Chrono Trigger - Zeal Palace (Orchestral Remix)

[@Schala001]

"This is the eternal kingdom of Zeal, where dreams can come true. But at what price?"

[@Janus-Zeal]

Only 9,999,999 Mammon 🤑

[@onlythequestion]

I remember hearing this song for the first time in-game as a kid. Had never heard anything like it in a video game. You knew something epic and terrible was going to go down. And it did.

[@Egobyte83]

All the cities in Zeal Kingdom sounded so ethereal and harmonious... Enhasa, Kajar... then you get to Zeal Palace itself and the tone shifts to just an ominous sense of foreboding... it felt like a place you really didn't want to be in.

[@danielsales442]

im a simple man. I see your crhono trigger remixes, i press like.

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Much appreciated!

[@lapislazuli9465]

One of the more haunting and atmospheric songs on the album. Especially intense when it's used during phase 1 of the Zeal battle.

[@Yokai_Yuri]

This has to be one of the most faithful Zeal Palace remixes I've ever heard. Good job good sir.

[@ZerogunRivale]

A really amazing attempt at a song that I think is one of the hardest to translate into orchestra. This is one of the most unique sounding songs on the OST, so hearing an interpretation such as this try to capture it is interesting.

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Thank you! Probably the most challenging part from an orchestration standpoint was that weird pitchbending synth that doesn't really have an equivalent in the standard orchestra. I used medieval crumhorns (which would have to be modified to play it in real life) layered with portamento strings to get a similar effect.

[@chromeshellking]

I don't know how you managed but you captured both the raw anger of being intruded upon by otherwise ordinary strangers; And the sheer surprise that they were able to bypass such powerful magic.

[@ArturikGDL]

I think this song its not enough compared with chrono resurrection version. Sadly they added an intro totally different, so they messed up. It happened with battle theme too. Sounds good, but they messed up with the tones.

[@ArturikGDL]

@Lavos Sure!! What i tried to say is that Chrono resurrection used a different intro with Zeal Palace theme, (thats the part that they messed up) but they added a very fantastic choirs within, so it sounds better than Malcolm's (for me) except at the begining. Second point. Chrono resurrection battle theme sounds incredibly good, but they used the same tone twice, almost at the final part of the song, when it suppose to be a higher tone before the second loop.

[@ArturikGDL]

@Lavos Using Malcolm's Chrono Trigger battle theme by reference, Chrono resurrection used from the part from 0:26 to 0:34 twice. They messed up with that mistake. If they wouldnt have done that, the song would have been perfect.

[@TheAdvertisement]

This song is in such contrast to Corridors of Time and even Guardia Castle. The grand, triumphant feel is gone. There’s only power... and a sense of unease. Even when you were a prisoner in Guardia Castle, you feel more unwelcome in Zeal Palace. I feel that this song represents the mind of the insane queen, or what she’s done to this world. The percussion you used fits so well, almost like a rattlesnake about to bite. And at 1:05 the brass is so sharp is just jabs that sense of unwelcome into you. You want to leave.

[@TheAdvertisement]

Lavos Thanks. And yeah, it does compare to CoT as well. It’s the definition of “ugly on the inside”. Both for the queen and the palace.

[@ScarecrowsSpookyGameplays]

@TheAdvertisement Well written/spoken. I hadn't given it that much thought until I read this, but you are so right. It feels like something sinister is happening or about to. It, certainly, isn't a happy feeling....

[@DanielValenciaCol]

The best part is that this theme is just so ominous that outclasses the Magus fortress theme easily. That theme is evil, but you at least know what is the villain and the background is a generic evilness. But Zeal Palace is just so sinister that you get the feeling at that instant that something is really wrong in the place, most in contrast with corridors of time.

[@ShadowSkyX]

Even as 10-12 year old I knew something was very wrong from the music. The whiplash from the last town made me wonder if the capital of zeal was corrupt and was doing bad things behind the scenes while the other citizens were blissfully unaware or didn't care to question anything. The tone of the game had shifted and felt like the final stretch (it effectively is). Our meddling was finally being addressed and then... that moment happens. Queen zeal - despite there being far more cruel antagonists since - remains as one of the scariest to me. Left a big impression.

[@Endelite]

I think there still is a grand, triumphant fell, it's just not there for the party!

