"A New Kind of Hero (The Mighty Nein's Theme)" - Critical Role OST by Aiden Chan - [Cinematic/Folk]

The next generation of heroes are...not quite your typical bunch. But whatever peril they find themselves in, rest assured their bond, however strong or tenuous, will pull them through. They are: A New Kind of Hero.
This piece was inspired by #GeekandSundry's #CriticalRole, composed as a theme for the show's second campaign's party. Please share the video, and perhaps it will reach them, and make it into their show! (Or #TalksMachina; their post-show talkshow)
If you like the video, throw me a thumbs up! Don't forget to subscribe!
Meanwhile, check me out on:
/ aidenchan *
/ aidenchanmusic
/ infinitycinematics
/ aidenchanmusic
*Feel free to message me for commissions
If you would like to donate to help fuel the huge amount of coffee needed to compose music, I would appreciate you EVEN more 😆: streamlabs.com/aidenchanmusic
Finally, it would not be right if I did not mention #Dungeons&Dragons by name. If you're still wondering what all this piece is about, check out Critical Role, or head to your neighborhood comic book store and ask away! We nerds don't bite ;)
Thank you all for your love and support!
*Disclaimer: I don't own the artwork featured in this video. Please check out the amazing art of generously provided by the following artists:
/ montparnasty
/ purplestylusart
max-dunbar.deviantart.com
/ tessfowler
/ ezombieart
/ kupieckorzenny
/ ornerine
/ planarbindings
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[@pike7090]

"Our story, however... begins much smaller. here in this sleepy trade stop along the Amber Road, a handful of wandering destinies slowly begin to intersect..." I can't express how much I love this campaign.

[@Loyal2Luna]

I actually find myself liking the new heroes much more than the original.

[@erisplaysgames]

Loyal2Luna same, they have much more character and you feel much more personally connected to them, they feel more human

[@TheDapperLynxVT]

I mean i feel a big part of that is with the mighty nien we saw the whole of their story unlike with VM well thats one of the reasons The MN have a special place in my heart at least....

[@Ozone946]

In this world of sword and sorcery, where magic is everywhere to be found, the forces of good and evil are in a constant battle, with no clear winner. Our story, however...

[@ireneazreal7041]

I felt like crying hearing this. I dunno why, maybe because this was made in the very beginning before everything. Before the gentlemen, before Cad, before the ball eater, before the happy fun ball, before the bright queen, before swordless fjord, before all of that..

[@orionknight4803]

I know i'm a year late to your comment but it also gets me how the opening already sounds like its something that happened long ago and like a tale past despite the fact this was made early on.

[@d20Daddy]

Sounds like somebody rolled a "Nat 20" on their performance check...

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Heh I had some inspiration dice to roll 🤓 #DnD #CriticalRole

[@alexc119]

Best comment tbh

[@marshroverv5632]

No, they rolled a nat 2, but they are so skilled at performance that it doesn't matter.

[@gideonthelion4023]

In six minutes and twenty seconds, I went out on an adventure, slew all manners of beasts and monstrosities, earned more gold than I could even carry, became pretty powerful, and was treated like a savior, a hero... but most importantly, I made friends--no, FAMILY--along the way. The power of imagination coupled with amazing music sure is something, even more so with games the likes of DnD (and beyond, haha!), and is a big reason why I'm a proud nerd. So stay proud y'all--we've got a good thing going for us.

[@dantevalehuntik28]

Oh wow I adore the distinct Celtic theming of this that likely represents Molly and I swear in my head I'm seeing a cool badass hero slow pan like in an Avengers film

[@tristanmargottin7037]

Btw, your also the first comment on this video. Thanks for not commenting "First Lolo 😂😂😂😅😁😄😃😁😅😄"

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Haha the Avengers slow pan will forever be seared into my mind when it comes to ensemble themes! 😆 Glad you liked it! #CriticalRole

[@AudrenDev]

I'm not the only one to think this campaign is far darker and grittier than the previous one? As in, there's a sort of earthy type to it. Celtic music works best for that!

[@rikremmerswaal2756]

I have noticed it as well. gotta say I really like it.

[@Evija3000]

Apart from the Briarwood arc though. That was pretty dark.

[@Landis963]

@@Evija3000 It was, but in a different way. If you'll indulge the simile, Briarwoods arc was like dark chocolate, or really strong red wine. Campaign 2 is closer to black coffee, in terms of darkness.

