Ashes on The Fire (Main Theme) - Attack on Titan Final Season OST [Piano]

Sheet music → mymusic.st/ani...
Attack on Titan is one of these anime series, where small bits of information are being revealed with every new season and each of them are slowly fitting together like a gigantic puzzle. Every season is changing the status quo and with the time, you become unsure which side of the factions you are supposed to root for. All you can do is to just watch and see how the grand story is going to unfold in the end.
“Ashes on The Fire” is probably the most recognizable soundtrack in the Final Season and its enigmatic main motif “G-F#-G-G” (2:40) has really fascinated me: It has a feeling of “uncertainty” and I feel like fate itself is giving its voice in the music. It is interesting to note, that this main motif is used in other tracks of the OST album as well (for example in Track 02 “The Other Side of the Sea”)
①　The “Chain of Hate”
One of the most striking characteristics of “Ashes on The Fire” is the endlessly repeating background violins in the middle voice range. There are multiple variations such as 1:46, 2:54 or 4:00 but they all have one thing in common: They are perfectly looped. I was thinking about the meaning behind these perpetual movements in the music and I came up with the following theory:
The characters in Attack on Titan are in a perpetual war with each other and they all repeat the same mistake over and over again - basically forming an endless “Chain of Hate”. And these endless repeating violin voices are essentially rekindling the already burned down world: “Ashes on The Fire”.
As if that were not enough, this whole arrangement itself has a perfect loop form because it starts and ends with the exact same notes (0:01 and 4:16). Therefore, the “Chain of Hate” will continue to play, even if the video has ended. There is no god.
②　Extreme Dynamic difference
From suspenseful ppp (2:20) or a literal explosion of fff (3:22): This arrangement shows both extreme ends of the dynamic scale and it almost always happens instantaneously. The original song kept building up the tension in the music again and again with these extreme dynamic differences and I did the same on the piano as well.
On a side note, I think this is the first time I pressed the sustain pedal for almost 8 whole bars. The entire section from 0:35 until 1:02 is sustained by the right pedal in order to keep the G-minor chord intact and to build up tension in the music. (I absolutely look forward to play this piece again in a big concert hall and enjoy the reverb)
③　The one-man “orchestra” on the piano
In 1:10 for example, I managed to include the brass instruments in the middle voice range while the right hand continues to play the repeating patterns. But what happens if the multiple voices are too far away from each other?
My initial idea was to play the original violin melody (4:00) during the climax in 1:46 and 3:22 but it required impossibly fast jumps for both hands. That’s why I had to modify the violin melody a little bit to make it more reasonable to play with the three-hand technique. I guess as a piano arranger, you always have to look for alternative solutions: You want to replicate the “spirit” of the original song as faithful as you can, but you should still be able to play it with only two hands.
Alright, that’s it for today! This week’s “Animenz Explains” has gotten a little bit longer than expected but big thanks to everyone, who have made it so far! I hope you enjoyed my orchestra-style arrangement of “Ashes on The Fire” this week and I am looking forward to see you in the next video again! Let’s hope the “Chain of Hate” will be finally broken at the end of this season.
See you next time!
Animenz
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🎹Piano arrangement by Animenz
Original Song: Ashes on The Fire
Anime: Attack on Titan Final Season (2021)
Published by: PONY CANYON (2021)
Composed by: KOHTA YAMAMOTO
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#AttackonTitan #AoT #FinalSeason #TATAKAE

[@Animenzzz]

🔥T🔥A🔥T🔥A🔥K🔥A🔥E🔥

[@vishnucharan1304]

Tatake Animenz Sama

[@spine-o1892]

that last part was nuts

[@manush5282]

TATAKAE!!!

[@muphy5090]

TATAKAE🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@dominiosss1474]

🔥T🔥A🔥T🔥A🔥K🔥A🔥E🔥

[@laurasul8532]

I absolutely love that this man labeled it as "Difficulty - Normal" in the sheet download link. What a legend.