[@Nellinator23]

The long, low bass note at the start, good Lord. A perfect complement to the high strings and enough to give me chills and goosebumps. One of the best versions of this track I've heard, if not *the* best

[@edwardedwards6785]

I love songs that make you feel like a sinister conspirator or philosophical iconoclast when you are washing dishes or changing kitty litter. The fate of the world rests on the shoulders of my idle thoughts and petty dramas.

[@David_Alvarez77]

Well said.

[@PWCDN]

Wish this game was more famous or they do a remake. I'd love to hear all the Chrono Trigger pieces in a live orchestra

[@zennvirus7980]

Truly, and with this gorgeous, bone-chilling arrange, this piece captures perfectly the feeling of "Zeal". The truly maniacal and utterly uncaring way in which the once great kingdom pursues its demise, guided by the twisted hand of the insane queen. And the fact that the highest point in the world, the throne room of Zeal Palace is the entrance to the deepest pit, the Ocean Palace... poetic perfection. Dark, unyielding perfection, awaiting its precipitous culmination.

[@SucreAmygdalum]

The best remixes are the ones which capture the spirit of the original tune while adding reasons to love it over the original. The menacing vibes, heavy percussion sounds, and overall uniqueness of this interpretation have cemented it as my favorite version of Zeal Palace for several years now, and I sincerely doubt that’ll change any time soon.

[@Othermage]

Congrats! You're not dead!

[@URangryX]

Still AMAZINGLY beautiful, to this DAY!!!

[@grille-pain3686]

I remember I was so happy having discovered a new era. The world was so beautiful, so was the music. All the NPP were there telling you how the queen Zeal is so magnificent and nice. And then you enter the palace, and you hear this... A music full of unease and danger, telling you to run for your life.

[@ZzAaCcHhepic]

He's alive! Another great remix!

[@gamerprince-tl5hg]

I've probably said this before in one of your videos but Square needs to remake this game with your orchestrated version of the OST!!!! THIS IS TOO PERFECT

[@Parcore_Tank16]

You're back!!!!!!

[@TimEssDub]

This was very unsettling when first heard, especially in a peaceful palace.

[@LavosTheOneEyedTick]

The best Zeal Palace remix I have ever heard. Truly a delight for my ears time and time again

[@KarlBonner1982]

What incredible intrigue is brought to mind. Something terrifying is going on in this palace...but what is it???

[@alondramunozperez1023]

FINALLY YOU RETURN. also, good job

[@johnsans534]

I took over 50 hours to finish the game on my last playthrough just to listen to the soundtrack and not even play. I love all your remasters, but this one feels the most similar to the .midi version to me and yet so much more powerful.

[@DeusExMachinaX8]

I've just started playing this game again and listening to this has only made me more hungry for the game and excited to hear what other amazing things you can do with this soundtrack! Great job as always!!

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Thank you!

[@hamzilla2801]

ok THIS ONE TAKES THE CAKE.... Absolute EPIC rendition there is ever made of this classic.... SE has to hire you to put these into future projects.... like seriously.... I am so glad I stumbled on your stuff Malcolm the Great!!!!

[@joshuapatrick682]

Wow, that packs a punch. Well done!

[@Joeysnew532]

Looks like it's time to go back and relisten to all the Chrono trigger music on your channel again.

[@AnezMon]

Ow men, you share it at my birthday! i'm so happy!

[@Juggalo972]

Yep, another classic Malcolm!

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@Juggalo972]

Malcolm Robinson Music Always, anytime brotherrr!

[@Slow1337ex]

that's phenomenal, as always. Also looking forward to listen to more original songs from you.

[@DRonin]

Just discovered your channel and all I gotta say is keep up the awesome work. Such timeless tunes.

[@therealedboi]

I love this. Keep up the great work, update Spotify with these when you can.

[@notaripspiderman]

I think delightfully creepy songs like this are all I put on my playlist now!

[@くすままと]

如何にも魔窟としか言いようのないジール宮殿、威厳・壮大そして見え隠れする巨大なラボスの影響、魔窟のジール宮殿に良くあうBGMだと思います。

[@narwhal3638]

I love how you manage to slur the instruments together, makes it sound really good.