[@Evija3000]

@@Landis963 Yeah nice simile. I think the arc itself was rather dark, however it felt lighter because almost everything else about the campaign was lighter - most character backstories and personalities, political situation, other arcs. In that sense it's like white coffee. :) Still coffee, but made lighter by milk.

[@danielskovbjerg4562]

also, campaign 2 has a more civilian theme to it. As in, the mighty nein are just people in the world that help when they can (or are paid enough, which is often the case, which just proves your point)

[@Adam9172]

Anyone else think at 0:48 they actually look like a big family? Fjord's the laid back, wise father figure, Yasha's the Morticia Addams-esque mother. Nott and Jester are the youngsters of the pack, Beau's the rebellious teenager who just wants to fight everything and Caleb is the typical shut-in nerd of the family. Can't quite place Mollymauk though, maybe the fabulous cousin? Featuring also, of course, the family cat, Frumpkin. Anyway, this is a side comment. Absolutely top drawer effort on the theme, I hope this is canon.

[@allterraincapybara6749]

So much changes in 8 months.

[@danielskovbjerg4562]

Jester: everyone has a gay cousin Molly: i don't have a gay cous- oooohh i am the gay cousin

[@clumsyboi_]

Cad the Uncle of the mighty nein

[@christopherbacon1077]

If anything I would have called Molly the mother figure

[@slate.and.camera04]

Is Molly not the wine aunt?

[@reneecarignan5001]

I absolutely love that you gave them a folk flavored theme. It's absolutely beautiful as always. I can't wait for the next theme.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

My inner scot was wearing a kilt the entire time 😉 Glad you liked it! I daresay this was my favorite to compose thus far (despite the huge workload haha)

[@strawwsberry]

listening to this right after the finale, it’s amazing how you managed to encapsulate the pure energy and chaos that is the mighty nein from the start to the very end

[@michaelbryant3640]

S P O I L E R S And now I can't help imagining this as the internal soundtrack of Kingsley Tealeaf, blood hunter pirate captain of the dread ship Mollymauk, as he embarks on his own adventure, again, for the first time.

[@danshamalam4739]

What I love the most is just there’s this section where it starts to really pick up and you can almost hear a crowd roaring in the background . It has a very upbeat and folkish Celtic approach that almost screams. Get up GET UP AND GO DO SOMETHING AMAZING . It also feels very earthy it’s not like fox machina in the sense that they where richest warriors who followed the path of good where as this is more mighty nine they are neither perfect nor these amazing do gooders they do good things it they are not do only good follow the path of light type of heroes

[@Jiminat0rr]

What i love about this, besides everything, is how the brave and bold sections are melded with the jovial, dare i say, circus-like joy given the way their adventure began and Molly and Yasha's introduction. As much as we still clamour and hope that you complete the VM themes, this is a wonderful addition to the musical pantheon. Congrats Aiden. You've done it again

[@thedungeonmaestro]

I'm glad you approve. Yeah I was working on Grog and Campaign 2 started, and I couldn't contain all the ideas lest I risk losing them to the nether haha 😆 #CriticalRole

[@Jiminat0rr]

I love instrumental music so much, and these speak to me in ways other genres cannot. Moving, captivating, spell-binding. Go where the bardic inspiration takes you. Nat 20s all the way. We all appreciate the effort you put in.

[@slate.and.camera04]

From an amber road to the city of Aeor. 141 episodes.

[@beanbomb47]

The amount of magic you’ve pumped into this piece is thrilling. It not only fits the Mighty Nein like a glove, but it’s a perfect fit for the setting as well. You’ve outdone yourself.

[@games4gays101]

It's missing Mollymauk o'clock and also loving the mighty nein o'clock, I adore this it sounds so joyful (and slightly chaotic) and just makes me love the nein even more D: amazing

[@mentalilly]

I have had some very difficult few months and I have not listened to this masterpiece in almost a year because I had remove most of my music off my phone. So, I was just listening to some epic music covers today and randomly thought "hm, i haven't listened to A New Kind of Hero in a while". You know, this piece has been my anchor during very hard times these past few years and listening to it opened several gates within me I didn't even know were closed... I feel like every emotion just flew through me. I do not remember the last time I cried out of genuine joy but I'm bawling right now. I've never felt light-headed after listening to a song but I feel like I'm floating right now. I forgot how deeply I love this arrangement and how much of a beacon this has been in my life. I know, this is a lot of rambling over a 6-year old piece you've probably already forgotten about but please know that I will never forget it. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating this and sharing it with us.