[@Solirhaps]

tatakae

[@skrez6952]

LMAO

[@mrxecular7921]

Considering the other pieces he has arranged.... 😶

[@toppii3674]

@@mrxecular7921 The most difficult thing in this piece is voicing well. It s ridiculous how well animenz make ALL voices indipendent. When the right hand is going with te melody in octaves and the left hand is playing bass and AT THE SAME TIME both right and left hand are playing the middlevoice (the melody that goes up and down )

[@relotuffplayz9019]

It’s normal though

[@natsaderpiano]

When they see piano Other people: it's instrument Animenz: It's orchestra band

[@Animenzzz]

Piano is simply the king of all instruments 😎

[@manbha5404]

@@Animenzzz (~-_-)~

[@mysto5107]

@@Animenzzz

[@EmptageFamily]

​@GamingwithA1. I second that

[@T1Dpianist]

@@AnimenzzzI agree.

[@HelianGamePiano]

Animenz is the only KZbinr that I turn on the Notifications. Seeing Animenz releasing new video is like seeing my favorite anime releasing its sequel.

[@mikhailkokorin3648]

same

[@natsaderpiano]

Same. He don't upload frequently like other youtubers I subscribed, but every time he upload always give me an excited

[@Rui.Pandromeda]

Same here!

[@hy_sea]

Same, since he never fail to deliver

[@asdf-og1xk]

same

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Perfect timing. When the final season is just about to rumble the world, we get an unparalleled cover from Animenz. A masterpiece of a cover for a masterpiece of an ost. It’s going to be a sad, yet glorious moment this show has its finale.

[@Xoic3s]

Ok

[@somalischepiraat5984]

I see what you did there

[@aryanrana9731]

um.. do you know your comment foreshadows some really big spoilers?

[@martinus9123]

dude how r u always at the top of every comment section

[@khangphan73]

Did you change your avatar?

[@RuRusPiano]

TATAKAE!! (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧

[@heheboi3785]

I ship u 2 idk why?

[@johnk8581]

*TATAKAE*

[@19double]

hey ru

[@Animenzzz]

TATAKAE ∠(๑• ̀ω•́)／

[@reservedchicken3993]

@@heheboi3785 same gurl

[@sebay1571]

This dude is unmatched. Never seen a better AoT cover on the piano

[@malexlu1019]

fr tho

[@Caliko]

As a huge fan of OST's like these, you totally nailed this one! The orchestra style arrangement and absolute abundance of 3 hand techniques make it hard to believe it all is really coming from one piano and one man behind the keys! Epic is the word that comes to mind. Side note, I love hand crossings right? Right. 04:07 looked so insanely cool my jaw dropped!

[@Animenzzz]

Yeah, that part in 4:05 was a completely suicidal technique, but I managed to nail all the jumps (use 0.5 speed to watch the fingers of the left hand) Arranging anime OST is really satisfying, because that's where I can go all out with my three hand techniques, haha

[@koalamama2]

I yelled in surprise at that part and then added this to a playlist so I can listen again and again, but my hand was shaking....! Animenz is not like other mortals!

[@yousef4330]

@@Animenzzz bro ur legendary, seriously it’s so awesome that someone with your skill has this amazing music taste 😭😭

[@ryzikx]

if you like hand crossings look up mereaux bravura etude performed by barbaro mr

[@lyubovhosh8699]

Это потрясающе !!!! 😍

[@Tristan-mv6lc]

Finally more AoT arrangements from Animenz! Also please do “call of silence” or a remake of your “attack on titan” arrangement but with your current style

[@lachlanle7940]

I would also like to add "Red Swan" to the list as I would love to hear what he could do with it

[@raychang4003]

call of silence

[@Animenzzz]

Good suggestion, putting this in my to-do-list for 2022!

[@antexpiano4779]

@@Animenzzz your Ataek on titan arrangement it's really good, a re-arrangement with your current would be AMAZING Incredible cover by the way, love that last part

[@bendeguztakacs756]

@@Animenzzz Red Swan and a full cover of Vogel im Käfig would be definitely amazing in your style.

