OCR01377 - Chrono Trigger 'Atonement'

[djpretzel]

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

[MegamanZeroX]

Freakin Sweet! i love nothing more than guitars of a band playing to video game music - this mix only makes it better. Great song choice too.

[Jenga]

I've been wanting a heavy metal remix of Magus for a loooong time. Nice Work.

[PlastikBag]

I've had this one since the DoD release. Awesome stuff.

[Dead Hex]

Very awesome. I love the metal theme. Nice job.

[Zenth Relin]

A magus mix! And less than 20 seconds into it, it made me return here to comment! Let's just say that a few weeks ago, I had said, I wasn't particularly fond of the style of mixes of this, due to their slower nature. Guess I just got shut up. =x

[RimFrost the Tourianist]

Wow this IS a great effort indeed with the melodic metal track ..and the drums ..the DRUMS !

Awesome work Darangen :P

We want more more more !!!

[Zaid]

Best remix i've heard in the past month. period.

[Kylie]

Wow. Just. Wow. :lol:

[Heyjohnny]

!!!!!......!!!...!!!!......!!!!!!...!!!!!!!..!..!! !!...!!!!!!......!!!...!!!!..
AMAZING Mr. Boyd, Simply amazing! now if you'll excuse me
....!!!...!!!!......!!!!!!....!!!!!..!!!!!!!!!!!.. .!!!!!...!!!!......!!!!!..!!!

[Tranced]

Well done :) I love this interpretation, is all I can say. Great instrument work, but it's all about how well this mixes the original theme into something new and interesting. I love it when a mix can do that well.

[Guy In Rubber Suit]

I've always been a fan of Darangen, though I never felt that he could quite compete with the likes of goat, Ailsean, Ashane, House, Virt and such. I mean, yeah he is a great musician, and I loved most of his stuff, just nothing really stand out to me. But here, wow, it just blew me away the first time I heard it. Certainly my favorite among that month's Dwelling of Duels. I can't wait to hear what Darangen has in store next. More Chrono Trigger please!

[Less Ashamed Of Self]

Meh, somewhat mediocre given that I knew that the quality WAS high to begin with. You aren't bad D. and you know it, and the source tune DID deserve some mixage, but I think this theme screams for something... not heavy metalish.

Feel free to listen to anyone else's critiques over mine, I'd hate to deflate this moment for you and I'm CERTAIN you've pleased and will please great crowds with this mix.

[Miletus]

I love the acoustics comin in at 1:00. I don't like the metal genre too much, but this was good.

[Dunnowhathuh]

Being a metal mix, I didn't like it as much as I should have. From an unbiased opinion though, Darangen's pulled off another great mix. Congratulations man, every song of yours has made it onto my playlist, keep up the good guitar play.

[Geoffrey Taucer]

This is how Magus's theme was meant to sound.

[ckain]

Has there been any changes since the version that was posted in June's DoD?

Thanks.

[Liontamer]

Has there been any changes since the version that was posted in June's DoD?

Thanks.
Nope.

[The Orichalcon]

I didn't like how it started. It sounded very half-effort to me. The drums I'm not fond of, they sound like they're being played down a tube. For a "heavy metal" style track this is missing the "heavy." The guitar playing is fine, I just think it could have been mixed better.

The parts where the strumming guitar comes in gives the mix a more full sound, which is what I like to hear.

Not a bad effort, but I think this could have been better, it doesn't sound powerful enough. Congrats on the direct post though.

[Darangen]

I wasn't really going for a "heavy metal" vibe, it was meant to be a straight rock arrangement.

[Sam Ascher-Weiss]

WELL DONE!!

Great Work :D

[PlastikBag]

I wasn't really going for a "heavy metal" vibe, it was meant to be a straight rock arrangement.

Yeah, I was wondering why everyone was calling it heavy metal... It's certainly not what came to my mind when I heard it. :?

[bloodydust]

i've been listening to this track non-stop.

as far as the metal argument goes, it wouldn't be out of place on any katatonia album after brave murder day.

[Jenga]

I wasn't really going for a "heavy metal" vibe, it was meant to be a straight rock arrangement.Eh. Still awesome though.

[Txai]

This ReMix is something metal/ethnic. I like this combination of styles. Very creative. My only complaint is about the oboe, because it got in a volume very high.

Anyway, really powerful work!!

