So someone over a couple years ago took to the tablature program Guitar Pro and inputted their song of choice at the time, and created a MIDI playback via SCXX.  Immediately, one is transported back to the likes of the Sega Master System, Atari 2600 and the Nintendo Entertainment System with a listen to merely one of these.

And henceforth, the 8-bit versions of metal songs were born in 2009: the absolute fascination being how some would suit so eloquently as soundtracks to video games, in some situations bettering the originals in an abstract sense.  The combination of the raw buzzsaw sound of the chiptune with the melodical intricacies of the songs makes for a remeniscent experience.  Basically, you'd never think metal would work in this sense; but it makes for a rather unique form of paying homage.  Take a look at some of our favourites.

Start Screen+Level one

That initial build up is perfect for the splash screen of the hero to slowly dawn into view, with a hit of the start button immediately erupting into a Contra-esque gunslinging storm of the base.  Extra credit goes to the 8-bit rendition of the alarm sound.

First discovery of the boss

We're not talking about the first boss fight, rather the moment you see them for the first time, and he/she says something rather cock-sure about the protagonist meeting an inevitably unfortunate end.  Disappearing as quickly as they emerged in a puff of smoke that welcomes you onto the second world.

The Puzzle level

You know which we mean: that level you always got stuck on and didn't bother returning to the game for.  That level that broke the generic codes and conventions made by the run-and-gun action by introducing a complex puzzle to solve, with the background soundtrack of something complimentarily complex.

The Final boss

Not a fan of this band IRL; but the rhythm lends itself spectacularly to being that 'final encounter' sort of music.  Plus it has a re-interpreted guitar solo, which we can't help but love.

Anymore? Send them on!

update

Use as3sxfr to generate some of the 8-bit sound effects.  Quite a nifty web application.