Aiden Chan - "Vox Machina" - [Cinematic]

They're a motley crew of heroes, that have seen a thing or two. They've battled things from the deepest recesses of their world, to beings from beyond. They are: "Vox Machina."
Being 'veterans,' I tried to encompass this by way of the slow strings in the beginning, which gives way to a more 'folk hero' mood with the bagpipes, before finally settling on the typical 'epic' cinematic style. I definitely pictured Vox Machina jumping into battle a la Avengers style, and I hope you did too while listening to it.
This piece is probably, thus far, the work most directly inspired by #GeekandSundry's #CriticalRole, being composed as a theme for the titular party. Please share the video, and perhaps it will reach them, and make it into their show!
If you like the video, throw me a thumbs up! Don't forget to subscribe!
Meanwhile, check me out on:
/ aidenchanmusic
/ aidenchan
/ aidenchanmusic
www.tumblr.com/InfinityCinematics
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 Ameera Sheikh (www.mikandii.com)!
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[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thank y'all so much for the love, #Critters! ❤️ I seriously can't stop saying how amazing #CriticalRole has been for my music! 🏰⚔️🐉 But the ride is FAR from over-here's our #TalksMachina host, BRIAN WAYNE FOSTER's theme: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4nEZZeVlpJgnLs Enjoy!

[@gpenguin840]

Listening to this after 114 is surreal. Edit: listening to this after 115 is just making me cry

[@ChrisJohnson-du9zc]

It’s a bad day for rain

[@ikonta169]

The Battle for Vasselhiem

[@blackhawc39]

You know if there is ever another moment where Vox Machina is cheered by a crowd (like after the liberation of Whitestone) this could work really well for Matt's playlist

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Haha thanks for the awesome visual! Maybe you can also post it to Matt? :)

[@robwong7206]

Would love this to be played during another moment like that, or after VM ride off into the sunset for their End Credits theme as it were. :)

[@Alexrider02]

They're a motley crew of heroes, that have seen a thing or two. They've battled things from the deepest recesses of their world, to beings from beyond. They are: "The Shits."

[@Alexrider02]

Seriously, though, these are all amazing. Fantastic work, Aiden Chan! I can't wait to hear Grog and Scanlan's, and I am so excited to hear Tibber's. I have always had a special place in my heart for him.

[@markjos11]

Matthew mercer needs to hear this and then add it to his game soundtrack playslists

[@thedungeonmaestro]

I've tweeted it at them...but I guess music's not on the top of their to-do list. But thanks so much for the support! Maybe you could share it to them too! :)

[@everettkenison3245]

Aiden Chan have you tried recording it on a CD and mailing it to them as fan mail

[@csgamer89]

There's a thought. I don't know how much work that'd end up being, trying to record these onto a CD and doing it that way, but if it worked and these DID end up played during one of their games, it'd be amazing, plain and simple.

[@Bisonsteve11]

When I listen to this song I imagine Vox Machina and their allies marching on the city of Emon to liberate it from Thordak as if they were in Lord of the Rings

[@respectfulevil9022]

But with guns

[@fluxshaman8251]

A Critical Role live action/animated TV series would be great

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Christian Thorn Agreed! 😱🙏🙌

[@robertshaw1793]

Christian Thorn dude that'll be awesome!

[@christinasims3524]

They plan to make it animated later on

[@Brooke_Corbyn]

Christi Sims they do?! that would be fucking amazing, where did they say?

[@christinasims3524]

Matt and Marisha said it in an interview

[@IgorFaria]

"I definitely pictured Vox Machina jumping into battle a la Avengers style, and I hope you did too while listening to it." Oh, Aiden... You have NO IDEA! :D Thank you for this beautiful epic piece. Thank you!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thanks so much! There's more to come! I mean, there's 8 freaking character themes to do...AND Mercer's--AND a couple of ambient event pieces haha

[@0jutai]

:o You're doing character themes too! All of my yes! I look forward to them, especially Percy, Grog and Kiki :3

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thanks for all the love! :) Hope you'll be excited to know I'm working on Percy's theme now [because reasons :'( ]! Meanwhile check out the theme I made for Vex! :)

[@IrishmanSober]

Amazing, can't wait for themes for Grog, Scanlan and Tiberius

[@Akandamador]

I had a very distinct animation in my head. I wish I could say I'll try to actually make it, but I probably never will. This is a masterpiece, a very visual and inspiring piece of music. Thank you.

