Final Fantasy IV - Boss Battle Theme (Orchestral Remix)

An orchestral cover/remake/remix of the boss battle theme from Final Fantasy IV using high-end sample libraries. This is one of my favorite boss themes from the FF series.
Update: I made this nearly three years ago. I was satisfied with it at the time, but I feel I can do better now, so I'm planning to make an improved version for my FF4 cover album in 2017 using newer sample libraries and generally better mixing and orchestration.
Video Game: Final Fantasy IV/FF4 (US: Final Fantasy II)
Title: Boss Battle Theme/Battle 2 (バトル2)
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu (植松伸夫)
Orchestration: Malcolm Robinson
Note: The same track (with minor alterations) was also used in Super Mario RPG. It was titled Battle with Culex.
Software Used:
Cubase 7.5
EWQL Hollywood Strings (Diamond)
EWQL Hollywood Brass (Diamond)
EWQL Hollywood Orchestral Woodwinds (Diamond)
EWQL Symphonic Orchestra (Platinum)
EWQL Ministry of Rock 2
HALion Sonic SE 2
NI Studio Drummer

[@charlie_nax]

by far the best fan orchestral version of this theme ive heard, why?, because you kept the bass.

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Naxo nax Thanks! When I was making this, I wasn't sure whether I should use an electric bass like in the original or go for a pure orchestral bassline. I tried both, and while the orchestral bassline sounded interesting, it lacked the feel of the original boss theme, so I ended up going with the electric bass.

[@charlie_nax]

Malcolm Robinson Music perhaps it feels weird because not so much people actually integrate it when do orchestral pieces rather to the fact that it either sounds correct or not, there is an old official arrangement of shin megami tensei 2 (sound relation), wich has a track that sounds really envolving and awesome, it uses bassline the entire length.

[@PontusHultgren]

Malcolm Robinson Music ...and why would it not be possible to bring a bass-guitar to the stage anyway? Sounds great, and would be empty without the drive of the bass.

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

***** That's a good point. I've gotten some more experience since making this, and my stance now on using non-traditional instruments in orchestral MIDI mockups is that it's fine as long as it's mixed in a way that makes it sound like they're all on the same stage. As you said, there's no reason a bassist can't just get up on the stage with an amp, and in many cases it's necessary to achieve the same feel as the original. I just encountered a similar issue with Uematsu's track Silent Light from Chrono Trigger which also uses an electric bass. I tried several alternatives, but it just didn't sound right without the electric bass.

[@PontusHultgren]

Malcolm Robinson Music Sure, as long as it blends well and sounds good, I don't think it's automatically unrealistic or "bad" to throw any unconventional instruments into an orchestral mix. It serves the song, and the original justice =)

[@DarkLink1996.]

Hope to hear something close to this in Super Mario RPG's remake

[@Grandpabobisthegoat]

Oh boy did we get something, hella something LOL

[@jerrytyberghein2294]

Dude, everything you do, is so good. It has the soul of the original, but the quality of an updated mix. So many people lose the soul when they remake/remaster a song.

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate the comment.

[@pantsenfuego9986]

easy on the bass :)

[@splnter648]

Oh that much I agree with, this why I browse long periods of time when chosing remixes to listen. You know when I wanna listen to a remix, I want it to be an expansion on the vision that the composers had. Basically I like my remixes faithful but ambitious at the same time.

[@waynetendo1172]

i love how it shifts between menacing and uplifting to mirror how the favor of the fight may swing between you and the boss, just fantastic

[@JohnWick-uq1su]

Best final fantasy in my opinion bc that games bosses would actually kick your ass at a moments notice

[@lobstercortex]

14 spoony bards missed the like button.

[@martharay687]

Lol....caught the reference. "Spoony Bard."

[@JASpiring]

There's 20 Edwards now.

[@crystallineupending7113]

32 weak ass princes of Damcyan around now. :p

[@patrickfoxchild2608]

I do agree with everyone here that this is the best orchestral version I've heard of this song. I have two points of criticism; 1) I miss the intro to the fight, the glissando notes by a trumpet and an organ. This always hit me as representing that "Fight or flight" sensation. 2) There's a bit too much reverb/echo on the trumpets for my taste overall. The original SNES version felt like it had two sets of trumpets, one in the background and one in the foreground which sounded more "in your face," more "tinny". I say that all as I think you'd be someone who'd appreciate hearing it, but it really is a great re-orchestration.

