Opera Singer Listens to Volibear, The Relentless Storm Champion Theme from League of Legends 

Wow! I'm honored by the kind words and deep dive into the piece!!! What a lovely surprise tonight! :)

"I am a god. I cannot die. But do I live if I am not in the hearts of warriors?"

The singer is Einar Selvik. He’s part of a Norwegian group called Wardruna that do Nordic music

fun fact the language they used in volibear's theme is an ancient frejlordan, the language is also used on ornn's theme(the path to hearth-home) ps.the language is made up for the world of runterra (league of legends world)

Volibear is one of the 3 demigods of the northern area called Freljord, so that's where the power you're getting from this comes from. More specifically though, he represents the primal side of nature and hates that the people of the land are leaving these roots behind for civilization, so that is why there is sadness and rage in his theme. The Fiddlesticks theme does some really interesting things with people's voices because of the character, so I definitely recommend looking at that one!

Lore nerd here! Volibear is the Freljordian (basically League of Legends world Scandinavia) demigod of thunder. There are others and they are all related, Anivia the Cryophenix, Ornn the Fire Below the Mountain and the Iron Boar (not a champion as of now). I'll keep this brief, Volibear wants to return humanity back to primal times when pure strength and survivability were key, he got into a fight with his brother, Ornn, because he slaughtered Ornn's followers (reason behind Ornn now living alone and forging beneath a mountain, god of fire and forge). It seems that right now, Volibear is lending his power to the Ursine and other tribes (this corruptive primal power) that transforms the user in their warped image of the demigod. The sadness you feel is because he doesn't truly hate his brother, it is just conflicting ideals between the two god's that forced them apart. To the point that he chooses to fight without armour, aka to have only HIS strength be what drives him on. In Ornn's world's, Volibear made the first ever river, which was made of blood from just how many he slaughtered. The demigods will slowly but surely start to return in a more active form due to a ongoing threat, but for now Volibear is THEORISED to be encased in ice, Anivia is just flying about and creating snow in order to stop the threat which is beneath the earth, and Ornn is still forging and grieving in his own little stay. We don't know what's up with the Iron Boar as of yet.

I will forever be impressed by your ability to correctly infer a characters lore, personality, and even sometimes gameplay just from the first few seconds of their theme. Idk if it's just the skill of the composer or your incredible musical intuition, probably both. Great work as always Marco!

I recommend also listening to "Jhin, the Virtuoso" if you haven't already

wait holly crap I know that singer. Einar Selvik hes in a group called Warduna and they do like viking music which I think is really cool. He did the assassins creed valhalla ost along side 2 others. Hes got such amazing voice I love a lot of his work. I dont play league but have friends that do and I had no idea he was in it lol. Just man I love his voice and a tagelharpa together. Just some of my favourite music game or not.

Would love to see Ornn's theme since he is Volibears brother, would be very fitting and they compliment each other very nicely

The singer is Einar Selvik whom is a Norwegian singer making old norse music.

League music is so underrated it's a shame they removed login screens

Never heard that theme before but I got goosebumps. The sheer volume and power the theme develops was staggering. Thanks for covering it.

definitely gotta do fiddlesticks' theme. Love the insight into the music you give

Ayeee more league reactions! Spot on with the character analysis as always! Fiddlesticks, the ancient fear is another great theme to listen to.

Hey I just wanna say that I love you reactions, your discussion about whatever Music your listening to, and the insight you give is something to look forward too. Best wishes man and looking forward to more of your content. 🍻

Really awesome you decided to check out a League song, they have a lot of genres its hard to name them all at the top of the head. Champion themes for Taliyah, Yorick and Tahm Kench are also really good, thought I can't wait to see you react to Jhin's theme aswell. If you decide to react to more League content, well, you're gonna have a field day with it. Keep up the great analyses 👍

