I’m personally a big fan of the “Nezarec is Nyarlathotep” theory, so I’m glad they gave him such a scary, chaotic theme. Feels like they really did him justice with this.
Nezarec had influence on earth, also the psions apparently have worshipped him for a long time. (which probably also explains the Cabal theme at the start) I can totally buy the disciples running around the universe and influencing primitive societies and then fading into memory as divine mythological beings.
@@schonkigplavuis8850 basically nezarec is the embodiment of terror. he feeds off insanity and pain. at his full strength he sent a guardian mad by basically eating his shadow, entering him and then tormenting him with visions and dreams till the guardian stabbed his eyes out and killed his ghost
Yea I watched the full run he did of RoN. I was disappointed they didn’t get the full track like with Rhulk when they forced a 3-phase. He should’ve done the same for Nez with his team and forced a 3-phase.
This version of the track is just one part, which the tension, tension action, and action mixes all existing on youtube. These parts play in the raid and are definitely worth listening to
The music dataminers uploaded the "action" and "high action" intensities separately, and as it turns out a thing Bungie didn't include in the official release was the formers DPS cue, which is downright criminal. It's really good.
@@Ash_6614 Don't know if we can share the link. Searching for Oneirophobia (Action) Destiny Music Archive will get you it. The DPS phase starts at 1:24 in that video. I wiped on Nezarec for 7 hours on Contest Mode, and this bit still gets me *so hyped!*
I absolutely love you not only having musical experience, but also the game knowledge to say "Hey, this is obviously a raid boss, so they do X", "This is the Cabal theme", "This is ALMOST the neomuna theme". Really makes it for me! Thank you for letting us have part in your thoughts :D
A central mechanic in this raid is using both the light and darkness to get through the encounters. So, the use of the light and dark themes playing simultaneously works really well to illustrate that point.
@Coolguy-dw8ep so, that's one theory. The other is this: the winnower is not inherently evil, it just abides by a different moral code. It kills/"closes flowers" because it sees this as merciful and minimizing suffering in the world. The gardener seeks to spread life everywhere it can, and protect that life. While the 2 can't agree on much, they both can agree that Nez is evil. He wants to intentionally create eternal suffering. That goes against the winnowers entire code. And obviously he wants death so the Gardner isn't too fond of him either
I love the inclusion of the cabal theme because of how prominent psions are in nezarec's story since destiny 2. This track is amazing as a story piece and just to listen to
@@jackiemary9305There is also evidence of Nezarec himself being a Psion. His powers being void and all that, his relation to psions already. It would also explain why Tormenters are so similar.
Any raid boss fight usually has the better sound going for it since a lot of the music is tied into dps phase when it becomes heroic/action packed really getting you into the mood of *"LETS FUCKING GOOOOOO"*
@@blubberfeet5430theres youtube channels that edit together the raid version if you wanna listen, just search up “oneirophobia raid ost” its vey very good
Your reaction to the Guardian motif part was so cool to see. Me and my friends lost our minds when we heard that the first time. Love your reactions to Destiny tracks!! Please do more!
i like how the music addresses the entities that are present, you can hear guardian theme, lightfall theme, cabal theme, light theme, and darkness theme. then they starts to dance together, which fits Nezarec as a being who likes to incite chaos
Oneirophobia is easily top 3 destiny 2 tracks along with Journey and Deep Stone Lullaby, just musically it's composition is nothing short of an absolute masterpiece.
@@notashketchum2636 Destiny 2 tracks, plus im not a big fan of regicide for being a looping track. A lot of D1 vanilla + TTK tracks had issues with looping too much.
I saw one comment and i think it summarized Nezarec really well. Rhulk's theme is very rhytmic and demanding, it kinda asks you to step along to its melody. Oneirophobia is very chaotic and raw, just like Nezarec himself. (Also, the Bungie official mix doesnt include the best part of the song, the 1st dps phase. If you search Oneirophobia: action, you should be able to hear this left out part)
HIGHLY recommend playing through the raid or listening to the Full Action version of this in you're own time. Nezarec has probably the best DPS phase music out of any raid boss theme, and the official OST has for some reason cut it out. Promethean Archival Mind and Destiny Music Archive both have the ingame version uploaded (separate action + high action in DMA's case). It's staggering how different the official OST and in-game OST are.
I don't know, when you pick up the sword in Crotas End, that music has stuck with me forever. ruclips.net/video/l-ZHJf3IQtU/видео.html The reason is the actual raid music is very different. Then, someone picks up the sword and the regular music dies out and this music takes it place, signifying the moment that is about to happen.
@@Aj-py8en may be your opinion, but I disagree. I even think oryx theme is better. Actually most boss themes are better, not that this one is bad, just definitely not the best.
I love this track. To me, 5:33 sounds like the final fight that concludes the Light and Dark saga. It sounds like the kind of music you would hear at the end of 10 years of Destiny.
Yeah the style sounds like something to end the saga. Maybe they will make the Guardian theme like that or maybe a mashup of the Traveler and Witness themes
Hearing the Deep Stone Crypt in there too was such a nice touch. Remixing all of the best Destiny themes into one epic orchestral piece would be amazing for our fight with The Witness.
The primary link between the Cabal and Nezarec are the Psions. Their species used to worship Nezarec, and they were integrated into the Cabal empire when they were conquered.
One thing I just noticed, is that throughout the song whenever the strings and drums start up, is that the strings (representing the Light) are predominately in your left ear while the drums (representing the Darkness) are predominantly in your right ear, which furthers the theme of the raid: Harmony.
Final encounter also has the left side of the room be the light side, while the right side is dark. So the music also emphasizes a little bit of the mechanics in the encounter
So many leitmotifs clashing together! Although it feels more fluid and majestic than your typical mashup. It's like all these themes are dancing together in a choreographed duel. Definitely feels like the finale of the expansion.
I gotta say finding this channel and the enthusiasm for music here has really helped me get back into playing myself. I took years of lessons but stopped playing when I moved out on my own and it’s only the past year or two that I’ve started again in a real way.