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Patrick Foxchild I always appreciate detailed feedback. I usually find mistakes or problems in my work a few months after uploading it, and I've accepted that mixing/mastering and arrangement/instrumentation problems are inevitable. Of course, I want my remakes to sound as good as possible, and I'm really happy that so many people like this one. Anyway, you definitely made two valid points. The lack of intro was something that I hoped no one would notice. I originally tried to work it in, but I was having trouble getting it to sound good, so I cut it. I might take a look at it again when I make the "album" version. As for the reverb, I decided to go for an orchestral brass sound rather than a pop brass sound. Either one could have worked, but my goal was to make it sound like all the instruments were in the same hall. Perhaps pop brass, which has a closer sound with little reverb, would have matched the the drums and bass and bit better. I guess it's a matter of taste. Either way, I'll probably make several adjustments to the brass when I make the next version. Thanks again for the feedback!

[@kirbymm88]

Hope to listen to this on Spotify soon! I have already added your Chrono Trigger album to my songs :), thank you for your hard work!

[@casperthefriendlypotato9046]

Man, Culex certainly was an interesting fight. ...Wait, you mean this _ISN'T_ Super Mario RPG?

[@ernestiechevalierchildprod1586]

wut up mah nigga err buddy in the tower gettin tipsy

[@douglasmasters9051]

Well, the song WAS used in SMRPG for the hidden boss: Culex. It was a bit of an Easter egg in the game.

[@johnsans534]

There are actually a few subtle differences in the OST from FF2/4 and SMRPG for this track. It's totally the Culex theme though

[@nombardo1989]

this was a joke

[@davidgeorge1943]

Well no, but actually yes.

[@Zazskatchenews]

Uematsu is a genius, he inspires so many. This is great. This rendition and the four fiend theme are thrilling to listen to. Thank you for you hard work

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

+Etienne Gravel I'm glad you liked it! I still have two more FF4 battle themes to do and I hope I can get them done this year.

[@lonegeohound]

"I am matter... I am antimatter... I can see your past... I can see your future... I consume time... And I will consume you!"

[@thomastjuwandi715]

Mario jumps ! ... and Kain comes down

[@KimahriXIII-2]

Together with ff9 and ff6, ff4 has by far the best boss theme.

[@SgtBaha]

I just need this for a more epic Culex boss fight.

[@x-Abraham-x2]

Nice profile pic

[@ChyldOfMetal]

So happy you kept the bassline, really ties it all together and keeps it classic yet modern; love it!

[@kuronyra1709]

Hehe, that music is so classic that it EVEN appear in a Mario game. :)

[@koopanique]

In which Mario game does this song appear?

[@kuronyra1709]

koopanique Superstar Saga. It's a Bonus boss.

[@koopanique]

No way! I didn't know there were FF bosses in that game

[@kuronyra1709]

koopanique Now you do. ;)

[@9legopro]

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, released on the SNES in 1996.

[@fujeffkimo]

after so many years there is a official version 0:50 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWnNop-oiJh4b9k

[@alaskawatchers8045]

"Ya spoony bard!" - Tellah Best rendition of the song!

[@MultimediaJay]

"FWOOOOOSH!!!! Hey idiot!!! Don't attack the dragon when it's in mist form!!!" 😊

[@agustinuszheng588]

"Now, feast your eyes. This new form is worthy of your 3D world, and now return remade, like you. Once again, I am matter and antimatter. I am past, present and future. I will consume all time and space. My evil power is in harmony with this 3D world, and now it will crush you!" Host/join entry trigger: Meteor (static attack to everyone, leaving them with 1 HP left)

[@barrybend7189]

I am Matter I am Anti Matter I can see your past I can see your future I consume time I WILL CONSUME YOU!.

[@kirbywithaknifeisawesome6028]

“You’re also a bitch and an anti bitch”

[@RoxasPlaysGames]

The brass sounds nearly identical, it's amazing. Incredible work.

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Thanks! I tried to make it as close to the original as possible.

[@alexcupo5346]

I love the bass riff in this song, it’s groovy yet threatening.

[@hollowsparrow07]

Go! Geno! Use Geno Fla- Wait, What? FFIV? Whoops..

[@andrewboyer7544]

7 and 4 absolutely murder on the boss music. This is excellently done!

[@moogle847]

This is still one of my favorite Boss Battle themes. Dat Bass line man! I have heard a full orchestra version of this song before though from the Final Fantasy 25th anniversary album. Check it out sometime.

