Forest of Music

When people hear “Star Wars”, they would no doubt think about the original trilogy more often than not. Many people will recognize Darth Vader or understand the saying ‘may the force be with you’ as it is the universe sparked by George Lucas that started a worldwide sensation. 

From the movies to games, toys, spinoffs, and even religion, there is no questioning that Star Wars has had an impact on culture as a whole. However, what led to Star Wars having such influence? Without a doubt, the characters were excellent, as was the story. The world-building and visuals used also had an impact. There is, however, one man who has had a large role in making Star Wars what it is today.  

John Williams was the sole composer for all nine movies, from the prequels to the new trilogy, as well as a conductor. While many will say that it’s the story of Star Wars that led to its cultural impact, it is the music that made that impact as strong as it was.  

The music composed by him strengthens the scenes in the movies, from the emotional death of Obi-Wan to the destruction of the Death Star. Each piece is recognizable as Star Wars and it’s easy to see why as it is the score of Star Wars that make the movies work.

Have you ever watched the scenes without the musical score?  

Without the music, the scene appears more awkward with the long pauses and switches between the characters’ reacting to Han Solo being placed into the freezer. The scene is not as strong because no music captures that moment. It is John William's work that works magic into the movie and makes it come to life. 

A fact that did not change when it came to the prequels where many have argued on its quality. However, if there is one thing many people could agree on about the prequels, it is the fact that the music was excellent. 

‘Duel of Fates’ and ‘Battle of the Heroes’ created the epic, suspenseful atmosphere of the fights. In ‘Duel of Fates’, there is a sense that this is a battle between two opposing forces through the music. A battle where both sides strive against each other with all their power. It is a clash of ideas, wills, and power of epic proportions that the score captures perfectly. 

However, ‘Battle of the Heroes’, while holding a similar thought, captures a different feeling as the chorus sings a low, grim sound that encompasses the scene. This duel is not just a battle between two opposing forces. It is a battle between student and teacher, brothers and comrades in arms. Even more, it is a score that signals the end of the Jedi Order and the beginning of the Empire. This can be seen in the score of ‘The Imperial March’ can be heard in the score. 

It is music that can create magic in movies and influence culture in ways not many could ever expect. After all, not everything will land with people. Yet, when your songs can be recognized and cause a cultural shift that lasts decades, there is no denying that the pieces composed by John Williams made their mark along with the impact of Star Wars. 

Cited: 

Cultural Impact: https://fhsregister.com/4459/features/arts-entertainment/cultural-impact-of-star-wars/

Jedism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jediism

The Imperial March: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3SZ5sIMY6o

Dual of Fates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlYCxbBZUCY

Battle of the Heroes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P244DsBEYxs

Without Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocxF8HvncrQ&t=45s

If you ever heard of heavy metal, you likely heard of the band ‘Disturbed’ at some point. It is a heavy metal band in the USA from Chicago, Illinois with David Draiman as the lead vocalist and songwriter. 

The band's name was Brawl until Draiman came on as the new vocalist for the band. The members of the band were looking for a new singer and had an interview with David Draiman that left an impact on them. The guitarist, Dan Donegan, mentioned, “You know, out of all the singers that we had talked to or auditioned, he [Draiman] was the only singer who was ready to go with originals. And that impressed me, just to attempt that. After a minute or two, he just starts banging out these huge melodies...I'm playing my guitar and I'm grinning from ear to ear, trying not to give it away that I like this guy, you know because I don't want to, you know...[say] 'Yeah, we'll give you a callback. Well, you know, discuss it.' But I was so psyched. Chill up my spine. I'm like, 'There is something here'.” Which the drummer, Mike Wengren, added, “  We clicked right off the bat.“

With the change of name and band makeup, they released their first debut album ‘The Sickness’ in 2000 with hit its peak at number twenty on Billboard 200. The album managed to sell over four million copies since its release. 

Upon the release of their second album in 2002 however called ‘Believe’, they managed to hit the number one spot on the Billboard. There was an unfortunate pulling off one of their title songs called ‘Prayer’.

The song was pulled from most televised stations and locations due to the similarities it had with the 9/11 attacks. David Draiman would record vocals for the song ‘Forsaken’ in that same year for Jonathan Davis from the band, Korn. 

Later came the release of their third album in 2005 titled, ‘Ten Thousand Firsts’ and they once again debuted at the number one spot on the Billboard while selling over 200,000 copies in the first week of release. The album would sell over a million copies over the next few months. During an interview with Launch Radio Networks, David Draiman made mention that twenty songs were made for the album, but only fourteen of them were put on the track. 

