The Intersection of Heavy Metal and Cooperative Card Games
The blend of heavy metal and cooperative card games represents a niche yet promising genre within tabletop entertainment. With heavy metal drawing inspiration from various forms of storytelling—most notably Dungeons & Dragons—there lies a fertile ground for the influence to evolve in reverse. One such promising project is The Restless, an upcoming cooperative card game that intertwines elements from death and black metal, alongside horror and fantasy themes.
Game Development and Concept
Creator Winslow Dumaine has invested five years into developing The Restless, initially inspired by a Tarot deck of the same name. This backstory infuses the game with an abstract mysticism that complements its intricate rules and lore. Players will encounter characters with evocative, major arcana-like names such as “The Rag” and “The Halo.” They’ll wield items that carry a Dark Souls-esque vibe, like the “Slipcrook Casting Glove,” as they face grotesque adversaries and seek unsettling loot, including the intriguingly named “Mule Ghost in a Jar.”
Musical Inspirations Behind The Restless
Heavy metal serves as a profound source of inspiration for The Restless, with Dumaine drawing from its unique narrative styles and themes. Unlike many games that rely on clichéd pop-culture references, The Restless seeks to capture the bizarre and enigmatic qualities of heavy music, triggering the same cerebral engagement that listeners experience with extreme metal.
Key Albums and Artists
In a recent conversation, Dumaine highlighted several pivotal albums and artists that influenced his creative process.
Suffering Hour
One of Dumaine’s favorite albums is Suffering Hour’s 2017 release, In Passing Ascension. This album masterfully merges melodic black and death metal, oscillating between brutal intensity and ethereal harmonies, serving as a constant source of inspiration during the project. A direct reference to their song “The Abrasive Black Dust” is included in the game as a useful item.
Terra Tenebrosa
Terra Tenebrosa stands out for its atmospheric approach to metal. Their records prioritize mood and language, resulting in haunting compositions. In The Restless, players will encounter realms, monsters, and characters that pay homage to their final album, The Reverses.
Pharmakeia
For Dumaine, Pharmakeia’s self-titled album serves as a mental catalyst. While cycling through Chicago, he often listens to their music, which combines acoustic vastness with aggressive compositions, creating a unique sonic landscape that fuels his creativity.
The Body
The Body captivates with its rich vocabulary and literary lyricism, exploring themes of grief and despair. Their evocative song titles and lyrics have profoundly influenced Dumaine’s artistic vision for The Restless.
Primitive Man
With a sound steeped in pitch-black pessimism, Primitive Man offers a cathartic experience through their heavy music. Their debut album, Scorn, resonated deeply with Dumaine, especially during a tumultuous period in his life, helping to shape the thematic darkness in The Restless.
Soundtrack Collaboration
To enhance the gaming experience, Dumaine collaborated with dark ambient artist Deformr to create a soundtrack titled The Last Gasp – The Soundtrack to The Restless. This score features ominous soundscapes, orchestral elements, and intense heaviness, designed to immerse players in an atmosphere of dread and awe. The soundtrack will be available for free on Deformr’s Bandcamp.
Conclusion
The Restless represents a groundbreaking fusion of heavy metal aesthetics and cooperative gameplay, tapping into the darker aspects of both mediums. With its unique lore, atmospheric sound, and the creative vision of Winslow Dumaine, the game promises to transport players into an unsettling yet captivating realm. The Kickstarter campaign is currently live, inviting enthusiasts to support this innovative project.
FAQs
What is The Restless?
The Restless is an upcoming cooperative card game that merges themes from heavy metal, horror, and fantasy, featuring a rich lore and hundreds of hand-painted cards.
Who created The Restless?
The game was developed by Winslow Dumaine, who has spent five years refining its concept and gameplay.
What musical influences are present in The Restless?
The Restless draws inspiration from various heavy metal albums and artists, including Suffering Hour, Terra Tenebrosa, Pharmakeia, The Body, and Primitive Man.
Will there be a soundtrack for The Restless?
Yes, a soundtrack titled The Last Gasp – The Soundtrack to The Restless, created in collaboration with Deformr, will accompany the game, featuring ominous and atmospheric compositions.
How can I support The Restless?
The Restless is currently running a Kickstarter campaign, where backers can support the project and secure their copy of the game.