[@jonathanjoseph4308]

This is great stuff man. It's awesome to watch your sound develop. Plus, Matt Mercer gave you a shout out on Twitter! The Worldbuilder himself approves :D

[@EmmettF.W.]

This was so amazing I actually started crying. No bullshit. Keep it up. You are a majestic star in the universe.

[@kirahlarchirin4958]

I did as well, a Big Burly 6'5 man crying a tear of pure love for the feels that this music gave me while seeing pictures of my extended family in the Mighty Nein and just thinking how lucky we are to have this wonderful cast.

[@saikii5312]

This perfectly captures the heroic yet equally michevous nature of the mighty nein! This is wonderfulll

[@KHStar38]

Ahhh, I can’t wait to hear what else you have in store for this new group! I can just imagine sea shanties for Fjord or some type of chimes and fast violins for Jester’s mischievous attitude. Really enjoy the work you’re doing!!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thanks so much! Yeah I'm thinking...Polka/Irish Jig hybrid of Jester 😆 #criticalRole

[@KHStar38]

Yeah! Maybe a faster count to it to incorporate some more Eastern European in it (because of her accent). Whatever you come up with will be awesome, I'm sure! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@gideonhaming4894]

I love this so much! It has a distinct sound from Vox Machina that sets the Mighty Nein apart, while still holding some undertones to ground it in the D&D world.

[@VelcroGirlOfficial]

Coming back to this 69 episodes in, it feels like getting to see the group of fresh-faced adventurers get together all over again. No idea of the horrors and triumphs in store...

[@amdreallyfast]

Fjord puns have already been sighted. Is it possible to make spaghetti western music only out of sounds of car exhaust? :)

[@thedungeonmaestro]

John Cox maybe I'll compose something for Ford and push them to cast Travis as the spokesperson haha

[@pogeman2345]

I am getting some Lord of the Rings vibe from this amazing piece. It's like it's telling us that there's a whole new world to explore and that we are awaiting a new glorious adventure. But then it comes to the part that tells us the adventure won't be easy and that we will experience danger and that each member will discover themselves along the way. Love it to bits! Excited to listen to each member's theme.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thank you all so much for the kind words! Truly keeps a composer going! ❤️ By popular demand, if you wish to buy me coffee to keep me awake to compose more #CriticalRole music, I've opened up a Patreon! (www.patreon.com/AidenChan ) Love y'all #critters!

[@ynakoliai5146]

You are very talented, continue to make any music, love from belgium.

[@MikeRees]

Your link's broken, you need a space before the close paren

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Mike Rees thanks mate! All fixed!

[@xanderschwartz9864]

This song is so chipper, it makes me want to write a story!

[@UbwaaProductions]

One person hates music. Amazing job sir. Truly wonderful.

[@Alexrider02]

Welcome back, Aiden! 10/10 Can't wait to hear the individual themes. :D

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thanks for sticking around! Can't wait to compose them! 😁 #CriticalRole

[@aerynh6116]

Even after all this time, this still works for the entire group. A++ composition.

[@ianriccillo3806]

The score is beautiful regardless, but the melody and how it starts similar to the traditional critical role theme then drops to something new truly gives the feeling of a new adventure

[@Reverse2057]

I wish I had your same talent for the craft of music. Certain things cannot be conveyed by drawings alone, which is where my skills lay. I wish I could put together such a beautiful composition like you always manage to.

[@azell2913]

most of these show fjord being a fighter but he's a warlock with 11 str and dex

[@blackh9604]

This music is so awesome! Should I watch the new campaign? I've seen half of the first episode, but nothing since. It seems really fun.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

DO IT! :D

[@amdreallyfast]

Critical Role is always worth watching, even if you have to catch up.

[@KyleCorbeau]

Definitely, it's been a ball of fun. And it's easier to catch up this time because of the podcasts that come out every Thursday (from the episode the previous week).

[@blackh9604]

All caught up and anxiously awaiting the release of episode 9!

[@amdreallyfast]

I think you mean episode nein

[@isaiahwelch8066]

The thing I like about this is that, first, it's got a Celtic sound. Every time I hear the Uaellian pipes, I think of Ireland, also known as the "Emerald Isle," which in and of itself sounds like a fantasy setting. But more than that...this has all of the "slow-fast-slow-fast" beats that accompany a good story. Slow beats, where you find the quiet moments. Fast beats, where it seems frantic, and you don't know if the characters in the story will live or die, succeed or fail. At the end, it feels like the buildup to a final battle, and then quiet...like the battle is done, the story is in its final chapter. Then a fade-out, like reading the last page of a story that has kept one riveted to their seat. Such a good story, one cannot help but keep reading the story, and must read it to the end. This is a musical story, no doubt -- one that is fitting for the adventuring party known as the Mighty Nein. Well done!

