MUSIC DIRECTOR REACTS | Bloodborne OST - Ludwig, The Accursed & Holy Blade (The Old Hunters) 

✅️ Video Question: What is your favorite part of this game? Catch me live at Twitch.TV/DrumRollTony

When he does a 18 minute react for a 6 minute song you know this shit is fire

I love how during that transitory phase you can hear the dissonance creep into harmony as the song regains it's humanity, it's awesome

I love how Bloodborne fans never get tired of explaining to newcomers how the shift in the song happens because Ludwig regains his sanity and the boss fight switches up! It's my first time on this channel, but this was a great breakdown. More soundtrack reactions from From Software games, please!

"Ah.... you were at my side.... All along.... My true Mentor.... My guiding Moonlight...." - Ludwig, The Holy Blade

Bloodborne has an amazing OST overall, and every boss theme is related to the boss itself. This one is about a knight which becomes an unsightly beast and loses his sanity, that’s why the first half is more of a beast lurking nearby. Mid-fight, he recovers the sword he used to have and his “knighthood” comes back while still being a beast, reflecting on the song becoming more energic and epic. Really excited for you reviewing Bloodborne OST.

this song in game is powerful as hell, and the fact that it's accompanied by Ludwig's HORRIFIC screams of anguish really take this to a different level

More soulsborne tracks please

The living failures is a mid boss, but their theme is godlike

Lady Maria OST, Laurence, The First Vicar OST, The Living Failures OST, and Gehrman, the First Hunter are also incredible from Bloodborne. Then we have Dark Souls 3 with Twin Princes, Sister Friede, Midir, Slave Knight Gael, and Soul of Cinder OST's. The thing with these songs is they embody who they are about, they tell a story. This one has a definitive transition, where Ludwig regains a portion of his humanity back mid fight, and his animalistic fighting style abruptly changes to a stoic duelist akin to a waltz. Hence why it is called The Accursed AND the Holy Blade. You will find the other OST's in FromSoft games follow this trend of being music as a story about the character it is about.

The shift between the “accursed” section and the “holy blade” section send chills down my spine every single time. The first time I played the game, when that brass drop happened, Ludwig brought the sword to his face and opened his eye in time with the drop. It was so fucking chilling and epic. Seeing this hideous monster you’ve been fighting rise up as this noble hero of the past.

Bloodborne as a game is dripping with a unique atmosphere - classical Victorian horror meets cosmic horror - and the soundtrack superbly captures that atmosphere. For further Bloodborne tracks, I recommend the themes for Father Gascoigne, Gehrman, or Amygdala.

The second part of Ludwig's theme is easily my favorite track in the game, the transition with its cutscene is phenomenal and while you're fighting during that second part the chorus and the choir are so often well-timed with the choreography of the fight itself. It's just *chef kiss*

From bloodborne, "Lady Maria OST" is also brilliant. You should have a look at Persona 5's OST and Nier Automata. They have very different soundtracks, Persona being more funky while Nier has a good mix of weird and beautiful music, but they are both worth looking into. To start of I'd say "Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There" or "Life Will Change" for persona 5, and "Weight of the World" with Japanese lyrics for Nier Automata. The last one is an emotional rollercoaster of a song, both because the song is at the end of one of the games paths and because of the emotional performance of the vocalist. It also has a version called "Weidght of the World/the End of YoRHa" which combines 4 different versions of the song (English, Japanese, Chaos Language and Pixel style) and is only played at the end of the last path of the game.

The second half being a waltz was so genius to me. It lines up so well with the transition in the fight going from fighting a beast to a swordsman

I had the pleasure of seeing the FromSoft orchestra perform the Bloodborne OST live in Chicago and when I say I was absolutely amazed by the sheer musical (and technical) talent these artists have would be an understatement. Ludwig's theme will forever be one of my favorite orchestral works.

Glad you noticed that 123 456 pacing to the 2nd half of the soundtrack! I remember most musicians who hear this part refer to it as the “dance of death”(or more accurately, a *”waltz* of death”)

The most impressive thing about this piece is that without ever seeing the boss fight that it's from, the language that you used to describe the music fits almost perfectly with that character's backstory as well as visual style & even fighting style. Truly masterful work, & great vid as always brother

This song is an incarnation of banger game tracks.

