Game Composer Reacts to MESSMER THE IMPALER from ELDEN RING SHADOW OF THE ERDTREE

Continuing our adventure through Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree music, today we're listening to Messmer The Impaler theme. Could this possibly be the best track in the entire Elden Ring OST?
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The game Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Deluxe Edition was given to me by Bandai Namco.

[@DaviVasc]

I've done a TON of videos on FromSoft's music including Bloodborne. Check em out over here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap-0lquZqqmDd9k

[@Emanon616]

"Duty" is basically all that Messmer is. He's a shell of a man, simply existing to serve his mother. He's only here to carry out a crusade for the sake of a mother that hates him for something he can't control.

[@macvadda2318]

She doesnt hate him, she fears him, more specifically the god devouring snake god inside him

[@Emanon616]

@macvadda2318 She hates him because she fears him. She's shown that she will go to multiple lengths not only to eliminate threats, but completely break them.

[@Yar_Kalibrun]

Bruh, Marika worried people would mistreat her beloved son because of his curse with a snake (in the end, she was right btw), so she sealed the snake with gold in his eye and made several blessings for him. By the time Messmer, not to smear mother's golden radiance with his presence, went voluntarily on the crusade for her sake, fully accepting the role of "his mother's monster", letting all the blame and shame be put upon him for all the cruelty to those who wronged his mother And Marika, being a goddess imprisoned by the Greater Will after the Shattering, never knew how far her son came for her

[@Emanon616]

@Yar_Kalibrun Sorry but could you name your source for this? I don't believe this was ever mentioned. Like, anywhere.

[@Yar_Kalibrun]

@@Emanon616 1. Blessing of Marika description 2. Black Steel Hammer has the same effect unique for Marika's hammer (weird to ever give blessings and powers of gold to the one so feared, and to his people). 3. Also who said that the word "fear" in Messmer's Remembrance means fear OF him, but not FOR him? His snakes are visible, after all, but Marika did not hide him like Morgott and Mogh, everyone knew he is her son (Serpent Crest Shield). 4. Fire Knights - "Each and every knight hailed from a renowned family of the Erdtree's upper echelons". Would he be ever allowed to take them, if feared? 5. Gaius Remembrance "Both were as elder brothers to the lion", + his Blade of Stone says he was a good rival with Radahn in youth, which clearly means Messmer lived in the Lands-Between all the time to Radahn's birth and further on, to be known and accepted as the elder child of the golden goddess Messmer got way too many really noble and powerful allies both within Golden Order and aside it (Rellana, twin sister of the Carian Queen Rennala) to be said so blatantly that Marika feared him after she did so much for him to keep in line. His serpentine nature was kept in secret all the time and inevitably revealed only in the Land of Shadows, which instantly brought rebellion. Of course after all the bloodshed of the crusade and this reveal he couldn't come back And after the Shattering who is left to know about this story

[@96WackoXJacko96]

Messmer is honestly one of the most tragic characters in Elden Ring. He thought himself a treasured son, one who could bear his mothers burdens for her. But in the end he realizes he was only a tool.

[@kixakii436]

He really is just represented as a war machine, born and raised to kill more than any other demi god. He knows nothing but exterminating those devoid of grace. Thinking he himself was worthy of it, just to one day get abandoned in the very land he was sent to destroy, trapped in with his sins and the mountains of charred bodies he littered around the realm

[@dblczx6819]

"Mothe - Marika... A curse... Upon thee..." I paraphrased it to match his spoken lines... He stops calling her his mother, cursing her with his dying breath as he rages against her horrific hypocrisy in abandoning him - her own son - and choosing the Tarnished - the very thing he was ordered by her to destroy. Messmer became a monster, all for his mother's sake, but still maintained his nobility and traces of compassion and understanding. If he had a better mother - a better role model - he would've been the greatest of heroes. FromSoftware really knows how to write a tragedy with so few spoken words.

[@matthewa6027]

@@kixakii436 If you dig a little deeper, you'll find that he was well liked by everyone in the lands between, and only went on this crusade FOR his mother. He respected and was respected by the other demigods; Messmer was like an older brother to Radahn. He had an army of the Lands Between solders and knights, Perfumers, Trolls, Albinaurics, Fire Keepers, Scholars of the stars, and even Carian royalty. He shared his flame with all of them. When his men began to hate Marika, they still followed Messmer. And when few of his people turned on him, he still treated them with respect, even in death. He was what Miquella wished to be, and without any charm magic.

