Keeper of the Celestial Flame of Abernethy - Animated Music Video

[@PolillapunK_]

What programs do you use to make your art my bro?

[@AlexHendersonAnimation]

Thanks for your interest, I use a lot of programs so here's a bit of a breakdown: 3D Character Animation - This is done in Autodesk Maya, though Blender is a free alternative if you're looking for other options 2D Animation - This is done in Krita, which is pretty robust considering it's free. If you're looking for something more industry standard though you might want to look into Toonboom software Background Painting - I do these in Adobe Photoshop, but really most painting software like Clip Studio Paint should be able to handle this type of work. Compositing/FX - Adobe After Effects Video Editing - Adobe Premiere Pro

[@PolillapunK_]

thank you very much man@@AlexHendersonAnimation

[@nvelasco]

@@AlexHendersonAnimation Incredible job, i don´t have words to describe all my adrenaline you can gave me with this video

[@DrizzyB]

​@@AlexHendersonAnimation ah, a fellow krita animator!!!

[@kingofthedepths3513]

You should chat with illumination to get KING ROOL as the main villain of the 2nd Mario movie including your song for him and skurvy​@@AlexHendersonAnimation

[@dinodigger3825]

Can we talk about the irony of him being mad about a castle being built on his home only to build an even bigger castle in the same spot.

[@andrewowens4421]

The hypocritical nature of evil. Once you go down the dark path you end up becoming the very thing you hated at first.

[@cartooncritique6625]

I imagine that's him flipping the prince the bird. Almost as if to say, "How do you like it?" 😄

[@somdudewillson]

@@andrewowens4421 I mean, that doesn't seem at all hypocritical. He wasn't mad about the castle being built there because he wanted the spot to remain empty, after all - he was mad because it destroyed _his house._ Of course he would build himself a new house.

[@distant1334]

He also renames the kingdom to imperium dundaxia He names his evil revenge kingdom after the guy who built the original one

[@Aequitas_RJ]

We call it "spiteful justice," or if you're in Scotland "justice."

[@Attaxalotl]

"The following contains... graphic depictions of Scotland. Viewer discretion is advised."

[@Akumetsubg]

Simple peasant weaving baskets with magic + one castle construction without permit == evil chaos incarnate wizard

[@Maddog3060]

I wish this was an actual TV/video miniseries following the adventures of our silly crew of villains and heroes. Because this animation was just perfect.

[@felop1187]

One time Chris said that they actually got messages for an animated series, they just had shitty demos

[@Maddog3060]

@@felop1187Fair enough. I'm just in love with how Alex Henderson here did this video and I wish I could see more. The art, the animation, the scenes, glorious. Just glorious.

[@leowulf5280]

I'm imagining a crazy over the top show where the last 4 minutes or so of each epispde becomes a gloryhammer song for the climax.

[@leowulf5280]

I'm imagining a crazy over the top show where the last 4 minutes or so of each epispde becomes a gloryhammer song for the climax.

[@leowulf5280]

I'm imagining a crazy over the top show where the last 4 minutes or so of each epispde becomes a gloryhammer song for the climax.

[@fengshuimaster7880]

seeing clone zarg looking at the hammer of glory, realizing that he alone cant break the tomb of liquid ice and using illusions along with angus mcfife the 2nd's absolute hatred of him (imperium dundaxia is all about how angus's whole life goal now is to murder and cause as much pain as possible to zargothrax for destroying the world with his magically enhanced 50 megaton warhead) to trick angus into breaking the tomb himself because only those with a pure heart of steel can weild it and knowing this bastard probably to cause some emotional damage aswell. good GOD i have not stopped watching this on repeat ever since it came out 5 months ago. thank you for your godlike work in making many fans dreams come true in having an animated glory hammer piece. thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@LordCrate-du8zm]

This is the purest, most undistilled form of awesome. Also, it’s cool that Archaon Everchosen got more to his origin story.

[@ornu01]

Don't denigrate Zargothrax by comparing him to the everfailure.