[Hyperion5182]

....I love rock mixes this one just PWNS

[Artificial_AI]

At the 0:46 second mark, the transition from the guitars to the flute-like-instrument is far to abrupt. Also, I felt the ending of the song (when the accoustic guitar cut out leaving just the distortion guitar, drums, and flanger-like-sound playing) was a bit abrupt as well, though not nearly as much as at 0:46.

Overall good though.

[Angelus Laminarum]

Quite impressive, Darangen. This ReMix of Magus' Theme brings out the darkness and ferocity portrayed in the character quite well. Although at times, certain elements were questionable, primarily how the guitar squeal sounded out of place in many moments, I believe you did quite well, and produced a fine result.

This is an excellent tribute. :)

[Shhteve]

Good mix, but I think it would have been better to have lyrics to go with it.. I don't know if anyone would agree with me here, but to add some significant lyrics to this track would really juice it up.

[Amayirot Akago]

Finally a great rock/metal track that isn't by Goat.

[Crabsmasher]

This remix is pretty cool. I've over listened to it so it doesn't have much lasting appeal. It's still a pretty cool mix. Nice work! :nicework:

[Guy In Rubber Suit]

I wasn't really going for a "heavy metal" vibe, it was meant to be a straight rock arrangement.

Yeah, I was wondering why everyone was calling it heavy metal... It's certainly not what came to my mind when I heard it. :?


Because the people who normally listen to the mixes on this site don't listen to metal and think that anything with distorted guitars equals metal. :roll:

Still awesome though.

[Fusilliban]

Oh, man... Darangen... I've been looking and waiting for a Magus mix I could really get into for *years*. Magus' theme was always my favorite piece of music from Chrono Trigger, and I've never really been that pleased with any of the mixes I've heard - there's a temptation to put heavy distortion along with the overall evil feel, and that dilutes the purity of the theme, to me.

True, there is distortion guitar aplenty in this mix, but the tune itself is pure and very, very well done.

Some day... some day someone will rip off a Magus mix with a full horn section. That will be a good day. But until then, I will be quite happy with Atonement.

[KairoAnnunaki]

Been listening to it for hours straight until, I have to listen to another Chrono remix. Max hour so far? I think uh... 7 or 8 hours.

Piece of work? Uh. Yeah.

[Rexy]

Who would have thought that a track first exposed to the web (via the DoD) three weeks ago would arrive to OCR just as fast? Then again, how can I complain ever since I am a very big fan of Darangen's work? :D

Heck, we were both there for both competitions, and I especially have some fond memories remaining for the second audition of RPGamer's "Splendid Performance" contest. Even though he passed and I (still) didn't, it was great fun for what it was. He was all "these entries are amazing, I doubt I'll pass" and I was all "you'll make it, you've got hot stuff", and seeing him score third place in both contests was well placed in my book. He should have scored higher in the SP audition IMO, but even here I'm interested to see what he coughs up in the final round for said contest come October.

So now I'm game to see how far he has gone with his latest effort, covering a theme that I believe he also approached nearly a year ago with Omen of the Prophet. And wow, it's been a while since I last showed a full write-up for him (the last one I did being Deadly Promises at VGMix), so it's time I got back in the habit on this one.

---

Remix

Well I can't find the stated Frog reference anywhere, but there's definitely a lot of Magus going on here. It has shown some truth to the original, and in my book it's shown to be a lot stronger than some of the other adaptations I've seen on the site so far. The overall execution of the instruments leading from one place to another is well thought out for what it was; nothing much in terms of tuning quirks that can be seen on that particular side of the fence. Even here there's some tasteful variation on the theme by a lot of solo work and countermelodies scattered throughout, as well as a fair amount of rhythmic playing around by the second permutation. The structuring of this has also done well for a rock mix - two adaptations, a solo rush, a final adaptation of the source material and its closure. I don't see it as a no-brainer - I see it to cooperate firm enough to the point to fit what the song was seeking for. Personally I thought the ending was a bit sudden with the drop out to the pitch-shifting Magus laugh, but the technical side on seeing that push out was clever enough for site acceptance. While I've seen some sharper conceptual ideas from Darangen, this is still very solid in my book and something that I will take in for much of the piece's duration.