[@armoredbutch]

@@kixakii436 he never thought he was worthy of it

[@armoredbutch]

lol, hitler aint tragic

[@ltrttl]

Take a look at Midra’s OST. It’s amazing

[@Igoorboy]

Please!!!

[@jaym5880]

Please tell him to listen to the Wandering merchant song first before that lol. Midra's theme contains some of it.

[@gabs3228]

He should absolutely do this next!

[@Troner343]

True

[@ristachannelid]

Absolutely

[@raulmunoz9457]

15:57 “Sounds like you are doomed” man you are so skilled at reading the game by the ost. If you are killed in the second phase Messmer literally says: “Embrace thine oblivion, as shall I”. So basically messmer knows no matter the outcome, he is doomed, for its death or his curse that now is released

[@spaceman4286]

The rhythm you are hearing at 3:43 is Radagon's theme, pretty cool!

[@spongegobler3449]

Messmer is a child of Radagon, so it’s cool to hear his father’s essence in the music.

[@something-g99]

​@@spongegobler3449wait so is he an incest emyrian like Melania and Miquela???

[@AndreaSogorCohai]

YES! I'm not the only one who noticed! Thanks!

[@the-hermit-arcana]

it is not "Radagon's theme", it is "Main Theme" and then "Final Battle." all the other songs are named after their respective fights, with the notable exception of that one. Even the final battle of the DLC has a name appropriate to its boss, "The Promised Consort" without seeming spoilery, so spoilers are not the reason Radagon's name was omitted from the title; it is merely the Main Theme, reorchestrated for the Final Battle. Radagon has other sons, and his so-called "theme" is not repeated in theirs, or at least I'm pretty sure it's not.

[@spaceman4286]

@@the-hermit-arcana The "Final Battle" has 2 different themes in it, each one appropriated to each fight. It doesn't take a genius to conclude that the first half that plays during Radagon's battle is... Radagon's theme.

[@Cloak21]

bro in the gameplay clutched up; zero flasks and one shot. true soulsborne moment there

[@tsf_skeith6614]

SPOILERS FOR MESSMER'S STORY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Messmer was at the front of the violent war in the Lands of Shadow. A crusade of vengeance for his Mother. He but accepted that he is the vessel for her pain and suffering, he was fine with it. He was calm, cool, and calculated. He shielded his Mother from Pain and took it upon himself. Made it his calling. But when the tarnished makes their way to challenge him, something within him breaks. Why does the tarnished, a lightless creature, no better than him, is more worthy to stand beside his Mother as a Lord ? He pulls out the only connection to his Mother which is his eye that was gifted to him by Marika to hold the Abyssal Serpent, his curse, within. He lets the serpent consume him in his rage at the beginning of phase 2. Whenever he kills you in this form he says ''O'Lightless creature, embrace thy oblivion as shall I''. He embraced the tragedy of his character in full. But there is no longer hope. No dream of his Mother's gratitude. There is nothing. He fell into the jaws of the serpent. Messmer as he was, died. I am so freakin impressed by Davi's interpretation of this. The eternal fall is the perfect description of Messmer's character. The difference was he plunged into the hole himself at first, for his Mother. But when even she has forsaken him, there was no reason to control the fall anymore.

[@RoddiiPipaah249]

Spot on! Also when the tarnished kills him. He curses Marika.

[@Domihockeyrocky]

Exactly

[@johnalberto9600]

Does anyone knows why Marika led to a battle in the Lands of Shadow? What was her purpose on that?

[@RoddiiPipaah249]

@johnalberto9600 the shaman women(her ppl) were used in jars by the hornscent culture. It's more to it but that's the gist of it.

[@tsf_skeith6614]

@@johnalberto9600 As said above, Marika's village were the shamans (Miko in japanese). Their bodies were said to meld well together (explanation for RadaMarika). The hornsent, a culture of people that reveared the horns and the crucible enslaved the Numen Shamans (Marika included) and her people were stuffed inside jars to produce a saint. To what goal ? We don't know yet, but Marika definitely suffered a horrible fate and has seen horrible things done to her people. In the story trailer at the very start you can see the bruises and scars of the tooth whip on her wrists. It is then we assume she came into contact with the greater will and achieved godhood to flee the shadow lands into the lands between and establish an order. This also explains why Morgott and Mohg were locked up after they were born. The trauma of horned people was too much to bear for Marika.

[@TheAshenTarnishedHunter]

Best track for the best boss in the DLC. And on another note, this theme holds alot of similarities to Radagons theme, almost a sort of dark reflection of Radagons theme, which makes sense if you know the story.

