You’d never guess how the sound effect for an Ohmu’s voice was produced.
If you’ve seen Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, then you know about Ohmus, the giant but docile creatures that sometimes get a little crazy when they’re angry. You’ve also probably heard its inhuman voice when it goes berserk, but have you ever wondered where it came from?
When Japanese national television aired Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind at the start of the New Year, fans brought up all sorts of fun facts, and one we learned was the source of an Ohmu’s voice: an electric guitar.
▼ The result is this sound. It might sound rad coming from a guitar, but it’s much more terrifying coming from a giant monster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPhiJhw6kq8
That’s right; the screeching, bleating noises the Ohmu make when they’re full of rage are actually guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei (also known simply as Hotei) wailing on a guitar. Music director Joe Hisaishi asked the famous musician (who currently has a 35-year career in the music industry) to “cry with the guitar” in order to express the anger of the normally docile creatures. Guitar amps, effects, and technique are what ultimately produced the unique sound emitted by Ohmus.
▼ Here’s a reminder of why exactly the Ohmus get so angry.
Once again we are reminded of the awesomeness of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, and that instruments can make some pretty awesome monster sounds, like Godzilla’s famous roar.
Sources: Livedoor News via My Game News Flash
Featured image: YouTube/Madman

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