You know that feeling when a song just rips through the screen and grabs you by the throat?
That's exactly what happened back in 2012 when the "Beast of America" trailer for BioShock Infinite dropped. It wasn't just a video game commercial. It was a cultural collision. At the center of it was a band from Los Angeles called Nico Vega, and their track "Beast" became the unofficial anthem for a generation of gamers and alt-rock fans.
Honestly, it’s one of those rare moments where a song and a story fit together so perfectly it feels like they were born in the same room.
The Story Behind the Stomp
Nico Vega wasn't some manufactured pop act. They were gritty. They were loud. Formed in 2005, the band originally featured lead singer Aja Volkman, guitarist Rich Koehler, and Mike Peña on drums. Yeah, that Mike Peña—the actor from Ant-Man and Narcos: Mexico. He eventually left to chase the Hollywood dream, and Dan Epand stepped in to take over the kit.
They spent years grinding in the L.A. scene, releasing independent EPs and playing shows that felt more like exorcisms than concerts.
Then came "Beast."
The song actually first appeared on their self-titled debut album in 2009. It was raw, bluesy, and had this foot-stomping rhythm that felt like a protest march. But it didn’t truly explode until Ken Levine and the team at Irrational Games decided it was the perfect backdrop for the sky-city of Columbia.
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Why BioShock Infinite Needed This Song
If you’ve played the game, you get it. BioShock Infinite is about American Exceptionalism, corruption, and the "beast" that lives inside a society that thinks it’s perfect.
The trailer—aptly titled "Beast of America"—juxtaposed the song's heavy, distorted riffs with images of mechanical patriots and burning flags. It was a vibe. It wasn't just background noise; it was an indictment.
The lyrics "Stand tall for the beast of America / Lay down like a naked dead body" echoed the game’s themes of sacrifice and the crushing weight of a corrupted system. It gave the game a soul before people even had the controller in their hands.
Deconstructing the Lyrics (It’s Not What You Think)
A lot of people hear the title and assume it’s just some "USA! USA!" anthem. It’s actually the opposite.
Aja Volkman has been pretty vocal about the fact that "Beast" is about self-empowerment and standing up to suppression. It’s a call to the "underdog." It’s about the person working overtime who can’t get ahead. It’s about the "man next door."
In 2020, the band actually had to jump on social media to clarify the meaning when the song was used in political videos without their permission. They were clear: the song is about unity and "loving thy neighbor." It’s a rebellion against division, not a celebration of it.
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The "Beast" isn't America itself—it's the greed, the apathy, and the ego that can take over a country or a person.
The Sound of Rebellion
Musically, the track is a masterclass in tension and release.
It starts with that distorted, almost swampy guitar riff. Then Aja’s voice comes in—half-whisper, half-snarl. She has this incredible ability to sound vulnerable and dangerous at the same time.
By the time the chorus hits, it’s a full-on wall of sound.
- The Riff: Rich Koehler’s guitar work is purposefully messy. It feels alive.
- The Percussion: Dan Epand’s drumming drives the song like a heartbeat on caffeine.
- The Vocals: Volkman’s "Come on people!" shout is iconic. It’s a literal wake-up call.
Where Are They Now?
Nico Vega has had a bit of a rollercoaster history. They went on hiatus in 2016, came back briefly in 2018, and then went quiet again while Aja and Dan worked on other projects like TWWO.
But here’s the cool part: as of 2024 and heading into 2026, they are back.
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Michael Peña even returned to the fold, this time on bass, for their latest work like the album Make It Out Alive. They’ve been releasing new tracks like "$5" and "Wasted on the Young," proving that the fire they had during the "Beast" era hasn't burnt out. They’ve still got that soulful rawness that made them stand out in the first place.
How to Experience the "Beast" Today
If you’re just discovering the song, don't stop at the trailer version. There are a few ways to really dive into what makes this track special:
- The Extended Version: Look for the full 2013 re-release. It has a longer intro that builds the atmospheric tension much better than the 30-second clips you hear on social media.
- The Acoustic Performance: Aja Volkman’s unplugged versions of "Beast" are haunting. Without the heavy distortion, you can really hear the grit in her lyrics.
- The Remixes: If you’re into EDM, the Vicetone remix on Monstercat is actually a banger. It keeps the soul of the original but turns it into a high-energy festival track.
Real Talk: The Legacy
Is "Beast" the greatest rock song of the 2010s? Maybe, maybe not. But it’s definitely one of the most effective uses of music in gaming history. It proved that indie rock still had teeth and that a small band from L.A. could provide the heartbeat for a multimillion-dollar blockbuster.
It’s a song for anyone who feels like an outcast.
It reminds us that the "land of the free" only stays that way if people actually stand up and look out for each other.
Next time you’re feeling a bit ground down by the daily grind, throw this track on. Turn it up until the speakers rattle. Let Aja Volkman scream for you. Sometimes, you just need to remind yourself that you aren't going down like this.
Actionable Next Steps
To get the full Nico Vega experience beyond just one hit, start by listening to their Fury Oh Fury EP. It captures that specific high-octane energy they had during the BioShock era. After that, check out their 2024 comeback single "$5" to see how their sound has evolved with the return of the original lineup. If you're a gamer, go back and watch the BioShock Infinite: Beast of America trailer on YouTube—it’s a masterclass in editing and still holds up as one of the best trailers ever made.