Like a Weed, Naturally, as a Matter of Course (Testament Theme) - Guilty Gear Strive OST

[@momo55o71]

i landed a heavenly potemkin buster exactly at the moment of the "oh she fliiiiiies" drop it was magical

[@brickpuncher1429]

Did you use it on a Testament player?

[@cobaltordinaire5219]

did they at least get their hat back?

[@neroor2236]

Same but i did with with sols heavy mob cemetery

[@engineergaming5128]

@@neroor2236 sol couldn't get testament to fly because he nuked them before they could get fligned

[@FallingLuminary]

i just turned your 999 liked comment to 1k

[@dionflorencio7494]

Testament knew his hardships were finally over, so instead of causing more chaos, she enjoys their life.

[@sinedddmk8996]

I see what you did there

[@dionflorencio7494]

@@sinedddmk8996 I agree

[@eldrichhorrornya5933]

Had me in the first half, ngl

[@goatedgoatsim]

im so confused, in the song is testament referring to themself as she and he or someone else cuz the wiki says their agender

[@eldrichhorrornya5933]

@@goatedgoatsim One’s gender identity doesn’t always match with the pronouns associated with said identity. Like, it’s totally possible for someone to identify as female but go by “he/him”, for example. It’s not something that suits everyone, obviously, but it’s an option for self-expression

[@NightsIntoDreams777]

Daily Reminder it's canon that Testament is Forklift Certified

[@Armorion]

Please tell me that's actually cannon

[@NightsIntoDreams777]

@@Armorion In their Arcade Story, there's a line where they mention being a construction worker.

[@spectoestis3106]

Holy fucking shit

[@kirb3963]

HOLY SHIT

[@buttmuncher-cm5tl]

​@6MeOwO9 holy shit astolfo pfp

[@snartboy5000]

puttin’ the slash in they slash them

[@sirpiss1708]

The breathless vastness of the world when the proud darkness walks in: 💀

[@Animeboi-pq8ze]

That is so stupid *likes*

[@ZoëTestament]

I am so confused

[@musicalmaestrolio]

@@ZoëTestament It's a reference to the chorus

[@ZoëTestament]

@@musicalmaestrolio know I just don't understand what they mean

[@musicalmaestrolio]

@@ZoëTestament I don't know what that means either

[@Jumungous]

I love how each of these themes is the character saying "Here are my flaws and mistakes, but here is how *I make* my life worth living" You don't have to smile right now, but try not to despair, either. Be free.

[@MistaUnlucky]

Except Leo. He just wants to die.

[@henriquefinger935]

@@MistaUnlucky And I-No.

[@MistaUnlucky]

@@henriquefinger935 You are right, but even I-No's theme has bittersweet ending as the last lyrics of the song is about if she dies by fate she will be re born into a new life. Which is kinda what happens to her in the end of Strive's Story Mode as Megumi comes back into Axl's life.

[@henriquefinger935]

@@MistaUnlucky Minor nitpicking, but it's fate, not faith. And yeah, that's definitely true, but it's still after she fails in a way.

[@TheActualMrLink]

Hope and free...

[@AluRooftop]

I think ppl aren't appreciating enough the parts that go "Life||(Sustenance)||Life||(Respected)||It's drawn to each other||Ubiquity" The song is about unapologetically being oneself but also about being "one of a chain", drawn to others in ways that are both cooperative and opportunistic but all the while respectful of what it takes to be. (I don't really know about this part, but I'm really just saying that it deserves more thought)

[@Metal_Maoist]

Also the "Ubiquity" part specifically goes extremely hard

[@Pyre]

It's a story of a character originally driven by full-on genocidal fury discovering how much beauty there is in everything, and how interconnected it all is. It's a song about living, and returning the love and support you've gotten back to the world around you. About this legendarily dangerous person who's just...out for a walk now, while all these people with their own agendas panic over it. It's a song about being okay.

[@frankhunter8703]

You put that so eloquently 😢

[@sigurdtheblue]

BUSTAH WOLF!!!

[@NeoBeelzemon]

@@Pyre considering how his design changed, so as theme (from brutal and bloodlusting to hardcore elegant), plus how his vision changed thanks to Ky's actions - it's really fits his current design and theme. And in song mostly sung about Ky and Dizzy.