The same circumstance would appear again with the release of their fourth track, ‘Indestructible’ in 2007 where David Draiman once again mentioned that they had twenty songs prepared for the album, but only fifteen made the cut. 

One of the tracks on the album ‘Inside the Fire’ was made based on an event in David Draiman’s life. Around the time he had graduated from High School, he had become romantically involved with a girl who ended up using heroin and died by committing suicide. When asked for comment about the song, he said, “It is based on a true story of my own where, when I was about 16 or so, I had a girlfriend of mine commit suicide... It was an unbelievably horrific and painful experience, and it was cathartic to make the song, and it took me having a certain mindset to do it, and I had to wait 'til I was ready.”  

Three years later, ‘ Asylum and the Lost Children’ were released in 2010 with general success. However, David Draiman was said to have a “serious throat condition” and would be unable to go on the tour they had planned for up to four weeks. When the tour was finished, the band would enter hiatus in 2011 with concerns that there were conflicts in the band. Draiman dismissed the concerns as false. 

Over the next four years, Draiman would make small appearances on VH1′s “That Metal Show” and shortly in a new band called Device that would only release one album before being disbanded.  

Powerwolf is a German heavy metal band that started in 2003 with their debut album, ‘ Return in Bloodred’. Their song, ‘In the Name of God’ has many repeated choruses throughout the song and many of their songs have the theme of Catholicism. However, the band itself is not Catholic but draws upon the spiritual elements of religion. 

In an interview, the lead Guitarist Benjamin Buss, also known as ‘ Matthew Greywolf’, had stated, “ “I have raised a Catholic. What was fascinating for me was, even at the age of 10 or 11, the contrast between what frame of Catholicism you’ve been taught at church or in religious education, and the other aspects you could read about in history. The parts didn’t fit together for me. So I became interested in the connection between both, finding out what happened with the idea of religion in history. I think it’s quite obvious that the spiritual basics of religion, of a belief, do not have much in common with how religions are used...”

In a sense, it is more of an exploration of that spiritual energy or faith that Powerwolf draws from. It is a theme that has been used in several other heavy metal bands within Germany to varying degrees.

Blind Guardian is another band that draws upon such similar themes. The band officially started in 1984 under the name of “Lucifer’s Heritage’, but had their name changed in 1988 to what it is today to distance themselves from Satanism. Many of their songs have religious themes within them and ‘Twilight of the Gods’ is clear evidence of this through the lyrics. 

However, when asked if they were Christian, they responded in much the same way as Powerwolf. In an interview, vocalist and bass player Hansi Kürsch stated, “I was raised as a Christian, and I do believe there is tremendous wisdom to be gleaned from the Bible, but I am not a practitioner of the faith. My family and I do not attend any religious service.” 

It is a noticeable theme that, while their songs may have hints of religion, both bands are not practitioners of Christianity though they’ve grown up in households that did. It is also interesting to note that Germany has many ties to Christianity. In particular, with Prussia and the Teutonic Order that resided there during the time where the Catholic Church was at the height of its power. 

With that in mind, it is easy to understand how such history can affect some of the bands that come from the country. The influence of Christianity is still prominent and holds a spiritual influence even if it is not worshipped. Cited: 

Powerwolf: 

In The Name of God

Powerwolf Interview

Blind Guardian: 

Twilight of The Gods

Blind Guardian Interview

It is said that music is a language in itself. That the rhythm and theme of a song can take you on a journey through places unknown to you. It is through the animation ‘Fate/Grand Order: Zettai Majuu Sensen Babylonia’ that we see how music can set the stage for a story through the composing of the instrumental pieces. Keita Haga, a composer and lyrist, and the late Ryo Kawasaki, Jazz Fusion Guitarist, and Guitar Synth Inventor composed the music for the animated show in question and the one-piece they made that we will be talking about today is the Flower Magician. A name that is appropriate due to the moment when the song played within the show. Also, like its name, the melody is thematically appropriate to the moment in question. 

The song begins with a gentle start with stringed instruments that slowly build as more instruments join in over the next few seconds. It gives you a sense of elegance and a sort of happy feeling that is reflective of the character it is based around. Just as it reaches its tipping point, there is a sudden pause before it crashes down into a payoff of percussion that tells you that the action is about to take place. The combination of the percussion and string throughout the song reflects the dynamic and impactful appearance of the character along with the showcase of the tide turning. 