[@emilianomerendino3311]

​@@ornu01You're probably confused with Abadonn

[@alastorblake2027]

@@emilianomerendino3311 Failbaddon the Armless, you mean? Guy who had to do thirteen "great dark crusades" to destroy a single planet and still had to yeet a deathstar in it to do so? Never gets not funny.

[@emilianomerendino3311]

@@alastorblake2027 Exactly him. At the very least Zargothrax has a name which isn't shared with god knows how many demons

[@coopergerrish4317]

Actually he gives me more Nagash vibes.

[@manu8306]

Thanks for the warning, that this video contains graphic depictions of scotland. Would have been horrible if I wasn't prepared!

[@andreasottohansen7338]

God I hope you end up doing more Gloryhammer, because everything from the character designs, to the effects, and all the little details (like seeing Zargothrax rather than Alpha-One in the crystal, before panning out and revealing Alpha one, it is so good). I don't think I can ever pick a single favorite thing, but the facial expressions on Zargothrax as he goes from satisfied with his work, scared at the rise of Dundee, and what looks to be a concern and perhaps some regret at starting his ritual, ending with the sheer menance as the bargain with Chaos is struck, is definitely up there, along with descending to the ground and bringing the statue of Dundax to ruin with ease.

[@AlexHendersonAnimation]

Thank you so much! The little detail of original Zargy refracting through the crystal as the clone walks by is something most people miss, but it's one of my favorites too. It's always so nice to see people catching the little subtleties :)

[@andreasottohansen7338]

@@AlexHendersonAnimation It took me like three or four watches to notice, along with all the little text here and there, but i am so happy i did.

[@guillaumecayron1725]

I keep watching it but I can't quite find the moment that you're talking about! The video is so good though that it's not a loss at all to rewatch it several times. @@AlexHendersonAnimation

[@guillaumecayron1725]

OH I JUST FOUND IT! That's such a good little detail! My favorite shot for sure however is the dramatic slow turn of his head when the heroes first approach him.

[@radioactive_radek]

@andreasottohansen7338 you mean in cca 0:13 ?

[@whitesoxMLB]

Some of my favorite parts are in the minor movements the characters make that look so fluid and realistic. The attention to detail makes a real difference.

[@marcelocuello1]

Several things remind me of Warcraft III, a gigantic door to another world, a good person turning into a monster that searches for a being inside a pile of ice to gain more power just hoooh.

[@Vrikrar]

but... but I don't want the video to end

[@soupcandinogris]

You need to produce a movie, it will be great with your animation

[@AlexHendersonAnimation]

Thanks, I'd love to branch out into longer forms of film, it's all about finding the best ways to support projects of that size

[@soupcandinogris]

that would be epic @@AlexHendersonAnimation

[@webbowser8834]

Man what a cliff hanger. This was incredibly well done.

[@webbowser8834]

@@Tulik2 At least within the context of the animation, this vid absolutely ended on a cliffhanger. Do Gloryhammer fans know what comes next? Absolutely. For example, I'd argue that Star Wars Episode 3 ends on a cliff hanger. Sure fans know what comes next, but within the context of its own story, we get a big villain reveal and the movie just kinda cuts after that reveal.

[@webbowser8834]

@@Tulik2 There's something known as "Willing suspension of disbelief" where even if you know what's going to happen next or something doesn't make sense, you pretend not to so that you can immerse yourself in the story being told. If we ignore the existence of the next song, this absolutely qualifies as a cliffhanger. If we can't suspend our disbelief, then only recent media can be allowed to be cliffhangers, because older media typically resolves them at some point, and that's no fun.

[@amaureaLua]

@@Tulik2No, this song is from Return to Dundee. The next song is "Maleficus Geminus". "Rise of the Chaos Wizards" happens in the far future of the original timeline where the Zargothrax clone was not activated by a subspace relay, and Zargothrax therefore stayed imprisoned for much longer. During the song we also see flashbacks from the first album.

[@Jonny2myren]

So awesome. Really hope they bring you back for the next album.

[@KHTangent]

I had already watched this tens of times on the Napalm Records channel, but it's always a pleasure to watch it again. This is not only the best animated music video I've seen, but probably my favorite animation in general. Everything is perfect.