[@Al-ji4gd]

Best tracks are Divine Beast Dancing Lion and Midra.

[@szalyn8849]

I feel like if someone puts this as their best track it's because it's kinda personal for them. What is exactly? Not sure, but there is a connection there I'd like to think

[@lozerisdead999]

my interpretation of the almost inversion of radagon’s theme is that Radagon was a conqueror for the golden order. He was the physical presence to marika’s spiritual rule. Messmer on the other hand, conquered but under the context of vengeance ultimately leading to genocide. While what he did could’ve been a glorious conquest in the name of the golden order, it was instead a blasphemous act of vengeance. “One that could never be put to song” No honor or Glory to be had. The theme instead of being triumphant and heroic, is tragic and disturbing.

[@Condorhawk]

​@@lozerisdead999Messmer is the son of Radagon .

[@timklafke4712]

My favorite is rellana's, but messmers is definitely my second. They both are so insanely good.

[@mt2r-music]

I love the moment when he says ”Wilt thou be taken in the jaws... of the abyssal serpent, shorn of light.“. During that scene he sounds so serious and kinda like he’s about to cry. He can’t control his emotions after thinking about his mother and how she abandoned him. He wants to take out all his anger on your fragile vigor 60 body. To bad I first tried him shortly after. Edit: to the people that also found him really easy: he’s not. I did some testing and apparently he’s just extremely weak to slash damage. Using a heavy weapon for example makes him way more enjoyable because of that. When fighting him at around scadu-level 12 he’s pretty much perfect, even tho phase 2 is somehow easier than phase 1. 9,5/10 fight.

[@Reybackk]

It took me about 10 tries to kill Messmer and its such a big shame... I was so hyped after watching the trailer. I was ready for a big fight and countless deaths, in the end it looked good, but the challenge just wasnt there, such a shame and im sad

[@federic06g67]

​@@Reybackkthe challenge wasn't there? You must be really good because I can guarantee you that he is hard, really hard.

[@mt2r-music]

@@federic06g67 he’s a hard fight but it’s extremely easy to be overleved when you meet him. I think that’s the problem Messmer has and the reason why many found him quite easy. On fair conditions he’s definitely a hard boss.

[@federic06g67]

@@mt2r-music i fought him in ng+ at lvl 250 and in no way I thought I was overleveled, I didn't use summons ecc. so there's also that but I didn't know so many people considered him easy

[@acidwave]

​​@@federic06g67Do consider that rune level doesn't really mean much in the DLC and NG+ makes everything much harder in there. You get overleveled by using more scadu tree fragments than you're "supposed to" by that point. I was like scadu lvl. 12 or something like that and I was just annihilating him sadly, it took me like 5 or 6 tries and it really felt like I shouldn't have been that strong. Though I can see he's a very difficult boss if you follow the intended path. I think by the time people get to scadu altus they can go in so many places a lot of them (me included) just ignore messmer and take him on later when they are op as hell

[@kurokaen1234]

My favorite boss fight and boss ost in the dlc, you should do midra next, you wont be disappointed

[@draw2death421]

What about BAYLE!

[@smilxy2879]

​@@draw2death421 F*ck Bayle 😂 Midras better

[@shiftainmussharff]

Nah midra better

[@randomjazzpicture5108]

But what about BAYLE

[@Domihockeyrocky]

@@randomjazzpicture5108yep hes also good

[@YellowZ04]

After all the hype built around him, I expected an epic theme song for him. After reading his story, I realized the sadness and rage in his theme fit him perfectly. It sounds a bit like title theme music, and there is a good reason behind it. Since you have started playing the game, I won't give you spoilers. Thanks for the amazing reaction, as always!

[@dyllanaldridge1044]

During the phase transition cutscene, the choir mimicking the harmony is playing the two notes backwards. Instead of sad, disturbing, sad, disturbing...as the harmony was played during the first phase (and sounds similar to the plin-plong of the main menu theme), the choir goes disturbing, sad, disturbing, sad. My crackpot theory is this harmony is representative of Marika's golden order. During the first phase of Messmer's fight, he is very much acting in accordance with Marika's wishes, as he was forced due to Marika's seal. In the phase transition, Messmer breaks this seal and unleashes the abyss from within him. This moment is an ultimate blasphemy against Marika's order, and it is fitting that the harmony be played upside down.

[@raghav1026]

The ability of this man to listen to the OST and get so much about the character/theme from it is incredible. Speaks volumes as to how much thought is put into each track and how good you are at analyzing it!