[@kefkajrexperiment]

"I am matter... I am antimatter... I can see your past... I can see your future... I consume time... And I will consume you!" -Culex

[@raiyano7436]

"YOU THINK OUT RAGE... A WEAKNESS?! THEN LET ME SHOW YOU... HOW WRONG YOU ARE!!!" -Edge (before kicking rubicante's ass)

[@agustinuszheng588]

​​@@raiyano7436System: Rage has fueled and inspired Edge. Edge can now use Flood and Blitz

[@alrox1]

Been looking for a good orchestrated version of this one for years and finally found it. Great job! Looking forward to more SNES-era remixes from you :)

[@valmeunier701]

"Ya spoony bard!!!!"

[@ericl.9879]

I had so many chills listening to this.

[@LavaCaptain-yf6iu]

The sad part is the most infamous usage of this song is from Super Mario RPG and NOT it’s home series

[@Will31999]

Because in smrpg its so incredibly out of place that its unforgettable

[@RedfishCarolina]

Getting my work done a lot faster today because of this magnificent arrangement.

[@Gamedraco]

Love this track even though I never played this game.

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

+Gamedraco I'm surprised! It really is a classic.

[@9legopro]

I have never played FFIV either. Super Mario RPG brought me here.

[@Fodimin]

I recommend the PSP version to start, and once you've completed that then you're ready for the hell that is the DS version. Both of which are amazing games in their own ways.

[@jasonball3496]

Fodimin Layton I thought remakes would make old games easier

[@Fodimin]

+Jeffery Francis They just make the old games better, not worse.

[@wwazman]

This is perfect! I cannot imagine something better?!

[@bagelpenguin6499]

"I am matter, I am Antimatter" "I can see your past, I can see your future." "I consume time," "AND I WILL CONSUME YOU!" wait... wrong game.

[@SGT_Squid_Dog]

I actually have super Mario rpg on my snes and I have yet to beat the game due to the mass amount of other great games being released and updates on old ones

[@terracraftergaming]

**Mario casts Ultima**

[@lucariken2065]

No, no my friend. Its just right.

[@moiratippetts541]

Usually remixes don't feel quite with the spirit of the song, but I feel a lot of yours manage to get the right "feel" of the song. I think they are really awesome!!

[@Ben734]

I'd say this is, arguably, the best battle theme in the history of RPG.

[@shadowtheimpure]

I need to find a way to mod this into the PC/PSP versions of FFIV. I NEED TO.

[@bean8383]

what i really like about your orchestral covers is that they keep the emphasis on the percussion and basslines and whatever other 16bit sound font noises that made the music in the old games feel special, so your covers give me the same vibes as the originals, but even BETTER

[@ultris07]

Damn this is Epic! I love orchestra style music, especially of game soundtracks done well.

[@rogerneb]

That fuckin epic bass line ❤

[@NemesisDestiny]

Needs bassier bass. Like, get Davie504 up in this thing ;)

[@LinkDaBoss]

Dude... this is epic. I will be putting some of your songs into my Project M build, I need to actively FIGHT to some of this epicness!

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

+LinkDaBoss Thanks! I'm glad you're getting some use out of it! It should be interesting hearing it in some kind of context.

[@RebeccaETripp]

Just fabulous! You perfectly re-captured it!

[@oscars.1564]

Another track which hugely magnifies how magnificent Final Fantasy games are and how much I am missing out on them. Good job, Mr. Robinson!

[@NCRRanger7753]

The only time I would dread this fantastic music was the last crystal room before Zeromus lol.

[@ApocalypseKurtz]

Put this on when you have 3 minutes to write the whole essay.

[@NahualliUoxtitla]

Hahahahaha... that's one of my favorite comments so far

[@Amphitera]

underrated comment 😂 now I picture some mean teacher putting this track on during the finals when there are 3 minutes left...

[@torrent9666]

Starts writing, "I am matter...I am antimatter...I can see your past...I can see your future...I consume time...and I will consume you!"

[@GCJACK83]

I am matter. I am antimatter. I can see your past. I can see your future. I consume time. And I will consume you!

[@DazedAlligator]

Best final fantasy boss battle theme. Done right.

[@Euquila]

This really is the best boss theme, better than FF6, FF7. This one is just classical, epic, and simple... you feel like you are truly vanquishing an evil foe. (Edit: except for Mist Dragon and Edge's parents of course... that was just plain sad.)