Fun fact about the song, the Latin actually sings about Ludwig and his story. Latin lyrics: Oh venator Beatus Sanctus Bonum fati par dia Domus Aeternus fiat morte Perit sanguine opulentum English translation: Oh, hunter. Blessed saint. An honest death is like a blessing. Let death come once and for all. Plenteous blood is lost Latin lyrics: Mūtaveras tue bēstia turpis Mūtavisse tuī fuit at diu ut Doceat in propinquo fuerat te Mūtari sanguine bēluae tuī Dominus venātorum est preases cum nitere Luna Venātorum dominus monitor prīmus Venātor prīnceps sanguinem mittere Prīmum sanguine bēluae mūtāverat Nē mūtat est bēluae English translation: Mutated into an unsightly beast Mutated a long, long time ago Still, as a mentor, I always were at your side Even when you had turned into a beast The master of the hunters, who stood guard in the night with his moonlight The first hunter who organised the folks to hunt The first hunter of blood And one of the first who mutated into vile beasts by the blood You turned into a beast. Latin lyrics: Oh venator Ejus Sanctus Tuam Fati Par Dia Dolus Deitus Fiat Morte Erit Sanguinem Opulentum English translation: Oh, hunter. That Saint. The Divine Partner of your fate May it come by mean of the Death, the Departed(or Missing) Blame (or Pain) The Blood will flow in abundant

No game has ever done a better job of setting it's tone through it's music.

Laurence, the First Vicar OST and Gehrman, the First Hunter OST are phenomenal. Definitely worth checking out

😮😮 Omg I love that you reacted to the Bloodborne OST! It's incredible!

Ever since I've heard the Holy Blade part (the 2nd half) I had a dream to see or take part with a gothic/victorian themed waltz arrangement with this song, absolutely love it. As for other Bloodborne OSTs i highly recommend Laurence the First Vicar and the Cleric Beast themes (the latter even has a playstation-provided recording from the, well, recording session of the piece)

Every bloodborne song is a whole experience, my first playthrough was magical getting to hear these masterpieces in the background (Edit) I also played tuba in highschool but had to drop out of college due to issues in my family, I hope one day I can pick it up to learn to play music like this

Fun fact, Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director of the game and president of Fromsoftware is a huge fan of classical music, in particular of Ludwig van Beethoven (hence the name of the boss). In all of his games appears a moonlight sword. It's a tribute to Beethoven's Moonlight sonate.

The brass drop in this piece is great. In your face and full of power. "evil" music is something that isn't really explored as much as it probably could be. Especially in the classical realm. This is part of the reason why I like the Ar Tonelico series. Where they aren't afraid to have pieces that are just pure dread.

"Gehrman, The First Hunter" is still my favorite track from the game, despite other great ones that many others have mentioned

Since you like the dark symphonic stuff, the theme of Mohg, Lord of Blood from Elden Ring is excellent, especially if you like Ludwig's theme.

I discovered your channel tonight and man I'm so happy I did. My Dad was a drummer and music teacher and unfortunately I inherited none of his gifts but you remind me so much of him the way you talk about music. Thank you for that

You should also listen to Cleric Beast theme and Laurence, The First Vicar. Composer is Yuka Kitamura and she wrote amazing soundtracks to all of souls games. I'm crying when listening to them. So-o-o good

I've watched a few of your videos tonight and I really like that you mention things in a track mix I may not even be paying attention to. I also like that you rewind so I can pick it out in the mix. I'm always listening from the top, focusing on upper melody or the harmonic progression, but you remind me to listen to the lower or more subtle voices. Practicing listening, and especially re-listening, is valuable for composers.

Loved the music analysis, always fun to hear you break things down!

The latin that comes in on phase two is sung from the perspective of Ludwig's weapon The Moonlight Greatsword, which sings about how great of a Hunter Ludwig was before his fall to madness. It is heavily implied that gis sword restores his sanity halfway through the bossfight so he can die to you honorably as a warrior and so it can prove itself worthy to you, its potential new wielder.

We all love that moment where you start getting familiar with a boss and realize that the OST actually slaps, only to then start bopping your head to every second of the boss fight.

your selection of music from games and anime is excellent

"no more hiding away". crazy man, he practically knew how the boss fight went down just by the music, incredible what a sound track can do.

What makes this more amazing is because its in latin it has lyrics and people have translated it and it literally tells a story

From Bloodborne, absolutely check out these: "Living Failures", "Maria of the Astral Clocktower", and "Gehrman, The First Hunter". The first two are the themes of bosses that take place after Ludwig's, and the third is one of the final boss themes of the base game.

Love the breakdown! Really like the style of you giving your thoughts in the moment as they come up. Gehrman, The First Hunter is another wonderful Bloodborne track. Also pretty sinister but much more subdued with a haunting, kinda sad tone to it.

Since you mentioned your love of layers, you absolutely MUST listen to Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower from Bloodborne, even if only on your own time. To this day I would consider it the best piece of music to come out of a video game. Awesome analysis as always, I look forward to seeing where you go from here!

I love how the transition from Ludwig the Accursed to Ludwig of the Holy Blade has such emotion in it. Listening to it makes me feel as if I've had an epiphany of my own. It really captures the sensation of Ludwig regaining his sanity one last time as he gazes upon the Moonlight Sword. He remembers who he use to be, and doesn't wish to die a crazed beast, but to fall in battle as a proud warrior.

