Posted 2016-04-15, evaluated by the judges panel


SCARY...

One of the surprises on BadAss 3 was XPRTNovice (Joe Zieja) taking on Grahf's theme from Xenogears in a style that blends sinister cinematic & Eastern influences, infused with layered vocals and, since Joe is a voice actor extraodinaire, some dramatics thrown in as well:

"I always wanted to do something with Grahf's theme, because I thought it was one of the most powerful themes in Xenogears, and BadAss 3 seemed like a great opportunity to do it. I originally wanted to make this a sort of Middle Eastern thing, but it took a sort of cinematic turn that retained some of those elements, such as the oud and the string timbre. I also really liked some of Grahf's lines from the game, so, being a voice actor, I thought, "Why not?" And out came this sort of slam poetry thing. Grahf was so evil on so many levels, and his role in the plot of the game is just amazing. Grahf's story is really kind of tragic and messed up, and you can evoke a lot of emotion just by trying to re-tell that story, which is what I tried to do here. It just sort of unfolded in this big way with creepy elements.

Also, screaming "MY FIST IS THE DIVINE BREATH" in your basement when your mother-in-law is visiting creates interesting results."

LOL... I'm.... not going to try that, myself. BA3 director pu_freak writes:

"XPRTNovice, the man that can play 837 different instruments AND is a voice actor. And which instrument did he think was the most evil? Right, a didgeridoo... that guy is insane! But, hey, that's a prerequisite to join BadAss 3. The intro of this mix alone is so twisted and ominous, with Middle Eastern-style vocal work and dissonant strings on the background. But then the voice-over comes announcing its desire... for power!

The mix then turns orchestral, bombastic and epic with a militaristic feel to it, building up tension and evilness until one last moment to take a break... before the full military force is unleashed upon you! A great arrangement from XPRTNovice which ends so incredibly creepy and twisted. Man, oh, man, what have you gotten yourself into?"

It's pretty crazy stuff - definitely a "concept" mix where there's a very specific & unique creative vision and it's more about getting lost in that vision than waiting for a catchy hook or a flashy solo. Emunator sums it up quite nicely:

"This mix is next-level stuff from Joe. I've been trying to pick out some personal highlights but honestly there are too many to narrow it down to just one - the didgeridoo, the complex ethnic drum patterns, the heavily-rhythmic flute performance, and the eerie reharmonization of the Omen theme at 3:20 are just a few notable moments. And that's not even touching on the voice acting and effects processing, which is fantastically integrated. The complete dropout of all effects at the "I will destroy it with my own hands" line gives me chills every time."

Very dramatic, very powerful (hence the mix title!), and bold stuff from Joe, who went in a different, unexpected direction even relative to his own eclectic body of work and turned in a track that seeps evil & corruption from every pore!

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 6 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Chromarin
on 2016-11-24 08:53:14

Wow, the didgeridoo of evil! :o Definitely a concept mix, not necessary something I can see myself listening to in the background, but very interesting and definitely excellently expanding on the source material (by which I mean here not just the track, but the character and his place in the game's story).

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Necrox
on 2016-05-08 15:41:26

I'm still half-asleep; I was not ready for this. Narration, didgeridoo, a flute solo, and yeah, even a music box. Sinister and ingenious.

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DimeTower
on 2016-04-15 22:36:12

I dare anyone to make it to 1:30 and not get sucked in. Wow does this thing get going - cinematic and amazing stuff here!! 2:25 with the bells and the flute. 3:25's sick music box. On top of that, the voice work is excellent and seems like the song was made around it, not the other way around. What the hell did I walk into?! I'm in a daze. Stylish, immediately memorable. A definite listen!!

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Hipnotyk
on 2016-04-15 18:20:56

...Holy crap. Joe, this is mesmerizing.

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timaeus222
on 2016-04-15 17:20:03

3:45 didgefart --- CANNOT UNHEAR! :lol:

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Liontamer
on 2016-04-14 16:52:14

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

Sources Arranged (2 Songs)


Primary Game:
Xenogears (Square , 1998, PS1)
Music by Yasunori Mitsuda
Songs:
"Grahf, Ruler of Darkness"
"Premonition"

Tags (12)


Genre:
Cinematic,Experimental
Mood:
Aggressive,Dark
Instrumentation:
Brass,Didgeridoo,Flute,Strings,Vocals: Male,Vocals: Voice Acting,Woodwinds
Additional:
Regional > Middle Eastern

File Information


Name:
Xenogears_The_Power_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
7,612,243 bytes
MD5:
e6c50931ac481bf286d2cc1963aa6d87
Bitrate:
229Kbps
Duration:
4:23

Yes, we will destroy God. That is our purpose... That is our destiny!

Doth thou desire the power?

My fist is the divine breath! Blossom, o fallen seed, and draw upon thy hidden power!!

Ye shall be as gods!

Even if I go to hell, I will see the end of this world.

Even if I go to hell, I will live to the end of this world. And if the world does not come to an end... I will destroy it with my own hands.

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