Opera Singer Reacts: Shadowlord (NieR: Replicant) 

Taro: Please mr. Okabe, can you make a soundtrack that perfectly encompasses the irreversible doom of humanity? Okabe: Ok

Replicants' score is insane. Has to be one of the best in gaming.

"i wish i knew what they were saying" the plot of nier in a nutshell

If you listen *very* closely… you can hear the Shadowlord’s soul snapping in half like a Twix bar.

Something I've always loved about the music in the NieR games is the "chaos language". Despite being an indecipherable mishmash of existing languages, we feel the lyrics of a song without needing to know what's being said. It really adds to the worldbuilding and helps nail those emotional beats, not a single word is understood but we can absorb it nonetheless.

8:48 He's perfectly guessed the character's emotions, presumably without even having played the game. Very impressive on the composer's part for capturing it that well, and Marco for that level of expertise.

when you enter the shadowlord castle there is no turning back.. man that endgame route is a roller coaster of emotions

One of the things that isn’t properly expressed in the soundtrack versions is that when you get close to defeating the Shadowlord, it all fades out and leaves just the celesta playing the melody ohmygod it’s on a whole other level.

Ever since I first got into the NieR series, I have really enjoyed seeing other people experience both its story and its music, and I am loving your videos about its score. NieR's soundtrack is overwhelming in such a wonderful way and I find it impossible to listen to without having its sound become the only thing I can think of, and the only thing that I can feel and it's great to see other people experience the same.

what really gets me about this, and i'm not sure if you've seen it in the actual context of the game is how incredibly well-timed that is. The drums, the emotions you described fit PERFECTLY in the plot of the game - and what's great is they fit BOTH perspectives of the battle - both Nier and the Shadowlord's POV. But what really kills me is the ending of the battle: (there are spoilers below) when your opponent has nothing to fight for. No reason to go on. every blow you deal him makes the soundtrack go from this epic choir to a music box lullaby. And it's the music box version that plays at the end when you finally defeat the enemy. This moment, when you know the enemy is about to die, the character you controlling only feels a second of remorse before ending the enemy, whilst you, the player, see that Shadowlord has nothing, he gave it all to ultimately fail, just can't help but think: rest in peace... god knows you deserved after all the shit you've gone through last 1500 years. Also the lullaby is literally a lullaby to humanity as defeating Shadowlord means that humans will soon be no more.

Can never get over how uncomfortable the first part makes me feel but it just felt perfect during the fight. Shadowlord is insanely fast and strong and just makes one shiver but when u find out the story, u just feel sad for him........It's incredible

I really loved how you talked about God, the church and so and how much it related to the Shadowlord's theme, backstory and all. Spoiler ahead! The fact that the Shadowlord, despite it's name, is the one to bring salvation to humans and how this theme represents this is extremely emotional to me. I still remember the first time I heard this in the original game back in the day

I like the way you described it as a Song of worship being turned violent, it fits well with the game and how, technically, this fight is a simple scuffle but with consequences of extreme scale. Especially with how desperate both Nier and Shadowlord are at this point to reach their respective goals, which are technically the same, but only one can actually get what he wants. And the whole flipping of expectations when it really kicks in also mirrors how the story is seen, once you do the 2nd playthrough and beyond, because BOY does the plot spin around and give you whiplash once more knowledge is given to you. This song just kicks all sorts of ass and is so amazing

I dont know why you were recommended to me but I am glad you were. You noticed things I never have about these songs and it allows me to appreciate it even more.

I dont know how can someone sing a language that doesnt exist that good. For me its kinda epic this piece but kinda sad too or so I think.

Gotta love that build-up, supporting the already strong vocal performance. The ethereal sound just slightly disturbed by dissonant elements that keep increasing. Absolutely brilliant composition. This sounds incredible, but the remaster version sounds even better. The quality of the instrumentation and the the spacing in the sound, nail the cathedral vibes even more. That version actually gives me the chills. Highly recommend grabbing a copy of the 1.22 OST and/or playing the game if you get the chance. The soundtrack is great by itself, but in context and in action is it where it shines even more. Enjoyed your closing rant.