[@piano_boss0156]

I’m honestly in disbelief on how well he captures all the different voices. This blew away my expectations, just insane…

[@ts6603]

he is a piano god. he only needs one instrument to build an audio landscape with multiple layers

[@gowthamkrishna5972]

keeping expectations for this guy is like arming trying to defeat eren in his human form. It's a losing battle isn't it???

[@zylorexorciste2278]

As well as titans eat humans, Animenz is eating every single competitor in terms of playing anime songs on piano

[@Cyclically]

Animenz starting off 2022 with a banger. I just don't understand his ability to constantly fit in multiple voices with just two hands, truly a one-man orchestra. And also those cross-handed LH jumps at the end on 4:05 looks really risky, but you still managed to pull it off, amazing.

[@polinalavrova9669]

Why did I read 2022 as 2020?

[@ryzikx]

@@polinalavrova9669 2020 too

[@JomarsYT]

@@ryzikx were still in the Chinese flu unfortunately

[@erhpin7796]

The crossing over/crossing under (like wth) at 4:08 was insane 😭 A masterpiece again.

[@Copitox]

unreal how he makes 1:34 sound so clear and pianisimo. insane dynamics

[@jackyli992]

The octaves and hand crossing at the end were insane. Definitely the best arrangement of this song so far

[@magicnotes8402]

3:53 i love how the music get higher and higher🎹 pure chills🔥🔥

[@ShadowLTM]

It's actually so crazy how on one piano you can play the part of 3 different instruments. Piano is truly the superior instrument. If it was violin, you could only play the main part and have a support or something in the background. With piano you are the main and the support at the same time.

[@2dsimp749]

THE AMOUNT OF TIMES I REWATCHED THIS MASTERPIECE

[@PartyGod]

1:34 gave me goosebumps, that build up was insane!

[@diism3012]

I was waiting for this arrangement, only Animenz can show all the layers of this music with such marvellous playing! The end was just crazy, what an amazing three hand technique

[@modernninja7883]

This man is one of those living legends of the anime community which will be remembered for a long time.

[@l3oke.tto_0926]

Super pumped for the orchestral style as well as new anime. I can already tell that it is going to be incredible.

[@denietkale]

Those 3 notes before the whole orchestra drops on you never get old

[@wraithdefilerjj1039]

Finally, the arrangement that delivers the impact that the song is intended to bring. My respect to you sir. Btw, its downpouring outside, so that adds to the mood even more.

[@NowellPiano]

What I love about your orchestral arrangements is how you compliment the energy of that middle voice with the main melody, which is more noticable at 2:55 and all throughout. Being able to trick the listener into making them wonder where the other sounds are coming from with just two hands is quite staggering 👏

[@minnie-piano3969]

those 3-hand techniques seamlessly transitioning between right and left hand never cease to amaze me, this was so well-done!

[@luckypianist7177]

It’s so exciting every time animenz releases an arrangement because you always know it’s never going to be normal.

[@rudeusgreyrat32]

havent seen such hype for a show since like forever this is peak unity

[@黒山羊の卵-q7c]

I really love this OST, not because of AoT or its Hype, but because how much of a genius Kohta Yamamoto proved himself to be with this. The parts 1:46 - 1:59 and 3:21 - 3:35 are particularly my favourite in this arrangement as they always seem to be made up of two separate arrangements on both hands being played in sync, bringing forth this intricate melody that's simply genius and damn Animenz you somehow managed to make those parts even better. Also, that buildup from 3:53 onwards and the finale after 4:00 was insane. You perfected perfection, thank you

[@sofiaj8443]

WOW! An arrangement of the new ending “Akuma no Ko” would be incredible to complete the Attack on Titan themes!

[@teacup7885]

Your wish was granted, GRANTED I say.

[@sofiaj8443]

@@teacup7885 AHHHH it was!