[@mystlight1748]

2 years ago this was made, when we knew very little about the characters and their story. It still fits... Well done man, creating a timeless piece like that! Love it!

[@TheoryPop]

Excellent piece of music, I love it! The slower build up moving into a more energetic sound, a touch of intensity and feeling of exploration with these companions, a bit of excitement and joy with a touch of danger, beautifully done! I can't describe music, just what I feel when I listen.

[@ColmRMcGuinness]

Sick job, my dude!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

KawlumPlaysGuitar Thanks mate! Now I'm pumped for that collab! 😁 #CriticalRole

[@D3CAD0]

Two legendary Critter composers doing a collaboration!!! You gentleman have made my day!

[@MTHistoryBuff]

This fits so well with your pieces Colm! Your collaboration is going to kick ass!!!!

[@PartridgeQuill]

Oh my gosh! This music, though! Truly inspiring! Well done! I love this!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Only as inspiring as the cast and y'all #critters are :D I'm so happy you like it!

[@Reverse2057]

Just listening to this song again and I can feel the building drums and tamborines building the entire song up as if the M9's growing up despite humble beginnings. And it makes me wistful for wishing I could begin their story again with a fresh mind, not knowing the amazing stories that will come for them, just so I can experience it all over again. You've brought life to so many things with this music, please I urge you to keep up with this gift.

[@lemonkiha]

Great job on this track - really gets the soul and spirit flowing.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Kihaku Thank you! I'm glad it's touched you as it did my inner Scot/Slav when I composed it 😆

[@themindblowingit13]

You have so much talent with this, and I love how you also showcase some of the artwork that’s been floating around. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

All for one, one for all-us artists gotta stick together haha Glad you like it!

[@mewcroft2042]

Yes! A new theme! Love it, and look forward to the individual ones. Buuut, I hope you haven't forgotten the rest of Vox Machina! They still have a special place in my heart.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

They're still dear to me :) Though I'm trying to stay current to stay competitive if you know what I mean :)

[@Crashburn1313]

I absolutely love this music. I have to say, the chant/cheering + clapping bits in the background really gets me in the zone. Great work, keep it up for more of the Nein's antics!

[@maddit9375]

I can't get over how absolutely gorgeous this is. I'm so glad that I discovered this and all of your other songs!

[@exoticTaebiased]

I am in love with this ♡♡ I love how you used different music styles to represent the new campaign because even Matt is using slightly oriental like music in bgm *I think* Good job talented person !

[@AIOBA]

...AMAZING! Absolutely amazing! The music was beautiful and the art was so good.

[@elise9391]

Guess Ill just have to sit here restarting this video for the rest of my life.... I cant quite describe what makes this song so great but I know its certainly made my motivation for composing start up again

[@honeysukle94]

I'm a little late but freakin' fantasic as always!❤❤

[@FlamingR3Dhead]

yay just finished catching up on new episodes! I look forward to it every week!

[@wanderingartisan9601]

I'm here after Episode 140: Long May He Reign

[@LadyLier17]

Amazing as always!!!

[@aaronstreitenberger6012]

This is badass dude. I hope for Fjord's theme you take a page from Morricone's book. I imagine a theme that's 40% "Man with the Harmonica", 40% underwater chanting, and 20% Ecstasy of Gold. Keep it up bud.

[@noriaas]

This is so good. So good. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@christinesutcliffe6291]

This is just perfect, I can’t put it onto words. I didn’t think you could top Percy’s theme (which I listen to all the time as it’s just ridiculously good) but I think this is my new favourite of all your music! I love the background vocal parts and just aljfshkgshfkkh don’t stop making these!

[@gamergirl1113]

This is amazing!!!!!

[@DePieks]

Absolutely gorgeous, as always!

[@twitchgiggles]

AMAZING AS ALWAYS

[@brynosborne9347]

This is truly amazing, fantastic job

[@Rokkiteer]

I got goosebumps and shivers going up and down along my skin. In a nice, revelatory kinda way. Absolutely incredible.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheAzzy09]

This is absolutely amazing!

[@Varein]

Listening to this just puts a smile on my face.

[@azispaz]

This has been on repeat for like a week now, I can't stop playing it.

[@aprilv3217]

This is absolutely beautiful!!