[@carlossantana4108]

WOW! Excellent reinterpretation. I am simply beside myself waiting for Corridors of Time.

[@dmynerd78]

I was *just* listening to your Schala's Theme remix today and I check my inbox to see more Chrono Trigger! Awesome remix as always! :)

[@patrss]

So glad you're back! Can't wait for more songs!

[@IottiPH]

You're back!!! Dark Age's OST is just the best in the game! Thank you for this one as well!

[@bbydinobeats]

You are so legendary my friend

[@mattdarrock666]

It's been a while... Glad to see you're back. And here'st a suggestion for the next song: Ayla's Theme. I'd love to hear that one made by you. Cheers!

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Glad to be back! Unfortunately, I won't be doing Ayla's Theme anytime in the foreseeable future because I'm limiting myself to only 30 tracks in total.

[@lordknightfgc]

Stunning....

[@ethanstewart5108]

Happy to see you uploading again, love your remixes!

[@albelkimera3195]

Glad to have you back! still loving all your work, it's really amazing, i've listened to all you uploaded and i really liked everything which is surprising, i consider myself very picky with music, glad you're still around doing this!

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Glad to be back! Hopefully I'll stick around a little longer this time and finally finish off all the tracks on my Chrono Trigger list.

[@RazielDark]

Flawless!

[@neozzickmixes3987]

listen to this song during a lunar eclipse. Gives you chills as the shadow on the moon advances

[@moxxym]

yes he's back

[@AsaLothario]

Hearing the song this way, the Final Fantasy 4-6 similarities really show.

[@suprememingus6877]

YES!!!!! He is back!

[@TerporFIN]

YOU NAILED IT!

[@virt.3038]

The Magus (and co.) VS. Queen Zeal battle was so fucking badass. This makes me want to go back and play.

[@thesquaad2810]

Praying you do battle against a true hero next. Great work as always!

[@jacoblarsen7845]

magnifique!! Thank you for this upload!

[@hianerawr81]

I'll always be waiting for that Chrono trigger Battle theme 2 until it's released also good job with this song too

[@Bugberry1]

Awesome as always!

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Thanks Richard! Only eight more left.

[@merrittanimation7721]

Favorite song from this game.

[@timyumichuck9262]

The sound of pure evil

[@vksasdgaming9472]

It has ominous, powerful sound, but sheer juxtaposition between sunny paradise of Zeal and it's cheerful, happy music strikes harder without adding bleak visuals. What appeared idle paradise of technical and magical marvels above freezing surface has a reason why it has completely disappeared into history.

[@GachaarchiveES]

i've waited for this

[@hurmshmundle]

You need to stop giving me reasons to say good things. It almost seems as if I'm a good person now, complementing your work so much. Eh. It can't be helped (And if this comment didn't already voice my opinion well enough, I love this.) (A lot.)

[@notaripspiderman]

I’m an awfully weird person. Although Corridors of Time is a bop, I think that walking into Zeal Palace and hearing this had way more of an impact than a group of wise magic people in a library.

[@mr.aisak07]

This arrangement is so fucking awesome!

[@rebeccatripp36]

Another ace arrangement! ^_^

[@ppk904]

It's just the song I was waiting since a lot of time ago, nobody do a cover of this song... 😉😃

[@PuppyPhoenix]

You always do an amazing job. A huge fan of your channel. I won't need an orchestra to play at my coronation after my rise to power. Just plug in my phone and play your channel. I'm gonna politely request you try some Secret of Mana. I'd love to hear you take on the Meridian Dance.

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Thank you and sorry for the late reply! I really wish I had the time to do something from Secret of Mana, but it's unfortunately very low on my ever-growing list. It's much more likely that I'll do more content from the sequel, Seiken Densetsu 3.

[@PuppyPhoenix]

Malcolm Robinson Music Don't be sorry about a late reply. I'm honored you replied at all as you have quite a large fan base. Truly it is a privilege to have my request acknowledged. Well, in a bit sad but I shall not interfere with the artist! Though won't stop me from hoping to see the Meridian Dance on your channel someday. I appreciate all you do for my nostalgia. Thank you.

[@Juggalo972Plays]

Now I wish my CT playthrough would've ended a little later, now lol Great work, Malcolm!