Creativity

In terms of life being breathed into the mix I'd definitely point on at some of the solos and a fair amount of artistic visions captured within the general performance to be able to match with the often-seen-as-sinful characteristics behind Magus. While I was hoping for some more areas that aid in doing so, this setting was still clever enough to fit what was being searched for. Fortunately, for structured rock it has been able to show just as many transitions to different sections of the theme and the creative parts as there were with those that work well tonally, so we can say this is a flowing song all the way through. "Fresh" may be the wrong word to portray when it comes to expressing the overall edge as granted towards the piece, but there is definitely enough attention taken towards the varied moods, especially with some of the lighter ones with the acoustic guitar and the flute synth leading the way and the more energetic ones with the more overdriven textures taken into account. Repetition on various segments of the track is few and far between; if anything I'd probably say some of the riffs and percussion, but most of these are used tastefully to be able to spice up the backing every now and again. Personally I can say I enjoyed the arrangement as it stood; while not quite the best out of Mike's material it's still got plenty to keep the audience happy, and kudos for that.

Production

The samples chosen are pretty tasteful, although some of which seemed to be a bit watered down since his last synth-included OCR posting with Warriors of Light. The FX is great, I'd tell you that, but I think that he could have been able to find some sharper sound fonts for the choir and flute for free. Even so the flute sounds a bit on the fake side, although that can be pointing towards the idea of using a keyboard in his live instrument setting for the In The Band audition. Nonetheless it's still fine. In terms of overall EQ power there's definitely plenty granted towards the drums; can be argued that the low-end seemed to dominate the sound a bit too much so it may have helped to roll some of that off a bit, but the sounds are still strongly emphasized for his target audience. The recorded guitars here may sound a bit more distant than the usual, but the overall tone is still just as sharp as we expect from Dar's work here, so that's firm to know. Although not quite as sharp on the overall attack as expected from him, it's definitely there to give in the edge that was needed. Those didn't seem to peeve me that much, but I still stand by the one thing I said about the sound levels during the latter contest's judging process, mainly the one that I thought the tom rolling during the chorus areas seemed to drown out a fair amount of the musical components. Even with that in mind I can't imagine the rhythmic backing for a Magus mix any better myself. As for the panning the instruments have been spaced out well enough to capture that real band environment; while I was hoping for some wider panning between the rhythmic guitars here to add in more of that energetic space, there's still plenty of thought that has carried this forward. So yeah, I know I have criticized this portion quite a bit, but that's probably because I've seen some tighter production techniques from this user; regardless, this is still cool enough to absorb and will go down well with the target fan base.

---

I know djp's involvement with Darangen's material through much of his contributions towards the site, and even through listening to every single one of his VG remixes during his stay around the community I can tell that he has built up a heck of a lot in terms of technical strength. So I personally feel the direct posting was well required. Some people may not look past its rock structure and see it for what it was (groove bias? j/k), but myself I found it to be an involving track that what I feel truly deciphers the musical meaning behind Magus. Although I feel that some of the technical aspects could have been given a little bit more of an overhaul, it's still very firm and fitting for those who want to hear more pieces within this user's collection.

Once again, congrats with the DoD placement, way to go on passing the SP audition, and best of luck with your future music out there. You know I'll still be there all the way :D

[Hale-Bopp]

Awesome work as always, Darangen. This song and all of your music continues to speak to me and stay with me even long after I've listened to it. I could rant forever but I'll just keep it short and simple for now. This kicks so much ass. \m/

[Ab56 v2 aka Ash]

I like how this song has the part of Magus' Theme that most others ignore: the part that starts at 0:46. Why they don't, I'll never know since I think it's the best part of the song. As for the remix, it's my absolute favorite version of Magus' Theme.

I really do think this captures Magus' dark, somewhat gothic-yet-not attitude. Excellent

[BlueMage]

You sunk my freakin' battleship Darangen! Magus theme, heavy guitarwork, orchestration laid in there too ... and third place in DoD. Well deserved ranking, for a kick-arse track.

(New feature now)

iPod rating: 5 stars

[Fritz the Cat]

Well I can't find the stated Frog reference anywhere

It's the section from 3:02 to 3:31. If you listen carefully, you can hear a second flute playing Frog's theme. You have to be paying close attention, though, it's easy to miss.

[Fusilliban]

If this song only took third, I've *gotta* hear what took first and second.

[MaGi_TekK]

Unoriginal, uninspired, boring, and lacking substance. Totally average remix in my opinion.