This is such an awesome theme. It goes so hard at the start and doesn't let up for a second. Plus the combination of the Cabal theme and the Light/Dark themes overlapping each other. It's a totally different feeling than Rhulk had but still intense as all hell.
the reason you hear the light and dark motif in this track is because Nezarec was actually dead and the light blast that the traveler did rebuilds him. so when you fight him he is a being of both light and dark
The damage phase music is easily one of the best pieces of audio Destiny has ever produced and it is extremely unfortunate it’s not included in the official soundtrack
I saw you tweet about it. Been listening to it the whole day and I gotta say, the Choir that plays in some parts feels so empowering, again very good use of Vocals by bungie (one of the things they do a lot is the use for voice in very interesting and amazing ways).
Having someone who understands music AND the Destiny lore react to destiny's tracks is a godsend. Each track has so much storytelling behind it, that only a player could dissect it
It's great that you highlighted the different leitmotifs of destiny within the song. Since this plays during the Nezarec fight and he is seen as a chimeric being, especially due to the events of lightfall affecting him with powers of both light and dark. Pretty amazing that this track encapsulates that for the god of pain that has full domain over dreams and nightmares.
Personally, my favorite track from playing Destiny2 has to be Hashladûn’s Fall. Underrated DLC but great soundtrack that made the emotions and tension higher. They really introduce the whole choir in this piece.
I wouldn’t call it an underrated dlc as it very much deserves to be one of the lowest quality expansions, if not the lowest assuming Warmind and CoO don’t count. That’s no reason we can’t appreciate the music of it though.
The way you describe the duality of the light and dark theme is spot on, as Nezarec, a (former) Deciple of the Witness got revived by the terraforming power the Traveler used on the Witnesses ship. He is a being between light and dark, with both sides rejecting him!
I really loved how you singled out and explained all the leitmotifs and their history and themes, and tied that together with what it all means and does in the context of this piece!
The context of the raid is Nezarec is using both Light and Dark to rebuild himself in the aftermath of the Traveler's direct attack on the Witness, which left it's pyramid as this mish-mash of Light plants and flora, alongside the monolithic Dark architecture of the original Pyramid ship. The whole raid's theming is on the duality of Light and Dark, and how to use it effectively against a greater foe. Both you and Nezarec try to do this but the difference is that Nezarec tries to devour both and brute force wield it, which results in his own body's Light and Dark fighting itself and ultimately rejecting him (probably because Nezarec's whole thing is pain, which is a concept that both Light and Dark reject). While with Guardians use the Light and Dark of the ship in harmony and are able to kill the Final God of Pain that way. This is reflected in the instrumental where the Light and Dark motif are either conflicting and cutting in with each other (reflecting Nezarec), or are in harmony with each other to create something magnificent (reflecting us). A good example of this is at 2:25. The fast paced nature of the song probably reflects Nezarec's need to prey on Insanity and pain, as he himself is loving every second of this and is directly trying to rush you down mid encounter, making it feel fast. The Cabal theme is here due to the Shadow Legion's presence, although I find it being so prominent at the beginning of the song interesting, as not only does Nezarec control them in the raid, but a Psion model was found in the game files that has crit spots attributed to it that shows up no-where else in Lightfall, which has made a small cult of people on some Discord servers I'm in believe that Nezarec may have originally been a Psion in development, before they were changed to the Tormentor design.
My man 2:25 *****ng the best face I have ever seen Probably also the most appropriate when you realise what your listening to Keep the great vids comming out
Been waiting for this one! Oneirophobia has been dominating my on repeat list ever since I heard it. The way the music builds up throughout the whole song and there are SO. MANY. LAYERS. I feel like I could listen to it 1000 times and still pick out new things. Rhulk's theme felt like an overwhelming sense of power fighting against a triumphant hero, but Nezarec embodying a sense of fear and nightmares is even better. Loved the analysis. Always appreciate that I can gain a deeper love of music via learning about your mindset.
Damn, i've been rewatching your videos multiple times, i don't know how, but it seems to me, that you "feel" the music the same way i do, its so fascinating, i can't get enough of your destiny reactions, i feel very connected to your emotions and your expressions) Only few people i know are as passionate about music as you are, im really glad that i found your channel, and that you enjoy destiny music so much. Destiny means a lot to me, and i consider it's soundtrack to be a masterpiece, with all it's leitmotifs and story - connected themes. Hearing destiny 1 soundtrack and memories it brings back can litrally make me cry) So yeah, i really enjoy what you are doing, please, keep going, you make my days happier)
I love this theme and your video made me like it even more. I didn't even realize the guardian theme was fused with the darkness theme before you pointed it out, and this makes perfect sense with what's happening in the raid and the Nezarec fight. You'll see when you try it yourself! I still like "Tyrant Overthrown" better though. It also makes an excellent use of several different leitmotifs, while also weaving them together to make your reminisce about the whole Lightfall journey just as you face its conclusion. Truly masterful!
The likely reason for the Cabal's theme within Nezarec's track is twofold: 1: He's allied with Calus' Cabal within the raid and within his fight 2: The more interesting bit: Nezarec within the lore is known to be a God of the Psions, the psychic client race of the cabal, known to come to them through dreams and nightmares, and through them has possibly influenced aspects of Cabal society. This goes wider with the other various themes in the track as well - Nezarec has had tidbits of lore interacting with the Fallen, Lightbearer Warlords and more *whilst he was technically dead!* I think we have yet to realise just how much of an influence this eldritch monster has had in the wider lore of Destiny.
The coolest part of this track for me happens at around 2:25 in your video, with both the Guardian and Black Fleet motifs. Raid boss themes in Destiny have a tendency to have a section where they play the Guardian motif along with the boss's so it represents you and the boss clashing for supremacy, but this one in particular is really cool because the two are layered directly over top of each other, which is so fitting considering we're nearing the end of the Light and Darkness Saga. Another nice touch is that Nezarec, the final boss, has been revived with the Light but still has both Light and Darkness within him, and I think this part symbolizes that as well.
If there is ever a raid to play, it is Root of Nightmares. It is the most accessible raid for new raiders out of all of the raids in Destiny 2 at the moment! It's environmental and music storytelling is top notch, too!
Yesssss so glad you listened to this, however, I HIGHLY ADVISE: listen to the in game version as well as it has more parts to the soundtrack mainly in the third phase of the fight and the dps phases. Things you won’t bear in this version. It really is a treat, I promise.
