Fall of an Empire - Royal Canterlot Symphonic Metal Orchestra

The L-Train and the Royal Canterlot Symphonic Metal Orchestra proudly present “Fall Of An Empire”, a tragic tale of love and war based on a story from "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic". Fall Of An Empire tells the story of the rise, and sudden fall, of King Sombra and the Crystal Empire, and features contributions from talented artists from all over the world.
Download from Bandcamp: thel-train.bandcamp.com/album...
Tracklist
00:00 - Prologue: The Tale Of The Crystal King
03:33 - Chapter 1: Welcome To The Empire
08:47 - Chapter 2: Crossroads Of Life
12:13 - Interlude I: Adoration
12:48 - Chapter 3: Heavy Is The Crown
17:51 - Interlude II: Vindication
18:27 - Chapter 4: At Any Cost
23:30 - Chapter 5: Regents Of The Darkness
28:54 - Chapter 6: Kingdoms Divided
33:35 - Interlude III: Desperation
34:27 - Chapter 7: The Calling
39:01 - Chapter 8: Heaven’s Fury
46:52 - Epilogue: The Fall Of The Shadow’s Veil
Lyrics sheet: www.dropbox.com/s/iod13t2amkg...
Performed by the Royal Canterlot Symphonic Metal Orchestra:
The L-Train (bit.ly/1TnyiGF, bit.ly/1VcMQxi) - composer, producer, arranger
SkyBolt (bit.ly/1Rcp1ir) - lyricist, story
Mastered by Secret Metal (bit.ly/27GbcVk)
Musicians
The L-Train (bit.ly/1TnyiGF, bit.ly/1VcMQxi) - guitar, bass, keyboards; orchestral and drum programming
TheMusicReborn (bit.ly/1sv7k94) - trumpet (Ch 7)
Marc v/d Meulen (www.marcvdmeulen.com/, bit.ly/1Tr1S0e) - viola (Ch 2, Ch 3)
Secret Metal (bit.ly/27GbcVk) - guitar solo (Ch 1)
Dylzal (bit.ly/1XnhYKK) - guitar solo (Ch 8)
Lead Vocalists
SkyBolt (bit.ly/1Rcp1ir) - The Storyteller
TrueSailorComet (bit.ly/1U2RueZ) - Celestia
Hayley Nelson (bit.ly/1UNwASK) - Luna
DaWillstanator (bit.ly/1TKhdGn, bit.ly/1sEeZTc) - Sombra
The L-Train, Francis Vace, Swedely, Northbound, Jacob W / Adar Nasiykh, Secret Metal, Chris Hau, Emily Barnaby, Seriff Pilcrow - Crystal Ponies (Ch 7)
Choir
CxDr ( / ph3r0x )
Chris Hau ( / qweeqkk )
Citric Acid ( / citricacidmusic )
DaWillstanator (bit.ly/1TKhdGn, bit.ly/1sEeZTc)
Dylzal (bit.ly/1XnhYKK)
Emily Barnaby
Francis Vace ( / fvaceslav )
Jacob W / Adar Nasiykh (bit.ly/1OQfd35, bit.ly/22hNavK)
Matthew Eater ( / matthew-eater )
Neighrator Pony ( / neighratorpony )
Northbound (northboundsail.deviantart.com)
Secret Metal ( / secretmetalfromabyss )
Seriff Pilcrow (seriff-pilcrow.deviantart.com/)
Swedely ( / flamelionheart )
The L-Train (bit.ly/1TnyiGF, bit.ly/1VcMQxi)
TrueSailorComet (bit.ly/1U2RueZ)
Wind sound effects taken from soundbible.com/634-Wind-Blowin...
Cover art: Viwrastupr (viwrastupr.deviantart.com/)
Chapter art: Ashley Nichols (bit.ly/25d147G, mydreamystar.com/)
Lyric video: SkyBolt ( / skyboltsmusic )
Special thanks to Hasbro, DHX and all the folks behind My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Also a big thanks to SkyBolt, for providing the wonderful story and lyrics, and to the rest of the fantastic cast, I think some of you were even more enthusiastic about this project than I was. A very special thanks to everyone who auditioned for the choir, even those who weren’t successful, you are all very talented and cutting the numbers down to something manageable was not an easy task! Finally, the most special thanks to all of my friends, fans and followers from all around the world, without your support and encouragement Fall Of An Empire would not have been possible, thank you for listening to my strange epic horsemusic opera.

[@sapphireblitzen4683]

2024 anyone?

[@User2024.0ap]

Me, 2025 2026 and forever honestly

[@jordanjonescelestialwaffle1698]

ME

[@bigbadaboooom]

Here

[@cococream7905]

7 years later and the ending of kingdoms divided still gives me chills

[@dtl-a0684]

Here and accounted for

[@G3arShift]

Five years later, and this is still by far one of the best compositions I've ever heard. It truly tells a story, and well at that.

[@phoenixwing5133]

same fam, same

[@mihaisabin2363]

How about 7 years😂

[@George-Hawthorne]

As far as I'm concerned this is Sombra's true origin story and the prelude to Luna's rebellion. Though the talisman Sombra is wearing should have been the Alicorn Amulet.