[bloodydust]

Unoriginal, uninspired, boring, and lacking substance. Totally average remix in my opinion.

http://home.graffiti.net/dethtoll:graffiti.net/hurricane.jpg

[The Orichalcon]

I wasn't really going for a "heavy metal" vibe, it was meant to be a straight rock arrangement.

My mistake. I read Jenga's comment on Page 1 and sort of assumed that's what you were after.

I still stand by my comments about the drums and the overall feel of the mix. While technically good, I think it could have been better.

[Argle]

Congrats Darangen... I'm surprised that Magus' theme isn't a more popular remix item, actually.

[jaycurls]

I think it's a pretty good remix. Lots of stuff I like, especially when the acoustic guitar comes in. It works well with the toms. But aside from that, I think there's some eq issues that could've been resolved before wrapping the track up. The guitar seems a little muffled and held back (not the playing style). But overall pretty decent stuff.

[Falcovsleon20]

A Magus Remix that I actually like? What manner of sorcery be this? Seriously, I am not a fan of the other Magus tracks on the site. Especially since I can barely tell that his theme. This hit the mood of the track right on for something that's death metal. 9.5/10 loses a few points because the guitar solos were too frequent. Surely there's more to heavy metal than the 80s style rock guitar.

[Mr.Michael]

I dislike comments that provide no constructive criticism usually... but this mix just did nothing for me and I have no idea why...

It sounded... hollow.

[jimbug]

It needs more cowbell.

[nomindo]

Fantastic job. Keep up the good work.

[MistaZanMan]

If i had to choose.....This song has an amazing groove to it throughout. I can let go and not worry about songwriting or the process of it, and just groove to this track in my head. Amazing section, especially the first one.

-Sideshow

[eppy]

well i must say this is quite decent. i would download it if you like guitar remixes w/ distortion or the magus theme in general. well done and keep the good work coming.

[Bongo Bill]

Well done indeed... but the drums seem far too heavy. They distract from the meat of the song. For a rhythm that's repeated over and over and over again, they draw too much attention to themselves. It makes it feel somewhat mechanical, and more repetetive than it truly is. That alone prevents this from being one of my favorite mixes.

[Amayirot Akago]

Finally a great rock/metal track that isn't by Goat, and finally a great remix of Magus' theme.
I stand corrected. By myself, no less ;)

[Dark Assassin]

This is one of my favorite Magus' Theme Remixes, and that song was my favorite selection from Chrono Trigger. And Chrono Trigger has some of my favorite music.

So yes. I'm really liking this one.

[SmudgeTheFirst]

Greatly improved since I last heard Darangen's stuff! (Omen of the Prophet)

This is a great interpretation of the Magus theme; it builds off of the original elements from the CT version while being fresh and full of energy.

Yay! :D

[AnimeRPGFan]

Good. Effing. GOD. This is quite possibly the best Remix I've ever heard!! The start just cuts right in, and then switches to a softer beat (nice job with the guitar there) for a bit before ripping you from your seat through the rest of the song with sheer rock awesomeness. The other Magus Remixes were too dark and didn't quite capture the sheer power Magus represents. You have succeeded where they have not, and for that, your remix gets repeated well over 20 times over on my computer in a row.

10/10!!

(I apologize if some stuff doesn't sound right, but I don't know the lingo just yet; please bear with me. :))

[SiC-DCoN]

i never new this was a magus mix. its a great freakin remix no matter what. :mrgreen:

[Darth Magus]

It's pretty simple, really. If Magus were in charge of Hell, this is the way his theme would be arranged. I absolutely LOVE this. By far, the best versions of Magus's theme I have ever heard. Even better than CotMM's.

[Bummerdude]

Man, this is dark.
I usually don´t enjoy music like this,
but I try to have an open mind here.
The guitarplay with all its glory
were very skilled, and the input of
the soft, philharmonic indtruments
and combining them in the end was
grrrrrreat!

[ArchaicTimeFrog]

This song kind of reminds me of Magus himself- hard and tough(would take your head off as soon as look at you), but still some softness in him.

Awesome mix.