So, afaik the language spoken in this is a mix of norwegian, scandinavian and other nordic languages. It is supposed to be the old language of the region Volibear is from, the Freljord. Ancient Freljordian calls the region itself "Vorrijaard" and Volibear's name in the Old Tongue is "Valhir", Stormbringer. Just like his brothers and sisters like Ornn or Anivia, Volibear also has a following, the Ursine. They harness the power of the Volibear to change their bodies into more animalistic, often bear-like and wreathe themselves in lightning. However, there's a difference between Valhir and The Volibear. The Volibear is how the people see him, a violent god of storms and destruction, while Valhir is a lot more than that. But because of that warped perspective Volibear slowly also changes more and more to fit that picture his followers have, as in the Freljord specifically, but also all over Runeterra, demigods and spirits get their power form the strength of the believe in them (Janna is also a good example of that). And because he changes so does his power, which often corrupts and destroys the Ursine directly harnessing it. In one of League's best stories, Silence for the Damned, Udyr talks about how he's afraid to harness the power of The Volibear. He has seen what it can do to the Ursine and he fears by using this spirit he too becomes Damned. But in his story following that he notices that The Volibear is not who Valhir was before and that later helps him connect to the true spirit of the Stormbringer, Volibear, Valhir. It is a bit confusing, but basically can be broken down to "The Ursine pray to an Eldritch Abomination of a version of Valhir that he neither is nor wants to be but is forced upon him more and more"

Amazing video, flawlessly grasped who the character is through music! Really hoping for Ornn some day!

Oooh league music, glad to see you branching out with such fervency, personally I'd love if you could check out Pantheon's theme in particular. There's much more music that doesn't come to mind, but this is probably my favorite.

this is my favorite character theme music in the game... is just so powerful and "ahhh" provoking

It is not just music, it is also an art. Beautiful...

Thanks for the video!

Yo like this song actually low-key slaps. Kinda surprised but also very glad you listened to it!

I was literally listening to this. What a timing.

Awesome analysis!! I love that you get the character right just by listening to their song or theme, If you would like more league songs, I suggest these themes: Jhin, Ornn's (The path to heart-home), Lucian, Fiddlesticks.

Volibear is among my favorites in league. He is raw power, a straightforward force of nature - and this is in every his fiber.

I love these break down videos! If it's not too much, next for League stuff can you do Kayle and Morgana, the Righteous and the Fallen? I love the angelic feel of the twin angels of justice.

Raw power and sheer strength are definitely apt descriptions of Volibear, "unrelenting force of nature" as well as "dominant masculine rage" also are pretty spot on. I think your comments about internal darkness and suffering are interesting as well, because the gist of this character's story is that he is a primordial war god, but in modern times his people are forgetting him. A point I think is relevant to bring up is that his brother Ornn is one of the forces bringing the world into modernity as a god of the forge and craftsmanship. So they're fierce, bitter rivals, but if Volibear kills Ornn in game he has a voice line that implies immediate, deep regret. *"Ornn's blood on my claws. Surely, there was a reason. Surely, this is just..."* All this to say I'm impressed that you can not only pick Volibear's surface traits out of his music, but also some of his deeper struggles. Equally as impressed that the composer can communicate these themes as well.

Now that you did one of the brothers, also react to the other! Check out Ornn's theme, it's also one of the best from league. Also, maintaining the region, Braum's theme is also one I would love you to react.

Heya @MarcoMeatball - bit late, I know but the lyrics do have a translation. [Verse 1] The sky rumbles deeply, knowing him As the thunder calls out “Valhir!” A memory of ancient and faded glory Beckon from ages past, ever near [Chorus] Vorrijaard calls you! And the wild heart within By tooth, and with claw, will return! When Vorrijaard needs you To answer the call Rise now! Together we stand tall! [Verse 2] The ground trembles deeply, awaiting him The wind howls, carrying the reek of iron And earth, starved for centuries, shall soon drink The rains of war another time [Chorus] Vorrijaard calls you! And the wild heart within By tooth, and with claw, will return! When Vorrijaard needs you To answer the call Rise now! Together we stand tall!