[@corruleumblue3317]

Don't know if anyone else has mentioned this yet, but, I love the way you represented the going back in time thing as a video scrollbar. It's the little touches that always make your animation shine :D

[@Managable_Mayhem]

OKAY, I suppose THIS is one of the greatest examples why I love villains/'villains' so much. Not only did it start with a justifiable reason, they are just so much more impressive than your average, cliche and predictable hero. 3:02 was SUCH an amazing move, love it. Love the wit of the supposed bad guy.

[@PhoenixKnight777]

All I can say is I hope more people hire you to do their music videos. Especially Gloryhammer, but just in general. Because your animation skills are next f*cking level. The attention detail, the fluidity, the character designs. It’s all incredible and I can’t help but want to see a full movie in your style because it’s so good

[@AchanCham_]

An absolutely stunning animation. Thank you for your incredible work and for sharing it with us!

[@JoseJulianMaesoGuijarro]

Man, GloryHammer are totally worth it to animate all his lore. The entire albums.

[@aerovaktra]

I don't know what I expected when I clicked on this video but holy cow 1. this song is a banger oh my gosh I think I'm gonna listen to it a couple more times 2. the animation is great even though I don't know exactly what it's referencing 3. wow.

[@Euanverse]

God these always turn out incredible! Perfectly captures the vibe of the music. What I love about Gloryhammer is it's this fantastical badass fantasy story, but they still use the names of towns and places here in east Scotland, a lot of which I've visited so it's funny hearing them lol

[@slrdarien]

i sware this just keeps getting better every time i see it. One of the best metal videos i think iv ever watched.

[@marekhejduk6214]

Its really masterpiece Alex! I saw it maybe 40 times, not joking :) Also P.A.R.T.Y! Wish that whole Gloryhammer lore can be animated like this, but I know its unreal and only will stay in my dream... So Good job, keep going!

[@CookieFoxx]

This. This is what really brought me back to the band after knowing them for about 4 years, but I never really cared to check out the story. I've been obsessed with it ever since, so thank you

[@ThePigeon5734]

I have lost the ability to listen to this song without watching the animation, it's just ***TOO GOOD***

[@lunaanimertic2598]

Can't believe I've had this on repeat for 6 hours straight...

[@mrbuster3106]

I agree, why so short?

[@astonbean]

I absoloutly adore this animation. The beautiful art and colour, the animation that gives the characters so much personality, how you perfectly convey the plot and characters within such a short time, incredible! This video was cool enough to actually get me interested in the story behind gloryhammer, which I only vaguely knew before. There are so many really cool details, the way you show the flashback using a memory transfer and a video timeline, the other incomplete clones watching things go down, the illusionary fight with Angus 1, and heck I could go on. My favourite scene is the introduction of Angus II, the smooth motorbike entrance in time with the music, it hits so hard! I was literally on the edge of my seat. This made me feel so many feelings, im kind of losing my mind. So far i have managed to inflict this video on two of my friends and I plan to make everyone I know watch it because it is the best thing ever. I have already watched it myself many times and I will certainly watch it again. As an animator myself this video is everything I aspire to create, thank you for making it.

[@ThePigeon5734]

This animation is amazing and I require the full gloryhammer saga in this style

[@alexandercross9081]

Well it has now become my lifes mission to find a way to convince Napalm Records to commission animated music videos for all of Gloryhammers songs. It's time to search Paisley for a magic ice dagger because this might take a while

[@Voxen712]

that one has got to be my favourite yet. your creations are so bloody amazing, especially the enviroment and backgrounds were outstanding!

[@darkly_neighboorhood]

I love how creative you are when making imagery for songs you like! Very much an inspiration of mines love this!

[@crossroadspony]

Aaaaaaaaaaaa I’m always SO PUMPED to see another upload from you!! This one’s no exception, I know I’m gonna watch it several times more to appreciate every scene. The shifting from red to green and back is so solid, and your fight choreography is a delight to behold, too. Absolutely love your trademark tidbits of visual humor, too - the facial expressions on our hero are awesome for the range they go through. Can’t wait to add this to my study list - thank you for all you do, and for continuing to be a massive inspiration to me!