So, the part at 1:20 is actually part of the Siege Dancers theme from Destiny 1. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always associated that theme with psions, despite the theme being used in the Valus Ta’aurc strike(if I remember correctly anyway). Which, because I associate it with psions, lends credence to the theory that Nezarec started as a Psion. There’s a lot of lore and stuff that goes deeper into him being a psion, I don’t know if it’s actually confirmed or not. But he even has the same void pulses that shoot you up like psions do. It’s a cool callback to D1 that, the first time I heard it before the raid, made my head race with ideas.
I feel like I have this ingrained in my mind after spending soooo many hours on nezarec on contest mode. I really hope you get to experience this raid at some point Marco. The music and the setpieces are just amazing. Afaik you already have a clan but if you ever need an extra guardian I would be happy to help. I have the same name in game :)
I like coming back to this video because I just really like listening to others dissecting this track But one thing that got me to appreciate this track again is the appearance of the “Look Beyond” theme which is the theme of the Darkness as a “power” and not as an “entity”. Now this power despite initial understanding from the Collapse is being used for the purposes of preserving life. And for this motif to appear again on a higher, more triumphant key, before kicking into high gear when it duets with the Lightfall motif (echoing to the discovery of both Neptune and Strand) I can’t, destiny 2 music just gives me more reason to appreciate video game music over most contemporary music
I was waiting for this video! But there’s one thing I was hoping you’d address that you didn’t - the screech at 8:40, what is that? It definitely sounds nightmarish but I don’t know if that’s the feeling it’s trying to invoke.
So if you pay attention to the raid the whole story behind it is that the light and dark are colliding, so music like this that take elements from both the guardian light theme and the darkness theme is perfect ✨️
I actually never noticed the background choir, incredible attention to detail- a big thing about Nezarec is how he has his Acolytes, with the raid gear telling their stories- people affected by his power over the mind, and over fear, so much that they become his followers, and spread his pain and terror to others around themselves.
the very obvious "cabal stomp" part of the track is actually really important lore wise as nezerec has very recently been more and more connected to the cabal psions and their ancient cult like worship of him so its a really cool way to connect him to these followers that he's forced into submission
@MarcoMeatball 5:19 I really enjoy the moment of confusion from Marco here. "Why the heck is Taniks' theme here?" I think the presence of that motif in Beyond Light and Lightfall - but its absence in The Witch Queen - points to it symbolizing Guardians using Darkness. It's also strongly present in the 2nd phase of the Eramis boss fight, the first time the player willingly draws on Stasis.
Nezarec is someone that can manipulate nightmares, and drive people insane, so “fear of dreams” is such a wicked name! Your thought of symbiosis is 👍 no spoilers:3
Such a good track. Seems like the team really like using drums for raid bosses - perhaps that's the recurring "theme" of Disciples. I believe the last few notes are from Bow to No One.
for the cabal theme, its because nezerac is worshiped by psions, and nezerac has Strong psionic power, so during the encounter you are fighting the remaining shadow legion while trying to get to the dps phase of the nezarac encounter
You should to the full version of this track. Promethean Archival mind's channel made a full version of what exactly it sounds like in game and it's phenomenal!
A little late, but the Psions of the cabal likely worshipped nezarec before they were Integrated into the cabal. The helmets they wear are based off nezarec horns. That's one of the reasons the cabal motif is in the song.
You are the best thank you for this reaction oneirophobia is my favorite track in lightfall's soundtrack album and I'll be waiting for HyperNet current track reaction Also I couldn't be present in your Sumeru Genshin live stream so I could tell you about Persian culture references sorry I'll be ready for next time
Can 100% recommend listening to the other parts of the OST not in the offical release of this song. For instance, the high action (can be found on RUclips with that naming) the vocals kick in to a beautiful pointm it all happens during DPS. Def recommend it!
Oneirophobia - The fear of dreams. So some context I got regarding Nezarec (did not play the raid or read much else first-hand): Nezarec, like Rhulk from The First Disciple, is a Disciple of the Witness. He had strong influence with the Cabal Psions, becoming a twisted deity, and led the Collapse. However, likely by Savathun, he was killed and his Pyramid ship was grounded at the Moon - the same one first discovered in Shadowkeep. His body was much later dissected by the Fallen into small canisters for power, and in fact, one of his original body parts is inside one of our weapons, the Delicate Tomb. He is very partial to nightmares of sapient beings (like the aforementioned Psions), and his consciousness somehow survived the death of his physical body. So even at the Dark Age, he was still drawing influence with his Acolytes. (Raid spoilers) I am not completely sure what happened which led to the raid, and I do not think we got much about his origins unlike a certain other Disciple. But the raid is fought inside the very same Pyramid ship which the Witness originally controlled, which had been overrun with Light-infused tree roots from the Traveller's attack. Apparently, Nezarec - who was haunting Neomuna's citizens prior to the raid, was drawing power from both the Pyramid's Darkness and the roots' Light. Thus allowing him power over both.
The version you are listening to is not complete, although the main one is there, a major part of the theme is missing when dps the boss. I advise you to listen to the version of the Promethean channel from 1:25 :)
Your mention of the elegant Cabal theme got me thinking. It's long been speculated became much more than a mere Cabal. Perhaps the incorporation of the modified theme of the Cabal is a subtle nod towards the transformation of Calus into a disciple of the witness, and his loyalists into the shadow legion fought in Lightfall.
This song is unbelievably good. It is kind of unfortunate that they didn't include the first DPS phase part, cus that one is really cool. Something that caught my attention was one of your comments about the music (won't say which so I don't spoil a part of the raid), but it perfectly describes what we are (lore-wise) doing in the raid in terms of the main mechanic. Super cool!
This music is masterful in how it tells the story of Nezerec and what's going on, the way both the light and darkness themes meld together, harmonious for a moment, before breaking apart, it symbolises how Nezerec has used both the light and the darkness to bring himself back to life in a tenuous union that neither force is happy about. I'm pretty sure Savathûn's theme makes an appearance too before being drowned out, because Savathûn is the one who originally killed Nezerec, but couldn't destroy him for good. And then at the end, when the music cuts out, and Nezerec is killed, only for the music to have an extra bit at the end, raising the question of whether Nezerec is truly dead for good this time.
The reason why It has the Cabal theme in that is because there is a boss that cabal and all the enemies throughout the raid are Cabal and they are serving in Nezarec.
