Been a while since I heard some Elden Ring music! Glad to have it again here in the channel. Have you watched my other videos on Elden Ring? They're over here: ruclips.net/video/pTss2Ot6atk/видео.html
Você já ouviu falar de Skullgirls? É jogo de luta com um estilo meio clássico, e as músicas são muito boas. Eu recomendo pra vc analisar: Moonlit melee, Unfinished business e The lives we left behind
Thank you as always for the wonderful analysis. I think other elden ring themes you should listen to would have to be "God devouring serpent" and "Morgott, the omen king"
The cello/violin duet really gets me in this boss theme, as with many soulsborne boss themes it’s symbolism is really amazing. Lichdragon Fortissax was the close friend of the slain God, Godwyn the Golden, who was killed on the Night of the Black Knives. Being killed in the unnatural way he was, Godwyn’s soul was the only part of him that died, while his body lived on as a grotesque remnant of Death that is spreading corruption across the Lands Between, and he has become known as the Prince of Death. Fortissax, in an attempt to save their dear friend, entered into what remained of Godwyn’s mind to try and fight off the Death Blight. Unfortunately, Fortissax lost, and was corrupted by death, now only existing as a sickly ghost of their former self inside of the Prince of Death’s dream. As always, a tragic backstory for an awesome boss. And as always, I love your analysis!
Was it Godwyn's mind? As far as I know we enter Fia's deathbed dream to fight Fortissax, so maybe some form of semi-material, semi-astral plane? Would that be possible?
9:03 is my favorite part: it just screams tragedy and mourning to me. Fortissax is fighting so hard to reclaim his friend, even in corruption. When this part lines up with Fortissax's twin spear attacks, I can almost imagine him shouting "Give him BACK! Give him BACK!" like he's not only fighting us, but still hoping his friend can be saved.
I'm so glad someone said it. Everytime I hear this track, I hear Fortissax's agony. I can't even imagine watching your friend become a corrupted husk of themselves, and fighting for...I don't know the exact timeline of the story, but I think it's like a century or more from the NotBK to the start of the game...to try to save them, probably knowing it's futile but refusing to give up on your friend. There's so much pain and fury and desperation in this track, he might be one of the most tragic bosses (if not characters) in the entire game.
The really sad part is that Godwyn had his soul destroyed, he literally cannot be saved because there isn’t anything TO save. All that’s left of Godwyn is his body, which is basically a glorified plant now.
Godfrey's theme is probably one of the best at showing off the nature of a character. The first part is lordly, imposing and warlike, fitting for the Lord of Battlefield. The second part however is very savage and menacing, you can feel there's something so fucking wrong with Godfrey XD On that note, Lord's Apparition is also an extremely good track, because even though it is linked to Godfrey('s illusion), the score is less about him and more about what Morgott, who conjured the illusion in the first place, saw of his father; the music is almost heavenly, giving Godfrey the golden image of a heavensent savior (which he probably was, to Morgott at least).
i am once again baffled by Davi's ability to parse such an accurate telling of a characters story through movements and chords. I know he always says its due to the talent of the composers, which i agree fully, but this man has serious talent i havent seen anywhere else on RUclips
It’s usually about how certain tools are used in a composition that give off the story. These musical tools have been used in this way for centuries by now and because of that, they’re basically what film and game composers use most of the time to convey the emotions and the stories. The deal with Davi is that he knows them so good that he’s able to come up with accurate analysis’s.
The duet can mean his friend, Fortissax is very tied to his friend, Godwyn, who was a former rival. Godwyn defeated Fortissax, but instead of killing him they became bros. Such a strong friendship that when Godwyn was killed, Fortissax tried to save his friend, but God corrupted by the Death himself, becoming a Lichdragon.
I absolutely adore this theme, it's very interesting compared to other tracks in Elden Ring. Lore wise, Fortissax was considered one of the mightiest and most formidable dragons of his time (which explains the amount of power the 2nd phase exudes). Eventually him and Godwyn, the child of Godfrey and Queen Marika (Hope you check out Godfrey's theme btw, it's very good ^-^) battled, and Godwyn came out victorious, however instead of killing Fortissax, Godwyn instead befriended Fortissax and together they essentially were the beginning of the Capital's Ancient Dragon Cult, who worship the dragons and in turn the dragons gave them some of their powers, like Fortissax's sister, Ancient Dragon Lansseax, who could turn into a woman to commune with the Cult Members. Once Godwyn's soul was slain during the night of the black knives, and he became the prince of death, Fortissax stayed by his side and defended his former friend, which eventually caused Fortissax to be corrupted by death blight, which is a curse that was unleashed when Godwyn became the prince of death, which can be the reason why the first phase is so disturbing sounding. Of course eventually the Tarnished (us) encounters him in his death blighted form, which I will not spoil for anyone who hasn't done the quest relating to him yet. Very fun boss and amazing theme, great video as always!
I saw someone describe the one part in second phase where the organ sends it back into melody as the hardest beat drop in all of souls. I think that checks out.
@@AlyssMa7rin funny thing is. I always get goosebumps at the 1min 42 sec part from phase 2. The combination of the brass, drums and choir making a chaotic "marching" rhythm. It just makes smile in awe and terror. However both Ludwigs and Fortissax ost's are still one of the best music pieces fromsoft has ever done.
@@notthebees2950 the translated lyrics are made up, it's made to sound like an ancient language (such as latin) using computers. Only bloodborne is made with actual latin lyrics so you can trust those.
He mentioned heroic and that is exactly what Fortissax was. He tried helping godwyn by fighting the death inside of him, even tho Godwyns soul was dead. A true bro moment when I read into it.
For anyone planning to fight this boss soon: take a quick look at the arena’s skybox! It’s unfortunately easy to miss Edit: Wow this blew up! Thanks everyone
Fortissax’s theme was a huge surprise to me. Not a lot of ER’s music had stood out to me, but I had come across this theme as yet another part of the game I had never encountered before. Took a listen, was absolutely blown away. It’s an instant top 10 in all of Soulsborne’s tracks for me.
definitely one of my favourite Elden Ring tracks. Idk if it's top 10 fromsoft for me (most of my personal top 10 are from bloodborne xD), but it's definitely one of my favourite from elden ring, probably my favourite.
Its great! Too bad the fight is... ehh... pretty god damm annoying. I mean theres a lot of eye candy in it but the homing lightning strikes if you go under him makes the fight like 10x worse without it? Mayby a 7/10 fight but with it? 3/10 fight. Had more fun with the Gargoyle Duo tbh lmao.