[@ArjunR856]

0:01 AoT S4 Begins 0:39 Reiner enters 1:02 Epic Battle 1:35 IM SICK AND TIRED OF WALLS -reiner 2:00 AND HIS NAME IS EREN YEAGER 2:20 The Other Side of the Sea 4:00 SO I PROCLAIM 4:05 Animenz's titan forms

[@Animenzzz]

The "I'm sick and tired of walls" from Reiner really hits my feels. Same here, Reiner. Same here.

[@vaunted.1967]

screen my boy ! Animenz respond !!

[@ArjunR856]

@@vaunted.1967 haha i did and put it on all my socials

[@vaunted.1967]

@@ArjunR856 good job !

[@vaunted.1967]

But not twitter or tiktok 💀💀

[@johnvingno6887]

If you want Virtuosic piano renditions of Anime OSTs/Themes, you can never go wrong with Animenz. Always Animenz!

[@NerdPiano]

Starting 2022 with fire! 🔥 We need more AoT covers from you dude!

[@HusamCoda]

^ this

[@ofcanjan]

Vogel im Kafig fr though

[@Animenzzz]

More AoT piano covers are planned in 2022. 😉

[@ottoroe]

This is the best piano cover of this piece I've come across. I could only aspire to such epic playing

[@AlexArimaPiano]

jesus dude the amount of counter melodies and 3 hand technique are just insane you really went all out on this one

[@rickastley3536]

4:07 Animenz: "Limits? We don't have it here." Breathtakingly amazing!!!

[@magicnotes8402]

4:07 can't describe how insane was that moves

[@CRnk153]

3:22 this part is amazing. It's very hard to play this gamma from right hand to left and keep playing true dynamic on bass chords and melody

[@dabinx226]

And now we need Animenz to cover the new season opening, RUMBLING.

[@Semor-bn1lh]

Anytime animenz posts a cover, it literally becomes the definitive best piano cover of it on youtube.

[@loryruta2149]

How can he play for almost 5 minutes without a single fail 😂

[@tabonga96]

Muscle memory’s crazy

[@181xbits]

Because he is him.

[@4nshad]

Practice make improve

[@itdobelikedattho8112]

Many takes

[@juliejolie344]

He’s asian that’s enough

[@fightinjack]

Holy moly, this is definitely going in the top 10 most difficult Animenz pieces!

[@Xoic3s]

Almost all the OSTs in Attack on Titan are iconic

[@layla_daemon7060]

This OST perfectly encapsulates the point of no return. Magnificent.

[@enchiladas1875]

There's so many great ost's to choose from AOT, its awesome.

[@AnimeProAnimeonPiano]

Incredible arrangement! Anime soundtracks arrangements definitely bring out the best of Animenz.

[@silva1210]

Rich in layers, rich in many emotions and techniques, excellent interpretation, thank you for playing ❤❤

[@jeffclark6637]

Absolutely unparalleled. Flawless transitions. This is one of the best covers of a soundtrack I've ever seen.

[@樋口一葉-e8f]

スゴすぎる…！ 最後の盛り上がるところが完璧すぎて鳥肌たちました！

[@tsunix3529]

Ah, yes, another session of me getting goosebumps over Animenz's arrangements. Thanks for the hype, now I'm ready. Tatakae!

[@aroxx2395]

The hype is crazy! I love how everyone is preparing themselves to welcome the return of aot. Some might say it's overrated, some say the ending is bad but whatever you say,the truth is that aot is the only show that has left you swooning at the edge of your chairs. The people who hate on the show have not"dropped" the show inspite of the hate they give to the show. Tatakae!

[@mob159]

This video is the literal definition of "PHENOMENAL".