[@viggen88]

Oh I really really hope your cover midra, lord of frenzied flame. Best track in the entire game imo, it sounds so incredibly evil

[@maran947]

He is such a central figure of the DLC and his fight is amazing, at first I was a bit disappointed by the OST but the more I hear it the more it hits the feelings. I wanted to suggest a song I didn't see many people suggest it is super emotional: Those united in common cause also from this DLC

[@Sobasicallyandthenprettymuchye]

He’s always spot on with the themes of the boss fights without even having seen them. He lets the music tell him everything

[@GiraffeDGod]

“It’s like an Eternal fall” Messmer has the Abysal serpent. I’m amazed you can bring so much more meaning just by listening to music, amazing!!

[@quenchthirster1417]

The title music motif you keep hearing is actually the OST of Radagon’s fight, Messmer’s father!

[@mitchellbutler2307]

The final chorus makes me think of angels falling from heaven - the grandeur, doom and despair of it. Considering Messmer's heavy parallels with Lucifer I think that's exactly the idea Fromsoft is trying to evoke.

[@popkhorne5372]

It reminds you of the title screen music because it is referencing radagon's theme (one half of the main theme) because Messmer is Radagon's son, and a champion if the golden order (at least in phase 1)

[@gasrat3138]

so glad youre covering this track, definitely my second favorite fight and song in the game. Please cover Bayle the Dread next, its an amazing track!

[@draw2death421]

CURSE YOU BAYLE! I HERE BY VOW YOU WILL RUE THIS DAY!

[@Domihockeyrocky]

Wow, Messmer and Bayle’s theme are also my favorite. Also my favorite bosses in the whole damn game. We have similar tastes😂❤

[@danielwoods3896]

@@draw2death421 SOLID OF SCALE YOU MIGHT BE, FOUL DRAGON, BUT I WILL RIDDLE WITH HOLES YOUR ROTTEN HIDE!

[@fujiwara_rey]

WITH A HAIL OF HARPOONS. WITH EVERY LAST DROP OF MY BEING

[@Gozieaaa]

No chaos appreciation? That's fine, the flame of frenzy leaves none untouched, for there is the lord and only the lord, left to embrace the world melted together into one

[@benmccoy1766]

I always love to see you analyze Fromsoft boss themes! Messmer’s was one of my favorites from the DLC, but I think you would get a kick out of the final bosses theme if you get the chance!

[@stephanie_jjb]

So the theme you were hearing is the theme of Radagon which is also the title theme. It seems rather fitting as this character is the son of Radagon and marika who was born with a curse, explaining why it seems like a corrupted version of that song

[@manquail2361]

Best boss of the dlc so far. Hope to see you fight him if you enjoy elden ring. *Some lore spoilers related to messmer* On the topic of chromatic keys being ones not typically supposed to be used and a sound of sinking and doom: messmer has a symbiotic relationship with something called the abyssal serpent which his mother feared and sealed within him. The phase 2 music change could have to do with the forbidden power that he makes use of that brings destruction.

[@concordiaharmony2302]

Good ear with noting the way it sounds like the Title screen music. Specifically, it sounds similar to Radagons theme. But like a broken version of it almost. Fitting for possibly the most emotionally broken man in this game.

[@triggeredcripple8668]

Watching these feels like the composers are writing the lore out in a secret language and sending it to Davi so he can decipher it

[@nathanplumb3782]

That part sounds just like the main theme. I assumed it means that Messmer is very central to the overall arching story of Maricka and the Elden Ring.

[@samf.s.7731]

The seduction and the betrayal... He's supposedly her eldest, he looks awfully a lot like Radagon, doesn't he? And this is why you can't trust whemen and females (s/ for the last part).

[@SiivaLunaMoth]

I'm pretty sure it is leitmotif of Radagon's theme, which is the main theme. Makes sense, since Radagon is more than likely his father.

[@puffwad]

I love this guy his passion for music really shows

[@tii8946]

the orderly feel you have is because messmer is still so loyal to his mother marika. he got her order to start a whole holy war in the shadow lands and that war is somehow still going on there. on the other side, messmer knows exactly that his mother didn’t just abandoned the shadow lands but him as well. and that’s where the second phase soundtrack intensifies, where it’s getting chaotic. marika was so scared and terrified of her sons power that she sealed his powers with a glass eye which has a marika seal on it but even after that she was still so scared that she locked him away where he just can order the war. in the second phase messmer breaks the seal and when he dies his last words are: o mother, curse you… messmers track has this „born of a god“ vibe in my opinion that it’s giving me goosebumps every time i hear it.