This is a really interesting reaction, from an angle you don't really see. Fantastic stuff, especially how you are blind reacting to the character solely through their music. Also I see everyone is throwing out more League character themes so I'll add a suggestion for the theme for Neeko :)

With Volibear being a giant bear (which is already a powerful creature) that is capable of controlling storms in a harsh unforgiving and cold region, you're looking at a very powerful character and I feel the Nordic singing with the deep masculine voice is very commanding and strong and really conveys the raw strength and power of Volibear. If sounds had a state of matter the singer's voice would definitely be a rigid solid strong and unbending which I guess is fitting for the harsh cold region Volibear is from too.

I liked so much your analysis also Volibear is a champion very strong full power of storm I love this music is so epic greetings from Ecuador

Oh HELL YEAH man, League has some amazing music, glad to see you get to it. W8 THAT'S AUSTIN WINTORY??? Lmao i didn't knowwww XD

Speaking of the dialect in the music brought to mind "Sankarin Tango" from Control. It is worth a listen.

aaah the freljord, aka the coolest region from league

Hope Anivia gets her own theme someday. New scriber here

they got wadruna´s singer for this? o.o damn, that´s cool, because their music is epic, and it fits the champion´s theme 🤩

Einar Selvik is the Singer. He is the Main Singer of the Band Wardruna and he is also in a scene in Vikings. He is an amazing singer. He embodies the pride of the north and is a perfect choice for this song.

I love how you put that joke in the timeline too xD

That eldritch form you see in the video is canon, as a demigod, The Volibear shows himself as the people who summon him know him, there is a cult of people, The Ursine, who see him as this, a Thousand Pierced Bear, a beast of pure caos and savagery.

Awesome

I would've loved to see your reaction to the visuals in the "Animalistic sound/Hearing the bear" section

The singer is Einar Selvik, you should check out his music band called wardruna. They're all about viking & nordic musics.

I recommend also listening to his Brother Champion Theme, Ornn!

I just finished high school and next week's saturday is graduation, therefore, as a Volibear main, I am entering the ceremony to his theme.

-Jhin, the Virtuoso -Ornn, the fire below the mountain -Fiddlesticks, the ancient fear When the patreon gets to these for picking,please do it

Amazing analyzing! I would love to see your opinion on the Ornn theme, which is my most favourite! :D

9:08 That bit sounded like Ornn's theme (Volibear's brother) or song "Path to Hearth home"

Did you see kindred's theme? They are twin spirits creating a one entity and in their them there are two instruments calling and responding to one another.

If you liked volibear, you need to check out Ornn's teaser theme with vs without the lyrics, its awesome

I love your reaction and the depth you find in the music ! I’m a long time World of Warcraft fan and it’s also a game where you can find amazing musical piece and it would be amazing if you could react to it one day ! I’d recommend « Seasons of War », « Time change » or the Ashenvale Theme. Keep the good work, it’s always a delight to see you appreciate these underrated musical pieces !

0:13 keep it like that dude lore and the music is awesome, community in the other hand...

I really hope you do the same with Ornn theme!

You should totally check Freljord theme from League of Legends also I would like to see a reaction for Jinx theme also from League of Legends!! There are so many legendary themes to check out!!!

Nice to some more League themes. Gotta echo the sentiments of some others, Jhin's theme is one of the best and I really hope you'll react to it.

Definitely recommend listening/reacting to the Freljord music if you enjoy this!

Interesting that you said in opera there is an overarching story and that you're impressed that you hear the same multiple facets for a singular thing. There is indeed a story behind Volibear's theme, and you would have much more material to unpack if you listen to his brother's theme. His brother is Ornn, and he also has a full theme made for him. There is a strong contrast between the two and it'll be fun to watch you see and compare.

Awesome react Marco! You should check out Pantheon's theme music too, you're gonna love it! Its just as epic as Volibear's

He is better than a giant bear, he is the literal incarnation of the storm, he is the God of the Storm. The Lyrics are in Norwegian, composed by Einar Selvik

You should watch Ornns theme, his brother (the teaser version)

Volibear theme did a great thing to represent three defining traits of his character: power, rage and godhood. Put that with his name and you can get the sense that he is a powerful bear god filled with rage!