[@mikhailkokorin3648]

3 hours before the start and i'm already poggering

[@AlejandroPerez-mg3fc]

I love the third voice you always manage to slip in the middle. It must take an enormous ammount of planning and execution to pull it off

[@ActionAdam]

I always wondered how you'd arrange this song, and hoped it would come out almost like a sister arrangement to Walpurgisnacht in your Madoka medley. Despite your arranging style generally becoming more rhythmic and percussive over the years, it still kind of is, albeit in a different way, because of that overarching 'Animenz Orchestral Style'. Animenz does love his multiple voices haha! The sharp yet seamless changes between homophony and polyphony along with the well-transitioned, convincing dynamics made this feel like I was listening to the original; fantastic stuff as always bro! Also, the subtlety at 2:20 was gorgeous! I cried from the beauty and Hanon pain watching that part lmao P.S. Did your moon get an IOS update or something lmao it legit looks like a dope ass planet in a far-off solar system now

[@Animenzzz]

>Did your moon get an IOS update or something Legit LMAO'd here, hahaha Come to mention it, it really does look really cool in 2:20. I think it's the combination of the light strips with the illumination of the moon itself.

[@abhrajeet841]

Exactly what we needed before the premiere of Final Season Part 2 🔥

[@jonathanh9734]

I really love moonlight - chan resembles the earth this time as in Animenz rumbles the Earth with his astounding octave jumps.

[@空気嫁-c6q]

この曲めっちゃかっこいいよな。最初聞いた時からずっと好き

[@mehdihachana_3138]

that was .. the coolest thing i've seen in my life ♥♥

[@Yanna_347]

THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING TO EVER GRACE MY EARS EVER. SIR YOU NEED TO BE IN A MUSEUM

[@アッカーマン-h4c]

こんなにも鳥肌が立つような演奏をきいたのは初めてです 頑張ってください！！

[@ngochan9924]

wow first piano version of this song that ive found fully satisfying!!!! you did a really great job here 💕💕

[@turtleesh]

HECK YEAH!!! I was waiting for you to cover season 4 main theme. And well, the timing cannot be more appropriate. Thank you so much for the amazing work!

[@CigarDance]

That was beautiful. The way you played was so smooth and masterful not to mention that I felt it in my soul. Thank you for uploading this.

[@Ticcm]

Your precision never let us down. Thank you Animenz for creating this masterpiece, hope that you could develope more in the near future🥰😍😘❤

[@ZyxLo]

Bro the fact that I can hear most if not all instruments playing with just him using the piano is actually insane, I’ve seen other piano covers for ashes on the fire but I’ve never heard so many different instruments just on the piano, it’s crazy

[@Vollerae]

I have absolutely no words to say about how impressive this arrangement is and to note how beautiful but risky 4:07 is, I'm baffled from how gorgeous this is. Thank you! 😄

[@toastyoreos9584]

he has 2 million subscribers and still makes an effort on small things like a legit description and replies to a lot of comments, you're a legend, mate

[@Khalid_Mohamed]

3:53 One of my favourite parts of the song. Animenz, spectacular job on this cover. You’ve arranged this OST perfectly, a quite astonishing performance. I could never be able to play like this in a millennia. Given, I did only start piano for 1 year now, but still, I could not play this if you gave me a millennia to live. So all in all, Great job Animenz! 👍😁

[@fares_aljabar1680]

1:03 that was insane man

[@Zezemint]

What I'm visualizing in my mind: 0:00 Soldiers are preparing for war; it is the calm before the violent storm. 0:22 Tension is rising. 0:36 It's dinner time. There's food on the wooden tables. But no one is smiling. Everyone is anticipating the bloodbath that is about to come. 1:03 Shots are fired. All hell breaks loose, as military weapons begin to tell stories. 1:47 Dead bodies everywhere. The bigger and more destructive firearms are rolled into the battlefront. 2:20 A dancer dancing away underneath the silvery moonlight, in an atmosphere fraught with loathing and extreme distress. 3:08 Soldiers are thinking of their families, while consuming a variety of intoxicating substances to help themselves relax. 3:20 With a very brief moment of silence, the remaining soldiers charge out of the safety of the military fortification with their battle cries. 3:53 Machine guns are blasting out ammunition like there's no tomorrow. 3:59 The plane drops a bunch of people, who end up turning into titans in mid-air before smashing the ground, producing a massive explosive sound (at the same time the G is played). The imagery of turmoil is starting to get to insane levels, as would happen at the climax of war. ============================================================= Looking forward to watch part 2 of the final season. Have no idea what to expect since I haven't finished reading the manga.