There is a sense of flowing in the instrumental string piece that is highlighted strongly by the beat of the drums. However, the tone still gradually grows with each chorus effect of the stringed instruments between each change. It eventually builds to the climax where every instrument rises into a high note that ends in an abrupt halt that echoes for the briefest moment before it comes to an end. 

The song makes excellent use of all the instruments used and has them flow together into a masterpiece of an audio experience. It certainly captures the aspect of the sudden arrival of a hero and the moment when their appearance changes the tide for the better. There is one aspect of the song that symbolically references another song called 'Sword of the Promised Victory' that is the theme for King Arthur in the same series. At timestamps 1:00 and 1:20, a variant of the 'Sword of the Promised Victory' can be heard. That is important as Merlin, in the same series, was the teacher of King Arthur. 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0bEO1KEfjAxQJl94RwU6rtin0mTyBY8r

Music is a powerful part of our lives in ways that we might never think about. What makes music what it is however is something that many people might not agree with. What one person likes does not necessarily translate to something everyone will like. However, some genres fill every taste. 

However, though there are different musicians and bands in the world, the type of style people may not fully respect in the music industry is those that alter already preestablished music. This can come in many forms by changing the type of instrument being used, Nightcore, Remixes, and cross mixes. 

To best explain, I will be going over the list I’ve chosen for this annotated-playlist and describe what they are and how I feel about each of them personally. Most of the songs I’ve found over the years through simple exploring the Youtube site, but I will expand into my thoughts on all of them as we progress. . 

To start us off is Hyuman’s “BATTLE AGAINST A TRUE SAMURAI“ taking Undertale’s ost “Battle Against a True Hero” and using traditional Japanese instruments to alter the sound and feel of the music to that of a Sengoku Period style that you’d find in most samurai themed mediums. As someone who enjoyed Undertale at the time and loves Japanese culture, the combination of the two is excellent. It also fits the character that the song was originally based around quite thematically which is also a bonus to this soundtrack. This is followed by my second choice by the same artist and style:

“ASGORE THE SHOGUN OF THE MOUNTAIN” based on Undertale’s ost “Bergentrückung”. Just as our prior soundtrack, this soundtrack draws heavily from Japanese instruments and the theme of the Sengoku Period, but there’s a lot more visually and instrumentally going on here. The slow fall of the petals that start the video following the gentle, flowing sound of the flute that slowly builds as the background changes to match the beat of the drums that follow. This leads to the brief cut to black to the title’s name before the music suddenly picks up speed to reflect that the fight had begun. It gives the sense of a shogun standing his ground as the last of his men falls upon the field. Both songs get my blood running and pumped when I’m exercising. 

“Star Wars: Duel of The Fates x Kai's Theme | EPIC SAMURAI VERSION” by Samuel Kim Music takes Star Wars’s “Duel of The Fates” and “Kai’s theme” from Kung Fu Panda and meshes them together for a completely new soundtrack that takes from their strong points. The theme of Kai style in with the theme of “Duel of the Fates” gives it that Japanese ascetic without taking away from the original soundtrack. Rather, it adds to it in its unique way with elements from “Kai’s theme” that makes the soundtrack stand out. 

Continuing with Samuel Kim Music, “ Star Wars: The Clones Theme | EPIC MEDIEVAL STYLE “ takes the “The Clones Theme” and changes it into a Nordic/Medieval theme with the chants of warriors and the folk tale style. Where the original was more upbeat, the lower tone and long pieces changes the theme drastically and in entirely new ways. I had found this song recently and, as a fan of the Medieval and Viking era, I heavily enjoy the style they went with here. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2nPMcgmX5c&t=534s

It’s a bit around a year right now, but I had attended a concert at the Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA, USA. I didn’t record the event at the time (Mainly because it wasn’t allowed. Though people did it anyway.), but it played out in much the same way as the video shown above, however.

When I first got there, the smell of alcohol was a bit of a damper and it was a bit cramped as there were no seats so you were standing unless you were on the upper level overlooking the concert stage. However, when the lights darkened and the narrator began to speak, I was instantly excited as the atmosphere changed in an instant.

Then, the room became deafened by a roar from those around me as the lights on stage came on and they started ‘End of All Hope’. The background changes for the song as Floor Jansen with Marko Hietala as the backup singer gets the blood pumped with the impactful, powerful chorus accompanied by the beat of the drums, the rip of the guitar, and the sound of the piano in-between. 

All of this leads to the effect of shaking people out of their stupor and get ready for the next song, ‘Wish I Had an Angel’ which keeps that atmosphere going with brief intervals between each chorus. 