[@justindennis04]

Probably my favorite boss and OST in the game so far🔥 and I think the leitmotif you’re recognizing is from the DLC trailer you analyzed a while back, Great video as always Davi 👏🏽

[@Condorhawk]

Yes, from the story trailer

[@sebastian622]

Hey hope you are doing well, hugs from Puerto Rico

[@DaviVasc]

Thank you my friend!

[@Aavazandum]

Bro you need to do Midra, Lord of frenzied flame. It makes Mohg and Rykards themes seem cheerful in comparison it’s so evil.

[@samf.s.7731]

Okay, so the Messmer fight is my personal favorite from Elden Ring, right after Mohg, and its not just because they have the best music which fits "oh so well" thematically with their characters and story. Messmer's fight, at least to me, mirrors the Radagon fight from the main game, but not as in it resembles it, no, it's more like an inverted image of it (Its shadow, lol). If fighting Radagon and the Elden Beast is like fighting God, then fighting Messmer is like fighting The Devil (He even has a serpent, or becomes a serpent). And yeah you're right, the music is like something that's more like a dance because of the commonly used phrase "dance with the devil". They also did a rearranged version of "Radagon of The Golden Order" to use for the music to which you do your dance with this guy. The choice is probably because of the aforementioned thematic elements, and because some fans speculate that the identity of Messmer's father being non other than Radagon himself. To whomever reading this, if the suggested innuendos when talking about Messmer didn't make sense to you, then I hope this helps a little. 😅 Enjoy the one foot and a half long snake 😂

[@Coletidy]

Messmer and Midra made this dlc worth it alone, phenomenal bosses 🙏

[@Godspleen]

and BAYLEEEE !!!!!

[@adrienperret9473]

Midra is insanely good Messmer is the worst experience ive had in any game since bed of chaos

[@xhannel3133]

​@@Godspleen bayle anda Igon

[@Al-ji4gd]

@@adrienperret9473 Git gud.

[@adrienperret9473]

@@Al-ji4gd did I say it was hard? Did i say I didng beat it? I swear 80 % of elden ring players are bots saying "git gud" everytime because their brain cant handle someones disagrees wirh them Nvm i dont care about you if thats all you have to say Messmer is just a bunch of mixed nonsense, has shit hitbox and laughable delaying on attacks Nothing fells smooth, its just an horrible abomination of a design

[@EldenGainz]

Mesmer was fooled into an ethnic cleansing in behest of his mother. And then, he was abandoned. Only until the moment he dies, he realizes he was fooled, lied to and forsaken

[@Naarii14]

I feel like the reason it reminds you of the title screen theme is because Messmer is Radagons son albeit writ from history intentionally. He was one of the most faithful to the golden order, or at least to Marika, and yet she still abandoned him and would rather a tarnished Lord (you) than to even remember him. Of course he's sad, he's angry and somewhat justifiably so...

[@Condorhawk]

16:23 David, you played this in the story trailer in the messmer part!!!!!

[@jlol2701]

11:44 that part sounds reminiscent of a certain part of Radagons ost here

[@lilostich_]

I dont know about the leitmotif but in some moments, the rythm is trying to replicate The Final Battle OST. Makes sense, Messmer is the direct offspring of queen Marika, so he is related to royalty and order, but was abandoned by his mother.

[@bdizzle7072]

They definitely pulled a little Dracula inspiration for Mesmer, "The Impaler" was the title given to the real world inspiration for the Dracula legend, Vlad Țepeș who was also a warlord famed for lifting those he conquered on spikes like Mesmer does with spears, and they followed through with some of the theming. That sense of politeness and refinement in the first phase music is the same as the usual outer layer of nobility that Dracula has, while there's a monstrous form underneath released in rage when challenged by the unworthy that you can hear in the second phase. He even lives in a dark confusing castle with odd architecture and has an underlying fire thematic, like recent depictions of Dracula particularly the Castlevania series. He's not a vampire and the parallel isn't complete, nor is the story the same, but they definitely had some of that vibe going.

[@-M..O..Z-]

no way I was just watching your Divine Beast reaction lol. I'm sure this will be amazing as always!

[@matheusdesouza2403]

Ok, now you gotta react to Radagon's theme to fully understand this one once the DLC hype pass (the track name is "The Final Battle" btw).

[@LayDownAndRot]

You couldn't be more right with your interpretation of the music. Duty is exactly right, and the boss sounds like he's just going through the motions. Then he transforms and accepts death. Awesome how composers can tell the same story in notes as shown on screen.