People have rose-tinted glasses (or ears, I suppose) when it comes to all the Soulsborne music. None of the games had incredible music all the way through. It was always a select few boss tracks that stood out, mainly in the DLCs. Elden Ring is no different in that regard. The only difference is that Elden Ring has a lot more ambient music to accompany some of the areas, unlike the previous games, so it might be harder the find the best music when going through the soundtrack. In fact, I'd say, pound-for-pound, Elden Ring has the best boss themes in the entire series. The only game that comes close is Bloodborne. It doesn't hurt that they both benefit from a live orchestra.
This man is fucking wild. He's reading Elden Ring lore by looking at the sheet music. The idea that he can glean from the title and the music that the dragon is a tragic and disgusting entity, both regal and suffering is just amazing. And a testiment to the composers and sound designers who crafted the games music. You are truely speaking the language of the Greater Will.
Your analysis is spot on. Dragons in Elden Ring do not speak (at least to our character) but they are not mindless beasts either. They have goals and motivations behind their acts. Fortissax is found near the decaying corpse (although in a dream of sorts) of a former enemy that eventually became a friend (Godwyn). This friend was a hero (gods lineage) that died in a very tragic way. Fortissax (a legend on its own right as ancient dragon) literally tried to fence death out of his friend but eventually fell and got corrupted by it (hence the abrupt sad ending, which matches what happened, and transformed Ancient Dragon Fortissax into his Lichdragon decaying form that we encounter)
YESSS, THE BEST ONE. The tragedy in the first part is likely not only referring to the dragon, but even from the dragon's own perspective, watching itself become corrupted and watching its friend's corpse become something other.
Fortissaxx's theme has quickly become my favorite theme. The organs give the theme a sense of dominance and power unlike any other. I just wish he had more health.
As always, you're just absolutely on point with the story of Fortissax. In more detail, Fortissax was the dragon who Godwyn the Golden befriended. When the dragons attacked Leyndell, Godwyn and the soldiers of Leyndell fought bravely, but they only realized soon after that the only way to protect their city was to become dragons *themselves*. Thus, when Godwyn defeated Fortissax, he befriended Fortissax, thus strengthening the bond between the Dragons and the City of Gold. Much after, on the night of the Black Knives when Godwyn was killed, Fortissax immediately rushed to Godwyn's side to aid him, yet he himself couldn't protect himself and was corrupted by the madness of Godwyn's death (Godwyn's death is what gave rise to the black lightning the boss uses). In this track, you can hear the same madness and chaos. Yet, somewhere in there, there is a deep regret of not being able to save his beloved friend in time, which you can hear in the somber melody in the first phase, and the angry-heroism of the second phase. Man this track, and really the whole Elden Ring OST, is capable of telling such strong stories without ever saying a word. They say images make a thousand words, but for Fromsoft music makes a thousand words.
My favourite part is the organ going absolutely ham during that pop cycle. Just sounds like the player's going up and down the keys, ascending and descending; wild, yet subtle in the way it's used in the background.
it's very impressive how much of the backstory you managed to pick up on just from the music and another thing, in the part where you describe the melody as rather main-stream and pop, it's almost like the choir are saying "please an-swer meee! please an-swer meee!" like a grieving friend in denial
I think God-Devouring Serpent/Rykard is another one definitely worth checking out. You've heard most of my favourites in the game, like Godskins, Mohg, Godrick and Fortissax.
I agree, I think God Devouring Serpent is probably the most chaotic piece of music in Elden Ring, and yet it somehow manages to take all of those sounds and make them blend together. I honestly can’t even imagine how someone can compose music like that and make it sound so good
Probably my favorite theme in elden ring. Its so epic, disturbing and catchy at the same time and i love the organs which are pretty rare in souls music
One thing I really like about this theme is the bit you hear at 11:30, where it almost feels like an ancient, religious hymn. This goes right along with the theming of the dragons in Elden Ring: they were once the dominant force in that world, with a cult focused around them, and Fortissax was one of the most powerful. And in this moment, you get to feel the full scope of that power, majesty, and sheer domination.
The fact that u were able to hit so closely to the actual lore just by going off the way the music is composed is actually brilliant and instantly tells me you know what ur talking about. Great reaction my friend!
I have to say you are unbelievably gifted in what you do, you’re incredible ability to basically nail what a character is about without even playing the game or having a base understanding before analyzing it like that has me astonished
@Davi Vasc To explain Fortissax and how much the music fits his lore because he's one of my favorite bosses and I love this theme(thank you for covering it btw) In Elden Ring there are two types of dragons, modern dragons that are two legged and two winged and are moreso just ferocious beasts/giant montsers and ancient dragons who have stone scales, wielded lightning and were sentient/could talk and have personalities and so on, Fortissax and his sister Lanseax are both ancient dragons, they are sentient The ancient dragons attacked Leyndell lead by Gransax long ago, this was the only time that Leyndell's walls had fallen, but Godwyn(son of Marika and Godfrey and one of the very first demigods) defeated Gransax and then went on to defeat Fortissax, but instead of killing him like with Gransax, Godwyn spared Fortissax and the dragons called off their siege with Fortissax and Godwyn actually becoming best friends, so he asked his mother Marika(the main goddess of the world) if humans worshipping the dragons was heresy against the golden order or not, and she concluded that since lightning itself is flecked with gold that dragon worship and worship of the golden order can coexist, leading to the creation of the dragon cult, to which Fortissax's sister Lanseax became the priestess and taught the humans of Leyndell how to wield lightning incantations, and when Godwyn was assassinated in the Night Of The Black Knives nobody took his death harder than his draconic best friend Fortissax, who upon learning that Godwyn had only died halfway(having only died in body, which caused deathroot and the undead/those who live in death such as zombies and skeletons to spread throughout the world) Fortissax pledged to his old friends honor to try and halt the spread of the undead/deathroot by eating death itself out of his friend Godwyn, hense why his lightning got corrupted by undeath into "death lightning" and he gained the title Lichdragon Fortissax So essentially that early chaotic organ represents the fear of the grandiose enemy you're facing, not only an ancient dragon, but one who out of sheer loyalty and camaraderie has been eating undeath itself and as such become a giant undead dragon monster himself and the duet with the cello represents Godwyn and him remembering what he's eating death and fighting you for, to defend Godwyn's last honor, hense the energetic and as mentioned somewhat happy final part, representing Fortissax fighting with his all, for his greatest friend
The fact that he could get the story of Fortissax as it relates to the tragic fall of his friend Godwyn from just the boss theme alone is amazing. I seriously love how music is used in storytelling
So glad to see you react to this OST! That crazy organ and violin and the CHOIR always blows me away every time I listen to it. Those disturbing and chaotic chords I believe reflect the fact that this enemy is a monstrous dragon but then the whole second phase has that sort of uhh.. heroic or like, royal feel to it? I really don't know how to describe it haha. But it works well, this dragon was basically trying to help its dead best friend Godwyn, only to be really badly corrupted.