With each song, the singers move to emphasize each lyric; leaning down to look at the crowd, pumping their fists to the beat, and spreading her arms open when the tone changes to that of opera. The body movements have a major effect on how you experience each song and the tone set. Once the first few songs go by, the band then plays ‘Gethsemane’ for a pause in the heavy instrumentals.

However, it was the final song that took if for me, ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ hat ends the concert on a roller coaster from low, rolling music to heavy thunder and a flash of lights; a mixture of poetry and music that works amazingly well together. The song lasts for a total twenty minutes, but it sings of the beginning of existence, the evolution of life, humanity, and that, though we may fear the end, we should be glad to have the privileged to live a life of wonder which is stated clearly in the Stanza: 

“We are one We are a universe Forebears of what will be Scions of the Devonian sea Aeons pass Writing the tale of us all A day-to-day new opening For the greatest show on Earth”

In a sense, the lyrics mean that Earth is one of many planets to have life and thus the greatest show is the miracle of life that presides on this planet. Finally, as the song nears its climax with the chorus that is roared by everyone in the concert:

“We were here! We were here! We were here! We were here!”

A final cry that we, as humans, are here. That life exists here. Which is then closed out by the words written in Richard Dawkins’s book that ends this song on a capstone. Truthfully, I could write an entire piece of this song due to how much meaning there is in it, but I will end it on a note that a Nightwish concert sends you on a journey through awe, wonder, and beauty that leaves you seeking more.

_______________________________________________________

Nightwish Official Site

Electric Factory Set List: 

Since forming in 1999 and kicking off their career with their second album, ‘Primo Victoria’ in 2004, the Swedish heavy metal band has rocked the world with songs of historical events of war and heroism.  

It has been seen in recent years that many people, young and old, are forgetting major historic events such as the holocaust or believe them to be false/exaggerated. This unfortunately plays into the saying ‘Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it’ today as we see such atrocities being repeated once more. 

However, that is not to say that is inevitable. Despite what is said, many are aware of the history of our past and continue to learn with each passing day. It is with this concern though that Sabaton’s music is more than just great music, but a medium to which we can grasp history and learn from it. The band has stated that “People have told us that they passed their history exams in school because of our songs." 

A claim that is easy to see when one listens to their songs and the lyrics. However, as there are numerous songs that I could happily talk about such as the song about the all-female Russian bomber regiment, ‘Night Witches’ or the song of Germany’s first Bismarck-class battleship, ‘Bismarck’, I will instead talk about the songs in the album ‘The Last Stand’. However, if you’re interested in the historical context behind their songs that are not mentioned, you can visit their website to learn more. From here on all though, all the songs that I will be going over the first five songs of the album cover at the top of this blog post. 

Sparta is the first song of the album that blares out with a roar of chants and drums. The main singer retelling the Battle of Thermopylae as the choir that follows into the chorus soon after gives you the vibe of a legion of warriors standing defiantly against the horde of Persians. 

This song is based upon the story of the ‘300 Spartans’ that was recorded by the Greek historian about the defense of the Greek army’s retreat spearheaded by the Spartans against the chasing forces of the Persian army. 

Last Dying Breath follows Sparta with a blaze of glory much like the defenders of Belgrade in their ferocity to protect their homeland at all costs. A fitting followup from the previous song from the distant past to a more modern representation of the will to protect their homeland. The song is based on Dragutin Gavrilović, a Serbian major in WWI who issued a last stand against the Austro-Hungarian army at Danube. 

Blood Of Bannockburn appears next in the album with bagpipes, guitars, and drums with an upbeat, rock tone in a pump up manner. The music is quite fitting as the lyrics tell of the Battle of Bannockburn where the Scottish clans united to rebel against the English crown.

Diary Of An Unknown Soldier which transmissions smoothly into The Lost Battalion sets the groundwork of the struggle of the 77th Division behind the German lines as they find themselves cut off from all sides. The situation was hard as their supplies dwindled, but the music along with the lyrics greatly portray their determination to stay strong even in such a dire situation and persevere until they were saved by a pigeon delivering a message to their allies. 

Rorke's Drift is the last song to cover and it starts with a quickening beat that soon turns into a torrent as the lyrics come around. The song is based on the  Battle of Rorke's Drift where the British forces of around 150 men defended against the 3000 Zulu warriors as they streamed down upon the encampment. The beat and drums set the tone of an intense defensive versus offensive assault as both sides struggle to overcome the other. 

