ReMix: Soul Blazer 'Tears For a Moonlit Knight'
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- Game: Soul Blazer (Enix, 1992, SNES)
- ReMixer(s): Israfel
- Composer(s): Kazz Tomaya, Yukihide Takekawa
- Song(s): 'Koibito no Inaiyoru'
- Posted: 2002-04-11, evaluated by djpretzel
Download this! Israfel's first submission to OC ReMix is a stunning take (and our first) of some of the BGM off of Enix's Soul Blazer, which was sorta like another Actraiser game, only not :) Starting off with beautiful harp that's soon joined by bass pizzicato and does some nifty syncopations, the mix takes on a darker feel with Ghost-in-the-Shell-esque Japanese percussion at 0'46", but it's when the DJ Shadow drum loop comes in that you begin to get an idea what the mix is about and just how well it's been constructed to phase in and out styles. Cello and harpsichord join in the fray at1'51", flute comes in later on, everything's articulated beautifully, and the mix really does an ace job of genre-switching - you get the best of both worlds, to be sure. Then, around 3'30", just in case you weren't already diggin Israfel's scene, things pick up and go Jungle, with a much faster breakbeat, moving pizzicato, delayed synth, and a great filtered mini-moog lead. And yes, the drum loop ain't just on auto-pilot but trips and triggers very stylistically. Ranking not only amongst the best first submissions we've ever received but amongst the best mixes period, you need this track. Highly recommended.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the The seamless flow of this mix is a godsend. Pure-sounding
instruments like the maiden-touched harp, ingenuous flute, and
somber cello play what they have to play, unhurried and with no
qualms. Meanwhile, the cool breeze-like bell sweeps, easeful
strings, and holy choir foster smooth transitions. And the drumwork
is either thunderous, campfire-festive, or snackalicious depending
on what the soundscape is asking for.
Then there's the arrangement. After studying where parts of the source pop up, I appreciate how they're ordered and how the original (but stylistically similar) writing connects them. Here's where I hear the source in the mix:
0:06-0:22 (source) --> 0:11-0:22 + 2:14-2:26 + 4:49-5:02 (mix)
0:39-1:10 (source) --> 2:45-3:20 + 3:50-4:38 (mix)
There are no jarring moments, though it sounds like a beat is skipped at 0:30 and some whispering goes on around 4:43. They don't hinder the flow or detract from the overall quality; they're simply quirks that I give a nod to every listen.
A masterfully crafted work.
- Polo on May 14, 2009
Then there's the arrangement. After studying where parts of the source pop up, I appreciate how they're ordered and how the original (but stylistically similar) writing connects them. Here's where I hear the source in the mix:
0:06-0:22 (source) --> 0:11-0:22 + 2:14-2:26 + 4:49-5:02 (mix)
0:39-1:10 (source) --> 2:45-3:20 + 3:50-4:38 (mix)
There are no jarring moments, though it sounds like a beat is skipped at 0:30 and some whispering goes on around 4:43. They don't hinder the flow or detract from the overall quality; they're simply quirks that I give a nod to every listen.
A masterfully crafted work.
- Polo on May 14, 2009
Very atmospheric. For some reason the first few listens I had some
preconceived ideas of where I thought the song should go (I think
specifically I was just in the mood to rock), but once I got past
that, I was able to appreciate this track on it's own.
Mixing equal parts chamber music with soundtrack atmosphere, and then adding teh beatz, it really creates a unique sound. I think it'd be further improved for a more prominent bass to join the beat sections, but as is, it's pretty lush and has great sample-usage. When the filtered synths come in and then the busy drums come in, I am expecting to really step up, but it doesn't quite; with the lead remaining subdued. I really think it should of kicked itself to the next level, but as is, it is still a very good piece of work.
I enjoy the Soul Blazer soundtrack, and the source is a song I vaguely remember, and the mix more than does it justice. Nice work.
- OA on February 25, 2008
Mixing equal parts chamber music with soundtrack atmosphere, and then adding teh beatz, it really creates a unique sound. I think it'd be further improved for a more prominent bass to join the beat sections, but as is, it's pretty lush and has great sample-usage. When the filtered synths come in and then the busy drums come in, I am expecting to really step up, but it doesn't quite; with the lead remaining subdued. I really think it should of kicked itself to the next level, but as is, it is still a very good piece of work.
I enjoy the Soul Blazer soundtrack, and the source is a song I vaguely remember, and the mix more than does it justice. Nice work.
- OA on February 25, 2008
Zipp wrote: I always wanted more of the original music with this track. I felt like it deviated from the original track too much, and I disliked the metalic synth drums. Best part by far is the Lisa remix.
You know, I was listening to this piece today, and suddenly I loved it. I don't know what happened, but I've listened to it like five times in a row. That happenes occasionally with some songs I don't like at first. I'll be listening and suddenly I see the genius in them.
- Zipp on April 7, 2006
I always wanted more of the original music with this track. I felt
like it deviated from the original track too much, and I disliked
the metalic synth drums. Best part by far is the Lisa remix.