You didint miss much tbh lol. Remember the dragon you fight just before Leyndell? Yeah now imagine that guy but every time you go even slightly underneath him youll get Dragonlord Placidusax homing thunderbolt on you but it doesent stop it keeps following you and youll have to time a roll perfectly or you will get hit by it. Yeah... not fun lol. Might be the most unfun rememberance boss fight wich is a shame since the music is so good!
Your videos make me so incredibly happy I can’t even describe it. I literally smile along with you and cheer when I see you enjoying the music, it makes me ecstatic. Thank you so much for posting. I really appreciate it.
wait....the guy in the playthrough fighting Fortissax is using Vyke's Dragonbolt. that INCREASES the damage you TAKE with lightning, and deals lightning itself, which Fortissax is strong against.
I think the main reason this piece is a favorite for a lot of us is that it does those more standard chord progressions and keeps a more standard 4/4 time signature, but constantly layers uncomfortable time changes, sudden shifts between minor and major/majestic and disturbing, etc. It sounds like it should be a grand song but is deeply disturbing on a fundamental level at times. It portrays the dark, fell nature of what Fortisax is while hinting at the gand nature of what he was, and it makes it one of the most intimidating pieces in the whole sound track. Majestic and deeply wrong, matched by the visuals. It may not be the hardest fight in the game, but in terms of spectacle it's nearly unmatched.
Super glad you reacted to this one! One of my personal favourites and love how it strays fairly far from other soulsborne while keeping the the epic/intense emotion.
What a nice soundtrack, this is one of my favorites bosses in the hole game, btw I have a recommendation for you, the "sir alonne" ost in my opinion one of the best soundtrack in the soul's series.
Jezz, I've heard this song lots of times and hadn't noticed the duet in the beggining. That's obviously related to Fortissax tragic friendship with Godwyn. What an amazing theme and what an amazing video!
Brilliant video as always! Yoshimi Kudo did a really amazing job with Elden Ring’s OST. I love his symphonic rock which always have the catchy vibe somehow. Thanks to the catchiness, the beauty and the power of this piece come through straight away, creating an addictive charm that makes you want to listen to it over and over again, just like Nightmare King theme from Hollow Knight. This is the most memorable piece for me out of all Elden Ring's music. Thank you for this, Davi :)
This dragon went mad trying to save his friend that dies. So the dragon is inside his friends soul trying to save it from inside, very sad and the music captures that amazingly
Wow, the talent to read messages from fucking melodies. This is the first I see you and you made me wow maybe four times. When the melody changes you have tons to say unlike us who goes: oh this song fire.
React to Slave Knight Gael’s theme! It’s one of the longest yet most impressive tracks these games have to offer and I think a lot of us would like to hear your analysis
Love this track so much, one of my favorites in Elden ring. Elden ring has a lot of good music, just like all Souls games and monster hunter does. From Software and Capcom always have done great in the music in those two series (can't say on resident evil or much other capcom IP's, I mainly just play Monster hunter from them)
I’m late to the party but, GOD, this piece is genius! I’m almost certain that the lower-pitch cello represents Godwyn and his depressing plummet into death. Meanwhile, the violin, which always contrasts the cello, represents Fortissax and his efforts to save Godwyn. This concept adheres to the piece’s evil sounding climax which is symbolic of Fortissax’s efforts amounting to nothing, him failing to save his friend. Ultimately, Fortissax becomes one with Godwyn as the corrupt and lost cello and you, the Tarnished, must fill his roll and become the heroic violin.
this is my first time watching and i loved it. i hope you do dancer of boreal valley at some point. idk why i love that ost so much. pretty sure it has a weird time signature too
It's really cool that phase 2's glorious theme starts with Fortissax using his signature Twin Lightning Spears and his sister Lansseax's signature Lightning Glaive When you see him standing on his hind legs and summoning all this lightning, you can imagine the panic the knights of Leyndell would feel when facing him he's even nicknamed "The Mightiest Boulderstone", the strongest dragon (discounting Dragonlord Placidusax of course)
Size means a lot, even if he didn't have anything else going for him, it's more than enough on it's own. Imagine just how strong an attack from something that big would be, he makes Fire Giant look like a baby.
Great analysis vasc. Elden ring tracks are always great to analyse, seeing how different it is in comparison to dark souls and bloodborne tracks. Hope to see you react to God devouring serpent.
I love your poetic/musical interpretations of what things mean. I'm a painter, artist, and I have to say from the way the battles look, to the music, to the story of why you are battling all feel VERY well thought out, but in a simple way if that makes since. Like while making the music there must be key words like "disturbing, yet heroic." or "heroic, yet sad." Simple directions and the devil is in the details. Same for the art, "heroic, yet disturbing" can be captured in a painting for sure, as much as music. And what I mean by the details is like around 7:20 the sad chord going down into a happy cord could be a sort of "remembrance" of a more glorious time like you said.
Elden ring has such good OSTs ! This one is fantastic, in my top 3 with Godskin Apostles and The Final Battle (the second part is so haunting and beautiful) !
the dissonance in the song isn't exactly an indication of Fortissax's physical state, if you look at the lyrics, it's actually from Fortissax's perspective, and the whole song is him crying out in agony and the despair of his close friend being murdered and there being nothing he could do about it, unbearable sadness mixed with the feeling of being completely powerless to even give his friend so much as a peaceful rest
@@dankgomes Just searched it up, Dark souls games and Bloodborne songs do have Latin in them but Elden ring does not and it is gibberish that sounds similar to latin. Weird.
I love this track, it is one of my Top 5 OST's from this Game. It's so nice, that you reacted to it. Love your Breakdowns of the songs, it is like a small music-lesson everytime i watch a video from you :D
I think the solo cello is supposed to represent Fortissax's waning struggle to fight back the rune of death for Godwynn. Poor Fortissax, they tried their very best but like many characters with noble intentions in soulsborne games, "its only reward is corruption".
Hey Davi, I think you should listen to the Beast Clergyman & Maliketh the Black Blade's theme (maliketh is the 2nd phase.) Gives heavy Ludwig from Bloodborne vibes. I think you'd enjoy it!
I really appreciate these videos. This track never registered with me at the time in-game, as I was too busy trying to stay alive and avoid death blight 😫😹
This is a mourning angry dragon who lost his friend in the night of the black knives. That deep sorrow was a palpable thing as he protects his fallen friends memory. The dragons are fully sentient, they know the cruelty of man. Lansseax is the sister to Fortissax, She came to the golden capitol dressed as a human to negotiate with the golden ruler. Another older dragon even more far gone and needs covering is Placidusax. These dragons are very aware..Their ANGER is justified. That fight was nightmare mode! Please cover the other dragons too! You are awesome!