[@phoenixwing5133]

Wholeheartedly agree, I'm literally writing a story about it now LMAO

[@George-Hawthorne]

@@phoenixwing5133 fanfiction or AO3?

[@phantomjinx3945]

Please post name. Want to read 😊😊

[@rd-ol7uc]

​@@phoenixwing5133 we need a link or name and we're to find the fanfic I want to read it.

[@nataliapanfichi9933]

@@phoenixwing5133 where can a read it?

[@andrewbrigmond8784]

"Heavy is the crown we wear." Those words must have come back to haunt Celestia when she banished Luna to the moon.

[@JojonathanOliveira]

"Duty takes priority"

[@andrewbrigmond8784]

@@JojonathanOliveira More words that came back to haunt her.

[@benlowe1701]

I know this came out after "Moon Rise", but I would kill to see that riff have a brief reprise during Moon Rises. A brief leitmotif of "Our Queen // Rising" by her soliders, and a refrain of "Heavy is the Crown *I* wear..." would be flawless.

[@Dan-qy6zv]

It's funny since all of this was technically Celestia's fault.

[@Rishikasharma636]

Why is duty A knife that's going straight through love? In this animation Come on celestia litrelly? atleast let your sister LIVE who is with me?

[@rochendilnenwe8929]

I would actually pay to see this live on stage.

[@rochendilnenwe8929]

I would even pay to be the one to create the stage version

[@Sircreepington9th]

I agree on both accounts.

[@lucasclement9368]

@@rochendilnenwe8929 Agreed! I even already have an idea of how the stage version would be. In order to make the show work, it would require casting humans as the ponies - Ex: the princesses would be women dressed in royal dresses (one white and one blue) and crowns (one gold and one silver), holding royal staff-scepters (one topped with a sun and the other with a crescent moon), wearing fake horns and wings and colored wigs. It would also require the use of a digital screen for both the background and visual effects.

[@Duchess_Van_Hoof]

Oh how I want to see it.

[@schriftschmiede]

angelowl89 coming out soon!

[@nathanjarrett728]

this kind of explains why Luna wanted to go with The to the empire to stop Sombra it was a personal conflict that's why she looked so mad, and why Celestia didn't want her to go it was too personal of a conflict to her

[@CafeLiquerstreams]

TBH I'd love to see this rewritten with the FIENDship lore in mind, since it really changed how Sombra was viewed

[@mariadavis5133]

A kingdom fell because of a love story AWESOMENESS

[@princesslunar_heart5527]

You can't find better stories than this one

[@elizabethdavis8264]

I've been imagining it as a story being told to Twilight Sparkle by a Bard while she's journeying with her friends. Knowing Twilight, she'd probably be skeptical of the account, esspecially if it portrays her mentor in a less than dazzling light. Then we get to the last bit: that refrain of "heavy is the crown" which is like Twilight seeing Luna again after hearing the story, and everything Luna says and does is taken in a new light. Twilight gains a greater understanding appreciation for Luna's struggles.

[@gren8te319]

good point

[@katherinemcginnis5425]

I actually think that this story as well as that statement could be canon to the show if presented by the writers

[@hope1365]

Why skeptical? Why would twilight be skeptical of someone telling her a story I kinda can understand but I want to hear your reasoning…if that’s ok with you

[@elizabethdavis8264]

@@hope1365 by skeptical i meant Twilight doesn't think this account of the "ancient lore" is accurate and because she knows Luna and Celestia she's concerned about the bard spreading lies about them. Later on she realizes that the story has made her more empathetic to Luna.

[@hope1365]

@@elizabethdavis8264 ohhh I understand now thanks!

[@jameszoeller1517]

This really deserves a broadway stage adeptation. Like, damn, that one line, "Even if I must cross the sun!" So much is packed into those lyrics!

[@BlummyMond]

If it comes to Broadway I will be the first in line for auditions even if I have to be a tree, a stone or sombras's cloack >:D

[@m1yuka896]

When Luna starts singing in The Calling I broke. Ahhh beauty

[@SkydreamsArts]

You turned Sombra from a pretty one-dimensional one-off villain to a sympathetic tragic hero. This hecking album makes me cry every time.

[@LioneltheInquisitor]

It makes him a simp.

[@asstolfo9106]

@@LioneltheInquisitor cringe

[@blasto652]

it also turns Celestia into a semi villain (though I love her I have seen the many mistakes she made and I think nightmare moons banishment for 1k years was one but not gonna get into that here) this is a really great song though and I love the twist on sombra that it gives :) it also makes it intresting since in the comics Celestia latter falls in love with an alternate dimension version of sombra

[@LiterallyAWesternHognose]

​@@blasto652Down with the Tyrant of the Sun.....Long live the New Lunar Republic!

[@princessapplestrach6327]

​@@LioneltheInquisitorloving someone isn't being a simp , get a life and touch grass

[@dr.virus1295]

You know there is something terribly wrong with the world when this incredible musical narrative has less than a million views.

[@mirovini.]

I didn't expect to find you there lol

[@ruethechosenone5197]

So then without Sombra Luna felt lonely and empty so looking for friends but realized that no one liked her night so she became Nightmare Moon intent on returning her lost love.