It was nearly a decade ago, about 2012, when I first listened to this song. I had no idea what the video game was, I couldn't find much of anything about it online, for a while, I wasn't even sure if there was a video game, or if this was just a song by some musician unrelated to any media. I didn't own a PS3, nor an Xbox. Even if I wanted to find out more about the game, there was little online but the music. Yet, I became a fan of this series right then, thanks to Keiichi Okabe and his incredible team. The music of Nier, lingered in my mind for years as I kept coming back to listen to these songs again. And then, Nier Automata was announced and released. And it became one of my favorite games of all time. Music is important. It is the only language that can be understood by all, and the only art that can speak to anyone and everyone. I didn't need to play the game or see the story, or to understand the words to understand what this song was saying. This song, is telling the story of a sorrowful creature. Something evil, but not by choice. It is a song of a tragedy -- Or at least, that's what I picture when I hear it. I haven't completed Replicant, not yet. With the remake just releasing last year, I stopped playing the PS3 version, and waited for the new version. I go through games slowly, it took me four years of playing as I only just beat Automata last year so I don't expect I'll hear this song inside the actual game anytime soon. But I can say, if not for the music, and this track specifically, I don't think I would have fallen in love with the series or even given a chance. I would have just assumed it was a series about half naked anime characters fighting each other with giant swords, and never considered it of much worth. I would have been very wrong.

My fav from both NieRs, no brainer. Also, the moment when it plays is soooo well prepared to perfectly fit in all aspects.

It's so trip to me that this guy's analysis is so spot on, but he's never played the game. Shows his knowledge, as well as Keiichi Okabe's. Super cool, keep diving in the soundtracks for these games. They're some of the best ever done. Especially in context, but they stand on their own.

I was first introduced to this song in its original context while playing the PS3 NA version of Nier: Gestalt. The entire build up of the slow chorus of voices matches up perfectly to the cutscene where this song is used, the midpoint of the song, where it really kicks off, is perfectly synced to the moment the battle with the final boss actually starts. It was SUCH a cool moment and really puts the song on display and makes you really remember it. (Although it is kind of funny how you mention the images of church, but this song in game is happening in an old abandoned office conference room in a ghost town empty city.)

Nier can Easily be Classified as a Masterpiece just based on the music

Shadowlord is another name for Maō/Maou or Demonlord the religious vibe fits very well with the name. After playing the game it truly makes you realize how morality is based on perspective and sometimes there is no right or wrong. I would love to see your reaction to Song of the Ancients (Fate) ver 1.22 or the (Devola) version from 1.22

My favorite NieR Replicant song! That organ hits me every time, no exceptions. Personally, I prefer the new version of the Replicant remaster (2021), but the original (the one you covered) is magnificent as well. These songs evoque so many feelings at once that I really cannot express into words how much it emotionally affects me.

The most surprising thing for me was him saying he was about to hit a thousand subscribers! This was only from a year ago! My man hit it big and he deserves every bit of success. ❤

No exaggeration: this song changed me. Completely and utterly.

if I walked into a cathedral and heard this piece in all its glory I would shed some tears at the beauty. This is one of those pieces you wish you would've come up with originally, now this masterpiece has forever been taken

Your commentary about how video game music brings us to listen to classic music or many other genres is so real. My family was never one to listen to music in general, but I begin too play games since a early age, and their soundtracks made me fascinated with so many genres, mainly the classical ones as well as a diversity of instruments. Final Fantasy, Zelda, Nier, and many, many other games were the door for music for me and I'm very grateful for it. Keep up the good job, I'm loving these analysis, feels so human and full of emotion, much like what I feel when discussing these songs with friends.

Okabe is an extremely talented composer. His work is so 🔥 and emotionally impactful.