Sorry I haven't commented in awhile. School is starting soon (graduating next year!!!) And have been busy with life, and my birthdays and stuffs. Glad to be here! Love me a dragon boi.
For me Fortissax is a great experience in musxil term, I found every Lore thing i can about her and Godwyn (people in comment probably tell you the Lore) and after many hours of research in Elden Ring and take my time to hear this ost in fight I found this theme imposing, macabre, powerful but Sad, tragic, you can feel the frustration of Fortissax in this theme, I love this fight and ost so much
Another spot on analysis, as always! 😄 I would also like to throw Darkeater Midir from Dark Souls 3 into the suggestion list. One of my personal favorites alongside Abyss Watchers.
Any boss music with an organ or harpsicord is instantly a 10. The sound of those instruments have such a thematic impact with their sound that others don't
Yo, you went in blind for this review? Gave me chills when you say theres some drama rrlated to the dragon. As he was guarding the body of godwyn. He fell to the curse of death and became the lichdragon.
The second half actually gives me very strong Castlevania vibe. I hope you can react to some of those classic oldies like from its remix disk "Midi Power 6 - Dracula X "
When you mentioned the cello is at first a solo and then comes a second one that creates a duet. I really wonder if it was intentional that a sad melody is at first alone (godwyn dies) and then becomes a duet (Fortisaxx joins him and becomes corupted by the godwyns state) because if it is, it really nicely paralers the lore of Fortisaxx character in this small fragment of the music. This OST almost seems to tell a whole story about tragedy of Fortisaxx and his friend, and because death of Godwyn had such a huge impact on the world he was so connected to his dragon friend, they both have a single music to scream about their fate (since Godwyn never wakes up to fight and is in state where he can't die or be truly alive) Also a small note, the music is super sudden because I think From wanted to suprise people with this fight due to how there is almost no intro into this fight. You just appear in the middle of it and the terror of seeing a giant black dragon surrounded with red lightning and death plague is just scary. He is almost the opposite of his clean, not affected by death brothers and sisters.
Fortissax's theme is terrifying because you fight him inside a nightmare that he's been living in for a long time. You're not too far off from the part about him rescuing something, except it wasn't his former glory he was trying save. When Godwyn was assassinated by the Black Knives, Fortissax tried to save him from death, but he was corrupted by Death in the process. Fortissax fell into the horrible nightmare he lives through because he tried to save his friend from a shard of Destined Death, but he didn't even realize that Godwyn's soul was dead and gone, while his body had become a parasite of Death that feasts off of the roots of the Erdtree.
Been a while since I heard some Elden Ring music! Glad to have it again here in the channel. Have you watched my other videos on Elden Ring? They're over here: ruclips.net/video/pTss2Ot6atk/видео.html
Você já ouviu falar de Skullgirls? É jogo de luta com um estilo meio clássico, e as músicas são muito boas.
Eu recomendo pra vc analisar: Moonlit melee, Unfinished business e The lives we left behind
You should do God Devouring Serpent, it is by far my favorite track and I think you will like it too
Thank you as always for the wonderful analysis. I think other elden ring themes you should listen to would have to be "God devouring serpent" and "Morgott, the omen king"
Theres a channel translating latin lyrics of souls tracks, heres fortissax video: ruclips.net/video/rqn43-Li0So/видео.html
This one was done by the new composer, I believe.
The fact that you can beat this boss without it ever going into phase 2 is an actual crime.
How ?
@@serpent9423 Killing it way too fast because he doesn't have a lot of health
I sure as hell couldn’t. 😅
Need a mod where his health is tripled at least
Unfortunately, he seems to have been designed to fight after Morgott. While most players come across Deeproot Depths after they've killed Elden Beast
The cello/violin duet really gets me in this boss theme, as with many soulsborne boss themes it’s symbolism is really amazing. Lichdragon Fortissax was the close friend of the slain God, Godwyn the Golden, who was killed on the Night of the Black Knives. Being killed in the unnatural way he was, Godwyn’s soul was the only part of him that died, while his body lived on as a grotesque remnant of Death that is spreading corruption across the Lands Between, and he has become known as the Prince of Death. Fortissax, in an attempt to save their dear friend, entered into what remained of Godwyn’s mind to try and fight off the Death Blight. Unfortunately, Fortissax lost, and was corrupted by death, now only existing as a sickly ghost of their former self inside of the Prince of Death’s dream. As always, a tragic backstory for an awesome boss. And as always, I love your analysis!
Godwyn is a demigod, not a god.
@@xdan- oh true, thanks for the correction!
@@grahamalewife You're welcome!
The exact comment I was going to make, worded excellently!
Was it Godwyn's mind? As far as I know we enter Fia's deathbed dream to fight Fortissax, so maybe some form of semi-material, semi-astral plane? Would that be possible?
9:03 is my favorite part: it just screams tragedy and mourning to me. Fortissax is fighting so hard to reclaim his friend, even in corruption. When this part lines up with Fortissax's twin spear attacks, I can almost imagine him shouting "Give him BACK! Give him BACK!" like he's not only fighting us, but still hoping his friend can be saved.
I'm so glad someone said it. Everytime I hear this track, I hear Fortissax's agony. I can't even imagine watching your friend become a corrupted husk of themselves, and fighting for...I don't know the exact timeline of the story, but I think it's like a century or more from the NotBK to the start of the game...to try to save them, probably knowing it's futile but refusing to give up on your friend.
There's so much pain and fury and desperation in this track, he might be one of the most tragic bosses (if not characters) in the entire game.
😭😭😭
Imo it would be 5:27
The really sad part is that Godwyn had his soul destroyed, he literally cannot be saved because there isn’t anything TO save. All that’s left of Godwyn is his body, which is basically a glorified plant now.
I think Godfrey, First Elden Lord would be a great next choice. It does a great job of sounding large and imposing while regal and noble.
He did hear it on a Livestream. Unfortunately, he doesn't get to go much in depth there, since suggestions are raining
Godfrey's theme is probably one of the best at showing off the nature of a character. The first part is lordly, imposing and warlike, fitting for the Lord of Battlefield. The second part however is very savage and menacing, you can feel there's something so fucking wrong with Godfrey XD
On that note, Lord's Apparition is also an extremely good track, because even though it is linked to Godfrey('s illusion), the score is less about him and more about what Morgott, who conjured the illusion in the first place, saw of his father; the music is almost heavenly, giving Godfrey the golden image of a heavensent savior (which he probably was, to Morgott at least).
i am once again baffled by Davi's ability to parse such an accurate telling of a characters story through movements and chords.