- Zipp on March 10, 2006
- Zipp on March 10, 2006
I didn't like it the first few times I heard it. But I heard it a
couple of times coming by on my playlist... and then it hit me.
This song is really good. The only reason I decided to check out
this song was because a cousin of mine played the game from start
to finish. Anyway... i'm glad he did.
The song gets only better and better as it progresses too. First I didn't like it that the best is saved 'til last. But well... I tried playing just the best parts, and didn't enjoy it as much. It's like chocolate cookies. They taste so well because there's only a bit of chocolate in it. If you eat only the chocolate from it, they don't taste nearly as good.
- Non_existinghero on March 9, 2006
The song gets only better and better as it progresses too. First I didn't like it that the best is saved 'til last. But well... I tried playing just the best parts, and didn't enjoy it as much. It's like chocolate cookies. They taste so well because there's only a bit of chocolate in it. If you eat only the chocolate from it, they don't taste nearly as good.
- Non_existinghero on March 9, 2006
Wow. I downloaded this a very long time ago, and quite enjoyed it,
but just now I rushed back here to comment on it.
Brief story why: Four years ago, I tried to translate the Japanese lyrics to the vocal version of this song's original ("Koibito no Inaiyoru"), with little success due to my ignorance of the Japanese language. I had a rare MP3 of the vocal bonus track from the Soul Blazer OST, though... which is now lost to me.
Despite the absolutely [i]abysmal[/i] vocal abilities of the singer, I missed having that song around to cheer me up... so I was sitting around wondering where I could possibly find it again. And my friend, a Soul Blazer fan, mentioned this ReMix, saying he couldn't figure out which song it was a remix of (as it wasn't listed in the ReMix's details on the OCR page). He still couldn't ID it after going through his Soul Blazer SPCs...
Then it struck me like lightning - the melodic flute at 2:14 was none other than the melody to Koibito no Inaiyoru.
Holy yowza.
Now that I know what the original was, I must say I [b]love[/b] Israfel's interpretation of it. Completely blew me away, with the sweeping pads and those killer drums, as well as the surprisingly rich instruments (I normally don't expect to find such a clean-sounding harpsichord, and it's one of my favourite instruments). I especially love the Japanese-sounding (or, at the very least, of-ethnic-origin) percussion, which evokes a sense of swordfights and mystical journeys. (Or maybe that is because I associate this kind of lush, electronica-baroque sound with the Brave Fencer Musashi OST. Heh.)
Lovin' it, Israfel. Also loved the Ogre Battle "Zenobia's Grave (A Champion Has Risen)" ReMix. Please keep it up.
- LFyda on June 28, 2005
Brief story why: Four years ago, I tried to translate the Japanese lyrics to the vocal version of this song's original ("Koibito no Inaiyoru"), with little success due to my ignorance of the Japanese language. I had a rare MP3 of the vocal bonus track from the Soul Blazer OST, though... which is now lost to me.
Despite the absolutely [i]abysmal[/i] vocal abilities of the singer, I missed having that song around to cheer me up... so I was sitting around wondering where I could possibly find it again. And my friend, a Soul Blazer fan, mentioned this ReMix, saying he couldn't figure out which song it was a remix of (as it wasn't listed in the ReMix's details on the OCR page). He still couldn't ID it after going through his Soul Blazer SPCs...
Then it struck me like lightning - the melodic flute at 2:14 was none other than the melody to Koibito no Inaiyoru.
Holy yowza.
Now that I know what the original was, I must say I [b]love[/b] Israfel's interpretation of it. Completely blew me away, with the sweeping pads and those killer drums, as well as the surprisingly rich instruments (I normally don't expect to find such a clean-sounding harpsichord, and it's one of my favourite instruments). I especially love the Japanese-sounding (or, at the very least, of-ethnic-origin) percussion, which evokes a sense of swordfights and mystical journeys. (Or maybe that is because I associate this kind of lush, electronica-baroque sound with the Brave Fencer Musashi OST. Heh.)
Lovin' it, Israfel. Also loved the Ogre Battle "Zenobia's Grave (A Champion Has Risen)" ReMix. Please keep it up.
- LFyda on June 28, 2005
I was listening to this one again and remembered when I first heard
this around two years ago. Still amazing. Timeless.
- GrayLightning on September 7, 2004
- GrayLightning on September 7, 2004
Wow, this is amazing. I can definately hear the baroque influence,
especially with the harpsichord coming in later in the song. The
first half is sort of mystical and haunting. 1:15-The wonderful
drums overlap the melancholy background. Gives it a unique feel.
The harpsichord is very realistic as well as the other instruments,
and makes the song sound medieval. I cant help but say that this
remix reminds me of AfroCelt
Sound System
Especially at :46-1:40 and somewhere in the second half. Anyway, a true masterpiece. Now I need to go download the rest of Israfel's remixes :P
~Blue
- BlueEnvy on May 31, 2004
Especially at :46-1:40 and somewhere in the second half. Anyway, a true masterpiece. Now I need to go download the rest of Israfel's remixes :P
~Blue
- BlueEnvy on May 31, 2004
stellar work.