I think the vocal solos are incredible throughout the piece. Not only to build on a culmination of lightfall but it feels like the stakes in the fight with us associating it with neomuna and the neomuni people who ate under threat from nezarec
This is probably my favorite music since Roar from Cloverfield. There's been plenty great since then (Interstellar etc, etc) but I haven't listened to a song 5-10 times a day for over a week between Roar and Oneirophobia. Here's how I have this charted in my own head without having any real education on the subject. We had Wagner set THE standard with hero vs villain themes/leitmotifs. Then there's Holst and like I said not educated so then I have a blind spot until John Williams. I remember great music from plenty of movies from the 40's and 50's but I don't know of any composer who truly stood above the rest without looking it up. Then we have the super hero movie era that Williams didn't take part of and we have had plenty of stumbles. I think the defining moment where we all went "the fuck you guys doin'?" was Avengers Age of Ultron which lead to the course correction up until Endgame. So by understanding all that on a more professional level, that's how you get to something like Oneirophobia, by Age of Ultron. :)
If I remember right, the reason the cabal theme is attached to it, is because Nezerac was apart of the Cabal's past. (Mostly the pscions) and they worshipped/feared him. He liked inserting himself into early bits of culture, he even was apart of the anomaly during the golden age/collapse.
The reason the guardian theme and essentially the light themes are mixed in with all of the darkness is because nezarec was reborn thanks to the traveler and in the raid when you go to do DPS on him the signal that it's time is he is hit with a beam of light and then quickly followed by a beam of darkness. Raid may be easy but epic AF and VERY fun. It reminds me of Wrath of the Machine. Super easy especially for hire to your players but very accessible very fun.
The Lore for this raid is amazing. Nezzy talks to you the whole time at the end, he's literally charging after you, yelling at you the whole time like a really bad nightmare.
For why the cabal theme is in this the raid is on the witnesses pyramid that was blasted by the traveler and accidentally revived nezarec and gave him the light to an extent. We invade it and have to through the raid accidentally help nezarec build his body. For the cabal part it’s mainly cabal and has a cabal boss who nezarec hates as he asks us to deal with this new recruit.
Please do listen to the Action or High Action versions as well, they are incredibly good. Also Nezarec's theme starting with aggressively menacing energy, instead of Rhulk's ominous but restrained start, is a great comparison between our two raid boss Disciples of the Witness.
That last part at the end around 9:11 sounds like part of Bow To No One From the Taken King soundtrack. Yeah that's definitely it, don't know if they're trying to hint at the Queen by it's use though.
the name of this track is very reminiscent of the actual design of Nezarec. In the destiny lore, he is the Final God of Pain(an actual title in game btw). He has access to insane psychic abilities and creeps into the minds of anyone afraid, mainly of dreaming and sleep, hence the name. He also has his own cult, The Disciples of Nezarec, they are basically a group of religious zealots that will stop at nothing to find those cowering in fear of their own dreams. The motifs and general references that destiny has from the music relating to actual in game lore is insane.
Nezzy has deep involvement in old Psion culture who are part of Cabal + main enemy faction of the raid is shadow legion folks. As well whole theme of the raid is direct fight of light and dark forces(quite literally as their own pure energy and not simply factions as usual)
I love this track so much. The official soundtrack version is actually missing a unique variant of the music that plays during damage phase, where the vocalist sings the melodic response instead of leading the melody. The heavy use of the lead vocalist is so interesting to me. I have a lot of fun thinking about what it means in the overall narrative of Lightfall.
The amount of facial expressions this guy goes through when listening to a song is an absolute delight.
:D
It's how I feel when listening to a lot of Destiny music XD
@@Saiyanprince1114 same xD
@@Saiyanprince1114 same, very nice and juicy haha
I’m personally a big fan of the “Nezarec is Nyarlathotep” theory, so I’m glad they gave him such a scary, chaotic theme. Feels like they really did him justice with this.
What does this entail?
Nezarec had influence on earth, also the psions apparently have worshipped him for a long time. (which probably also explains the Cabal theme at the start) I can totally buy the disciples running around the universe and influencing primitive societies and then fading into memory as divine mythological beings.
@@schonkigplavuis8850 basically nezarec is the embodiment of terror. he feeds off insanity and pain. at his full strength he sent a guardian mad by basically eating his shadow, entering him and then tormenting him with visions and dreams till the guardian stabbed his eyes out and killed his ghost
Dad bod scary man 👍
Just bcs byf thinks so?, this theory has very little basis
You have to listen to Oneirophobia (full action) version, the DPS phase is just *sublime*
maybe he will do a seperate reaction to full action??
yeah its kind of a bummer that 1st DPS isn't on the official track
Yea I watched the full run he did of RoN. I was disappointed they didn’t get the full track like with Rhulk when they forced a 3-phase. He should’ve done the same for Nez with his team and forced a 3-phase.
If you played Pantheon you know... your description is very fitting xD
nezarec sublime?
This version of the track is just one part, which the tension, tension action, and action mixes all existing on youtube. These parts play in the raid and are definitely worth listening to
The music dataminers uploaded the "action" and "high action" intensities separately, and as it turns out a thing Bungie didn't include in the official release was the formers DPS cue, which is downright criminal. It's really good.
can you link this?
@@Ash_6614 ruclips.net/video/L2fnn07tyvM/видео.html
@@Ash_6614 it's on the RUclips channel "Destiny Music Archive": www.youtube.com/@destiny_music_archive
@@Ash_6614 Don't know if we can share the link. Searching for Oneirophobia (Action) Destiny Music Archive will get you it. The DPS phase starts at 1:24 in that video.
I wiped on Nezarec for 7 hours on Contest Mode, and this bit still gets me *so hyped!*
@@Ash_6614 check out destiny music archive
I absolutely love you not only having musical experience, but also the game knowledge to say "Hey, this is obviously a raid boss, so they do X", "This is the Cabal theme", "This is ALMOST the neomuna theme". Really makes it for me! Thank you for letting us have part in your thoughts :D
Of course! :)
A central mechanic in this raid is using both the light and darkness to get through the encounters. So, the use of the light and dark themes playing simultaneously works really well to illustrate that point.