[@DanielleLeFay]

OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (yes, you again) Very first RPG i ever played in my life, thanks to which i learned to read and type in english (main is spanish). Thaaaaaaaaank you very much for making my childhood sound AWESOME!!!!!!! Edit: Typed while listening, now it's over... that coda wasn't part of the original track right? sounds GREAT, even if it was, makes a wonderful finish. Damn i'm going to listen to this list ENDLESSLY

[@gyromurphy]

dude this is awesome. my favorite version of this song actually comes from Mario RPG when you fight that dude in the cave...

[@bettieharrell4562]

I have a theory so what if Rosa is cecils sister SWeEt HoMe AlaBaMbA...Ceodore in the background *huh*

[@mitchellalexander9162]

You have been playing too much CK2

[@shnglbot]

I just listened to this whole playlist. Your remakes are amazing! Thank you for making them, I love em all.

[@SierraGustafson]

Bring it on, you dark dragon!

[@mattoly343]

it does not actually sound orchestrated....

[@franciscomcgee8105]

thank you for giving the children of the world what we need in L I F E

[@Zeemis]

playlist really needs to be longer

[@GiordanDiodato]

barely better than the awful original.

[@elflordyt6830]

I really wish this was the actual track for boss fights.

[@sin9mellow774]

外国語だらけ！ 海外の方も私のように楽しんでるんだと思うと嬉しくなってしまう。 製作陣に世界中から感謝しましょう！

[@JacobSegaNerd]

I'm sorry, but I can't play any of the other FF Games without thinking about the epic FFIV Battle Themes.

[@law_sensei]

I can listen this forever!

[@Veloso-hf1ux]

Are you guys ready to an official remake of this masterpiece? Endwalker, next expac for FFXIV has some of FFIV in it. So, prolly we're gonna get this theme there anytime! And I can tell you as a FFXIV player... Songs remade in XIV are awesome! 😁

[@crazydave1292]

Between 4 5 and 6. Very hard choice which I'd rather see.

[@Veloso-hf1ux]

@@crazydave1292 5 and 6 are already in FFXIV. The Omega Raid Series, Deltascape and Sigmascape shows stuff from FFV and VI respectively. Must be FFIV next expac! I hope at least!

[@crazydave1292]

@@Veloso-hf1ux oh nvm i thought we were talking about complete game remakes

[@kitsunelunari]

this being one of my favorite battle themes, I have to say that you really captured it well. It kinda reminds me of the PSP version of Final Fantasy I with the bosses from other games, like that level of skill

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

+Lumi's (Train) Station Thank you! This was one of my first remakes, so I was sort of figuring things out as I made it. Listening to it now, I feel it's a little thin sounding, so I'll eventually come back to it and make a new version (a remake of a remake) to give it a more professional sound.

[@kitsunelunari]

I'm already excited

[@beek1377]

Octorok

[@coachleif]

Captures the essence of the boss battles for this game perfectly. Still my fav boss theme after all these years, and this version sounds great

[@Blazfemur]

I play Koma, Cosmos Serpent in Magic the Gathering as my commander. The moment he/she hits the battlefield, he is a reiteration of Leviathan/Jormungandr in mythology. The moment he hits the battlefield, this song plays in my head, fighting him in ff2/ff4. And? You guessed it. Theres a Whelming Wave spell in my deck. Im literally reliving that battle, AS Leviathan.

[@josephsheranda]

This is perfect! Brought me to tears! I have been looking for a remix that is faithful to the original, and you nailed it! Most remixes overplay the strings to the point of drowning out the brass. But you balanced it perfectly!

[@ConanVictor]

hhnnngggg shat my pants

[@cellperfecto3480]

i listen it while im doing excersice and its incredible!!!!

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

Glad to have helped with your workout. :)

[@vgaudiophile5397]

Your stuff is just AWESOME! Have been stalking your channel like O_O This is a great boss theme from an incredible game - this remake totally does it justice AND THEN SOME!

[@Chrisprusse]

This is still one of my favorite FF's of all time.

[@sabin97]

"one of"?

[@Chrisprusse]

Yes. Top three for me. I would probably say VI is my number 1.

[@sabin97]

C. Prusse nah 4 is the best, and THEN 6, then 5, 3,1,2 the rest are shit not even worth mentioning by number. and no, this isnt an opinion. i have no opinions.