[@sloppyslabba]

Can't wait for you to tackle Midra's OST. It's by far the most evil sounding track fromsoft has made to this days trac

[@SteviaCookies]

5:30 is not only similar to Radagon's theme, it also contains the same chorus that starts after the strings in the dlc trailer

[@wahterr6281]

You understanding the story of this fight purely through the music is so impressive to me. Impressive from you to be able to interpret it, but it also shows how incredible the writing is.

[@pancakeanati2590]

You should check out "Those United in Common Cause". It's my personal favorite soundtrack from the dlc of elden ring because it represents a sort of hopefulness as well as a bit of sadness which perfectly fits the fight it is paired with.

[@jasper_the_ghost]

It’s absolutely incredible that in the first phase, the crescendo of Radagon’s theme never quite gets there. He’s been spurned and shunned by his mother. And in phase 2, when he rejects her grace completely, it hits with a darker undertone. What a masterpiece.

[@honeytlbadger4365]

Surprised people aren't suggesting The Saint of the Bud or Promised Consort. By far the best tracks.

[@honeytlbadger4365]

Bayle the Dread also

[@AnomalocarisWizard]

Messmer has an amazing theme but Midra lord of renzy is my favourite out of the dlc.

[@bluecrab3392]

I like how you explain the meaning of the notes and show them on the screen with description, it really helps me understand better. You'll have a blast on your first playthrough. I feel the music hits alot harder when you understand the lore, so youll have a great time. Great reaction 👍🏼

[@Aurid_art]

Man your videos have really improved my sense of music design I feel so validated when you say its in 3/3 or its a folk song or like in this how there's this sense of falling

[@hideharu-xiii8852]

Midra and Bayle are going to be a ride for you

[@brandonjarvis1987]

i hope he gets to hear igons speech

[@Domihockeyrocky]

@@brandonjarvis1987haha same

[@doncrab9594]

You should definetely check out Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame next

[@kag2576]

Adore this theme, defo my favourite in the DLC! Davi continuing his impeccable track record of identifying context through simply knowing the theme, this time spotting that the theme shared aspects of the main theme/radagon's theme which is very much intentional (and a lot more obvious through bits like 11:42 which are pulled from the climax of the main theme and the passage leading up to the descending notes) Messmer is the secret first born child of Marika who after carrying out a massacre on her behalf was wiped from history in the Lands Between and abandoned in the Land of Shadows. Contrary to his reputation, he shows a lot of signs of being quite a bit more human than his demigod siblings and is/was loyal to his mother to a fault. He was also cursed, which he is forced to incur in his second phase, another reason he was hidden away The music is the perfect portrayal of him, selling the tragedy of a son doing all could for his parent only to be discarded at the earliest convenience, his only purpose to kill those he deems graceless in the vain hope his mother will return to him. The second phase's chaotic perfectly represents the curse taking full effect (and initiating the giant snakes) but for all it's disorder it accumulates to the same sadness as before, try as he might Messmer was bound to fail and he was never even told why.

[@sanguiniusszuiriel4984]

Mesmer’s theme is dual of the fates from Star Wars with an added bridge and removed second and fifth notes…I love it

[@Raelycta]

Best OST for the best boss in the game imo, I love how many conflicting feelings are shown through it’s different sequences, it almost sounds like an anthem at times, Messmer’s duty is the only thing that remains for him, his connection to a mother that hates him for something that he was born with, a mother whom he’s still so loyal towards, despite his abandonment. His roots within the golden order and Marika are reflected through the leitmotif of the final battle (or Radagon’s boss theme), but in an almost mournful version, he remains loyal to the order and his mother, but that loyalty is not mutual, that love isn’t mutual, he was abandoned in the lands of shadow in an eternal war due to a curse he never could do something about. And by the 2nd phase, everything changes, the song becomes a lot more desperate and frantic, he removes his mother’s seal which kept the Abyssal Serpent inside of him, fully intent on stopping you, but by that point of the battle, the realization has already set in, Marika is never coming back for him, he’s doomed to be eternally stuck in the lands of shadow, and he’s aware of that, when he kills you in that phase he simply proclaims in an empty tone “O lightless creature, embrace thine oblivion, as shall I.” His fate WAS always to be forgotten, and he’s already realized that, win or lose, he’s stuck here, waging a war that his mother started, a mother that never loved him. And that’s where the final minute of the track comes in, it’s pure tragedy, despite everything he did for the order, despite everything he did for his mother, Messmer will always be seen as a monster, by the golden order, and a symbol of fear for everyone inside the lands of shadow. A shell of a man with nothing left, other than his eternal duty to an order that would never acknowledge his loyalty.