I know he always says its due to the talent of the composers, which i agree fully, but this man has serious talent i havent seen anywhere else on RUclips
Yeah! Fuck! It's like he read fortissax's story from hearing his music.
go check marcomeatball's channel, he is very good too
It’s usually about how certain tools are used in a composition that give off the story. These musical tools have been used in this way for centuries by now and because of that, they’re basically what film and game composers use most of the time to convey the emotions and the stories. The deal with Davi is that he knows them so good that he’s able to come up with accurate analysis’s.
@@janugur2241 I wouldn't say *most* do these days. But yeah. Atleast to not a very large extent.
@@Mamami701 yes I love his reactions!
The duet can mean his friend, Fortissax is very tied to his friend, Godwyn, who was a former rival. Godwyn defeated Fortissax, but instead of killing him they became bros. Such a strong friendship that when Godwyn was killed, Fortissax tried to save his friend, but God corrupted by the Death himself, becoming a Lichdragon.
I absolutely adore this theme, it's very interesting compared to other tracks in Elden Ring. Lore wise, Fortissax was considered one of the mightiest and most formidable dragons of his time (which explains the amount of power the 2nd phase exudes). Eventually him and Godwyn, the child of Godfrey and Queen Marika (Hope you check out Godfrey's theme btw, it's very good ^-^) battled, and Godwyn came out victorious, however instead of killing Fortissax, Godwyn instead befriended Fortissax and together they essentially were the beginning of the Capital's Ancient Dragon Cult, who worship the dragons and in turn the dragons gave them some of their powers, like Fortissax's sister, Ancient Dragon Lansseax, who could turn into a woman to commune with the Cult Members. Once Godwyn's soul was slain during the night of the black knives, and he became the prince of death, Fortissax stayed by his side and defended his former friend, which eventually caused Fortissax to be corrupted by death blight, which is a curse that was unleashed when Godwyn became the prince of death, which can be the reason why the first phase is so disturbing sounding. Of course eventually the Tarnished (us) encounters him in his death blighted form, which I will not spoil for anyone who hasn't done the quest relating to him yet. Very fun boss and amazing theme, great video as always!
"The mightiest boulderstone" is such a badass title, much more than Lichdragon
He did hear Godfrey's theme, but it was in a Livestream.
@@beng4ll967 I think “Lichdragon “ is really cool as well.
@@glorytoukraine5524 wut
@@ldeeevs1747 wut
I saw someone describe the one part in second phase where the organ sends it back into melody as the hardest beat drop in all of souls. I think that checks out.
Harder than Ludwig the Holy Blades beat drop from phase 1 to Phase 2?
@@draw2death421 Vordt the boreal valley tho.
@@midir1326 Vordt *does* have the hardest beat drop, but this Phase 2 gives me *SO* many goosebumps
@@AlyssMa7rin funny thing is. I always get goosebumps at the 1min 42 sec part from phase 2. The combination of the brass, drums and choir making a chaotic "marching" rhythm. It just makes smile in awe and terror. However both Ludwigs and Fortissax ost's are still one of the best music pieces fromsoft has ever done.
This track never fails to make me tear up every time I hear it. The horror, the anguish, the grief. It's insane
You should check the translated lyrics, it makes the soundtrack so much better if you know the lore.
@@notthebees2950 I don’t trust those translations, especially since the ost wasn’t made with actual singers like in Bloodborne
Shit has me bopping
@@notthebees2950 the translated lyrics are made up, it's made to sound like an ancient language (such as latin) using computers. Only bloodborne is made with actual latin lyrics so you can trust those.
He mentioned heroic and that is exactly what Fortissax was. He tried helping godwyn by fighting the death inside of him, even tho Godwyns soul was dead. A true bro moment when I read into it.
For anyone planning to fight this boss soon: take a quick look at the arena’s skybox! It’s unfortunately easy to miss
Edit: Wow this blew up! Thanks everyone
It's weird that people miss that. It is supposed to be the first thing that catches your attention... Well, besides big, red lighning infused dragon.
Looking up as Fortisaxx summons his lightning and seeing the insane skybox behind him is a phenomenal experience.
God that’s skybox is something else, sucks it doesn’t stay that way :(
What do you mean?
@@EdonSerifi Look up at the sky when you fight him. Looks really cool.
Fortissax’s theme was a huge surprise to me. Not a lot of ER’s music had stood out to me, but I had come across this theme as yet another part of the game I had never encountered before. Took a listen, was absolutely blown away. It’s an instant top 10 in all of Soulsborne’s tracks for me.
definitely one of my favourite Elden Ring tracks. Idk if it's top 10 fromsoft for me (most of my personal top 10 are from bloodborne xD), but it's definitely one of my favourite from elden ring, probably my favourite.
Its great! Too bad the fight is... ehh... pretty god damm annoying. I mean theres a lot of eye candy in it but the homing lightning strikes if you go under him makes the fight like 10x worse without it? Mayby a 7/10 fight but with it? 3/10 fight. Had more fun with the Gargoyle Duo tbh lmao.
@@draw2death421 I just wish he wasn't an Ancient Dragon but black, he should've been his own thing like Dragonlord.
People have rose-tinted glasses (or ears, I suppose) when it comes to all the Soulsborne music. None of the games had incredible music all the way through. It was always a select few boss tracks that stood out, mainly in the DLCs. Elden Ring is no different in that regard. The only difference is that Elden Ring has a lot more ambient music to accompany some of the areas, unlike the previous games, so it might be harder the find the best music when going through the soundtrack. In fact, I'd say, pound-for-pound, Elden Ring has the best boss themes in the entire series. The only game that comes close is Bloodborne. It doesn't hurt that they both benefit from a live orchestra.
@@Kittywittygamer Well, he IS of the ancient dragon species.
This man is fucking wild. He's reading Elden Ring lore by looking at the sheet music.
The idea that he can glean from the title and the music that the dragon is a tragic and disgusting entity, both regal and suffering is just amazing.
And a testiment to the composers and sound designers who crafted the games music. You are truely speaking the language of the Greater Will.
Your analysis is spot on. Dragons in Elden Ring do not speak (at least to our character) but they are not mindless beasts either. They have goals and motivations behind their acts. Fortissax is found near the decaying corpse (although in a dream of sorts) of a former enemy that eventually became a friend (Godwyn). This friend was a hero (gods lineage) that died in a very tragic way. Fortissax (a legend on its own right as ancient dragon) literally tried to fence death out of his friend but eventually fell and got corrupted by it (hence the abrupt sad ending, which matches what happened, and transformed Ancient Dragon Fortissax into his Lichdragon decaying form that we encounter)
YESSS, THE BEST ONE. The tragedy in the first part is likely not only referring to the dragon, but even from the dragon's own perspective, watching itself become corrupted and watching its friend's corpse become something other.