[@colbynelson2760]

Akandamador Could ya tell us what the animation is? Or do a rough outline? I'm sure if ya told the world someone would ask to collaborate with ya on drawing it.

[@Tyranzor64]

thanks for including Tibbers

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Of course! Tibsy lives! :)

[@koelvaque5913]

Tiberius will live in our hearts forever as the great dragonborn he was

[@liamgreen1982]

requiescat in pace, tiberius stormwind

[@gigabyteguru2452]

Long may his greetings and his salutations be remembered.

[@blue_caduceus592]

He encouraged peace.

[@GreenXintent]

This would be the perfect song to end the campaign, win or lose.

[@lustykong7591]

Never was a story of greater heroism, than the tale of Scanlan Shorthault. kappa

[@alvaronunezvazquez]

This but unironically.

[@SideswipesMechanic]

I'm coming back after listening to your latest composition (Pike's) and every time I am blown away by how perfectly you manage to capture Vox Machine in your music (the flute folk section always gives me chills tbh). It's really awesome how you add leitmotifs from this piece to all the others, tying them all together. You have a real talent and I really hope the cast eventually sees this :)

[@pocketmayhem1350]

All of it gives me chills

[@MegaVidFan1]

I haven't watched the most recent episode, but it sounds like we're going to need this in a couple days...

[@fluxshaman8251]

IT'SSO GOOD

[@AoWgoldsteel]

this is awesome but looking at the backdrop just makes me miss Tiberius that much more.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thank you so much! I know, I teared up a little while composing this, and including Tibs' picture :')

[@gpenguin840]

The mental images I had during this 0:55 "Everyone make a perception check" aka shit's about to go down 1:03 Roll Initiative 1:31 - 2:04 Usual chaos of fight 2:06 Vox Machina are taking some bad hits 2:32 Someone heals someone 3:25 Death saving throw 3:37 Person next has to roll high to save the day 3:41 Natural twenty bitches 3:45 HDYWTDT? 3:46 - 4:43 Matt epically describing the enemy's death

[@TheRealDerohneNick]

At 2:36, I thought the piece was over and got goosebumps when the flute part started.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

TheRealDerohneNick Thanks so much! I'm so glad you liked the piece! Check out Vex and Keyleth's themes if you're wanting more of the flute/bagpipes theme!

[@alecroylance9001]

You know it's funny, but when I see these pictures with this music, the first word that comes into my head is "Gods." The memory of what they did as a group and the music combined, it has that effect on me that I look at these pictures almost as if they were stained glass depictions of "Gods" in a church in Tal'Dorei somewhere.

[@lostonessoul5154]

you know? this actually sums up my old group, we started as "The highlanders" as we each came from some part of a mountain but latter changed our name to "The highland Pioneers" as we explored uncharted regions of Chaldemos (pronounced: CAH al-Day- MOSS) with my basically puss in boots of a character as the leader. This would be the theme of the change from "The highlanders" to "The highland Pioneers".

[@RedNeor]

every so often I rediscover this track, and it'll be the only thing playing for a week. A thank you for making this, almost 4 year late!

[@amberlovegrove3874]

Goose bumps, so many goose bumps from hearing this! This is one of the coolest things I've ever heard!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Amber Lovegrove All this love from me fellow #Critters is giving ME goosebumps! 😊 Thank you so much, tho! I'm so happy you liked my piece!

[@caramellbrixon9686]

I'm listening to this yet again after the epilogue episode and I just Thanks for writing this Aiden. So much happiness it hurts.

[@outsider903]

Dude, that was AWESOME! You blew my mind with the epicness of this. Awesome work dude.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thanks so much mate!

[@afunnymouth6449]

This one is also phenomenal and fitting. Good work.