[@Animenzzz]

That was an excellent read. Thank you for writing it!

[@AliIshgi]

I wish you can award youtube comments..

[@sikretp]

The most iconic instrumental in 2021 ❤

[@muhammadsalafudin9235]

OMGGGGG I dont expect he will cover this song 🔥🔥

[@heheboi3785]

Theishter and nobidia now animenz. He starts the year epiccccccc. I've been waiting for this.

[@travishockin7554]

This legitimately brought tears to my eyes it was that good

[@MTruongCh]

That was amazing!! I could hear all the different voices and lines from the original song. You are the GOAT!!

[@Ahmed-yg3wp]

Ohhh My God I've been waiting for this since i watched aot s4 im so excited thanks a lot for this arrangement

[@Ac1d_]

I almost never comment on youtube videos but this cover is such a masterpiece from every angle that i couldnt help myself. Keep up the absolutely phenomenal work. There arent many music channels that are able to make me feel so much from music.

[@revyara6392]

I’ve been a fan since your earlier days, so glad to see that you’re still playing- just as well and even better! I’m sure Kohta Yamamoto and Hiroyuki Sawano would be impressed 🖤

[@rachelfisher5405]

I didn't even think this was possible. When I saw the premiere notice I immediately went to find the original song. After hearing this I was like 'no way can he do this.' Thank you Animenz for proving me wrong. You sir are a genius. I will never doubt your ability again.

[@rafaelrobin5155]

I like this kind of arrangement and it is just like you said, an Orchestral Arrangement. A masterpiece.

[@grisettedirecto11-5humss5]

I love how you explain a little bit about music theory on each of your covers! As a beginner pianist, it was really helpful! 💗

[@rosalie._msd]

im so excited about hearing that opening!!!!!! and continue likr that, u are the best!!!!

[@SuperWhirlipede537]

Starting off the year with an absolute banger of an arrangement! That octave spam sequence at 4:07 was probably one of the most incredible things I've seen in your arrangements. Loved the orchestral style you used in this arrangement as well! Hopefully we can get more soundtrack arrangements in 2022, because listening to this was such a blast. See you next time!

[@KDP1004]

Amazing as always. I'd expect nothing less. I can't wait for your version of the part 2 intro.

[@HipHopAnime]

This needs to have ten mil

[@nitrix6538]

This has to be one of my favorites, I really felt this one, not sure how to describe it but it was just powerful and impactful. I loved it

[@lilyw.1788]

Only the legend can play this legendary anime song- Perfect introduction for today's grand reveal!

[@rickybaran7974]

Great start to the new year, love the dynamics. Left hand changing from ff to pp raising it and switching melodies only like you can.

[@navrag4927]

i think i am the only one who noticed all the piano keys shifting towards the left coz animenz held the soft pedal and left it at 1:43 noice :))))) i mean there are many places where it was done to be played soft...but this part for me was very noticeable.

[@amirdashti5761]

Animenz. I really dont know how you arrange the pieces like this. Is really really REALLY awesome. It feels like an orchestra is placed inside your piano. Its amazing. I love your videos

[@senshiru285]

The legend has posted

[@nodocram]

That part in 4:07, it's so satisfying to see your left hand jump towards the right while your right is performing that "chain of hate" that you mentioned in the description, like wow!

[@tris273]

Everyone saying its normal for a skilled pianist to play this is aaaaaabsoultely lunatic. Animenz is highly discussed and not only on youtube. He's really outstanding in many ways compared to even best pianists in the world.

[@pianovideosfoundhere9948]

Over hundreds of videos Animenz has raised our expectations of him to god level proportions and he still manages to exceed them

[@cloudywithachanceofroadrol1234]

I need this man on Spotify

[@おきち-r5h]

あなたの弾くAOTの演奏が本当に好きです！

[@ArjunR856]

Ive been hoping to get this for so long!! Love to see how animenz performs this

[@snake4494]

This man is just something else

[@oeleos6730]

Dude this is amazing