I heard it for the first time today. Damn. good stuff indeed.
- Trenthian on April 25, 2004
I heard it for the first time today. Damn. good stuff indeed.
- Trenthian on April 25, 2004
I *love* reniassance music, and this remix is almost beyond words
for me. This piece alone makes every second I've ever spent at
ocremix worth it.
- IdeaMagnate on August 20, 2003
- IdeaMagnate on August 20, 2003
I've had this mix for a while now, as well as several of Dover's
new mixes from the now defunct vgmix. Tears for a Moonlit Knight
still stands as his best work, in my opinion anyway. It's a strange
fusion of so many genres as others have noted. I was blown away
when I first heard this, and still am these many months after.
Others have already chimed in on why this is such a great mix, so I
won't be repeating what others have said. I'll only say, this is a
truly breathtaking mix, worthy of the acclaim it has gotten.
One of the best game mixes of all time. Download it now, if you already haven't. If you haven't, you're out of the loop. ^_^
- GrayLightning on October 26, 2002
One of the best game mixes of all time. Download it now, if you already haven't. If you haven't, you're out of the loop. ^_^
- GrayLightning on October 26, 2002
For those of you familiar with Israfel's work at http://www.mp3.com/israfel/, you probably already know
that this is an artist who is fusing together
Renaissance/classical/baroque music and electronica in new and
exciting ways that maintain the best elemens of each. You won't
find synth leads emulating authentic instruments here, you will
find extremely good samples of the authentic instruments. You won't
find yourself floating into complacency or boredom as once
interesting Renaissance works lose their impact through repetition.
No, what you will find is a dynamic and varied structure that moves
from one genre focus to another, gripping the listeners' ears and
intriguing the more classically among them with well structured
musical elements that you nonetheless don't need to be an elitist
to enjoy. Tear for a Moonlit Night is arguably Israfel's best work,
though many seem to prefer his remix Deep Velvet Scherzo on
www.vgmix.com. This
reviewer still prefers Tears for A Moonlit Night.
The first time the reviwer heard this mix, it was occupying a spot near the end of a 2 hour playlist of new OCR material. When this mix came on, it prompted the reviwer to literally run up to the computer and check to make sure some mistake hadn't been made, that this wasn't a commercial piece... it was incriedible. The mix moved from the intimacy of the chamber music, small ensemble setting through a majestic transition into the realm of the epic before settling into a relatively smooth groove before dynamicly moving into a DnB influenced high energy section mildly reminisicent of McVaffe's skillful work on MakatoJungleJazz. Israfel's mix stands as a shining example of the powers and pleasures of trans-enre work. It finds it's way without question into the rather short (but growing list) of Per Lichtman's must listen picks.
5 Stars
Per's OCR Star System:
5-One of my favorites.
4- I'll listen to it a fair amount but it lacks that extra "something" to be great.
3- Above average but not enough so to get much playtime in my list.
2- Average
1- Lacking[/url]
- PerLichtman on October 23, 2002
The first time the reviwer heard this mix, it was occupying a spot near the end of a 2 hour playlist of new OCR material. When this mix came on, it prompted the reviwer to literally run up to the computer and check to make sure some mistake hadn't been made, that this wasn't a commercial piece... it was incriedible. The mix moved from the intimacy of the chamber music, small ensemble setting through a majestic transition into the realm of the epic before settling into a relatively smooth groove before dynamicly moving into a DnB influenced high energy section mildly reminisicent of McVaffe's skillful work on MakatoJungleJazz. Israfel's mix stands as a shining example of the powers and pleasures of trans-enre work. It finds it's way without question into the rather short (but growing list) of Per Lichtman's must listen picks.
5 Stars
Per's OCR Star System:
5-One of my favorites.
4- I'll listen to it a fair amount but it lacks that extra "something" to be great.
3- Above average but not enough so to get much playtime in my list.
2- Average
1- Lacking[/url]
- PerLichtman on October 23, 2002
I have to admit I've only recently discovered Remix here but so far
this soulblazer remix is my absolute fav, there's so much going on
here and the rhythm changes so smoothly and unique, I play it again
and again and hope that Israfel remixes so more and soon!
- bachbr on August 8, 2002
- bachbr on August 8, 2002
Some instruments just fit with a game like peanut butter fits with
jelly... grape jelly is my personal favorite.
Continuing with the bad analogy, I find that any mix involving Soul Blazer and a harpsichord is bound for great things. The very specific effect -- its 'antiquing' nature -- makes me drool.
In short, I like peanut butter and harpsichords. As well as grape jelly and Soul Blazer. And this mix.
- Archduke Franz on June 9, 2002
Continuing with the bad analogy, I find that any mix involving Soul Blazer and a harpsichord is bound for great things. The very specific effect -- its 'antiquing' nature -- makes me drool.
In short, I like peanut butter and harpsichords. As well as grape jelly and Soul Blazer. And this mix.
- Archduke Franz on June 9, 2002
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