[@TheMissWolfiee]

This is really awesome, all of your #CriticalRole compositions are killer - I'm getting a bit of a 'Two Steps from Hell' kind of vibe from some of this too. Subbed :D

[@carmelr5504]

I can't like this enough, it's STUNNING and perfectly fits the world and characters and I'm in love thank you so so much!! Making me teary for epic fantasy adventures :')

[@DragonWolff]

liked and subbed after the first few notes of this, because this is awesome music, definitely worthy of the show

[@K1LLJ0YPRINC3]

god this song made me cry its so beautiful and well made (And its really hard to make me cry, jesus) It made me remember all their battles and all their significant memories from the campaign. gorgeous, Aiden-Chan!

[@voxmercerna1524]

This is amazing! Awesome job as always! Matthew needs to listen to these ASAP. Next time he is at a con near me I shall personally inform him of your amazing talent. You deserve it! P.S. I would love to see a Grog and Scanlan piece! Music is an art that can capture the moments we hold dear, so it would be amazing to hear your artistic take on the relationship of the members of Vox Machina!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I look forward to his tweet asking me if I put you up to it ;) Y'all #Critters seriously can't stop being amazing can you?

[@92jeffs]

It is not usual for a song to bring tears to me. But man... that beginning. THANKS! Subscribed and this song is now on my favorite list!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

I'm so glad you connected with my music so deeply! It truly is the best thing a composer can hear! Thank you!

[@brodyhawkins3158]

New DM here, and a fan of Critical Role! I'll certainly be adding a few of these to my campaign playlists! Very good work!

[@silenthero618]

Good sir you have a gift for capturing the spirit of the sound of each of the Heroes. Keep it up man! Can't wait for Grog's theme , tho I love ' em all.

[@darlingicarus]

Shivers. Just shivers. Incredible x1000 I do not even have the words. Keep up the amazing music Aiden!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thank you so much! For my fellow #Critters, anything!

[@jessicakelly1458]

This is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing! I have a feeling they will notice you don't worry :3 In any case, it's some great work. It's perfect to write to and I'll be adding it to my own playlists for D&D in the future!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thanks so much for the kind words, and encouragement! :) I'm so glad you liked it so much! Haha believe it or not, I try to write music that I myself would listen to while I write my campaigns! xD

[@TheKPCoyote]

Great work Mr. Chan. With your beautiful music and the art of Vox Machina I believe a animated series could be a possibility some day.

[@gamecrusade4783]

Absolutely wonderful work. Without a doubt gonna use it for my dnd campaign and would absolutely love to see your work appear on critical role.

[@ajaxdonqueso9597]

YOU INCLUDED TIBERIUS BLESS YOUR HEART

[@ivanorcan]

I just got to know about Critical Role about 3 months ago and this... this is just amazing!!! I got goosebumps just by hearing this!! There is a lot of effort, creativity and talent in whoever did this. Congratulations!! Hope this got to Mercer and his team!

[@Icipherx]

Okay..there's maybe a handful of songs/ost that can give me chills, but this one is added to the list. You should be right there with them, writing songs for the animated series!

[@timeladyT]

Amazing work! I hope they play it on the show sometime

[@thedungeonmaestro]

timeladyT Thank you! I'm so happy you think it's show-worthy ☺️ Been tweeting at them, but still need to really impress them haha

[@matthewtate8837]

This is truly beautiful

[@jcbass2u]

This needs to be performed by a live orchestra.....a great piece of composition...nice work that really captures the energy and explosive nature that is Vox Machina.

[@squide2422]

incredible

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Sydney Erickson So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much! Composing the next character theme as we speak!

[@fishwad2077]

I couldn't stop imagining a cinematic vox machina game with this as the title screen music. It's so awesome

[@TheIrishloon]

This track, along with all the VM character themes, should honestly get played AT LEAST ONCE at a live show, both when the crowd is taking its seats before the show, AND as everyone is exiting the theater...this track being the last track before the cast comes out, and the first track after they leave the stage. It’s by far that level, more even. Kudos, man.

[@oleedmac]

wow this vox machina playlist is awesome. i cant wait for all the others

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thanks so much! Tune in Monday at 9:30am central time to watch a live stream of me composing Keyleth's theme!

[@oleedmac]

will give it a shot xD looking forward to it :D

[@Matt-tq9nd]

love your music! that is the wallpaper I post on the critical role subreddit! Love mikandii!