The song feels amazing all on its own, and yet it goes even further when you're listening to it while you fight. It's paired so perfectly with the fight it feels otherworldly.

Every 2 to 3 months i love listenting to people knowing stuff about music listening to to great things like this or made in abyss or attack on titan or undertale. I just enjoy but understanding how people like you break everything apart for better understanding is great

Laurence, the First Vicar Is probably my favorite piece from Bloodborne (on one of my least favorite bosses lol). I think you'd enjoy it. Others would be: Living Failures, Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower, Orphan of Kos (every boss theme from the DLC).

Great video. Gehrman the first hunter is a must from Bloodborne!

Bloodborne being my favorite game has an amazing ost. Hopefully you can make another video or two!

When the Holy Blade starts, I love the way the melody is passed back and forth between the high brass and the low brass.

Loved your reaction on Ludwig, The Holy Blade, Bloodborne has such an epic, orchestral soundtrack. I hope you react to some more! The ‘Cleric Beast’ is very iconic, would LOVE to see you breakdown that piece. 💕 Gives me shivers to this day hearing it play out.

Love your breakdowns, feel like I’m learning something every time, which is unique for reaction vids.

It's always good to see BB content even after 7 years

a cool thing about this boss i find is that when u fight him when he goes stage 2 without realising it u start to fight to the beat of the music and thats skill right their to draw u in that much u fight to a beat without even knowing its their

That face in the thumbnail says it all. Bloodborne’s OST is a masterpiece

Bloodborne has several fantastic tracks. Cleric Beast, Father Gascoigne, Living Failures, and Lady Maria of The Astral Clocktower are some of my favorites, but Ludwig the Holy Blade will always be my favorite.

i'm so happy to see that you reacted to a bloodborne track!!! this is literally my favorite game of all time so getting to see your reaction to one of the best songs in the ost and also just in general is very special to me, i would love love LOVE seeing your reaction to another track from the old hunters dlc, "laurence, the first vicar"

Miyazaki has a great eye and ear for composers who really set the tone for the boss.

OMG; the half-steps in the strings. That is how you set tension.

Absolutely love this track! And no surprise my favourite part is the heavy and loud back and forth in phase 2. Very much like a dark/chaotic waltz which perfectly emphasizes the fight itself and Ludwig becomes much more composed in Phase 2. Would love to hear your reaction to Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower from the very same DLC or Laurence the first Vicar :)

I always get chills when i hear Ludwigs fight music

The symbols crashes during the big choir moments in the second half of the track give me chills every time, I can literally see Ludwig’s moonlight blade cutting through the air at the player while synced up with the symbols ahh so good.

I remember finding your channel months ago when you were at 10k subs listening to the Jojo openings. Now you're already at 64k subs. Keep up the amazing work!

Bloodborne original soundtrack is one of my all time favourite. Award winning material. Loved the game

I love this song so much, it has such immaculate vibes and works so incredibly well in the context of the fight, as the two tell a story. Bloodborne has a lot of fantastic tracks, especially since it's the only game from the studio where the songs were recorded by real choirs and orchestras. Some personal recommendations are the Hunter (Father Gascoigne), Cleric Beast, the last Hunter (Gehrman) and Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower. All the modern FromSoftware games have great soundtrack, so I'm also just gonna recommend the Abyss Watchers from Dark Souls 3 and the Godskin Apostle/ Noble from Elden Ring. Anyway, loved your take on this. Keep it up!

This is easily one of my favorites of all time. Just beautiful. And the boss fight is epic….

12:30 THIS is the real drop for me

This composition is truly brilliant. Great to listen to as a stand-alone piece but written to be entertaining as a looped track since it plays during a boss fight and they have varied length. This is also two separate tracks. Ludwig, the Accursed is the first half and Ludwig, the Holy Blade is the 2nd half (first stage and second stage of the fight in-game). Honestly the entire Bloodborne OST is great. Not all of it is interesting to dissect since it has some pieces that are meant to be atmospheric/background. But basically any boss theme is worth a deeper look. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for checking it out :D

The amazing thing about this piece is I'm almost positive the sound designers, QA, and gameplay designers collaborated to make sure the big brass drop will generally happen at or close to a very specific and climactic moment during the boss fight. They would have had to taylor the boss' behaviour and health pool so closely, and understand their players and gameplay so well to pull that off, because it isn't scripted, it just happens that way in most normal circumstances. The whole battle is a masterpiece.

This is a great breakdown. You would DEFINITELY dig the rest of the Bloodborne soundtrack. If you want more "dark-sounding" stuff I highly recommend Master Boot Record for symphonic synth metal, FTP off Internet Protocol is a great intro (as is the whole album). Maybe not great for the channel but consider it a mixtape slid over by a friend for personal use :).