[@richflyawesome0167]

So 2 villains was tias fault

[@aquatic_atlas]

Wow she loved Sombra that explains why she turned

[@Bismarck515]

@@aquatic_atlas just clutching at straws here but possibly be the reason why twilight when tasked to go to the crystal empire for the first time, luna looks angry almost like there could be a duty she feels she needs to settle with sombra, feeling partly responsible for his fall

[@famekki7883]

Still better Love Story than Twilight.

[@nook6313]

Agree.

[@AtreidaeChibiko]

And now, she's single forever :)

[@AtreidaeChibiko]

@Louisa Hansen I suggest reading "good morning Scootaloo" on fimfiction. It's a good reminder of why Gods can't love mortals

[@nealsmith3186]

@@AtreidaeChibiko Thanks for the suggestion of fic, I loved it!

[@AtreidaeChibiko]

@@nealsmith3186 you're welcome

[@randomwordz76]

Such a sad story. Celesitia prolly should have just let the two live their lives together even with Somber's mortality. The saying is true; better to have loved and lost then to never have loved at all. Just let the two enjoy their time together than stand between them. And also, well done work here. Really gives off vibes of story telling and music of yore. Nicely done.

[@dragonizerx6462]

I agreed. I mean if you kinda think about it, Celestia is kinda selfish. Luna deserve love. #loveluna

[@thedragonqueen6304]

If Celestia let Luna have love and they figured out a way for him to live as long as Luna we may never have had Nightmare Moon because she would’ve had love filling her heart. She’s very selfish like she is the only one allowed to be loved and worshipped and her sister to suffer for her resistance.

[@dragonizerx6462]

@@thedragonqueen6304 I agreed

[@Wolfsbaene]

@@thedragonqueen6304 here would be an alternate, and very twisted possibility though. What if Sombra’s love wasn’t enough? What if, even after being turned immortal, Luna still feels rejected by her subjects and abandoned by her sister to the point of complete rebellion? Except this time she might very well have a Shadow King to back her up as Nightmare Moon! Fate’s tricky like that.

[@hope1365]

That’s true but i think Celestia isn’t all to blame- well I should say that Celestia had a saying in this too, like what if They could not find a way to make Sombra immortal? Like I do agree that What Celestia did was selfish but she thought it would be best for her sister and that’s what she was thinking she shouldn’t take all the blame she just didn’t want her sister hurt but your right, what Celestia did was selfish…

[@marthadumptruck5102]

Being a kid when bronies were a thing and then growing up and getting to enjoy the fan content of your fav childhood show they left behind is pretty neat

[@Josephine_de_Beauharnais1763]

I feel like Celestia would be that one soprano that has a deep voice but can reach high notes while Luna has a softer voice that would be perfect for singing lullabies, and if it became more sharp then it'd mean she's really emotional or angry, and this is basically exactly what I envisioned. Their singing, and all of the singing in this, is incredible.

[@AlecThePirateKing]

It never fails to blow my mind that this is an entirely fan-made project. I loved all of it, but as someone who's been singing most of his life, I wanted to specifically compliment the vocals here. The singers clearly exercise good technique and they enunciate their words REALLY well. And that's no small compliment because the lyrics are rhythmically and phonetically complex at times (which is awesome BTW). Sombra in particular stood out to me. He had a certain power that followed him through the entire musical, from his softest cooing with Luna to his harshest curses against Celestia. And those high notes, not easy! I also appreciated the singers not being afraid to adopt a "uglier/harsher/clashing" tone when the story called for it. Nothing takes me out of a musical like an outraged or despondent character singing perfectly as if their voice is somehow detached from their emotional state. Bravo all around!

[@thedarklyevergrandchannel7700]

Thespio always had that quality. I do agree that it's shown best here.

[@spikymarshmallow7611]

Heaven's fury raining down, Cast aside this Corrupted crown! You forsake your Royal Vows, for a crime I simply can't ALLOW!!

[@seankelly5128]

a great line

[@dangerdean9066]

Heaven's fury raining down, kneel before the aurora's crown! Sun and shadow both will bow, living as my queen and I ALLOW!!!

[@Aamu16]

And who said you have to allow anything in the Crystal Empire, Celestia? The only reason you have any excuse to bring an Empire to its knees is that the citizens when to ask for LUNA's help since they saw her as their queen. (Yes, I am very bitter)

[@princesslunar_heart5527]

Heaven's fury raining down, we can't ignore our heavy crowns. We can make this work somehow, if your pride would only just ALLOW!