0:53 That solo Cello sounds so so soooo good
Fortissaxx's theme has quickly become my favorite theme. The organs give the theme a sense of dominance and power unlike any other. I just wish he had more health.
As always, you're just absolutely on point with the story of Fortissax.
In more detail, Fortissax was the dragon who Godwyn the Golden befriended. When the dragons attacked Leyndell, Godwyn and the soldiers of Leyndell fought bravely, but they only realized soon after that the only way to protect their city was to become dragons *themselves*. Thus, when Godwyn defeated Fortissax, he befriended Fortissax, thus strengthening the bond between the Dragons and the City of Gold.
Much after, on the night of the Black Knives when Godwyn was killed, Fortissax immediately rushed to Godwyn's side to aid him, yet he himself couldn't protect himself and was corrupted by the madness of Godwyn's death (Godwyn's death is what gave rise to the black lightning the boss uses).
In this track, you can hear the same madness and chaos. Yet, somewhere in there, there is a deep regret of not being able to save his beloved friend in time, which you can hear in the somber melody in the first phase, and the angry-heroism of the second phase.
Man this track, and really the whole Elden Ring OST, is capable of telling such strong stories without ever saying a word. They say images make a thousand words, but for Fromsoft music makes a thousand words.
My favourite part is the organ going absolutely ham during that pop cycle. Just sounds like the player's going up and down the keys, ascending and descending; wild, yet subtle in the way it's used in the background.
it's very impressive how much of the backstory you managed to pick up on just from the music
and another thing, in the part where you describe the melody as rather main-stream and pop, it's almost like the choir are saying "please an-swer meee! please an-swer meee!" like a grieving friend in denial
Honestly, I think a lot of these reaction videos have the reactor know a bit of the story.
You made my fucking jaw drop I hear it.
I think God-Devouring Serpent/Rykard is another one definitely worth checking out. You've heard most of my favourites in the game, like Godskins, Mohg, Godrick and Fortissax.
I was looking for the Godskin commentary ; probably one of my favorite as well.
Yeah, Rykard's theme is surreal!
I agree, I think God Devouring Serpent is probably the most chaotic piece of music in Elden Ring, and yet it somehow manages to take all of those sounds and make them blend together. I honestly can’t even imagine how someone can compose music like that and make it sound so good
Rykard phase 1 is amazing. Phase 2 is a bit worse but that's not saying much. Amazing track
@@karunsv1785 Phase 2 is like the best thing about it, dude..
I had the *exact* same thought about Lichdragon Fortissax and Ludwig, the Accursed. Dissonance, corruption, and lost heroism.
I was hoping you would hear this one eventually. It's an absolute banger. Can you, at a point, fit Sister Friede from Dark Souls 3 in your schedule?
Oh my. That theme is incredible, also has a bit of dissonance and ugliness in it's beauty and melancholy.
What a beautiful written piece of music.
YES ! First phase is extremely iconic and incredible
@@pommedeter7407 nah that’s the 2nd theme my boy
I agree, Glory to heroes :)
Probably my favorite theme in elden ring. Its so epic, disturbing and catchy at the same time and i love the organs which are pretty rare in souls music
One thing I really like about this theme is the bit you hear at 11:30, where it almost feels like an ancient, religious hymn. This goes right along with the theming of the dragons in Elden Ring: they were once the dominant force in that world, with a cult focused around them, and Fortissax was one of the most powerful. And in this moment, you get to feel the full scope of that power, majesty, and sheer domination.
The fact that u were able to hit so closely to the actual lore just by going off the way the music is composed is actually brilliant and instantly tells me you know what ur talking about. Great reaction my friend!
I have to say you are unbelievably gifted in what you do, you’re incredible ability to basically nail what a character is about without even playing the game or having a base understanding before analyzing it like that has me astonished
My vote for next Elden Ring track is definitely the Beast Clergyman, it's got some really good, dramatic parts, especially the second half :)
Yes! I’ve been waiting for this one! I recommended it a long while ago but I’m glad we’ve finally gotten to it. It’s so good.
@Davi Vasc
To explain Fortissax and how much the music fits his lore because he's one of my favorite bosses and I love this theme(thank you for covering it btw)
In Elden Ring there are two types of dragons, modern dragons that are two legged and two winged and are moreso just ferocious beasts/giant montsers and ancient dragons who have stone scales, wielded lightning and were sentient/could talk and have personalities and so on, Fortissax and his sister Lanseax are both ancient dragons, they are sentient
The ancient dragons attacked Leyndell lead by Gransax long ago, this was the only time that Leyndell's walls had fallen, but Godwyn(son of Marika and Godfrey and one of the very first demigods) defeated Gransax and then went on to defeat Fortissax, but instead of killing him like with Gransax, Godwyn spared Fortissax and the dragons called off their siege with Fortissax and Godwyn actually becoming best friends, so he asked his mother Marika(the main goddess of the world) if humans worshipping the dragons was heresy against the golden order or not, and she concluded that since lightning itself is flecked with gold that dragon worship and worship of the golden order can coexist, leading to the creation of the dragon cult, to which Fortissax's sister Lanseax became the priestess and taught the humans of Leyndell how to wield lightning incantations, and when Godwyn was assassinated in the Night Of The Black Knives nobody took his death harder than his draconic best friend Fortissax, who upon learning that Godwyn had only died halfway(having only died in body, which caused deathroot and the undead/those who live in death such as zombies and skeletons to spread throughout the world) Fortissax pledged to his old friends honor to try and halt the spread of the undead/deathroot by eating death itself out of his friend Godwyn, hense why his lightning got corrupted by undeath into "death lightning" and he gained the title Lichdragon Fortissax
So essentially that early chaotic organ represents the fear of the grandiose enemy you're facing, not only an ancient dragon, but one who out of sheer loyalty and camaraderie has been eating undeath itself and as such become a giant undead dragon monster himself and the duet with the cello represents Godwyn and him remembering what he's eating death and fighting you for, to defend Godwyn's last honor, hense the energetic and as mentioned somewhat happy final part, representing Fortissax fighting with his all, for his greatest friend
The fact that he could get the story of Fortissax as it relates to the tragic fall of his friend Godwyn from just the boss theme alone is amazing. I seriously love how music is used in storytelling
THIS MUSIC GOES EXTREMELY HARD🦦👌🏽
So glad to see you react to this OST! That crazy organ and violin and the CHOIR always blows me away every time I listen to it. Those disturbing and chaotic chords I believe reflect the fact that this enemy is a monstrous dragon but then the whole second phase has that sort of uhh.. heroic or like, royal feel to it? I really don't know how to describe it haha. But it works well, this dragon was basically trying to help its dead best friend Godwyn, only to be really badly corrupted.
