalgia and beyond. The crowds roar and cheer when he hits the stage, or even just makes an appearance. The LitRPG adventure to unfold in the metacity is enhanced by the music of Synthbringer and Helstalgia.

More Nostalgic Content To Come

This first song was the first in a line of content to drop for Helstalgia. These inside looks and mind-dumps are part of the creative process to keep myself active and engaged in the community. More content is always being prepared and on the way.

What’s your favorite synthwave track and how does it inspire you? Sound off on our Reddit community!