Like all Nier music, this is excellent on its own but when you merge it with the story, who is it you are fighting, what HE is fighting for, what are YOU and all the rest....it became this incredible emotional experience that is just... unbelievable.

The most impactful version of this for me is the music box you hear right before you finish him. It’s so obvious that he’s overcome with grief and the only thing he can think about is the sister he fought for so long to save.

Shadowlord is my favorite song in all of Nier ever since the OG days 😭I went to your channel to find if you did a video on Shadowlord (love all your "opera singer reacts" video btw!!), and I'm really so ecstatic to see you did this one! Words can't convey how happy and grateful I feel seeing you did this song🥹 I feel like the piece needs more rep because it's truly just so gorgeous. To be able to hear how a professional opera singer hears - and sees it - is just a gem - thank you so much for doing what you do and for doing a video on this piece 😭😭

Thank u for ur reactions I like ppl like u ur reactions are so genuine & ur appreciation for these pieces u’ve just consumed is so obvious & sincere. Pls continue on making these videos also hopefully one day u’ll play the Nier franchise 🙏

I specialized in baroque music performance during my college years, so I’m a big oratorio fan. Really nice video!

Channel will keep growing I'm sure. Your passion and enthusiasm for this stuff shows.I've mentioned it in a prior video, and someone else mentioned it here too. But you should absolutely check out the Ender Lilies soundtrack, and the Hollow Knight soundtrack. Both beautiful. Keep up the great work and don't burn yourself out :D

Dang, you hit the nail on the head about how it's filled with sorrow, sadness and rage and wanting to be victorious. you should check out the game because I think you'd enjoy it. (be it playing it for yourself or watching game footage) the story is really something and the gameplay, music, the voice acting is great even in the original PS3 version of the game.

Overall, i have to subscribe now. I love seeing appreciation for game music, i think so many incredible scores exist, some less appreciated than others, but i love getting to see someone talk MUSIC and how you FEEL when listening to it.

I just finished Nier: Gestalt today, it was a good experience. Shadowlord is definetely my favorite song in any videogame. This actually inspires me to learn how to compose music.

Just a brilliant, brilliant song. I get goosebumps listening to it, every time. This and Snow in Summer are two of my favourite songs from Nier, and this one just hits so powerfully. It's almost chilling.

Hey man, this is literally the type of video I've been looking for. I really appreciate the expert opinion!

Your Channel is very underrated, keep up the good work.

When the main segment drops it gives the percussion really gives me an ancient/tribal vibe. This has to be at least close to my favorite score.

Este man es un genio, es increíble que sus análisis sean tan precisos dentro del contexto del juego sin nisiquiera haberlo jugado, solo analizando el sonido

I've made a Discord server if you'd like to talk with other folks about game music or make requests! discord.gg/wvzEZTBkf7

The orchestra and choir makes Shadowlord's theme sound holy while at the same time the intensity and dynamic action of the theme makes it sound dark and demonic and overall the reason I LOVE this track so much is because it's literally a make or break moment for the hero of the story. Save your sister and doom all of humanity, or submit to fate. Truly a battle of the ages. 🥹

Thank you so much for reacting Shadowlord, that's my favorite soundtrack

I heard this song first time in some radio program about gaming. I didn't know a single thing about NieR at the time but this song haunted me for weeks! I bought the game only for the music. Set the difficulty to the easiest and played it only to be able to listen to the music because at the time you couldn't buy it anywhere. I absolutely love NieR music and when I don't hear it for a long time I feel like something is missing in my heart. It is an absolutely brilliant piece of art!

Honestly, the NieR and Drakengard soundtracks are absolutely astounding. They make you feel so many emotions! I would love to see a live concert with the soundtracks! But yes, the slow swelling of the start of the soundtrack....everything is wrong, things are not going well. Your small group has had losses and it is so overwhelming!