I’d love to see your reaction to rykards OST. Personally I think the complexity of it is insane.
I would pay a lot to go to an orchestra concert full of soulsborne theme music. SO MAJESTIC"
I missed the boss In my playthrough :( but after listening to the track for a while now It is easily in my top 3 from software OST of all time
You didint miss much tbh lol. Remember the dragon you fight just before Leyndell? Yeah now imagine that guy but every time you go even slightly underneath him youll get Dragonlord Placidusax homing thunderbolt on you but it doesent stop it keeps following you and youll have to time a roll perfectly or you will get hit by it.
Yeah... not fun lol. Might be the most unfun rememberance boss fight wich is a shame since the music is so good!
@@draw2death421 You can literally just walk and you will avoid the homing thunderbolt, any sort of movement whatsoever and it will miss you.
he is sadly quite hidden behind a questline, in a secret area of a secret area of a secret area
sadly disappointing difficulty wise but honestly the design looks great and the track easily makes it for me
This is a contender for my favorite souls track of all time, thank you for sharing your insight in this one :)
Thank you for reacting to this! One of my favorite songs in the OST.
Your videos make me so incredibly happy I can’t even describe it. I literally smile along with you and cheer when I see you enjoying the music, it makes me ecstatic. Thank you so much for posting. I really appreciate it.
wait....the guy in the playthrough fighting Fortissax is using Vyke's Dragonbolt. that INCREASES the damage you TAKE with lightning, and deals lightning itself, which Fortissax is strong against.
I think the main reason this piece is a favorite for a lot of us is that it does those more standard chord progressions and keeps a more standard 4/4 time signature, but constantly layers uncomfortable time changes, sudden shifts between minor and major/majestic and disturbing, etc. It sounds like it should be a grand song but is deeply disturbing on a fundamental level at times. It portrays the dark, fell nature of what Fortisax is while hinting at the gand nature of what he was, and it makes it one of the most intimidating pieces in the whole sound track. Majestic and deeply wrong, matched by the visuals. It may not be the hardest fight in the game, but in terms of spectacle it's nearly unmatched.
Please do Placidusax's theme next. It gives me chills
Super glad you reacted to this one! One of my personal favourites and love how it strays fairly far from other soulsborne while keeping the the epic/intense emotion.
What a nice soundtrack, this is one of my favorites bosses in the hole game, btw I have a recommendation for you, the "sir alonne" ost in my opinion one of the best soundtrack in the soul's series.
I know its more dated. But one of my favourite tracks from soulsbourne is easily slave knight gaels theme. It's utterly incredible and worth a video.
Putting this aside for later so I can watch your reaction to this absolutely, insanely sick theme. I love this song so much. Orphan of Kos next?
Jezz, I've heard this song lots of times and hadn't noticed the duet in the beggining. That's obviously related to Fortissax tragic friendship with Godwyn. What an amazing theme and what an amazing video!
Brilliant video as always! Yoshimi Kudo did a really amazing job with Elden Ring’s OST. I love his symphonic rock which always have the catchy vibe somehow. Thanks to the catchiness, the beauty and the power of this piece come through straight away, creating an addictive charm that makes you want to listen to it over and over again, just like Nightmare King theme from Hollow Knight. This is the most memorable piece for me out of all Elden Ring's music. Thank you for this, Davi :)
Can't wait for the next! Love your analysis on souls music and others too, you can tell you are not only competent on music but also really passionate
This dragon went mad trying to save his friend that dies. So the dragon is inside his friends soul trying to save it from inside, very sad and the music captures that amazingly
Wow, the talent to read messages from fucking melodies. This is the first I see you and you made me wow maybe four times. When the melody changes you have tons to say unlike us who goes: oh this song fire.
React to Slave Knight Gael’s theme! It’s one of the longest yet most impressive tracks these games have to offer and I think a lot of us would like to hear your analysis
you GOTTA look at placidusax from elden ring the music is insane
The music is as epic as the boss itself.
Can't wait for you to do an analysis on Malenia, Blade of Miquella
Who is she the blade of? I always forget…
He kinda did in his first Elden ring video main theme reaction. But it was titled as Margit's theme
My absolute favourite elden ring track, so underrated
It's amazing to have these analyzed and see what makes them tick, what makes them work.
Love this track so much, one of my favorites in Elden ring. Elden ring has a lot of good music, just like all Souls games and monster hunter does. From Software and Capcom always have done great in the music in those two series (can't say on resident evil or much other capcom IP's, I mainly just play Monster hunter from them)
I’m late to the party but, GOD, this piece is genius! I’m almost certain that the lower-pitch cello represents Godwyn and his depressing plummet into death. Meanwhile, the violin, which always contrasts the cello, represents Fortissax and his efforts to save Godwyn. This concept adheres to the piece’s evil sounding climax which is symbolic of Fortissax’s efforts amounting to nothing, him failing to save his friend. Ultimately, Fortissax becomes one with Godwyn as the corrupt and lost cello and you, the Tarnished, must fill his roll and become the heroic violin.
Glad to see some more ER music reactions. Great piece. I hope to see some more Hollow Knight and ER reactions! Great video
I’ve been waiting so long for this one! Happy to see that it puts a smile on your face like it did to me! Absolutely adore this song!
this is my first time watching and i loved it.
i hope you do dancer of boreal valley at some point. idk why i love that ost so much. pretty sure it has a weird time signature too
Heck yes! One of my favorites from the game.
With my favorite still being that of Rykard's God Devouring Serpent **Wink wink** **Nudge nudge**
Would love to hear your opinion on Morgott's soundtrack too! It's truly a masterpiece.
Love the atmosphere and beat of the theme
It's really cool that phase 2's glorious theme starts with Fortissax using his signature Twin Lightning Spears and his sister Lansseax's signature Lightning Glaive
When you see him standing on his hind legs and summoning all this lightning, you can imagine the panic the knights of Leyndell would feel when facing him
he's even nicknamed "The Mightiest Boulderstone", the strongest dragon (discounting Dragonlord Placidusax of course)
Don't forget Gransax
@@Mr.Happy777 tbh all gransax has going for himself is that he's really big. He attacked Leyndell and then died
@@beng4ll967 fair, but he was the only thing to ever break the walls of lyendell
Size means a lot, even if he didn't have anything else going for him, it's more than enough on it's own.