[@AmberWrath]

when i first listened to this i thought it's amazing, and the very last line, "the harshest of debts is to live with regret, so chase what you love and fight on for the one that you lost" i thought was really deep, but about a year ago i met someone, someone that i called friend, but eventually i started loving her, never before had I fallen in love in my life before and I, always wanted to tell her, but I was scared, scared that I would lose her if she learned, so i never told her, until the day I lost her, now she's departed and gone, I'll never tell her how much I love her, I'll never tell her how much she meant and still means to me, I struggle with the regret of not telling her every single day sometimes I come back to this to listen to The Fall of Shadow's Veil, sometimes i listen to the whole 50 minutes, but every single time, I listen to the Prologue and Epilogue, to hear about the harshest of debts, I can't believe a song that is essentially a fanfic about pastel colored talking magic horses makes me cry but here we are, if anyone ever reads this, please take the chance i never took, don't live with regret, like I do, I miss you Mia

[@Seleneschild999]

I am in the very same situation you were in. But I don't know if the relationship between us would change for the better or for worse if I told him how I felt about him ever since we met, I'm afraid it would be for the worse and he would actively avoid me and I think that would break me as much as this suspense between us

[@tantalumsophist731]

I share this same experience with you. I've been longing to tell Her what I feel for six years and now there is simply no one to hear this confession but a grave stone. I am no longer in a grief as years had passed and I managed to work it out. But sometimes I still wonder, what if she knew? Maybe things would've gone differently. I hope you'll find peace in the life ahead of you. I hope you will.

[@AmberWrath]

@@tantalumsophist731 Thanks, that means a lot to read, I'm glad to hear your grief is not torturing you any longer friend, Take care of yourself as will I

[@anxipu]

Thank you for your adwise and story. And, what is The Fall of Shadow's Veil?

[@AmberWrath]

@@anxipu it's the last song

[@possessedpicklejar4762]

No midpoint where he learned his mistake this Jekll. Hyde just took over instantaneously.

[@jawariakhan9786]

This has to be the best written song I have ever heard! I was wondering if there's going to be Queen Chrysalis version? Like having her confrontation with Cadence.

[@drakesucks]

I can't help but feel this is a Prequel to Moonrise. Like Luna after losing her husband put her heart into the night to distract herself from the pain and when the ponies basically shunned her night it was the final nail in the coffin.

[@andrewbrigmond8784]

That would be interesting.

[@SkyBoltsMusic]

This might help explain things... ;) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGqpeIGem6ehh9U

[@andrewbrigmond8784]

***** Makes sense to me.

[@darkdistroi]

I don't really care much for MLP myself, but I have to appreciate the MLP Sabaton avatar. It's far too adorable and badass to not be mentioned. Also liking the prequel theory. Having been listening to this and Moonrise regularly for a while, I'd have to agree, and feel like I've missed something in MLP somewhere. Somebody needs to convince me to give the series a try again and point me in the right direction :P

[@darkdistroi]

***** Well, you're halfway there.

[@ganondorfchampin]

Sombra's part is absolutely killer.

[@DaWillstanator]

Why thank you very much ^^ Glad you liked my performance as him.

[@ganondorfchampin]

Well thank you for doing such a good job!

[@Spyromancy598]

Dude your evil laugh is scary good.

[@dangerdean9066]

You totally nailed it, with those evil laughs

[@lawwilliams7591]

@@DaWillstanator so YOU'RE the pony I sing along to every time I listen to this. Great voice! Also, I've gotta say, the rest of the awesome singing aside, you nailed the evil laughter. Especially during that last part in the face off, really well done!

[@CerebretCerebrate]

Heavy is the crown, of the one who wished to protect, to prevent her sister's frown, whose feelings she did neglect. Heavy is the crown, of the one who wished to feel, to make her sister come around, and stop to laws kneel. Heavy is the crown, of the one whose heart was fond, who to her had love abound, whose sorrow darkness spawned.

[@phoenixvalentina3629]

Cerebret Cerebrate ooh yess

[@Sircreepington9th]

Well done.

[@phoenixwing5133]

P o e t i c

[@zoidsfan12]

I love sombra towards the end of chapter 8. There were some flat moments towards the end of phrases but when he started putting his whole voice into the evil part it was great

[@thetobi583]

This must've popped up just after my initial brony phase ended. Here I am 6 years later diving into KZbin for nostalgia and I find this absolute diamond that I totally missed out on. This is absolutely amazing! The storytelling, the music, the art, everything.

[@ThePokeStarter]

Songs like this one are 100% the entire reason I ever watched MLP in the first place. "Heavy is the Crown We Wear" is everything I could possibly ask for out of an opera scene-- forwards the story, beautiful harmonies, AND your clever usage of diverging lyrics to convey that the characters aren't hearing each other/there's some kind of miscommunication. Also-- I feel kind of silly asking, but does this opera also cover an Alicorn Amulet backstory...? I mean. It is kind of a little bit Sombra-colored. The only thing that bothered me was that I listened to the first 15 mins trying to figure out what felt off about the lyrics-- and then, realized that I was so confused because I was subconsciously expecting different vocabulary-- "thee" or "thou" or any of those other fairytale-esque old-fashioned words. The opera was way more enjoyable after I realized it was intentionally written in everyday English! Overall, I love the story. I love the art. Everything is so well-crafted and detailed, with lots of little tidbits to catch onto. It's spectacular from both fan and non-fan perspectives-- which is to say that I feel someone who's never seen a single episode of FiM could definitely enjoy this, and it gives those of us who do watch the show an extra layer of depth. Congratulations, you've turned me shipper. (PS-- Princess Cadence, ruler of of the Crystal Empire being ""Celestia's niece""? If Crystal Empire hierarchy is hereditary, perhaps it's even possible to pass her off as a manifestation of their love magically given form. Suddenly everything makes 2000% more sense. Plus, it strikes me as kind of fitting that the eventual heir to the Crystal Empire, 1000+ years in the future, is also the princess of love... that selfsame force that drove Sombra to his eventual demise.)