ICYMI, the language in the theme is Freljordian - a made up language for Runeterra. Also, Jhin's theme is a must XD

Hei the pantheon theme so cool to.. 👍

I am ashamed that, despite me listening to Wardruna a whole lot on a regular basis, it took me this long to figure out the voice of the volibear theme vocals is Einar Selvik. This man is an absolute legend

I get a feeling of 'honor in war' vibe

I would love to see your thoughts to a brighter tomorrow from stellaris. That game has an incredible soundtrack

I know I'm late, but if no one has mentioned this yet. The language used is "Freljordian" which is made-up and was created by combining Icelandic and Norwegian if I remember correctly.

You should check out his brother's theme song - ornn's theme

bro if he describe the character based on what he hears without knowing anything for real ? he got real super powers lol awesome...he describe voli as it is ...a rage forgotten god.

Can I suggest listening to Kindred's theme? I think its really good and it'd be interesting to see you take it apart

I highly recommend looking into pykes theme, and kindred.

*:')* This is a fantasy language inspired by northern ones. I dont like Voli and had no idea what the lyrics are or how to pronounce them, but i found them and tried my best to replicate how they are pronounced in the song, so i learned to sing it.

I'd love to see you react to Braums theme.

this song made me play League of Legends. but i end up mainly playing Ornn.

7:29 Look, he's learning Slav/Nord accent!

volibear the god of blood thunfder flesh and nature in lol this song is a fanfavorite for a reason me and colleuge sometimes juszt chill hwhile thissong blasts

The language is "freljordian" a fake language that incorporates about 10 different dialects from the "Viking" cultures from Iceland to Norway and everywhere around. There was a really cool behind the scenes video about it, and how they made a effort to not be majority of just of if these dialects.

Camille - Steel Shadow next please.

Very cool, you really nailed the character of Volibear. I hope you'll do Jhin's or Kindred's theme at some point, if you keep doing league. Also wondering if you ever listened to Baba Yetu or Sogno di Volare, two pieces Christopher Tin did for Civilization IV and VI respectively.

Its great to see you bring the music angle of the song you analyze, but, i do thing your videos would greatly benefit from some research and experience into the origins of the songs. Especially with how well you get the character just by the listening to the themes, an end of video where you look into the characters themselves would be great. League has stories and bios for its champions, which to be honest most are just great pieces of media by themselves.

Can you please do Ornn theme next

5:23 "Capable of memeing and killing."

Makes me wanna listen to Wardruna

PLEASE DO FIDDLESTICKS NEXT ITS SO WELL MADE

I´m sure you´d find "Renata Glasc - The Chem Baroness" theme interesting, check it out. It´s also from league.

"' almost rage'' nah its pure rage lol

League of legends? Dragontrainer Tristana and Kindred have great themes (among other). Lol does a pretty good job with their music. Also, nice to see you have some linguistic knowledge

I still like it though!!!!!!!!!

Singer sounds like Einar Selvik. I might be wrong but sounds is so familiar.

For an almost opposite feel to this song the theme for Braum is great.

the Vocals is make up lang...they combies alot of thing to created this ancient nordic sound vocal. is started with Ornn (volibear's brother) also Volibear true name is unknown to us... peoples call him by many name Volibear is like a Slang of his tittles. they are taller mountain.

the Aatrox theme is rlly good

Best theme ever ! (Jhin's being 4th ofc)

The thing about League champions is that they're very simple characters. Most are not one note, but they can be explained in a short sentence very effectively. In this case, Volibear can be described as: wild, raw, untamed. He's a god who looks back fondly to the days when man was a hunter who lived by proving himself superior to other animals in a test of strength and skill and denounces the comforts of "modern" life.

You should listen to Braum, Heart of the Freljord

just waiting for someone ask him to do renata's theme

this is a really good champion theme, btw this languase is old freljordion a made up languase from where volibear comes from. the hard north land of the game.

also Vollibear 1st time seeing a kitten: "WHAT THE..?! WHAT iS THAT?!" "is that a cub..??" (⊙_☉)