[@Dave-um7mw]

I always felt like this theme ended a bit abruptly. Like the composer was getting carried away, lost in the music, then realized that he was limited on time and brought the song to an end.

[@sebastianchavez1225]

Well, nothing can be 100% perfect

[@JPerridew]

Ahhh, the dark underbelly of Zeal.

[@S.J.S_Adair]

Anyone else listening to this during the eclipse?

[@Grubbo]

He lives!!

[@LieutenantAlaki]

Reminds me of the Xenogears soundtrack, which, considering it's another Mitsuda work, means you're doing something right. :D

[@robitussinbrohan718]

that game is trash

[@AndrewFremantle]

@@robitussinbrohan718 I wouldn't say it's trash, but I would say it's about half of one of the greatest games ever made. For all the problems with the game itself however, some of it's music is fantastic.

[@all.the.same.iProductions]

Glorious. This could work as a dnb remix methinks.

[@lordvartak]

Holy shit that was perfect

[@Karastralfuture]

This song feels a darker version of Schala’s theme, which makes sense..

[@flappy7373]

what is the name of the instrument that plays from 1:18 to 1:41? it sounds like a horn or a brass instrument but i can't figure out what it is..

[@TheREALDanontheMoon]

I'm gonna blast this during the eclipse, lololol

[@luan6763]

Nossa muito bommm

[@Lebricilph]

First upload of 2017! This got me excited the second I saw it. I really like your improvisation with instruments to use for the heavy synth, too. It sounds friggin' amazing! Zeal Palace was always a track that gave me an unnerving feeling in the pit of my stomach, and this definitely succeeds at giving me that feeling. Though I can't help but notice that you haven't done one of the most highly praised songs in the game's OST, Corridors of Time. Is it safe to assume that's coming close to the priority on your list, if not being the next song? I can't wait for that, World Revolution, and The Final Battle theme. That's assuming that you cover those tracks as well.

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Thank you! The three tracks you mentioned are all on the list. The plan is to save World Revolution for last, but I'm not sure about the order of the others.

[@videoket]

Such Ghiblivibes at the start of this remix/cover. Nice!

[@joshuapatrick682]

I can’t tell what instrument carries the melody at 1:38, a tenor sax?

[@jaojao1768]

This song is perfect to listen to when reading "The Nameless City" by HP Lovecraft!

[@merrittanimation7721]

Sir Jaojao I'd of thought at the Mountains of Madness but that also works

[@scipion3679]

Well considering the Relationship between Lavos/Queen Zeal, it doesn't surprise me

[@AncientChrono]

Awesome work as usual. I was just wondering was there any way for me to download these tracks? Some of them would go great in a D&D campaign I'm running.

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Thanks! I don't provide download links because I plan to release my content as cover albums, but you can use an online mp3 converter (convert2mp3.net/en/) to download the audio from any KZbin video, including mine.

[@kairon156]

I need to get a PS1version of Chrono Trigger and replace most of the music with Orchestral Remixes.

[@SpeakUltimateTruth]

*Hallation: Party HP Reduced to 1*

[@fatesblade7171]

Please do Temple from Zelda 2.

[@AllenLSwain]

Eargasm

[@kylehill3643]

Manheim Steamroller's new song!

[@SpeakUltimateTruth]

*Hallation: Party HP reduced to 1*

[@jimhuffman9434]

*Panics*

[@jimhuffman9434]

This doesn't really help to ease the unnerving feeling that I got from going to Zeal Palace

[@scipion3679]

Who's here because if Chrono Trigger: The Musical?

[@ScourgeIsBestVillain]

Zeal...She was very loyal to our cause, but I still never liked her....don't know why....

[@yourknightmanny]

Because ur gay

[@ausdorian3252]

I hate these 1000 defense no Magical Defense Enemys -Necessary RPG Dungeon

[@WoobertAIO]

Am I the only one who thinks this song (either the original or this HQ redone version) would fit perfectly with Berserk's Eclipse chapter(s)? You know, because of all the disturbing shit in that manga/anime, and also because this song sounds so absurdly pagan and threatening

[@ilikestuff9250]

More like Retribution of The Birth Rite and honestly Berserk fits a Tactics style oppressive atmosphere a lot more This sounds too beautiful for the horror of The Eclipse