[@casperthefriendlypotato9046]

Culex was a very interesting fight.

[@matthewbertrand4139]

+sabin97 That's crappy and so are you. And, no, I'm not a VII fuck boy. You're just being narrow-minded and then proclaiming that anyone who doesn't agree is wrong.

[@Aenwyrm]

Octomamm attacks! *VVVVP VVVVP* *Music starts* Me: shit...I'm gonna die.

[@jmrwacko]

The new remix in ffxiv sounds remarkably similar to this cover.

[@danbashur]

My favorite use of this theme is against the Behemoths in Bahamut’s Lair on the moon. Those Behemoths are extra powerful too and are like fighting a bunch of bosses on the way to Bahamut.

[@douglasmasters9051]

This is also one of my favorite boss themes. I have to ask though, would it be possible to make an extended version? Or maybe also (if you haven't done it already) the theme of the Lunar Whale and maybe Final Fantasy IX Assault of the Silver Dragons?

[@Michael-dt7sd]

For whatever reason the character ready sound, and other battle noises from the original NES game always run through my head along with the music when I hear this one.

[@jorgefranciscoalegriachave8723]

wow new subscriber, please battle 1 song

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

+JORGE FRANCISCO ALEGRIA CHAVEZ Thanks! I'll make Battle 1 sometime this year.

[@bananaJacob]

Chocobo:hooman can I get a carrot pls I will become a vehicle 4 u master hooman

[@hilloaliapoh22]

I love your rendition of this theme! My only criticism is that it lacks the sudden, dramatic opening of the original.

[@acuriouslistener]

Amazing! Square, please do a remake and call Mr. Robinson to work on it!!

[@アメノオオサカヒコ]

一番好きな曲敵のプレッシャーが見事に表現されてる

[@Duhemsounds]

You've made a beautiful orchestration of this emblematic boss theme :)

[@luisalbertonunezaguilar2032]

Muy buena musica, ojala esas orquestas vinieran a México

[@PakYanaNi]

32 spoony bards missed the like button

[@ekimaulthar2044]

one of the (if not *THE*) best battle themes of Final Fantasy IMO

[@myunihausen]

So good!!! Why is KZbin just showing me this now?!?!

[@rextyson23]

My favorite track in ff4 also ff4 is my favorite final fantasy game

[@fevermario]

This is the only rendition i have heard that does the original justice.

[@josephrossow8901]

Excellent rendition of this theme. Very good.

[@SchwayGoose]

God, why can't we just get a full remake of Final Fantasy IV already?

[@JASpiring]

Huh? They did that years ago. Originally on the DS, but now it's on PC and mobile too.

[@mercurius1486]

it sounds so epic! I'd pay for this and play it for hours and hours...

[@RetsejEsiw]

Nice job. EWQL Orchestra?

[@Tho713]

A wild Golbez appeared. Cecil! GO!

[@theinquisitivedetective]

Incredible remix! I've greatly appreciated!

[@beek1377]

Ultimatate battle !

[@beek1377]

Fat kid lol

[@davemardrov777]

A true paladin will sheath his sword.

[@Lyrick1998]

Can I Use This For A Video?

[@adamdesanti6713]

"CURE 4!"

[@agustinuszheng588]

Now it is Curaja

[@suburbanindie]

AH SHIT he used Nuke again!

[@isaacgraff8288]

This translated to orchestral really well

[@RemixExtender]

Hey, +Malcolm Robinson Music, I've been requested by a viewer of mine to extend this remix. Is that OK with you?

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

+RemixExtender Thanks for asking! While I allow people to use my music in the backgrounds of their videos, I don't allow re-uploads because they are triggered by the same search terms and end up taking views/watch time away from my videos. I consider extended versions to be re-uploads.

[@RemixExtender]

Malcolm Robinson Music That's unfortunate. All right, then, I'll take down my extension. Thanks for telling me.

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

RemixExtender Oh, sorry! I didn't know that you made it already. I should have replied earlier.

[@RemixExtender]

Malcolm Robinson Music​ In that case, would you rather I leave it up for those who want to come back to it and listen again in the future, or should I go ahead and take it down?

[@MalcolmRobinsonMusic]

+RemixExtender The only issue I have is with search ranking, so as long as it's either an unlisted video in a playlist, or it's listed in a way that doesn't directly compete with mine in a KZbin search, then I'd be okay with it.

[@cielitojunior4146]

nice work man congratulations