That parts also the dps phase were nez is blasted by both light and dark
@@timothyaintit5989that shows how the two cannot exist together peacefully as they both reject the contradiction that is nezarec
@Coolguy-dw8ep so, that's one theory. The other is this: the winnower is not inherently evil, it just abides by a different moral code. It kills/"closes flowers" because it sees this as merciful and minimizing suffering in the world.
The gardener seeks to spread life everywhere it can, and protect that life.
While the 2 can't agree on much, they both can agree that Nez is evil. He wants to intentionally create eternal suffering. That goes against the winnowers entire code. And obviously he wants death so the Gardner isn't too fond of him either
I love the inclusion of the cabal theme because of how prominent psions are in nezarec's story since destiny 2. This track is amazing as a story piece and just to listen to
@@jackiemary9305 enough to have a religion based around him.
@@jackiemary9305There is also evidence of Nezarec himself being a Psion. His powers being void and all that, his relation to psions already. It would also explain why Tormenters are so similar.
this is the official Oneirophobia song they released which is missing actual flourishes you hear in the raid. That one's even better.
WAIT REALLY!?!?! Damm bro ;-;
@@blubberfeet5430 especially when DPS phase, that is the best
Any raid boss fight usually has the better sound going for it since a lot of the music is tied into dps phase when it becomes heroic/action packed really getting you into the mood of *"LETS FUCKING GOOOOOO"*
@@blubberfeet5430theres youtube channels that edit together the raid version if you wanna listen, just search up “oneirophobia raid ost” its vey very good
Your reaction to the Guardian motif part was so cool to see. Me and my friends lost our minds when we heard that the first time.
Love your reactions to Destiny tracks!! Please do more!
It's so good!
Hearing the main character's theme in a boss fight will never not be badass. Final Fantasy XIV, Monster Hunter, it doesn't matter, it ALWAYS works.
i like how the music addresses the entities that are present, you can hear guardian theme, lightfall theme, cabal theme, light theme, and darkness theme.
then they starts to dance together, which fits Nezarec as a being who likes to incite chaos
Oneirophobia is easily top 3 destiny 2 tracks along with Journey and Deep Stone Lullaby, just musically it's composition is nothing short of an absolute masterpiece.
Bro forgot about regicide
@@notashketchum2636 Destiny 2 tracks, plus im not a big fan of regicide for being a looping track. A lot of D1 vanilla + TTK tracks had issues with looping too much.
@@friendlyelites Understandable have a nice day
@@notashketchum2636 frigid tomb is where it’s at
@@Stanzbey69Athanasia>
I saw one comment and i think it summarized Nezarec really well.
Rhulk's theme is very rhytmic and demanding, it kinda asks you to step along to its melody. Oneirophobia is very chaotic and raw, just like Nezarec himself. (Also, the Bungie official mix doesnt include the best part of the song, the 1st dps phase. If you search Oneirophobia: action, you should be able to hear this left out part)
I love how he is fully invested, knows every motif, react and add interesting info. He's part of the community now aha
I've been part of the community since release day haha
@@MarcoMeatball i didn't know that! That's great if you're still with us since the beginning, liking the music and the game!
HIGHLY recommend playing through the raid or listening to the Full Action version of this in you're own time. Nezarec has probably the best DPS phase music out of any raid boss theme, and the official OST has for some reason cut it out. Promethean Archival Mind and Destiny Music Archive both have the ingame version uploaded (separate action + high action in DMA's case). It's staggering how different the official OST and in-game OST are.
I don't know, when you pick up the sword in Crotas End, that music has stuck with me forever.
ruclips.net/video/l-ZHJf3IQtU/видео.html
The reason is the actual raid music is very different. Then, someone picks up the sword and the regular music dies out and this music takes it place, signifying the moment that is about to happen.
Tell me you haven't heard sanctified minds theme without telling me you haven't heard sanctified minds theme lol.
@@nicolasjorgensen4126 I have heard The Sanctified Mind. Oneirophobia is better. Even Temptation is better if we're keeping us to GoS
@@Aj-py8en may be your opinion, but I disagree. I even think oryx theme is better. Actually most boss themes are better, not that this one is bad, just definitely not the best.
@@nicolasjorgensen4126me personally, I really like this one. Might just be recency bias.
I love this track. To me, 5:33 sounds like the final fight that concludes the Light and Dark saga. It sounds like the kind of music you would hear at the end of 10 years of Destiny.
Yeah the style sounds like something to end the saga. Maybe they will make the Guardian theme like that or maybe a mashup of the Traveler and Witness themes
Definitely the best part of the song for me
Hearing the Deep Stone Crypt in there too was such a nice touch. Remixing all of the best Destiny themes into one epic orchestral piece would be amazing for our fight with The Witness.
Nah, that music is gonna be loud, bass filled, and have long, intense notes.
@Sarciety 🤓🤌 you right though
YESSSS I WAS TOTALLY WAITING FOR YOU TO LISTEN TO THIS WHEN I HEARD IT
The primary link between the Cabal and Nezarec are the Psions. Their species used to worship Nezarec, and they were integrated into the Cabal empire when they were conquered.
One thing I just noticed, is that throughout the song whenever the strings and drums start up, is that the strings (representing the Light) are predominately in your left ear while the drums (representing the Darkness) are predominantly in your right ear, which furthers the theme of the raid: Harmony.
Final encounter also has the left side of the room be the light side, while the right side is dark. So the music also emphasizes a little bit of the mechanics in the encounter
So many leitmotifs clashing together! Although it feels more fluid and majestic than your typical mashup. It's like all these themes are dancing together in a choreographed duel. Definitely feels like the finale of the expansion.
I gotta say finding this channel and the enthusiasm for music here has really helped me get back into playing myself. I took years of lessons but stopped playing when I moved out on my own and it’s only the past year or two that I’ve started again in a real way.
Fuck yes
This is such an awesome theme. It goes so hard at the start and doesn't let up for a second. Plus the combination of the Cabal theme and the Light/Dark themes overlapping each other. It's a totally different feeling than Rhulk had but still intense as all hell.
the reason you hear the light and dark motif in this track is because Nezarec was actually dead and the light blast that the traveler did rebuilds him. so when you fight him he is a being of both light and dark
So basically, Prismatic before Prismatic ever became a thing in Destiny?