[@Gionacloud]

What a great job you've done!!! I love this track!!!

[@justatiefling9528]

I keep coming back to this composition over and over again. It's so beautiful and fun at the same time! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing music with us

[@ilfurlano1228]

Beautiful work! I'm inspired!

[@xanderschwartz9864]

I always find myself coming back to this song, it’s just so inspiring! Also long may he reign 😭!

[@aroyaishan5255]

Really great! Lovely piece of music for any festive occasion.

[@davi1415]

Great stuff. I really love the energetic, innocent yet majestic feel of the theme.

[@Tekk23]

I love this so much. I loved all your campaign one music too. You just got another subscriber.

[@januzzell8631]

Beautifully sweeping - love the drums - gives a real sense of movement and then, of course, when they stop - the calm before the storm sensation :D

[@timgreen6384]

As you've listened to the tune please note the similarities between Molly Mauk and Marry Mac! Also note note that there is nothing offensive about the song!

[@andreaso8886]

Beautifull. Simply beautifull. I really love it. Goosebumps all over

[@lukasmarks6504]

That is absolutely amazing! You got me dancing in my chair XD

[@MemoryPhaseStudios]

THIS IS UNFAIRLY BEAUTIFUL. Like wow, thanks for the feels this is GREAT.

[@AsikariLoneWolf]

I got goosebumps! Awesome music.

[@gnotthegnome]

As always, absolutely amazing.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Jaume Thanks for sticking around! 😄 Always glad to hear a fellow #critters' approval 😁

[@ThisTinSoldier]

Dude, killed it. This is the perfect departure from your VM stuff.

[@lilacsilver91]

Love it!

[@camilopino1051]

Excelente trabajo, quedo muy bueno, me dejo totalmente inmersivo en otro mundo

[@pecto8508]

This is your best work. This is so epic!!! Good job

[@dustymooneye5858]

Listening to this again after finally finishing the campaign, this song just hits so much different 💙

[@AkatsukiNukeNin]

This is my go-to song for when I need to calm down. Truely amazing.

[@acousticAlkonost]

SO GOOOOOOOD

[@cerisedaemon]

Absolutely in love with the Celtic touch on this piece!

[@ivanorcan]

Its amazing how you were able to capture the personality of the Mighty Nein in this piece. BRAVO!!!

[@machinaheart]

Your music is absolutely gorgeous!!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

machinaheart Thank you! 😄

[@gamecrusade4783]

As always masterfully done, absolutely love it and adding it to the list of songs I play for my dnd group. Thank you so much.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

I'm glad you deem it worthy to include in your game! You make this DM so happy 😁 #DnD

[@canadianbard1371]

The way this song is done you can practically see the nein meet, fight together and leave for their adventures. A beautiful song and composition

[@Bellandora]

This theme was absolutely amazing! That was epic!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

absmvstars5 I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@timothyhebert4792]

Super amazing music! I love folk style music with a modern twist, so this is EXACTLY my cup of tea, and the fact that it's Critical Role inspired just makes it even better. Love the tempo and sense of energy it has, definitely lends to an atmosphere of epic adventure.

[@JonLarson]

I was slow to find this but glad I did. A Beautiful piece of music

[@ThatRandomGirlAndrea]

Aiden you've outdone yourself this time!

[@fairawenplays727]

Damn. Just... wow. All the stuff you make is amazing. Love it!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thank you! I'm glad you like my work!

[@Korica]

This is absolutely fantastic, my friend.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Korica thank you! Your praise is also absolutely fantastic! #critters

[@rainbow4545]

This piece is so good, something about it sounds deeply nostalgic to me as well - it's making me emotional LOL

[@csgamer89]

It's been a while since I've checked out your page, but yet again you've done a phenomenal job Aiden Chan. Critical Role's new campaign is the stuff legends are made of, and despite their humble beginnings, they aren't so different from their Vox Machina forebears in that respect. A bunch of broken and battered losers, pulling together to make a difference. You've captured that essence yet again with this wonderful piece for the new group of heroes in the making, and for that I salute you once more. Keep it up Aiden Chan. :D

[@viktormon]

Fantastic, really enjoyed this theme! Very inspiring :)

[@thedungeonmaestro]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@C0SMIC_CLIMAX]

I can’t wait to see what you do with Nott’s theme!

[@TheFuryHasCome]

I’m blown away by this Aidan.

[@theprideling]

Wow, dude. That was FREAKING AMAZING. Aaaaaaaaaaaaah I'm so pumped now! What do I do?!?!?!