[@juwe7143]

Midra's theme is DEFINITELY worth checking out

[@BoodyCheek]

15:22 How fitting that the notes in that order kinda seem like a snake

[@tmbn8095]

I can't believe how accurate your analyzation is to the actual lore. Great video!

[@calibula95]

AHHHH this would be the best song of the DLC if Midra's thene was nonexistent (imo, obviously) In typical Fromsoft fashion, the DLC has mostly banger OST.

[@laisraposodematosbezerra3778]

7:00 i think because it's from ost called Final Battle, in the 1° phase part, when we fight Radagon of the golden order

[@marbzirc376]

'That' portion hits me hard. As you've said, with the descending chromatics, it's like Messmer is falling to 'oblivion' (as he mentions if he kills you during the 2nd phase), all the while the voices try in desperation to ascend, just like how Messmer is also desperately reaching or calling out to his mother who has abandoned him. Messmer is such a tragic character. And the music nails it PERFECTLY.

[@SpieleSuchti894]

i also recognize this pattern from somewhere. the only thing i could come up with was „dont tell aunt rody“

[@Anch0rd]

The theme this is reminicent of seems to be radagons in the first part of The Final Battle Track, fitting given radagon would be messmers father

[@specterr3177]

Dude i love ur vids so much, the way you have these interpretations and descriptions of the characters jus by hearing the ost alone is amazing and spot on! I would recommend listening to Bayle, Midra or Rellana, theyre awesome.

[@reitziluz]

the familiar sounding melody that isn't from the intro/radagon's theme, seems to also be present in mogh's theme. around 1.21 in messmer's theme and 1.07 in mogh's. at least they sharr a rhythmic pattern. or something? i have no backgroud in music, but people who do have told me i have an uncanny ear for similarities like this lol.

[@Arkolob]

i love this dude beacause time and time again he nails the theme and the story the music is trying to tell about the boss itself with having no idea about the actual reason its just proof of his talents glad that hes finally playing this masterpiece but it is still cool nonetheless, he knows in the 2nd phase the tragedy of mesmer finally understanding his mother has abandoned him and secumb to his curse just by the way the music sounds its incredible

[@Kolket1389]

9:42 It’s incredible how you described it perfectly. In the first phase Messmer is restraining himslef on his mother’s orders, but in the second, he lets himself go, breaking his shackles and disobeying the orders. The fact that musically educated people like you can tell all of this from the song makes me appreciate the masters at From Soft musical team even more.

[@preceptorseluvis5704]

Midras theme is amazing give it a listen

[@Far-Reez]

In short, Messmer theme is "Orderly Tragic and Full of Depression"😢

[@candle2005]

My favourite track of the entire game currently

[@DJEspressivo]

Listen to St Tina's ost (also from the DLC) It's so beautiful

[@Domihockeyrocky]

Ooh I’ve been waiting for you to check this out😂❤best in the game

[@safwanYT]

6:47 When you said you think this theme have the leitmotif as the "Main Menu Theme", you are on point since Messmer is technically related to that "Main Menu" character, Radagon aka Marika

[@Domyrex8]

“Those stripped from the Grace of Gold shall all meet death… in the embrace of Messmers Flame”🔥

[@greedygremlin7471]

There's a desperation and self righteousness to phase 2, like a Zealot who cannot lose under any circumstances no matter the personal cost. He's a very tragic character.

[@umukzusgelos4834]

I reccomend the Putrescent Knight theme from the DLC, I find it quite enchanting and also a bit of a stray from the typical formula

[@avaavada8963]

I'm just happy I'm not the one who heard the main screen's soundtrack while starting the fight

[@senorkaktusz5940]

There is a new track in the dlc titled "Those United Under A Common Cause". It is also kind of a boss battle track, but not in the regular manner, if you get my drift. I strongly reccommend it, because I think that might the strongest piece in the whole game. Another one is Bayle the Dread. It has some amazing tempos.

[@pipi9280]

Hey Davi, you should check out Romina saint of the bud next!

[@DaviVasc]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@Domihockeyrocky]

Worst boss and music in the whole dlc, right next to hippo. I dont even understand why this boss is a remembrance boss…it came out of nowhere and it’s annoying af

[@Rev.Serenity]

​@@Domihockeyrocky????? haha now that's a hot take

[@Domihockeyrocky]

@@Rev.Serenity Look, for me personally it was the worst and most boring boss in the entire game no cap😭she is sooo annoying and she is not mentioned anywhere, is there even lore to her?