All of these songs showcase major events in history and of the heroics of those who committed acts of courage in the face of certain defeat. Needless to say, I believe Sabaton is one of the greatest bands in modern times due to not just only their music, but the telling of historic events that many would otherwise have never heard of. 

Sources:

The Last Stand by Sabaton

Primo Victoria by Sabaton

Holocaust Study Claims People Are Forgetting by David Rancken

China Uighurs: A model's video gives a rare glimpse inside internment by BBC’s John Sudworth

Sabaton: "People have told us that they passed their history exams in school because of our songs" by guitarworld.com

Night Witches Pt. 2 – Female Soldiers – Sabaton History 069 by Sabaton

Bismarck by Sabaton

Wikipedia Links: 

Battle of Thermopylae

Dragutin Gavrilović

Battle of Bannockburn

Lost Battalion (World War I)

OD

As I walk through This wicked world Searchin' for light in the darkness of insanity.

I ask myself

Is all hope lost?

Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?

We live in a time of turmoil that is unprecedented in recent memory. A time where hatred runs blindly and injustices take place in all directions and so frequently that it is forgotten the next day. Where the Right and the Left see events differently. Where one thing is said, but then another thing is said by the other. Many examples can be pulled to showcase how divisive we have become because one side sees differently from the other, but that’s not what I wish to discuss. Rather, it is more prevalent in considering the feeling of hopelessness for the future. That there is only hatred, anger, and misery as individuals die unjustly and livelihoods are destroyed. In light of the Corona Virus, the death of George Floyd, and the tensions around the world; it is easy to understand how one might believe there is nothing to look forward to in the future. 

With Elvis Costello & The Imposters’ song ‘(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding’, it matches perfectly with that question that is on the minds of many in these times. 

And each time I feel like this inside, There's one thing I wanna know: What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding? Ohhhh What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?

As the gap grows between people and we began to fight, there is the question of when will peace return to us? Will it return once the virus is gone? Will it return after the election? Will it return after people settle down? Will it return if the Police are defunded/disbanded? It is uncertain and that leads to people wondering when peace will return. It also leads to people trying to understand others, but such thought in a violent time is quickly shot down.  (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding express this sediment in the song by asking simple “What’s so funny ‘bout peace love & understand?’ as, when that question is asked, it is ridiculed which is scary in a time where it’s important to at least understand why someone believes the way they do rather than seeing them just as 'the enemy’. 

 And as I walked on Through troubled times My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes So where are the strong 

And who are the trusted? And where is the harmony? Sweet harmony.

These particular verses (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding hit the mark in particular with what many have felt throughout 2020. In such troubling times, people start to lose any sense of spirit they might have and began to question everything. Can the Government be trusted? Can the police be trusted? Can the media be trusted? Who can we go to for help in these times? How can we go back to our peaceful days? Is there any guarantee that we can once all of this is set and done? Or will we continue to be divided? It is that uncertainty that has caused doubt to cloud our minds toward the future as we continue to watch events flash before our eyes as our days pass by. When a story will pick up one day of a person being shot in the street and be quickly forgotten as another story appears targeting Donald Trump the next day. (Recent example. Even the story of Jacob Blake, for example, gets buried under the amount of new stories that appear) With the speed at which news appears before us, there is a reason why these questions are left unanswered as there seems to be no answer to be given. 

'Cause each time I feel it slippin' away, just makes me wanna cry. 

Finally, with this verse, we see that this inevitably leaves us with the feeling that the chances of peace are slipping away. That we are ultimately powerless to stop the hatred, malice, and misery that has taken hold of everything around us. Where small decisions could’ve prevented these events from occurring, where perhaps justice and peace could be had, it has now possibly come to a point where there may be no going back. Where all we can do is simply cry as we watch everything burn around us and wonder what we could have been. 

I still believe there is time to change our course and maintain what we have, but it requires us to begin to reach out and bring everyone together to understand one another. To change minds and become united once again. As the saying goes, “United we stand, divided we fall.” 

Sources: 

(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding by Elvis Costello & The Imposters

Peaceful protests continue in downtown L.A. by L.A. Times Looting And Rioting Break Out On Chicago’s Magnificent Mile by TODAY

WATCH: What 'defund the police' actually means by PBSNewsHour

The Left wants to abolish the Police....does the Black community? Watch and find out! by Ami Horowitz

FiveThirtyEight 

Minneapolis plans to disband police service by CBS News

Man shot dead after Trump supporters and protesters clash in Portland by CBC News: The National