[@rogueflare4929]

I agree with you but wouldn't that mean that Cadence unknowningly caused the demise of her "Father" and also like Celestia and Luna said in Flurry Heart's debute episode.....All alicorns are the result of noble ponies chosen after they accomplished great virtuous deeds or show the importance of a particular quality. So,The chances of Cadence just magically being born as an embodiment of Love and family come to loose ends. Plus,She was Twilight's foulsitter when she was younger so that must mean Cadence was turned into an Alicorn much before she even knew Twilight. Maybe she was another one of Celestia's students. But what I do believe is that Sombra must have gotten obsessed over Luna....It wasn't *"True Love"* as he said it was,But just misunderstood attractions towards a beautiful mare who he simply shared opinions with. In other words,If you truly love someone from the bottom of your heart,You would respect their decisions and that of their family's as well. And this led to what happens and in the end.....The Crystal Empire needed a new heir who knew the importance of Love and Family at the same time cuz here Luna was arguing with her own sister over why she couldn't be with Sombra. But Cadence was different from Sombra as she knew the limits of how much you intervene in others' life. She represented different kinds of love as well as she represents unconditional love (Agape) for her subjects,love for family (Storge) and sexual love (Eros). While Twilight represents love for friends (Philia).

[@TheGirard62]

Well i've never saw mlp and i love it so your point is valid

[@nataliapanfichi9933]

@@rogueflare4929 sombra is like anakin, luna =padme and celestia obe wan / Ben Kanobi. And if cadence is / was sombra's daughter she's be the Luke in this situation. 👩 😂

[@CerebretCerebrate]

Heavy, is the crown indeed...

[@Sombra-lf6gm]

This video exists for over than five years. It was recommended only now...

[@keeganfirecloak4695]

I have a couple things to say: 1. This was amazing. All of it was just pure perfection 2. I would literally pay money to see this animated. 3. I think the story you put behind Sombra was very well conceived and explains a whole lot. All in all... 100/10 Keep up the FANTASTIC work The L-Train!!!

[@PadlockFGSM]

is it just me, or video just became 6 years old like an few hours ago?

[@melodywings3061]

so shining armor and cadence are aloud to be together but sombra and Luna aren't

[@wojciechjacewicz9346]

You do not understand politics. Cadenza and Shining are puppets of Celestia and Luna and Sombra did not want to listen to Celestia.

[@a.velderrain8849]

Understand this is an old comment, but adding my 2 cents, but it could be because Cadence isn't immortal. She gets older very quickly in the show (compare her babysitting Twi to present Cadence), I am not aware of any in universe statements that she is immortal like the sisters.

[@stephaniesunderman4099]

Celestia remembered her first mistake and didn't want another missing Empire

[@romaromasalad112]

*allowed sorry

[@akashijamoka]

I think she learned from her mistake.

[@Albert238391]

18:27 "At any cost" song, one of the best compositions of symphonic metal I have ever heard. In my opinion I think this song is the masterpiece of this album. Excellent album, congratulations to all of you.

[@nicksanchez6169]

Because Celestia didn't received a love interest first, she told Luna to get back in line, thus causing Sombra to fall into insanity.

[@potatofever2917]

It all... MAKES SENSE! Sombra and Luna had a deep love, but Celestia ruined it, and maybe deepmin the heart of Luna when Nightmare Moon, hoped to bring her beloved king back. And she WANTED to see Sombra when saying "I can handle him" in that one episode! It all makes sense now!

[@JakinIrali]

Also, far too fitting that the Princess of Love was sent to take Sombra's place as ruler of the Crystal Empire. I think Sombra had that same virtue which allowed him to become king, but as you said, Celestia ruined it.

[@potatofever2917]

Jakin Irali / Tim the Enchanter yepp

[@andrewbrigmond8784]

@@JakinIrali She was just trying to spare Luna the pain of watching her mortal lover die!

[@FantasticFawnleap]

She never said that!

[@FantasticFawnleap]

And what episode are you talking about!?

[@mariadavis5133]

I'm watching​ this and looked in the recommended videos and see 'Son of princess luna' 0_0 ... ... XD YOU WENT AND DID YOU PRINCESS LUNA DIDN'T YOU?!?!?

[@nook6313]

This comment made me make a noise I didn't know I could make.

[@DrakeFire]

WHAT WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE OH GOD THIS IS AMAZING

[@Royalname31]

The most epic shipfic I've ever heard.

[@andrewbrigmond8784]

That would probably be a way to make Celestia wonder if all this mess was her fault, that whether or not she made the right choice.

[@seankelly5128]

Royalname31 you said it I SHIP IT

[@main.f551]

Royalname31 own Yea!!!!!!!!!