[@PilotFlo]

You are really talented. Also thanks for the download link.

[@lindseygreeno2422]

After Episode 102 coming back and listening to this one this leaves me emotional and yet somehow hopeful.

[@borgorodvanju854]

Well, I cannot express how glad I am that someone like you is among the critters!!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thanks so much! I'm glad to be among y'all too-I'm surrounded by talent every day, and I blame the amazing cast of #CriticalRole for bringing out the best in everyone!

[@DrakeCaliburn]

This is very much Lord of the Rings-esque. I love it.

[@Tembrig]

Dopeeeeee

[@dextra9753]

Your Vox Machina themes are great!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thanks so much! Stay tuned--cuz there's A LOT more coming! :)

[@shaunrodgers9896]

This is amazing! Subscribed!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Shaun Rodgers Well, YOU'RE amazing for subscribing! 😄 So happy that you liked it!

[@exie5994]

Very nice :) Wish it was on Spotify with your jazz song!

[@TheSfid]

Beautiful!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thanks so much!

[@waynebaker586]

This is pretty awesome!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

You're awesome too! Thank you for the kind words!

[@saracandel4899]

Chills. Literal. Chills

[@robertshaw1793]

This is awesome dude

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thanks so much!

[@lilacsilver91]

This is fantastic.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thank you!

[@bdletoast09]

Urgh, this theme fits so well with Vox Machina, it will actually be weird when the animated series drops and there will be an official theme for the party. This one works the best to me.

[@twitchgiggles]

as bold, empowering, and adventurous as our favorite band of nuts. I love it!!!

[@wolfnovelist]

Please make more of these!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Oh don't worry, Keyleth is up next! Follow me on twitter (@AidenChan) for more updates! :)

[@quill9648]

I just realised, to have this level of consistency alongside of the SHEER AMOUNT OF POWER relayed through the drums, you'd need inhuman endurance and arm strength. I guess this is only achievable by digital compositions.

[@TreeFolkDruid]

It would be cool if you made some soundtracks for Mat to use during their show :D also just subed, cus awesome music

[@HEZAA19]

holy crap this is so damn epic!!!!!!!!! :o!!!!!!!

[@gigabyteguru2452]

Thanks for bringing all eight of Vox Machina. May the dragonborn be remembered.

[@mothmanbutfashion4661]

Holy shit your music is phenomenal ❤️👾

[@ProducerStr8kdt]

I compose too, this is amazing my friend.

[@annabush430]

This is beautiful! You've earned a subscriber.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thank you so much! :) I only have #CriticalRole to blame for being themselves so beautiful! xD

[@annabush430]

Beauty attracts beauty I suppose.

[@PedroDragonSlayer]

man,your work is amazing. I really wish someday you'll make a song for grog and scanlan

[@briannabergman8381]

I'm on episode 53 of 148 I'm loving it so much...I'm so scared of reaching the end...I love these characters so much and the players behind them

[@lunarvirtue7806]

Spoilers HAIL VOX MACHINA! THE SLAYERS OF THORDAK AND HEROES OF THALDORE!

[@zachnightingale8156]

Hail hydra

[@SamSphinx]

Lunar Virtue Tal'Dorei?

[@OkamiRose]

I got goosebumps from this! As a fellow critter, I applaud the amazing work!

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad you think my work is show worthy haha! Maybe if I get #boostersboost(ed) enough they'll use it? (fingers crossed) Though, Liam did say he liked my Vox Machina theme! (so YAY!)

[@1Kapuchu100]

I am really looking forward to what you do with Grog. Can't imagine anything more badass than Vex's theme, but I have a feeling Grog's will beat it.

[@1acecard230]

I've been relistening to a lot of your work recently and was wondering if you've entertained the thought of remastering some? It's been amazing to see how far your musical talent has grown and how much you've improved over the years

[@derekbroestler7687]

The music is absolutely amazing, but.... Scanlan Shorthalt as portrayed as Gale Harold!!! DID NOT put that together, but HOLY F it works.