[@Rev.Serenity]

@@Domihockeyrocky im not a big lore guy, so i know as much as her remembrance and weapons, which i think basically just says she inherited the rot and the butterflies from a goddess of rot(unknown wether that's malenia, because it says the butterflies had no master, so either given to romina by miquella, is from another goddes of rot, or malenia is canonically dead in dlc.), anyway so yea not a big character in lore it seems. music taste is subjective, i thought hers was nice, and she had a fun moveset, super telegraphed, a relaxing boss to have after a tough fight like messmer

[@SnakeEater776]

Messmer has easily rose to being my favourite character and boss fight in elden ring

[@g10by]

Sorry for my bad english but Id like to highlight that in second phase it feels like an spiral like he falling deep down and the theres long build up where you think thare would be rage, but instead the choir is maintaining the falling and it almost feels like a cry, you spect rage but instead theres nothing but a cry and just like it beguns (the main theme/our theme) it ends those finals notes are just like the end of the main theme

[@spongegobler3449]

Midra’s boss music is up there with Ludwig for me

[@trodanyea]

I can’t wait for the final boss ost react

[@bigmac5762]

Love these videos so much. I would love to see you cover the theme of Midra, lord of frenzied flame next. It sounds like a track straight out of bloodborne

[@gmorkx]

Would love to see you react to "Those United In Common Cause" someday. I never cried during a gank fight before. Really love your videos, keep it up!

[@IbeShlumped]

Make sure to give Bayle the Dread a listen for my boy Igon

[@dsuable_]

"Rellana, the Twin Moon Knight". Def should look into that one. That one, imo, is the best one after "Romina, The Saint of The Bud"s theme.

[@KSharp2]

Promised Consort is my favorite track from the OST and I hope you cover it. Particularly the second half.

[@CGAA07017]

Always on point, Davi 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼. I already suggested on Twitter hahahaha, but please do Romina, Saint of the Bud. I was trying to figure it out where did I hear that melody from (this one you that you were also trying to figure out), when it hit me. I'm no music expert, so I could be wrong haha, but the very beginning reminded me of this Messmer's melody (different tone, of course, but maybe a similar theme?). I really hope that you give it a try. It's one of my favorite tracks from the game 🙏🏼❤️🎶

[@DariusMcKnight-e8d]

Midra’s ost is top tier😉

[@lukebignell1094]

Bayle the dread would be awesome to see you do. I think it is the best song of the dlc.

[@jeremiel1818]

Those united in common cause. This one is the best.

[@darkluxgames2347]

One hell of a boss fight imo. Took me more tries than Dancing Lion. Absolutely fantastic theme, and it also feels like a sort of conquest/crusade theme in phase one, which is fitting. Phase two with the anger from the brass and the pain resonating from the choir. Man, what a fantastic storytelling with music. I think you'll really like this boss theme even more in the context of the battle, I look forward to seeing your reaction in your playthrough! FromSoftware is phenomenal at getting the storytelling perfect with themes. This is evident from your blind reactions to the music.

[@spatate3050]

Damn I can’t wait to play the dlc and watch your videos, leaving a com and like 👍

[@Big_Spine]

Please please do Midra’s theme next 🙏

[@lilpudin0555]

The story of Messmer is a tragedy. He is born the imperfect child of, who in the eyes of the people is, the “perfect” god, matriarch of the “perfect” order. He loathes himself for his impurities which he cannot control and embarks on his crusade to prove himself to his mother. For this crusade, which his mother likely supported in private yet ridiculed to the public, would ostracize him and his followers from the erdtree. Finally, after the deed was done and his mother’s enemies felled, what was his reward for his obedience? For his service and loyalty? Exile; he would be secreted away, along with his army, in the land of shadow to never be seen again. And after all this, to add salt to the wound, he would find the tarnished in the land of shadow, and the grace of gold in their eyes. He would realize that to top it all off his mother chose the tarnished, individuals just as disgraced and flawed as himself, to be her next lord, while he was shunned and belittled from the start. Messmer, for his mother, had to become the devil, so she could become god.

[@platonios4666]

I have a wild theory: The first three notes sound a lot like the leitmotiv from the fellowship of the ring. Messmer is represented by a snake, a beeing associated with cunning and malevolence. Davi said, the ost was orderly. Could it be that in a way the composer indirectly referenced Lord of the Rings? Because if one song sound to me, as if it was saurons theme song, this would be it.