[@lunawenko9324]

The overall music style of this reminds me a lot of what bands like Nightwish make

[@kaitlinjohnson4518]

over 2 years and im still crying over this

[@nook6313]

This was released in 2016 I'm still here in 2020.

[@kaitlinjohnson4518]

no ok same!!!

[@nook6313]

@@kaitlinjohnson4518 now im here in 2021🥴

[@PadlockFGSM]

@@nook6313 Now I'm here in 2022.

[@KimFareseed]

At some point this day, this album turns 5 years old. And it is still a great one.

[@octaviondeminicolas1941]

"A righteous pony empire spanning sea to sea" The Crystal Empire is Canada. When I thought half an hour of Moonrise was brilliant, now you gave us double the length. How awesome can you people get?

[@t3mm1e-flak3s6]

How is the crystal empire Canada? XD I'm Canadian so......we don't have Donald trump lol get you facts straight about Him he's a racist and sexist lol

[@octaviondeminicolas1941]

And now the most powerful person on earth :D Silly 'murica

[@eliszanderlishtocktiaminni6294]

I wish there was a button next to the like that says "Love" because i love it and can't stop listening to one part.

[@shorty66168]

You know i have never thought of writing a story and singing it with music i might do it with another book. if you could hear through the computer screen im applauding right now it would make one hell of a play

[@macdjord]

Even now, it still amazes me sometimes what Bronies will make. The sheer /scale/ of this, for a fanwork, is awesome.

[@bellw5834]

i want chapter 5 and 6 to play at my wedding... my husband better like it XD

[@panopticonlabyrinth3733]

The chorus to Kingdoms Divided is unique and beautifal. Something about the melody and vocal performance makes it stand out in an fantastic way.

[@SkyBoltsMusic]

The chorus is really important, which is why it's played 3 times (1 for each of the singers). They all think they are correct from their frame of mind. The final chorus is the crystal ponies... Split between those enslaved (going along with Sombra) and the few who escaped.

[@panopticonlabyrinth3733]

+SkyBolt You're definitely maturing as a lyricist. It's much more thought provoking, cleverly written, subtle. But anyways, thanks for your reply, good luck with any future projects!

[@seankelly5128]

its my favrite song in this

[@raxtuss1212]

She : light side of night He : dark side of light

[@gamblercze]

I never thought that I will ever empathize with fictional pony..... , but damn Luna I feel your grief....

[@theldraspneumonoultramicro405]

like this version of what happened much more then the official canon version of what happened. this version has much more emotion, drama and tragedy then the canon events.

[@sournote8610]

I really want to see this animated. xD

[@seankelly5128]

Sour Note I have to agree

[@Alex_in_Wonderland111]

SAME

[@angelicareti5669]

Sour Note me too ☺☺

[@Souldrainr]

An animation of this length, if properly animated (such as lullaby for a princess) would simply take too long to create sadly.

[@kpopgamingstudios]

Or even animated like The Moon Rises by Duo Cartoonist.

[@AnimatronicPony]

This is perfect to listen to when exploring the internet.

[@squeakybelle3711]

Yup. Lots of shadowy places around here. :P

[@Lunar_Heart15]

"Oh please, release every shadow. " That is just the moment you know that the crystal ponies are hanging on one of the last hopes that Sombra will stop what he is doing to them

[@lightningfirst689]

Uploaded more than 6 years ago, and I'm just finding it now. I'll never stop discovering amazing things that this fandom has produced, will I?

[@boyernerdy]

My inner director is wanting to turn this into a live-action play. Somebody stop me.

[@horsefan12345ify]

wouldn't this make luna the heir to the crystal empire

[@nightwolfluna9943]

Truue

[@halfway7690]

That's not how it works...... At least in human standards

[@artdimensionalportal3238]

I'm highly in love with +Haylizbeth's singing voice for Luna. Describe what I feel every time I hear it is nearly impossible. My favourite track is 'Chapter 3: Heavy Is The Crown', I can't get tired of it and it gives me goosebumps whenever I'm hearing it.

[@PhantomBrony]

I didn't just listen to a 50 minute song, I just watched a 50 minute movie that excellently describes a story of two star crossed lovers; a bond that wasn't meant to be and the madness that ensued and consumed. Accompanied by well written vocals and a beautiful score as well as a stacked line up of talented artists and vocalists, this is easily one of my favorite collaborations to date. Great work. Hope to see other great projects come from you.

[@lostpony4885]

"but now we need to talk" oh I HATE it when they say that....dump-city!

[@lostpony4885]

The King in the North! *raises sword in salute

[@dangerdean9066]

I shall raise my sword with you!

[@Athena_Snowsky1221]

this would be an epic animation

[@princesslunar_heart5527]

my favorite songs are heavy is the crown, kingdoms divided, the calling and heaven's fury

[@RaggedViking]

How much do we need to pay to have this animated into a musical.

[@dronz3881]

Most likely 2-300 USD or more if you hire a professional and wait the 6-8 months/years for them to do this as a side project as opposed to their professional shows.

[@RaggedViking]

so get a kickstarter or indiegogo campaign going.

[@paradigmstorytime]

I think you're missing a zero or two in those estimates.