Imagine just how strong an attack from something that big would be, he makes Fire Giant look like a baby.
Great analysis vasc. Elden ring tracks are always great to analyse, seeing how different it is in comparison to dark souls and bloodborne tracks.
Hope to see you react to God devouring serpent.
One of my favorites, this one is such a banger
I love your poetic/musical interpretations of what things mean. I'm a painter, artist, and I have to say from the way the battles look, to the music, to the story of why you are battling all feel VERY well thought out, but in a simple way if that makes since. Like while making the music there must be key words like "disturbing, yet heroic." or "heroic, yet sad." Simple directions and the devil is in the details. Same for the art, "heroic, yet disturbing" can be captured in a painting for sure, as much as music.
And what I mean by the details is like around 7:20 the sad chord going down into a happy cord could be a sort of "remembrance" of a more glorious time like you said.
Elden ring has such good OSTs ! This one is fantastic, in my top 3 with Godskin Apostles and The Final Battle (the second part is so haunting and beautiful) !
the dissonance in the song isn't exactly an indication of Fortissax's physical state, if you look at the lyrics, it's actually from Fortissax's perspective, and the whole song is him crying out in agony and the despair of his close friend being murdered and there being nothing he could do about it, unbearable sadness mixed with the feeling of being completely powerless to even give his friend so much as a peaceful rest
There is no lyrics for any of elden ring music. Its all gibberish made to sound better
@@dankgomes incorrect
@@dankgomes Latin isn't gibberish?
@@Nox_Desiree The point is: They are not speaking Latin. Its confirmed by the own company.
@@dankgomes Just searched it up, Dark souls games and Bloodborne songs do have Latin in them but Elden ring does not and it is gibberish that sounds similar to latin. Weird.
I love this track, it is one of my Top 5 OST's from this Game. It's so nice, that you reacted to it. Love your Breakdowns of the songs, it is like a small music-lesson everytime i watch a video from you :D
In a rare moment the dragon is trying to be the hero
Always excited to see these reactions in my recommended
Also gotta say always loved the way you use the piano it's always impressive how quick you figure out what's going on and it's always seemless
Finally, I waited so long for this one. Keep doing these!
Finally! One of my favorite themes from the game
PLEASE can you do a video on Dragonlord Placidusax's theme? It's my favorite boss theme in the whole soulsborne franchise!
Yes!!! My fav track from the game and my fav music analyst
I think the solo cello is supposed to represent Fortissax's waning struggle to fight back the rune of death for Godwynn. Poor Fortissax, they tried their very best but like many characters with noble intentions in soulsborne games, "its only reward is corruption".
Hey Davi, I think you should listen to the Beast Clergyman & Maliketh the Black Blade's theme (maliketh is the 2nd phase.) Gives heavy Ludwig from Bloodborne vibes. I think you'd enjoy it!
I really appreciate these videos. This track never registered with me at the time in-game, as I was too busy trying to stay alive and avoid death blight 😫😹
This is a mourning angry dragon who lost his friend in the night of the black knives. That deep sorrow was a palpable thing as he protects his fallen friends memory. The dragons are fully sentient, they know the cruelty of man. Lansseax is the sister to Fortissax, She came to the golden capitol dressed as a human to negotiate with the golden ruler. Another older dragon even more far gone and needs covering is Placidusax. These dragons are very aware..Their ANGER is justified. That fight was nightmare mode! Please cover the other dragons too! You are awesome!
Sorry I haven't commented in awhile. School is starting soon (graduating next year!!!) And have been busy with life, and my birthdays and stuffs. Glad to be here! Love me a dragon boi.
I’m so glad to see you back on the elden ring music man!!
I’ve been waiting for this video 😆
For me Fortissax is a great experience in musxil term, I found every Lore thing i can about her and Godwyn (people in comment probably tell you the Lore) and after many hours of research in Elden Ring and take my time to hear this ost in fight I found this theme imposing, macabre, powerful but Sad, tragic, you can feel the frustration of Fortissax in this theme, I love this fight and ost so much
We need to hear your thoughts about Dragonlord Placidusax’s Theme
Underrated channel! Keep on going mate ✌🏻
Another spot on analysis, as always! 😄 I would also like to throw Darkeater Midir from Dark Souls 3 into the suggestion list. One of my personal favorites alongside Abyss Watchers.
I recommend listening to both Margit (he has a new ost now) and Morgott in succession.
finally my dragon boi gets a listen, now i'll wait for placidusax
Any boss music with an organ or harpsicord is instantly a 10. The sound of those instruments have such a thematic impact with their sound that others don't
Yo, you went in blind for this review? Gave me chills when you say theres some drama rrlated to the dragon. As he was guarding the body of godwyn. He fell to the curse of death and became the lichdragon.
Beast Clergyman, Dragonlord Placidusax, and Godfrey/Hoarah Loux are all great tracks imo
Thanks for taking a look a Fortissax's theme! It's my favorite of Eden Ring. Maybe you can take a look at Godfrey, the First Elden Lord
The second half actually gives me very strong Castlevania vibe. I hope you can react to some of those classic oldies like from its remix disk "Midi Power 6 - Dracula X "
When you mentioned the cello is at first a solo and then comes a second one that creates a duet. I really wonder if it was intentional that a sad melody is at first alone (godwyn dies) and then becomes a duet (Fortisaxx joins him and becomes corupted by the godwyns state) because if it is, it really nicely paralers the lore of Fortisaxx character in this small fragment of the music. This OST almost seems to tell a whole story about tragedy of Fortisaxx and his friend, and because death of Godwyn had such a huge impact on the world he was so connected to his dragon friend, they both have a single music to scream about their fate (since Godwyn never wakes up to fight and is in state where he can't die or be truly alive)
Also a small note, the music is super sudden because I think From wanted to suprise people with this fight due to how there is almost no intro into this fight. You just appear in the middle of it and the terror of seeing a giant black dragon surrounded with red lightning and death plague is just scary. He is almost the opposite of his clean, not affected by death brothers and sisters.
Ayy thanks for covering this song!
Indeed this song imo straight up comes from Final Fantasy XIV if it's more dark and terrifying, yet still heroic.
Fortissax's theme is terrifying because you fight him inside a nightmare that he's been living in for a long time. You're not too far off from the part about him rescuing something, except it wasn't his former glory he was trying save. When Godwyn was assassinated by the Black Knives, Fortissax tried to save him from death, but he was corrupted by Death in the process. Fortissax fell into the horrible nightmare he lives through because he tried to save his friend from a shard of Destined Death, but he didn't even realize that Godwyn's soul was dead and gone, while his body had become a parasite of Death that feasts off of the roots of the Erdtree.