You nailed it champ keep going im supporting you

I def recommend listening to the newer version

9:26 that tension is the same as that introduced by the looping violin track on the NieR:Automata arrangement of Song of the Ancients, which is called "Atonement". Hearing that while playing the game almost drives you insane, just as if the fate of the whole world depends on your actions on the battlefield, it's really amazing: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QNmui0Prrls.html Also that hard chord-striking on the piano track of Bipolar Nightmare produces the same stressful build-up, but with a melancholic twist: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RycVMzNnt0c.html

Amazing, absolutely in love with your commentary! Sent it to my music teacher as well (since I am not good at all at expressing the emotions music makes me feel), along with Kainé Salvation. Have you thought about doing Grandma? It's the song that actually made me buy this game (as I originally saw Grissini Project's cover of it) and it makes me feel so many emotions. I tried singing it in my class but sadly I am nowhere near good enough yet to do it justice!

I've always found Okabe's use of bells interesting and intentional. There's an arrangement of A Beautiful Song from Automata that uses them and the arrangement of Kaine's theme for FF14 uses them in sets of 3 tolls to signal both the train mechanic, but also the impending death of Kaine. I think he's using them the same way here since the Shadowlord is (spoiler) going to die eventually, and cause the destruction of Project Gestalt.

Usually when I watch reaction videos of others to music and tracks I greatly enjoy it's rock, metal musicians but getting a perspective of someone who is from a different style and type of music I don't care for is refreshing and great to hear how the reactions analyze other aspects I never considered.

You’re doing a great job. I think it’s amazing that this music puts together a lot of people that are fascinated by it, at the point that they would like to see if other people are attracted too in the same way. You’re analysis is always technical but also emotional so I’m pretty sure that I can speak for us all in these comments, we can relate to it! Bravo! You should do Grandma - Reunion, I’m hella listening to it these days 🔥

Nice. Congractulation with 100 k subs! Good luck!

Shadowlord (along with its various iterations) is my absolute favorite song. Not just from NieR but in general.

This video was recommended to me and I went into it thinking it was a million subbed channel due to the quality. Checked the numbers after and couldn't believe it. This is great stuff. Love Nier. The soundtrack is definitely in the top 3 for me

I remember I found this video a few hours after you had posted it. I was so excited at the time because this music is very special to me and no one else had ever reacted to it before... and your analysis did not disappoint. I became a fan since then, and enjoyed your Ace Combat and Genshin videos a lot. Today your channel is approaching 200K subs. What a journey. Congratulations Marco... you deserve it.

I do think watching the scenes where the soundtracks are in effect would really help as a follow up video to each review of each track

I remember the first time I played Nier Gestalt and I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. Then I start the game up and before I even get to the main menu, a video plays with this very song. I was awe struck. I remember thinking "This is something special" and I had not played a second of the game yet. I was right. It was an interesting choice to play the music for a last boss right then and there, but it played as a beautiful prelude of what is to come. Also, an interesting fact about the song is, as you inflict chunks of damage into that boss, they take away parts from the music itself. Up until all that remains is a sad little music box playing. Like somehow that boss was both accepting his death, but at the same time pleading. It was very interesting.

I really like the discussion that happens around the pieces brought up on this channel and I think you have amazing insights. I was hoping you might take a look at another Yuta Kitamura piece called "Epilogue" from Dark Souls 3. It's one of my favorite pieces of all time and I think you'll enjoy some of the vocal sections in particular.

There's a new version of this. The remastered version from Nier Replicant ver. 1.22. Sounds more intimidating.

it sounds like if you are going into judgement facing a divine being, then it try to get you cornered

bro you gotta see the music for this game, its called ender lilies, euphoric in some of the boss tracks it have this same feeling of safety but made heretical

The thing i love about this song is that the game opens with it. How many games open with the final boss music

Listening to this piece of music again feels like my edgeness is coming back right at me.