[@dronz3881]

Paradigm Storytime "Or more if you hire a professional"

[@sumwightguy7634]

If I could do anything artistic worth a damn I'd do it for free :i.. unless of course you're fine with stick figures...

[@Untouchablemkwo]

Sombra was definitely the highlight for me on this one and I can't stop listening to chapters 5 and 8. I can't wait to see what the next one will be about.

[@EmRose.r]

How am I just fibding this musical NOW!!??? Like, WTF WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE!!!??

[@md_vandenberg]

_Mother of God..._ It took until the first Interlude before I gave this a thumbs up. Not because that's how long it took for me to realize it was good, but because it gave my brain a moment to solidify. I listened to the whole thing, first try, no interruptions. I kept cranking up my headphones and I don't even mind the hearing loss. I have a few non Brony friends who love Symphonic Metal and I have no doubt they'll still enjoy this. To everyone who made this possible: if I ever meet you, I'm buying you your favorite drink. I won't take no for an answer. Cheers!

[@tagtag123]

Heaven's Fury is such an amazing song. Everything just comes together at the chorus so well and I can't stop coming back to it.

[@dangerdean9066]

I totally agree with you on this because I basically air guitared all three solos!

[@Princess_Luna2004]

КАК ЖЕ ЭТО АХУЕННО! У МЕНЯ МУРАШКИ ПО КОЖЕ! Каждому, кто был причастен к созданию этого ШЕДЕВРА ИСКУССТВА, я от всей души кланяюсь Вам и благодарю за то, что Вы есть в этом мире!

[@ivanp7]

тов. Ежов, залогиньтесь

[@Princess_Luna2004]

@@ivanp7 спалился

[@zetter-berg_official]

+, уже 17 раз пересматриваю, текст наизусть знаю) + даже два акта попытался на ф-но подобрать, но, все таки, я рукожоп Ахуенный видос

[@F1r3w0rksisacolt]

headcanon accepted

[@cjgillett]

In the name of tragic love and symphonic metal I accept this head canon also grate songs At Any Cost, Kingdoms Divided, and Heaven’s Fury are personal favorites

[@seankelly5128]

cjgillett same I love those songs like heavens fury Hevey is the crown and my most favorite Kingdoms divided

[@AndrewVasirov]

You said it: this should really be canon - story wise.

[@QuirkyView]

So L-Train's the Symphonic Metal, Skybolt's the Opera, and together they make this masterpiece.

[@jjkmovies]

This is awesome! Well done to everyone involved. This totally rocked my face off.

[@DragonQueen999]

Great isn’t it

[@jefftaraldson]

Hello

[@Dan-qy6zv]

I changed only say one thing. I blame you Celestia.

[@jkillerfans2072]

TLDR: Celestia is an asshole because of Tradition, brought rise villains such as Sombra and Nightmare Moon later on.

[@Dragonofthefrozeneclipse]

2016: Head banging 2021: REAL HEAD BANGING! Love this!

[@SaigneurGuerrier]

Now that I hear the whole piece. I read some comments regarding the vocals, saying they're off, this singer didn't do a great job, sometimes the same singer is great but that other one isn't. Personally, I found the singing to be good, but from time to times, it didn't blend well enough with the rest of the composition. The narrator was a great idea, at first I was fearing it was too different from the metal spirit, and it would be 20% less cool, but in fact, having a cool pace with the narration and suddenly going back to metal ( 18:37 yes that's an eargasm ) is remarkably awesome, and it's well done most of the time. Also Skybolt's voice is perfect for this role :) good job. For the story, I'll need to listen to it multiple times, as I was not paying attention 100% of the time. As for the composition, oh, my, celestia ! this is pure genius, you did a greaaaaaaaat job, congratulation (can we expect an instrumental version sooner or later ?) I didn't expect a silence around 39:00 but why not. Overall, you all did a amazing job, it was really worth the wait (why I'm thinking about Gaben ...), congratulations to everyone involved and a big thank you for bringing us one of the greatest piece of music in brony history ! (and one of the longest =D)

[@BIGESTblade]

It's never wise to stand in the way of people like Sombra. When someone like Sombra wants something, they'll get it. Do not force them to take more drastic measures, or be ready for the very worst.

[@espariacreations]

Soooo, I have a tendency to click "watch later" and then...uh build a huge long list in which things get lost in the (literal thousands of) videos. SO... this has been in my list for two and a half years, working my way through things to sort them into playlists if I wanna keep em and I get to this. Hello regrets for not watching it sooner. IT'S SO STINKING GOOD?!!!! Edit: Every few months I come back to this. It's so good.

[@ardentstorm9797]

I know that feel bro.

[@espariacreations]

@@ardentstorm9797 Ah! A man after my own heart! Glad to know I'm not the only one with this problem... haha...

[@Steelstriker]

i don't why but i wanna this as a full length animation opera. seriously that would be an epic feat for both animation artists as well as the musicians. if someone can pull that off i got a feeling it would be absolutely epic!

[@L-TRAIN]

i'd love to see that happen too! but it would require a truly epic effort, and i don't have the budget or skills (or free time) to pull it off. just as a comparison - Hydrus was planning on animating _one_ of the songs from Moonrise (my previous symphonic metal opera), a ~5 minute song. He started two years ago and still hasn't finished. I have no idea how long it would take to animate a full 50 minute epic.