Honestly one of my new favorite songs. It fits so well with Nezarec and is just so well composed and epic, it's just amazing.
The damage phase music is easily one of the best pieces of audio Destiny has ever produced and it is extremely unfortunate it’s not included in the official soundtrack
Hearing this live after attempting to complete it in contest mode for 8 hours is one of the best feelings ever.
Much love marco
I love how you're a d2 player and a pro at musical knowledge so you can actually analyse and dissect themes and connections to the d2 lore.
Ya! :)
I saw you tweet about it. Been listening to it the whole day and I gotta say, the Choir that plays in some parts feels so empowering, again very good use of Vocals by bungie (one of the things they do a lot is the use for voice in very interesting and amazing ways).
Having someone who understands music AND the Destiny lore react to destiny's tracks is a godsend. Each track has so much storytelling behind it, that only a player could dissect it
It's great that you highlighted the different leitmotifs of destiny within the song. Since this plays during the Nezarec fight and he is seen as a chimeric being, especially due to the events of lightfall affecting him with powers of both light and dark. Pretty amazing that this track encapsulates that for the god of pain that has full domain over dreams and nightmares.
Personally, my favorite track from playing Destiny2 has to be Hashladûn’s Fall. Underrated DLC but great soundtrack that made the emotions and tension higher. They really introduce the whole choir in this piece.
I agree, that songs goes way too hard for a strike. Too bad she dies in less than a minute.
Hashladûns fall and storm the keep are both gold
I wouldn’t call it an underrated dlc as it very much deserves to be one of the lowest quality expansions, if not the lowest assuming Warmind and CoO don’t count. That’s no reason we can’t appreciate the music of it though.
The way you describe the duality of the light and dark theme is spot on, as Nezarec, a (former) Deciple of the Witness got revived by the terraforming power the Traveler used on the Witnesses ship. He is a being between light and dark, with both sides rejecting him!
Oh, you actually play the game too, along with a music analysis. Nice!
I do!!!
The version of this song that has the damage phase theme for the Nezarec boss fight is my personal favorite
I really loved how you singled out and explained all the leitmotifs and their history and themes, and tied that together with what it all means and does in the context of this piece!
The context of the raid is Nezarec is using both Light and Dark to rebuild himself in the aftermath of the Traveler's direct attack on the Witness, which left it's pyramid as this mish-mash of Light plants and flora, alongside the monolithic Dark architecture of the original Pyramid ship.
The whole raid's theming is on the duality of Light and Dark, and how to use it effectively against a greater foe. Both you and Nezarec try to do this but the difference is that Nezarec tries to devour both and brute force wield it, which results in his own body's Light and Dark fighting itself and ultimately rejecting him (probably because Nezarec's whole thing is pain, which is a concept that both Light and Dark reject). While with Guardians use the Light and Dark of the ship in harmony and are able to kill the Final God of Pain that way. This is reflected in the instrumental where the Light and Dark motif are either conflicting and cutting in with each other (reflecting Nezarec), or are in harmony with each other to create something magnificent (reflecting us). A good example of this is at 2:25.
The fast paced nature of the song probably reflects Nezarec's need to prey on Insanity and pain, as he himself is loving every second of this and is directly trying to rush you down mid encounter, making it feel fast. The Cabal theme is here due to the Shadow Legion's presence, although I find it being so prominent at the beginning of the song interesting, as not only does Nezarec control them in the raid, but a Psion model was found in the game files that has crit spots attributed to it that shows up no-where else in Lightfall, which has made a small cult of people on some Discord servers I'm in believe that Nezarec may have originally been a Psion in development, before they were changed to the Tormentor design.
My man 2:25 *****ng the best face I have ever seen
Probably also the most appropriate when you realise what your listening to
Keep the great vids comming out
This song is my favourite in the franchise so far.
3:00 the duet of both light and dark is so fitting for this raid, and its boss (for lore reasons)
Been waiting for this one! Oneirophobia has been dominating my on repeat list ever since I heard it. The way the music builds up throughout the whole song and there are SO. MANY. LAYERS. I feel like I could listen to it 1000 times and still pick out new things. Rhulk's theme felt like an overwhelming sense of power fighting against a triumphant hero, but Nezarec embodying a sense of fear and nightmares is even better.
Loved the analysis. Always appreciate that I can gain a deeper love of music via learning about your mindset.
Damn, i've been rewatching your videos multiple times, i don't know how, but it seems to me, that you "feel" the music the same way i do, its so fascinating, i can't get enough of your destiny reactions, i feel very connected to your emotions and your expressions)
Only few people i know are as passionate about music as you are, im really glad that i found your channel, and that you enjoy destiny music so much. Destiny means a lot to me, and i consider it's soundtrack to be a masterpiece, with all it's leitmotifs and story - connected themes. Hearing destiny 1 soundtrack and memories it brings back can litrally make me cry)
So yeah, i really enjoy what you are doing, please, keep going, you make my days happier)
Aw thank you so much! Really!
1:56 One reason: Nezarec was worshipped by the Psions, who are part of the Cabal Empire.
I love this theme and your video made me like it even more. I didn't even realize the guardian theme was fused with the darkness theme before you pointed it out, and this makes perfect sense with what's happening in the raid and the Nezarec fight. You'll see when you try it yourself!
I still like "Tyrant Overthrown" better though. It also makes an excellent use of several different leitmotifs, while also weaving them together to make your reminisce about the whole Lightfall journey just as you face its conclusion. Truly masterful!
The likely reason for the Cabal's theme within Nezarec's track is twofold:
1: He's allied with Calus' Cabal within the raid and within his fight
2: The more interesting bit: Nezarec within the lore is known to be a God of the Psions, the psychic client race of the cabal, known to come to them through dreams and nightmares, and through them has possibly influenced aspects of Cabal society.
This goes wider with the other various themes in the track as well - Nezarec has had tidbits of lore interacting with the Fallen, Lightbearer Warlords and more *whilst he was technically dead!*
I think we have yet to realise just how much of an influence this eldritch monster has had in the wider lore of Destiny.