For me the more amazing part is how this song accompanied the actual fight in the game, its almost too perfect to exist.

Wow indeed. Probably one of my favorite tracks

Hi man! I've been binging a few of your vids and really enjoyed you breaking down the DOOM ones, I'd love to hear your take on the Killer Instinct OST Mick did. Every song is so different, from the electronic pop-like "Touch me and I'll break your face", the chanting in "warlord", the tense strings of "Lycanthropy" or even the hip-hop vibes of "I'm Back (to Rise!)". They all are incredibly different and really show you just how versatile Mick can be!

Definitely recommend "The Hunter" from the same OST. It's the theme of the very first required boss fight, Father Gascoigne. It's a bit shorter, since each distinct section is meant to loop, but it kicks like a mule. You'll see why.

One of the things that's stuck with me after watching a different reaction is that the person reacting also noted that 1,2,3 pattern and described the feeling of it as: "A Dance of Death" Which is very accurate both to the song and in game the actual fight and the way you and Ludwig move.

Easily my favorite track from this game. Unbelievable power in this piece.

Bloodborne is my favorite game of all time and this is my favorite piece in in so I’m always ecstatic to see more people react to it. My other favorites are The First Hunter, The First Vicar, Lady Maria, and the Living Failures

This still gives me chills and gets me pumped, only to get my ass handed to me by Ludwig. The 2nd phase and the change in music is still amazing as ever.

Been wondering if you'd eventually take a look of this. Great stuff as usual.

you should see how the music melds with the actual boss fight. its amazing

im so proud of this community

Ahhh i love this music... Brings back so many bad memories 😂😂😂

I love your breakdowns of songs in your reactions. Slave Knight Gael from dark souls 3 and Great Grey Wolf Sif from dark souls are also great ost.

The moon presence is really good too.

This is what I’ve been waiting for

Awesome piece of music and awesome boss fight too Especially the transition when the brass setting in You definitely need to check out the rest of the DLC, and soulsborne music in general, absolutely stunning work 🤘🏻🤘🏻

Bloodborne can be seen comfortably as Victorian Dark Souls.

My favorite part of this game is the the world and that first time I got to discover it. Aesthetically, atmospherically, this game is such an experience to delve into. The majority of the game world is filled with eerie silence and enemy encounters, and besides a few select areas all the music is for the boss encounters. Those high point culminations of an area as you attempt to take on a horrifying monster. This song in particular is for one of the the most horrifying of all, and the first and second halves of the track loop depending on which phase of the fight you are in.

Gascoigne's theme I feel is pretty underrated for how iconic/great it is. You should definitely give it a listen

Not sure if it was my comment or someone else's that prompted you to react to this, but in any case it's great to see this! Put a happy note on the end of what was a pretty bad day for me.

Lady Maria OST is astounding and my personal fav

The "drop" represents that Ludwig, who has been this mutated horse-like monstrosity for years upon years, has this spark of humanity reignite inside him and he remembers that he used to be a man and he hunted beasts like the one he is now. The music turns heroic as he regains his strength of will and grasps his Moonlight Greatsword, hung forgotten on his back. He stands upright after being on all fours and brandishes his sword in a martial stance, a paragon of the church returned. I like how sections of the music resemble a waltz, because you could say the fight resembles a demented waltz of death.

I would love for you to hear the Living Failures OST from Bloodborne. It takes inspiration from romantic composers in all the best ways, and paints a very good picture of the themes of the boss fight.

The phase 2 “wow” always got me when i see people making Reactions

“My true mentor. My guiding moonlight.”

There's like a cadence like pace to certain parts such an iconic track, thank you for covering it. Please do another from Soulsborne, Sekiro, Elden Ring.

To truly understand and love SoulsBorne music, you must have played the games before. Ludwigs fight accompanies the music perfectly, the way it starts with dread as you see this beast, the way he hobbles at you until the fight starts, the way the sadness is conveyed throughout the music to fit Ludwig, Perfect. And don't get me started on Laurence

THIS was a surprise! I watch anime growing up, but video games are where my music taste lie and seeing you react tracks on one my fav OSTs, was great! I don't know what video game soundtracks to recommend, but you talk about Jazz in many videos and how you like big band, so you can give Persona 5 a shot!

I turn into a conductor when ever I play this masterpiece, I always try to fight bosses according to the music. Its like a beautiful dance of death and destruction.

Do Laurence the first vicar next, tbh the best ost i've heard in any soulsborne game. You can hear the tragedy of the backstory in the song itself. A masterpiece.

Fire 🔥 would love to see more BB OST!

This earned both a like and a subscribe! Cheers from Canada.