ReMix: Chrono Trigger 'where threads connect'
- Game: Chrono Trigger (Square, 1995, SNES)
- ReMixer(s): Chris ~ Amaterasu, melody
- Composer(s): Nobuo Uematsu, Noriko Matsueda, Yasunori Mitsuda
- Song(s): 'The Epoch - Wings of Time'
- Posted: 2011-09-23, evaluated by the judges
While this is actually melody's second posted mix, the first was a collab on Joren's DKC2 track where he replaced & humanized some piano bits, so this is really his full-fledged ReMixer debut. So now, in addition to Harmony (Brandon Bush), we've got melody (Peter Kim)... clearly we need a third ReMixer with a pseudonym of "rhythm" so we can rock the trifecta, and then all three of them need to collab on a mix and focus on their respective namesake talents, causing a space-time paradox and bringing Tasha Yar back as her own daughter. Crazy, no? Peter writes:
"my inspiration for this piece was to evoke the actual act of traveling in the epoch and make the listener perceive the experience from a first-person perspective. i wanted to illustrate the actual journey into the fabric of time, in a rendered-silent-by-the-awe-of-it-all sort of way. this is opposed to associating the song with its original function, as overworld map bgm, and challenging the listener to always look past surface values and really contemplate the core of a song. chris|amaterasu... did an amazing job both interpreting and adapting the melody to violin, so i wanted to make sure that he is credited when the mix is posted. thanks!"
One of those lowercase-only folks, eh? I can't point fingers since my nick's the same way, I s'pose. Nice backstory on the inspiration & motivation - I expect it'll connect with many fans of the game, and I also think it accomplishes the stated goal very effectively. Chris adds:
"It was great fun mixing synth and acoustic elements, and whilst melody focused more on the journey through time, I tried to complement that with a melody that had both intensity and grace. I hope you enjoy our contribution =)"
The mix of drums and synths, and particularly the drumming style, have a sort of proggish feel to them, but then the solo violin adds a whole other dimension & warmth... it really captures the feel of the game AND the game's music, in my opinion, simultaneously channeling a sense of wonder, nostalgia, exploration, and adventure. Vinnie writes:
"Chrono Trigger is one of my favorite games, but I had forgotten that the original song had a B-section because I'm usually not flying around that long in-game. This song sounded really liberal to me until I went back to hear the original. This is a great arrangement - peppy and forward-moving but understated and thoughtful as well. It's a great mix of moods that hits emotional territory that doesn't get mined much."
Very well said; I don't think there's much more I can add, so I'll just quote halc's similarly positive take:
"this is probably one of my favorite Chrono Trigger remixes; I remember being amazed by this even as just a wip. really dynamic arrangement that kinda reminds me of some of Shnabubula's original work. the live violin was a nice touch. it does get a little liberal in regards to the source, but doesn't stray too far. no issues here, this is pretty visionary stuff imo."
Fresh, distinct, & memorable full (arrangement + production) debut from melody, enhanced by Amaterasu's violin = a great collaboration, a great day for CT fans, and hopefully a harbinger of more great mixes to come!
- Crulex on November 9, 2012
I only did the recording side, and melody took control of the eq/reverb. I think the tone of the violin fits the second half more so than the first, which sounds a bit muddy initially and bass heavy. But I guess things appeal differently to different people =)
Either way, the feedback has helped me quite a lot in my own recording and EQ/mastering of strings so thank you to everyone who commented, hopefully the other few remixes coming will have the right balance in regards to the tone/quality :D
- Chris | Amaterasu on December 12, 2011
- Bahamut on December 7, 2011
I really like the paino, and the violin is of course very good, too, but I'm not too hot on the violin + synth mix around 3:10; to me, the violin just sounds a little too dark to mesh with the synth.
- Martin Penwald on November 23, 2011
http://ocremix.org/forums/showthread.php?t=36932
you guys are great!
- melody on October 30, 2011
- melody on October 11, 2011
3.5/5
- Locke on October 11, 2011
Incredible work guys. Just insane.
- Less Ashamed Of Self on October 11, 2011
melody's cool and refreshing jazz-electro vibe brings an indeniable touch of smoothness (and coolness) to the source.
Amaterasu's violin parts are strikingly beautiful and really makes this piece shine, bringing out the emotion in the process.
Combine both and you get the recipe for an intense voyage through time and space that will leave a permanent mark in your mind and your heart.
A truly moving blend of electronic and acoustic elements that brings a nostalgic smile to your face and transports you to a far away place.
No matter whether you're a diehard fan of Chrono Trigger or a hater of all things Squeenix.
If you love music in general and video game music in particular, you owe it to yourself to listen to this fantastic arrangement.
Thanks to both of you for creating such a brillant and highly enjoyable piece, and congrats on the mixpost. :nicework:
- Dj Mokram on September 27, 2011
http://tindeck.com/listen/uoqi
- RDX on September 24, 2011
melody;809992 wrote: yes, there is an album in the works! check it here: http://ocremix.org/forums/showthread.php?t=36932. gonna drop october 7th, so relatively soon.
Given that you only posted the Singularity demo reel a couple of hours ago, I'm guessing RDX was talking about the one for Age of the Stars. What's that?
- sergio on September 24, 2011
I really dont like string instruments, so I'm gonna have to pass
- bobby1983 on September 24, 2011

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