The coolest part of this track for me happens at around 2:25 in your video, with both the Guardian and Black Fleet motifs. Raid boss themes in Destiny have a tendency to have a section where they play the Guardian motif along with the boss's so it represents you and the boss clashing for supremacy, but this one in particular is really cool because the two are layered directly over top of each other, which is so fitting considering we're nearing the end of the Light and Darkness Saga. Another nice touch is that Nezarec, the final boss, has been revived with the Light but still has both Light and Darkness within him, and I think this part symbolizes that as well.
If there is ever a raid to play, it is Root of Nightmares. It is the most accessible raid for new raiders out of all of the raids in Destiny 2 at the moment! It's environmental and music storytelling is top notch, too!
Totally!
Although i feel like Vog is also a contender for the best for new raiders
Yesssss so glad you listened to this, however, I HIGHLY ADVISE: listen to the in game version as well as it has more parts to the soundtrack mainly in the third phase of the fight and the dps phases. Things you won’t bear in this version. It really is a treat, I promise.
this music is a true chimera of themes and motifs, which perfectly goes with the theme of the raid
Omg the violins in this piece are incredible
YES!! I may be 2 days late, but I swear when I played this raid day one I immediately wanted to see Marco reacting to it XD
So, the part at 1:20 is actually part of the Siege Dancers theme from Destiny 1. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always associated that theme with psions, despite the theme being used in the Valus Ta’aurc strike(if I remember correctly anyway). Which, because I associate it with psions, lends credence to the theory that Nezarec started as a Psion. There’s a lot of lore and stuff that goes deeper into him being a psion, I don’t know if it’s actually confirmed or not. But he even has the same void pulses that shoot you up like psions do. It’s a cool callback to D1 that, the first time I heard it before the raid, made my head race with ideas.
He is not a psion, but he talks about them worshipping him.
I feel like I have this ingrained in my mind after spending soooo many hours on nezarec on contest mode. I really hope you get to experience this raid at some point Marco. The music and the setpieces are just amazing. Afaik you already have a clan but if you ever need an extra guardian I would be happy to help. I have the same name in game :)
Feel free to add me!
I like coming back to this video because I just really like listening to others dissecting this track
But one thing that got me to appreciate this track again is the appearance of the “Look Beyond” theme which is the theme of the Darkness as a “power” and not as an “entity”. Now this power despite initial understanding from the Collapse is being used for the purposes of preserving life. And for this motif to appear again on a higher, more triumphant key, before kicking into high gear when it duets with the Lightfall motif (echoing to the discovery of both Neptune and Strand)
I can’t, destiny 2 music just gives me more reason to appreciate video game music over most contemporary music
I just played this raid last night and loved this theme. Bungie and the way they do music in-game is just on another level.
I was waiting for this video! But there’s one thing I was hoping you’d address that you didn’t - the screech at 8:40, what is that? It definitely sounds nightmarish but I don’t know if that’s the feeling it’s trying to invoke.
So if you pay attention to the raid the whole story behind it is that the light and dark are colliding, so music like this that take elements from both the guardian light theme and the darkness theme is perfect ✨️
Amalgamation is such a perfect descriptor for this, and I cannot wait for you to see just how fitting it and the music are for the boss as well
Love hearing the Neomuni theme in this soundtrack. Reminds you who your fighting for in this raid.
I actually never noticed the background choir, incredible attention to detail- a big thing about Nezarec is how he has his Acolytes, with the raid gear telling their stories- people affected by his power over the mind, and over fear, so much that they become his followers, and spread his pain and terror to others around themselves.
the very obvious "cabal stomp" part of the track is actually really important lore wise as nezerec has very recently been more and more connected to the cabal psions and their ancient cult like worship of him so its a really cool way to connect him to these followers that he's forced into submission
@MarcoMeatball 5:19 I really enjoy the moment of confusion from Marco here. "Why the heck is Taniks' theme here?" I think the presence of that motif in Beyond Light and Lightfall - but its absence in The Witch Queen - points to it symbolizing Guardians using Darkness. It's also strongly present in the 2nd phase of the Eramis boss fight, the first time the player willingly draws on Stasis.
Nezzy/Cabal link comes from some deep Psion lore. They used to worship Nezarec a looong way back in their past
Nezarec is someone that can manipulate nightmares, and drive people insane, so “fear of dreams” is such a wicked name! Your thought of symbiosis is 👍 no spoilers:3
Such a good track. Seems like the team really like using drums for raid bosses - perhaps that's the recurring "theme" of Disciples.
I believe the last few notes are from Bow to No One.
dude I LOVE this song. The way they spliced it in the raid is a bit disappointing, but I still fucking love it. Glad you covered it!
This and Diffracted Truth have been on repeat for me. D2 music slaps on a different level.
for the cabal theme, its because nezerac is worshiped by psions, and nezerac has Strong psionic power, so during the encounter you are fighting the remaining shadow legion while trying to get to the dps phase of the nezarac encounter
You should to the full version of this track. Promethean Archival mind's channel made a full version of what exactly it sounds like in game and it's phenomenal!
I also heard part of Last Array from D1 Vanilla in there. Awesome!
Indeed it is!
A little late, but the Psions of the cabal likely worshipped nezarec before they were Integrated into the cabal. The helmets they wear are based off nezarec horns. That's one of the reasons the cabal motif is in the song.
I loved the Choir sting that happens when you go into dps phases. This was my first destiny raid.
This song is even better when you are playing the raid and you listen to it change depending on what is happening in the fight
You are the best thank you for this reaction oneirophobia is my favorite track in lightfall's soundtrack album and I'll be waiting for HyperNet current track reaction
Also I couldn't be present in your Sumeru Genshin live stream so I could tell you about Persian culture references sorry
I'll be ready for next time
Can 100% recommend listening to the other parts of the OST not in the offical release of this song. For instance, the high action (can be found on RUclips with that naming) the vocals kick in to a beautiful pointm it all happens during DPS. Def recommend it!
Oneirophobia - The fear of dreams.
So some context I got regarding Nezarec (did not play the raid or read much else first-hand):
Nezarec, like Rhulk from The First Disciple, is a Disciple of the Witness. He had strong influence with the Cabal Psions, becoming a twisted deity, and led the Collapse. However, likely by Savathun, he was killed and his Pyramid ship was grounded at the Moon - the same one first discovered in Shadowkeep. His body was much later dissected by the Fallen into small canisters for power, and in fact, one of his original body parts is inside one of our weapons, the Delicate Tomb.