[@murlend8455]

They need to play THIS during the break for tonights finale...oh no...tonight is the finale possibly...time to go cry some more

[@AyanamiJu]

I absolutelly love this... aaaand... if they have not noticed it yet...maybe doing something old fashioned like burning a cd and sending it to them would help...don't know... maybe? Just subscribed btw

[@thedungeonmaestro]

AyanamiJu Thank you so much! Great idea! I'll probably wait 'till I have all the character themes done (at least). Thanks for the tip! Did I mention that I freaking love all my fellow #Critters? 🙌

[@tristanfelker2820]

you just got a new sub. great work

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thank you so much! Check out the theme I did for Vex--stay tuned for the other individual character themes! :)

[@tristanfelker2820]

will do!

[@ellenarelkin1238]

I want to see the season 3 trailer!

[@christinasims3524]

sTOP I'M CRYING

[@christinasims3524]

3:44 is when I just lost it. How are you so talented????

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Haha I'm so glad my music can move you so much :') Also, years and years of practice haha

[@DragonWolff]

First of all, love the music. Secondly is there any chance you could put this on Spotify. I could not find these on there and I would really like to support your music.

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Thanks for the support! I'm waiting till' I've finished all the Vm themes before releasing it on Spotify :) Meanwhile there are download links in the descriptions :)

[@rileylarkin1254]

This is fantastic. They all are! This on and Percy's theme are my favorites. Do you have a memorial song for poor Tibsy planned?

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Riley Larkin Thank you so much! #lessthanthree Tibs' picture is on there isn't it? ;) I'm thinking Harry Potter meets Game of Thrones for the ol' dragonborn :D

[@rileylarkin1254]

That sounds great! Go get it!

[@respectfulevil9022]

Percy is essentially the english, posh, fantasy John wick

[@stixaw]

nice work.. i like it, what did you use to do the drums?

[@Dariel77Angel]

AWESOME!!!!!! #CriticalRole! Please use this as your soundtrack! xD

[@SquirrelGamez]

Vox Machina Assemble!

[@sadlobster1]

I know Tiberius (the Dragonborn) isn't part of the crew anymore. But will we see Grog, Scanlan, Vex, Vax, Pike, Keyleth and Percy as part of the Critical Role animated series?

[@thedungeonmaestro]

I'm not associated with the Amazon series but I would assume so! :D

[@sadlobster1]

@@thedungeonmaestro Oh! So, the series is coming out on Amazon Video? Many of us thought it would be premiering on either Netflix or Hulu

[@timgreen6384]

I think you just might have left the three hardest to do! Grog's strength and rage will be easy things it is fitting in his tender side without making the rage less that will be the issue. For Tiberious it will have to end on a sad note but an uplifting note as well. The last VM saw they asked the Dragon born to build a statue in his honour saying 'I Encourage Peace!'. It is Scanlon that might just prove the most difficult! He has constantly been their MVP in most situations! Coming up with cloche play after play, often during the same episode. His bravery, foolishness, music, sexuality, etc. might be hard to fit in one peace of music! Though everyone has their comical side Scanlon does it time and time again on purpose!

[@tehlittledwarf]

When the fuck are they going to turn this into a tv series?

[@lostonessoul8435]

"Eyes never shut, fear never shown." My nephew copying his uncle (PROUD UNCLE MOMENT 😊😄)

[@brianthegreat5994]

I need a terry dearington song please

[@FlamingR3Dhead]

WIll you be making one for Scanlan and Grog?

[@283leis]

Does Grog have Craven Edge in his picture?

[@ethanmarston-terry3013]

Are you open to letting me or people in general in using this for short films or KZbin productions because this really is a beautiful piece that could accompany many great fantasy productions

[@thedungeonmaestro]

Ethan Marston-Terry as long as you credit me go right ahead! (While download links are in the description; might change upon distribution) and if you'd like to support my work, donate to: streamlabs.com/aidenchanmusic

[@ethanmarston-terry3013]

Aiden Chan thank it’s really great that you’re one of the few willing to allow use of your content and as soon as I get some funds in I’ll donate

[@varunpottepalli364]

Can I get a link to the artwork?

[@ellenarelkin1238]

🥺😩😫😢😭

[@asfcruppy6382]

The art has Tibsy.. Q.Q