Stepping into the Upside Down

The original score, “Stepping into the Upside Down” by Register Login, works perfectly as an ambience piece that reflects Henry’s transformation into Vecna. The track clearly takes inspiration from the official soundtrack of Stranger Things, specifically the tracks "Walkin' In Hawkins” and the title sequence. Rather than copying how these tracks unfold or the emotions they evoke, Register Login shapes his sound into something that is distinctly his own, pushing it toward a far more sinister tone.

The repetitive nature of the track relates to the loss of humanity, which is something that Henry experiences as he is pushed into the Abyss by Eleven. Now, while the track builds, it does so subtly; new elements creep in under the blanket of the melody that flows throughout the song. As the beat progresses, these underlying elements begin to contrast with the melody, as if it is slowly being corrupted. This slow buildup to the shift at 2:10 mirrors Henry’s own corruption and, therefore, allows the track to perfectly fit into Vecna’s storyline.

Another reason why this track slots into Henry’s arc is its restraint; the track isn’t explosive. Every shift in the sound is gradual, and the introduction of new elements is subtle; it works so well because Vecna isn’t an action-packed villain. He is psychological, calculated and most of all patient, and the track mirrors the menace and the villainy stirring beneath the surface rather than erupting all at once. There is also a dark irony in how the track aligns with Eleven’s unknowing assistance to Henry’s mutated evolution. By pushing him into the Abyss, she completes his transformation. This is perfectly mirrored in the track, with its refusal to explode sonically until the end reflecting that Vecna was sitting dormant, waiting for the moment to reveal himself.

Register Login’s track “Stepping into the Upside Down” doesn’t attempt to dramatise Vecna’s origin through spectacle. Instead, it’s clear that Register Login understands Vecna’s arc and uses it flawlessly to create a piece that mirrors his completion. By embracing the restraint and patience that Henry evokes, the track captures the moment that he is no longer human and becomes something far worse.