He is very partial to nightmares of sapient beings (like the aforementioned Psions), and his consciousness somehow survived the death of his physical body. So even at the Dark Age, he was still drawing influence with his Acolytes.
(Raid spoilers)
I am not completely sure what happened which led to the raid, and I do not think we got much about his origins unlike a certain other Disciple. But the raid is fought inside the very same Pyramid ship which the Witness originally controlled, which had been overrun with Light-infused tree roots from the Traveller's attack. Apparently, Nezarec - who was haunting Neomuna's citizens prior to the raid, was drawing power from both the Pyramid's Darkness and the roots' Light. Thus allowing him power over both.
I love how the dps music reflects how you utilise light and dark to defeat the final god of pain, who was rejected by both.
The version you are listening to is not complete, although the main one is there, a major part of the theme is missing when dps the boss. I advise you to listen to the version of the Promethean channel from 1:25 :)
Rest in peace to our commander. The light shall provide.
Your mention of the elegant Cabal theme got me thinking. It's long been speculated became much more than a mere Cabal. Perhaps the incorporation of the modified theme of the Cabal is a subtle nod towards the transformation of Calus into a disciple of the witness, and his loyalists into the shadow legion fought in Lightfall.
Definitely my favorite track of late, amazing stuff!!
This song is unbelievably good. It is kind of unfortunate that they didn't include the first DPS phase part, cus that one is really cool. Something that caught my attention was one of your comments about the music (won't say which so I don't spoil a part of the raid), but it perfectly describes what we are (lore-wise) doing in the raid in terms of the main mechanic. Super cool!
That little fading out melody at the very end reminds me of the bow to no one track from the taken king!
This music is masterful in how it tells the story of Nezerec and what's going on, the way both the light and darkness themes meld together, harmonious for a moment, before breaking apart, it symbolises how Nezerec has used both the light and the darkness to bring himself back to life in a tenuous union that neither force is happy about. I'm pretty sure Savathûn's theme makes an appearance too before being drowned out, because Savathûn is the one who originally killed Nezerec, but couldn't destroy him for good. And then at the end, when the music cuts out, and Nezerec is killed, only for the music to have an extra bit at the end, raising the question of whether Nezerec is truly dead for good this time.
The reason why It has the Cabal theme in that is because there is a boss that cabal and all the enemies throughout the raid are Cabal and they are serving in Nezarec.
Thats a DOPE background u got there.
thanks Devan! I worked hard on it.
Saw you yharon video, now me and a friend always link eachother your new videos, keep up the good work
I think the vocal solos are incredible throughout the piece. Not only to build on a culmination of lightfall but it feels like the stakes in the fight with us associating it with neomuna and the neomuni people who ate under threat from nezarec
This is probably my favorite music since Roar from Cloverfield. There's been plenty great since then (Interstellar etc, etc) but I haven't listened to a song 5-10 times a day for over a week between Roar and Oneirophobia.
Here's how I have this charted in my own head without having any real education on the subject. We had Wagner set THE standard with hero vs villain themes/leitmotifs. Then there's Holst and like I said not educated so then I have a blind spot until John Williams. I remember great music from plenty of movies from the 40's and 50's but I don't know of any composer who truly stood above the rest without looking it up.
Then we have the super hero movie era that Williams didn't take part of and we have had plenty of stumbles. I think the defining moment where we all went "the fuck you guys doin'?" was Avengers Age of Ultron which lead to the course correction up until Endgame.
So by understanding all that on a more professional level, that's how you get to something like Oneirophobia, by Age of Ultron. :)
getting him to dps phase, that music drop was absolutely nuts, such a good song
If I remember right, the reason the cabal theme is attached to it, is because Nezerac was apart of the Cabal's past. (Mostly the pscions) and they worshipped/feared him. He liked inserting himself into early bits of culture, he even was apart of the anomaly during the golden age/collapse.
The reason the guardian theme and essentially the light themes are mixed in with all of the darkness is because nezarec was reborn thanks to the traveler and in the raid when you go to do DPS on him the signal that it's time is he is hit with a beam of light and then quickly followed by a beam of darkness.
Raid may be easy but epic AF and VERY fun. It reminds me of Wrath of the Machine. Super easy especially for hire to your players but very accessible very fun.
The Lore for this raid is amazing. Nezzy talks to you the whole time at the end, he's literally charging after you, yelling at you the whole time like a really bad nightmare.
For why the cabal theme is in this the raid is on the witnesses pyramid that was blasted by the traveler and accidentally revived nezarec and gave him the light to an extent. We invade it and have to through the raid accidentally help nezarec build his body. For the cabal part it’s mainly cabal and has a cabal boss who nezarec hates as he asks us to deal with this new recruit.
Please do listen to the Action or High Action versions as well, they are incredibly good.
Also Nezarec's theme starting with aggressively menacing energy, instead of Rhulk's ominous but restrained start, is a great comparison between our two raid boss Disciples of the Witness.
You should hear the High Action Oneirophobia it’s absolutely insane
I love being able to hear when the dps phases happen in this and first disciple
That last part at the end around 9:11 sounds like part of Bow To No One From the Taken King soundtrack.
Yeah that's definitely it, don't know if they're trying to hint at the Queen by it's use though.
the name of this track is very reminiscent of the actual design of Nezarec. In the destiny lore, he is the Final God of Pain(an actual title in game btw). He has access to insane psychic abilities and creeps into the minds of anyone afraid, mainly of dreaming and sleep, hence the name. He also has his own cult, The Disciples of Nezarec, they are basically a group of religious zealots that will stop at nothing to find those cowering in fear of their own dreams. The motifs and general references that destiny has from the music relating to actual in game lore is insane.
That little rhythm at the end of the song is from a little part of Journey. Amazing breakdown, this song is underrated.
Nezzy has deep involvement in old Psion culture who are part of Cabal + main enemy faction of the raid is shadow legion folks. As well whole theme of the raid is direct fight of light and dark forces(quite literally as their own pure energy and not simply factions as usual)
I love this track so much. The official soundtrack version is actually missing a unique variant of the music that plays during damage phase, where the vocalist sings the melodic response instead of leading the melody.
The heavy use of the lead vocalist is so interesting to me. I have a lot of fun thinking about what it means in the overall narrative of Lightfall.