I think analyzing this track (and others, like snow in summer) benefits from in game context, the tracks progress along with state of the battle, this is consistently done through the gameseries to punctuate and enhance emotional states of the characters, battle phases and foreshadow the weight of the actions you're undertaking. I feel it sets you up to face the severity of what you're about to do - especially given the outcome of this battle is so much worse than what you (and the character) could have ever dreamed of. There's such an unmatched desolate and tragic beauty to these compositions, I couldn't stopyself from wanting learning piano so I can hopefully perform at least some of them fory own enjoyment sometime in the future.

I think it’s kinda crazy that lots of us here know the story and are able to feel something from the music because of that but here you are not knowing much about it and still being able to feel the same way we do, impressive to say the least

What's great about Shadowlord is the music would slowly die down into just a music box. It goes from a battle to a tragedy as you slowly eat away the boss's health.

Incredibly insightful takes. It was a pleasure to watch.

Imagine the following: you have to create a song that fits to the struggle of a man who tries everything to save his sister, but saving her would also mean robbing the life of your sister and leading humanity to extinction. And now, imagine your name is Keichi Okabe and you nailed this song. 10/10 that 3 min score as much tensions and story telling as in Breaking Bad

god damn it, i've haven't even had the game in the machine and i'm already weeping from enjoyment

Try reacting to the nier replican 1.22 Versión, the sound is more clear and... Gives more impact.... Every time I hear it it makes me cry a lot, all the emotions from one song knowing the Situation and the context... Great video of the old version of the shadowlord. Hope to see more of you.

This song hits me so bizarre it's like I've been born into the past and came back to earth once again.

Almost every NieR song is absolutely beautiful, captivating and incredible. I love its soundtrack so much

Your videos and channel are both wonderful. Please keep up with these, I find them to be very pleasant and thought provoking. Thanks for the good work

Just got done with route B in NieR: Replicant and holy f*** sounds about right for the emotions you experience here.

Loving the reactions on the Nier Soundtrack, I would like to suggest a favorite of mine: "The Dark Colossus Destroys All" from the original Nier Replicant/Gestalt

I was so hoping you'd have broken this down. The first time I heard it in game, and even moreso the first time I heard it as a standalone piece, I was absolutely floored and stomped by the shift and how beautifully mad things grew.

Your analysis is really accurate. Because shadowlord is for Nier(the Gestalt, should I elaborate?), his character isn’t good nor bad. Replicant is about good vs. bad after all. Yoko Taro was influenced by 9/11 when he wrote Replicant. He learned that people doesn’t need to be bad to do bad things, they just need to believe they are right. The game made you make choices that seems right because you are seeing it through the main character lenses even though it is really gray.

This song introduced me to Nier way back when. I played the original game back in PS3 and it's fascinating to me that you never played the game yet we got the same vibe. I really recommend you to check out the Nier Replicant ver 1.22 version because it has an extended bit you should check out! Spoiler alert, of what you said "there's this pain, anguish, sorrow and anger and rage" it really PERFECTLY picture the Shadowlord (the final boss of the game) i really feel that emotion even when i replayed the fight for the billion times. I really suggest you react to the ver 1.22 version or even play the game. Nice reaction!

I cant explain it but I feel at peace because of your extremely informative explanation, and the fuckin moving blankets in the back. I got the same setup fam.

Man, I love people reacting about NieR's BGM. And I have been enjoying the NieR videos you released as fuck. Specially the City Ruins one. I would like to know what songs are on your list, if it is possible!

Nier Replicant where no one wins everyone suffers

They're not actually saying anything it's pure gibberish and a mixture of multiple languages. When the woman who wrote these songs made them, she literally just took words from multiple languages that sounded like they fit together and created what she calls the chaos language.

I really hope they play Shadowlord and Kainé at the concert next year. And Song of the Ancients and Amusementpark Theme and A Beautiful Song...man i'm hyped :D

Just found out your channel, I'm not a music expert at all but I've always been fascinated by such pieces of musical art. As a personal interpretation, during the end of the 'buildup' section I felt like the religious sense of the vocals slowly shifts to some kind of blasphemous chant, foreshadowing the next section of the song, where it gets all more active and the sense of uneasiness built up during the beginning section becomes fear of an actual threat. Great content, looking forward for more.