[@Bdaro-54n]

is this a game, a movie??? THIS SHOT IS DOPE. amazing music, amazing art. Just lovit, good work

[@Charronia]

It's a power metal band called Gloryhammer, and this is an animated adaptation of one of their songs. It describes the backstory of their story's main villain.

[@HereticalKitsune]

The video is one of the most amazing I have seen yet! There have been several great animated music videos around lately, but this one is at the very top!

[@TheSolXP]

Still love this song, this video .. and still criminal there is no full version of this wicked synth outro. Simply perfection.

[@andreaso8886]

Now I want a 20 episode TV Animated show of this. Immediatly. Right now. Please.

[@wyattthetitan]

The second i watched the official release and recognized your animation work i doubled back here as fast as i could to see if you actually made it and i was not just going crazy. Hell of a good job youve done man, nice to see you doing work like this. i hope to see your work for other music videos for other people in the future. it may be a surprise to be sure but a welcome one.

[@shineichietsu6509]

Hello, i am creating a dnd campaign and was stuck but your art inspired me, so awesome.

[@Ernest_1689]

Mmm dnd!:)

[@abstrakcjaodwewnetrznainte7077]

Anastasia (1997) style. I'm loving it

[@RebelScum312]

This is totally amazing & enhances the Gloryhammer experience & the Return To The Kingdom Of Fife so much! Hope they decide to do another animated video for this album, I'd love to see one for Fife Eternal or Brothers Of Crail, & hope you continue to work with Alestorm & Gloryhammer & get your own features & series in the future!

[@sasha1mama]

Y'all got a bright future ahead of you, you and that band both.

[@sethmachetedemeter]

Absolutely metal… AND I LOVE IT!!! Love your visual style, it’s so fluid and stands out well!

[@AStandsForFrench]

godlike animation as always, my dude. it's criminal you don't get more views.

[@Twisted_Logic]

Your animations never cease to amaze, man

[@EmarzurM]

This video is SO perfect I lack words to describe it. I've been trying to type the words for 10 minutes and none were up to the task. I just wish there is more things like this in the future. This video is EPICNESS

[@lasagnalookingcrisp5224]

I have been blessed today

[@robertspeedwagon982]

I hope they commission you again for future singles, this was absolutely awesome in every way possible

[@TheCthultist]

Such an incredible video. Something about having almost the entire story of the first album distilled into like… 45 seconds of amazing animation really blows me away. I’d love to see some of the other songs from this album done in this same style, because I don’t think anyone else has quite nailed the over-the-top feel these songs pack like you have.

[@temtor]

This is what my ideas look like in my head, amazing work! Love the storytelling as well.

[@LordVane]

You already did a great job with Alestorm and Donkey Kong (Twice!) and now you outdone yourself again with Gloryhammer. You just don't miss!

[@crasssy1]

This animation is so smooth and high pace! The details are not over the top, but just enough, and lighting is splendid in every frame! Emotions on characters faces are so well drawn! Gives some Genndy Tartakovsky vibes))

[@TheNonameHousehold]

If this was a trailer for some sort of role playing game, i'm already stoked to buy it 😅😂

[@CelsoAnnes]

More, please! My kid is crazy about this video and P.A.R.T.Y, he is whating it in looping.

[@Spartoi1]

Dude, you are the best. Was watching after your work for quite a while now, and i have to say, it astonishes me how did you even manage to work out a graphic style adaptable to such a variety of tasked environments and vibes. From crystal coconut, to PARTY, to this

[@bigseven8227]

Your music and animation skills are absolutely incredible! They blow me away every time!

[@CrazyCousin404]

That's really pretty! I'm a big fan of limited color palettes, so it's even better

[@adamsmith4337]

Wouldn't be cool to see this as a cartoon story series by GLORYHAMMER , it would be AWESOME to watch and see it

[@keever8305]

God the thumbnail is so unbelievably rad. The rest of the video is too, I've seen it like a million times at this point.