[Galasung]

I've gotta give you... Nice. Very much like what I imaginied my ideal remix of this song. I like how it opens up around 0:45 and then at 1:16 goes right back to the rock. This is my favorite remix yet, even better(I think) than the chrono trigger symphonic remix, Confronting the Mystic. Most of the other remixes of his theme remix it to the point where I can't find Magus's theme in it at all. If you wanna talk about this song reflecting Magus's personality, heres what I have to say. All the other remixes try to make it too evil, too ominous. Too me, thats not Magus. Magus has alot of darkness in him, but he's not truly evil. The rock brings across this well. And when it opens up, gets softer, to me it symbolizes the tranquility he has deep inside his heart. This is very close to a variation of his theme that I found myself humming in the shower :P. I found myself thinking, now THIS is a Magus remix! And instantly when I began listening to yours, I knew. This was my remix. and it was even better than I imagined. 12 out of 10 Magic Tabs!

[Ollbert]

I don't understand anything about music, but I really like to listen to Chrono Trigger Atonement OC ReMix.

I only registered to this forum, to tell that :)

At the moment I watch a video of the game to hear the original sound. (It starts about 2:02:45 in Chrono Trigger in 4:21:12 by Ryan Foley)

[TaVeRnErO_RuDd]

words fail to describe how AWESOME this mix is! 30/10

[RepressedChaos]

20 seconds in... I creamed my pants... in a good way :>

[hornyplumber]

WOW one of the best songs ive ever heard and would
really appreciated if u could remake this and
tone down the metal guitar at some points of the songs..
like for example i didnt really like the part from
2:18-2:30 other than that its like perfect i would be listening to this like everyday, but then again it
might sound kinda repetative without it hmm thats
just me :S. Great Song!!!

[Aninymouse]

This song has cemented Darangen as one of my favorite remixers. Very few ReMixes immediately impress me as much as this one has. Highly recommended!

[DragonFireKai]

I love the interaction between the three levels of guitar, and the subtle incorperation of Frog's Theme was amazing.

[DJMadMax]

Wow this IS a great effort indeed with the melodic metal track ..and the drums ..the DRUMS !

Awesome work Darangen :P

We want more more more !!!


Sorry for this full quote, but what else is left to say? The drums are so impressive, you have to listen to this on a really big HiFi! Just great! And the guitars.... woah! When i first heard this song, the first 30 seconds of it distracted me a bit, i didnt know where this could lead. But then, the drums started and made my day! Just 15 seconds later, on 0:45 it became wonderfully melodic and again, drums and a soft guitar joined the arangement, followed by an agressively sounding e-guitar. This song is imho one of the best around here!

Cya, DJMadMax (loves this community!!!)

[tweek]

Wow. Massive change in terms of rock style. This has metal all over it! The opening guitar SFX is great and intros the track wonderfully! The sweeping lead guitars sound great! The rhythm guitars are a little thin for the genre, but it's not too bad at all. Kudos for venturing out of the classic rock genre. This is a big success. The source has almost a celtic feel that you really nail with the more tribal style tom hits but it still maintains it's metal-esque sound. An excellent example of the contrast between heavy and light elements and how they interact with one another. The ending is a little abrupt, but that's not biggie. Very nice work mate!!

[42]

OoooOOoo...
Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaang...
This is just awesomely fun. Much precautions have been taken so that the listener does not get board with the track. The soundscape is so amazingly varied and the guitar work is jaw flooring. I also love that peaceful interlude with the guitar strumming, it's sort of like saying "Hey! Pay close attention to what's coming up."
It's also strongly solid without being too overpowering or overwhelming. This is so going to my playlist. :razz:

[OA]

It starts out as pretty standard rock Magus fare, but the addition of Frog's theme helps set this apart, as well as the tasteful orchestral instruments and acoustic strumming. Overall pretty good, but more on the vanilla side.

[Csyzr]

the drums are quite nice, made me instantly think of The Blue Man Group. 1:31 is where i perked my ears up. wasn't into it until then. 0:48 break is nice as well, but play it more into the metal music. dont be afraid to get epic!

the guitars didnt pop at me, they seemed just under the surface of this song. a song like this needs its guitars to have major presence. ok you see you're at a 6 and we need you at a 9 mmkay? the guitars should sound like the drums did. beefy and clear.

[Riku Masamune]

It seems too me that you view Magus/Janus as a metal kind of person whilst Kaeru/Frog/Glen as a more classical person. I actually like the way you set up this piece and how they constantly battle each other. A true Chrono Trigger fan would instantly love this piece.

[Locke]

I don't mind the conservative approach since the OST and production is so good. I really like the quieter, melodic section at 0:49. Brings out some nice emotion. Drums are good throughout. Is nice mix.