Just want to thank you for putting my love for this song into an intellectual form. This whole sound track is fire.

One of the greatest pieces of music in games.

Fantastic review. The song is even more profound and impactful once you understand the lore, specifically the origins of Shadowlord and Nier.

"You enter this cathedral and imagine you're about to be in for the fight or your life!" Actually, our lives. All of our lives. *Chills*

Omg i was waiting for this so much, beat soundtrack in th game 😭❤️

Is it just me or does it sound a lot like Cruel Angel's Thesis at around 4:44? I just think it's funny because I would probably treat Asuka like my own daughter and there is one fight in End of Evangelion that I would REALLY want to take her place in. Basically you would have some guy heading out to face off against an army and a bunch of "angels" and going full on feral in order to try to protect his adopted daughter. This song would definitely fit.

I love this song, I get several distinct phases in the opening that correspond to what's happening in-game while it's playing; Starting at 1:33 there's a sense that something is deeply wrong, loss, grief, and the feeling that you've entered a place that you don't belong Then at 3:34 when the bells and organ enter there's a revelation like the curtain has been pulled back as the Shadowlord turns to meet your gaze Then at 4:26 something in the melody makes me think of glory, royalty, and hope, building on the revelation prior Then at 5:30 the repetition feels like a moment to reflect and gives a sense of "now you know what you know, make your decision" Finally at 6:07 you steel your resolve and the fight begins Possibly one of my favourite boss themes ever

The whole endgame section just slaps you in the face with its music while you fight for dear life. And all of this sounds celestiallicly messed up and makes you question your own life. I was extremely impressed by this game and it counts as one of the best games I have ever played.

Actualy the leguish spoken in the music is one artificial lenguish, that for all i know was created just for NieR's musics

I don't know if you have played the game? But if that's the case then I'm impressed how correctly you nailed the feeling of Shadowlord and what it represents without the context like, yeah this song is both epic and tragic, it's destructive when you know the whole lore behind the game and the fact the soundtrack is able to express that anguish and pain in a epic way that you know something big is happening, something painful that needs to be done is amazing. I personally love the remade version more but the classic ver is *chef kiss* amazing, I'm sorry if this come rather ignorant as while I appreciate music a lot I don't know a lot about technical details but Im used to say "Shadowlord is a requiem story-wise, the melody of a tragedy, a thousand years lie", and I love it. I gotta say I love a lot these kind of channels where people with actual music knowledge(unlike me, who knows when a song is great but is unable to tell why outside of what it makes me feel lmao) so gotta suscribe asap 👌✨

12:59 In fact, Okabe has toured many times and given live concerts with a real archestra performing the soundtracks of Nier and others. You can watch them freely on youtube. Great concerts. Sometimes even there they read audio mini performances of the original seiyuu from Nier written by Taro. Exclusive episodes. Or Yoko Taro himself comes out to say a few words.

I found your channel like a day ago and totally liked it so far. I was wondering if you might considered doing a react to Drakengard 3 Final Song (same composer from the Nier series) or Serpent eating the horizon by the Bravely Default ost. Good job and thanks. :)

First of all: THANK YOU MARCO! On RU-vid, you are the first person, coming from a music expert background (in your case a singer) who reacted and somewhat broke down, the most epic Soundtrack in all gaming history imho! Even other composers on YT, who had a history with NieR, never did a breakdown/reaction on this song for whatever reason. The only OST that comes closer to this masterpiece of masterpieces is Gherman, the First Hunter from Bloodborne in my humble opinion. I only wish, you would have listened to the newer version from Ver. 1.22.... because it emphasizes more on the organ and the choir, so there are parts in it, that feel more "villainous" than the original version. If only you would have actually played the game... oooh the sadness you experience. Such a twist at the end.