[@Thundercross1981]

From the river to the sea Zargothrax will be free

[@FART674xbox]

Yeah ok chaos wizard

[@-Elaphe-]

And that's how you make a perfect power metal song. Period.

[@TailcoatGames]

Hope u get to do more gloryhammer

[@AStandsForFrench]

this gives me a real Don Bluth vibe in how it's animated. just incredibly fluid and expressive in the ways he did things.

[@Command908]

Really cool! Love the animation flow in this video!

[@audiowall1644]

WE NEED A PART 2!!!!!!!!!

[@drak-fu7qm]

I would love a game or TV show based on the lore in this song. And many of the other works you do.

[@AroundTheBlockAgain]

I am immediately swept up in the story, fun lyrics, and gorgeous animation!!

[@Omeganed0]

Friend introduced me to this a few days ago. I thought it looked familiar. I want you to know I've replayed that whole scene at the Fortress more times than I've actually listened to the song.

[@Gnadab]

Awesome video and song!

[@Lovehandels]

I exploded watching this! AHHHHHH!!! This was so cool! I like how the protagonist got played at the end!

[@faydetoblack]

You make the best music videos. Keep up the spectacular work!

[@Mollish]

THIS SLAPS SO HARD OMG The visuals are incredible!!! Amazing work!

[@ThePhantomTomo]

I love the part where Zargothrax Alpha One uses a genjutsu on Angus Mcfife to trick him into using the hammer to free Zargothrax Prime

[@glebkomp]

I've lost track of how often I listen to this....wonderful ❤

[@TheDamnBeast]

What a masterclass.

[@xenon1008]

A fittingly epic animation, wow

[@Calbeck]

*headbangs unicornishly*

[@DEthe5150]

Excellent work, Alex! Colossal and riveting! Keep up the great work. And best of luck for Illumination expressing interest for you working with them!

[@CaptainGerBear]

Stellar work, as always!

[@AlexHendersonAnimation]

Thanks man, glad you like it :)

[@CaptainGerBear]

@@AlexHendersonAnimation I had no idea you were working on a Gloryhammer video! What a great surprise to find in my inbox

[@Necro_Hexual]

This nostalgia for '00s power metal is so fucking real with this one.

[@tristanmoorehead106]

They definitely need to make an animated series about this

[@vigorosomoon4829]

animation is amazing as always would love to see a show made with your art style!!!!

[@jeggsonvohees2201]

So in the ultimate irony it's the good guy who accidently releases the big bad.

[@DeschGaming]

another amazing animation man! always look forward to seeing your work!

[@riildiilcomments891]

You know, I saw this on Napalm Records, but I immediately recognized your art-style. I love it, it reminds me of cartoons from the nineties/early twenty hundreds.

[@Wulfshade]

Together with the song, this is a masterpiece

[@ThisOldChris]

Great music and animation! Bravo!

[@chupol5659]

we need more of this!!

[@justforyoutube-g2p]

You did an awesome job on this video Alex, absolutely killed it. Ive been talking about this for the last few days and I might have taken a few flavor ideas for my dnd bbeg. Nicely done!

[@enderbrony1831]

When you built a small house in the game, and a clan of players made a base on half the world and blocked your house:

[@DeadMeat991]

Excellent animation. I love the Hero's helmet.

[@mix-up9003]

Wow you are are starting to work really face in your music videos frome the last one and maintaining such good quality, impressive. keep at it dude.

[@DemonaruMusic]

What an absolutely phenomenal animation to an incredibly fun and blast of a song. Just absolutely perfect I loved it.

[@warpig6459]

There needs to be more metal songs animated like this, maybe something like Master of puppets or one of sabatons metal trilogy songs, because this style is just bloody glorious

[@user-ui3uy1fk6z]

I love this, it has given me a idea for the backstory for the evil lich that I am planning to run as the bbeg for a dnd campaign

[@TheCartoonGamer8000]

Bloody amazing.

[@ImperialKnight770]

can't stop repeating this

[@tarvoc746]

Gloryhammer lore would be such great material for a 80s style fantasy adventure cartoon show.

[@Neopopulas]

I could listen to this on repeat forever.