[@Elias_Frost]

Just grab 150 animators and wait for one year:)

[@SkyBoltsMusic]

It would be so magical...

[@AtreidaeChibiko]

Ink Potts get in here...

[@naradaadam]

i loved this as soon as i heard it in my little karaoke. great job l-train and friends

[@user-yc7rl1ip1z]

I love stories that makes me feel them.This one makes me live it from beginning to the end, with love, reject, pain and wish of love and I cry when listen and see that beautiful tale of love and duty... Someday immortality really can turn from blessing to painful curse... Gods, save all poor beloved souls from being divided...

[@heatherrockwell9012]

I love Sombra's canon backstory, but this is phenomenal

[@ludiday3102]

Luna's part in Heaven's Fury is my favorite!

[@incitossol]

Now that I've had a week to collect my thoughts I will now attempt to give a detailed opinion. Upon first hearing this I thought Dawillstantor voice sounded a bit odd for Sombra. But now I see as a young king being swept up in his need to be with his love and the deep voice that Sombra has 98% of the rest of the time symbolizes the dark magic that had corrupted him during his millennia long imprisonment in the Arctic north of the Crystal Empire.

[@OmegaDrike67]

Heaven's fury is probably my favorite of this song holy crap

[@JakinIrali]

"20% cooler" doesn't cut it here. I could imagine all the visuals as the music was playing; and it took me back to the first time I listened to TSO's "Beethoven's Last Night." I wish I could turn this into a fully-funded live stage production. Also: dagnabbit, as if I already didn't feel bad enough for Luna :*(

[@SkyBoltsMusic]

I love TSO... been listening to them since High School

[@mirabellaacres9331]

Not gonna lie, listening to this beside a crackling fire is the most magical feeling in the world.

[@tylerlionfhang3148]

I've probably listened to this at LEAST a 100 times. It's all so well crafted.

[@blazingstar666]

Me and 2 others sang the entire song at a brony con with the karaoke

[@Logos729]

Omg what con

[@ermxc]

I just can't believe that such excellent works are made by fans only!

[@killgriffinnow]

The room:MLP edition I am so happy that you are my friend, Celestia, and I love Luna so much! YOU ARE TEARING ME APART, LUNA! Every pony betrayed be-I fed up of this world.

[@absollusion7983]

I find myself very impressed by the emotion in some parts of the vocals. Mostly from Luna's VA. Example: 37:18 and 44:17 are my favorite parts in their respective songs. ^^

[@Taverens_Pull]

5 minutes in and I'm head banging like I'm at a blind guardian or seven kingdoms concert

[@ATrueGremlin]

This is simply the greatest symphonic metal cover I have EVER heard. (Moonrise is also a big favorite of mine). I love singing with it, (Celestia's, Luna's and Sombra's lines). And I may have gotten a bit too into it and laughed maniacally with King Sombra. Again, greatest symphonic metal cover I've heard, hope to see more from you, good luck and amazing job!

[@Toksyuryel]

This isn't a cover, this is the original :)

[@princesslunar_heart5527]

I've only sung alojg with Luna. My sister did celestia.

[@steelefang1]

Hail to the King!

[@peacefulseraphim2560]

(1) i like that he did everything he could to win luna (2) never do what he did and join some darkness (3) if go to war for your love, your kinda to crazy about her

[@sylviepaul4130]

I had watched Moonrise and expected this one to be like that, except longer.Naturally I was blown away. I don't know this story all too well (if it's even canon) so it was truly an epic story heard the first time. I also love the L-Train's style because I like metal, but the voices and instruments add a new level to the sound. For anyone that read this far, you probably know by now that I'm a music nerd. Well, so is this guy, and look at the incredible job he did with this piece. Amazing. Like if you agree or are a fellow music nerd.

[@nataliapanfichi9933]

This version of sombra's backstory is more interesting than the one in the comics 💭. Radiant hope is just a friend, luna is sombra's true love 😍

[@XGalaxyPlqyZ]

I worked Radiant Hope into my universe After Sombra's reformation, she's the first one to ever accept him as a friend and help him get situated in the new world (He was basically in prison after his reformation due to safety reasons in the Crystal Empire, and Hope was Cadence's assistant and helped her with Sombra and all that.) Thanks to good behavior, he was eventually released and reunited (for the official time) with Luna (She helped his reformation, but due to what happened after his reformation, they couldnt see eachother until he was released)

[@oclik1876]

It must be in Top Ten Pony Songs

[@SaigneurGuerrier]

no doubt it's gonna be in, the real question is, what can steal first place away from it ?

[@SkyBoltsMusic]

Moonrise was only 5th last time... really depends on the people who vote.

[@SaigneurGuerrier]

SkyBolt 5th ! wow I really expect 1st or 2nd ... that really depends if people heard of it or not ... thanks for the information SkyBolt and keep up the good work :)

[@wizardski2320]

I honestly dont think how you could top this when it comes to mlp themed orchestra, but I would like to be surprised.