[@underplague6344]

"Any/All because I can kick your ass anytime all the time"

[@billymkj2763]

this one's good

[@Agent_7__]

"Boy? Girl? Nah, I'm just fabulous" -Testament probably

[@SomethingDiabolical-lw5nx]

You can't change sex btw. Get a personality aside from gender.

[@Agent_7__]

@@SomethingDiabolical-lw5nx Sex and gender are two different things. Get a life outside of bullying trans people.

[@braydenlanter95]

@@SomethingDiabolical-lw5nxget a personality other than being a bitter bitch

[@onthehunt2291]

​​@@SomethingDiabolical-lw5nx womp womp testament is still nonbinary despite ur opinion go find another place to whine abt ur transphobia :3

[@ZoëTestament]

​@SomethingDiabolical-lw5nx bro who asked for a glass of your opinion

[@thebiggestbambino6108]

I'd bet Kliff would be happy to see how far Testament has come in their personal journey. Happy for them to have found a place in the world, to have found peace, simply happy to see them living a content life that they want to live despite their previous actions in the series, Like A Weed, Naturally, as a Matter of Course. If only he had been around just a bit longer, I'm sure Kliff would told Testament this himself, the only regret Kliff could ever have in regards to Testament I imagine was passing far before he could've seen all of this himself.

[@hoisoynono]

this is gonna make me cry...

[@Gojira104]

Part of me wants Kliff to come back somehow just so he can see how far his child has come for themselves. It would be really nice to see in his Arcade route being him searching out Testament and them finally getting to reunite after years apart. But it would also diminish his death so I'm not sure if it would even be good or not.

[@SinKiske]

I play missing link and I want Kliff to come into strive to get 5 hits and stun the opponent

[@billymkj2763]

death

[@Cathywhales]

"I warned you potemkin, you couldn't handle that they/them zoning"

[@airplanes_aren.t_real]

"Your gender frame advantage is strong brisket but it's no match for my gender neutral"

[@LoraLoibu]

grave reaper spammers when *63214S, [4]6H* (Flick, Hammerfall)

[@LoraLoibu]

@@airplanes_aren.t_real BEHOLD, MY *GENDER NEUTRAL*

[@Gamingproductionv2]

That Oh He Flies part goes so hard

[@turretboi]

I want that part injected directly into my coc vein

[@pen_island]

Factual

[@Whup.]

Agreed

[@bennygairns2235]

One comment missing

[@turretboi]

@@bennygairns2235 yeah. I wanted the aformentioned part "injected directly into my cocvain" and youtube said no.

[@trampoline11x]

_"She believes he's one of a chain"_ and all of its iterations all sound impossibly endearing

[@flingza1798]

I once heard that sols theme is a bar fight and happy chaos's is the guy recording it, hyping it up. Testament's theme is sitting in a nearby cafe completely ignoring the fight

[@Your_LocalWizard]

"Are you a boy or a girl?" "No, thanks for asking"

[@trumediamix1]

"Uh... Forgive me, but I'm not sure if I can accurately write that answer down without misinterpretation... Do you mind if I ask for you to elaborate?" [The song starts to play] "Oh sweet Jesus, what did I just ask..." O_O'

[@GGSTLover-nj6ly]

"Wait, I thought you said you have a brother and a sister..." The two succubi: "We do."

[@Stachelbeeerchen]

Now I imagine Testament modding a Pokemon safefile to make "oh they fly" as a custom gender and only pick Pokemon with no ♀️/♂️ markers.

[@Kabal39]

@@trumediamix1why’re all you people so cringe

[@trumediamix1]

@@Kabal39 Probably because you assume we're cringe by default in spite of the fact that it's not healthy to preemptively assume the worst in a group of people...

[@mikah439]

like him or hate her, you have to admit they have a good theme

[@desreploid3353]

You're playing all sides so you always come out on top huh?

[@Milloons]

@@desreploid3353 the song’s playing it safe to lmao

[@senLuno]

Thats what the songs doing even though in kinda weird about changing around characters I think its kinda cool in music sense it allows him to talk about 2 people with one kinda

[@pepsiman4418]

@@senLuno do u know guilty gear lore

[@emilianoizanagi2245]

Apparently they don’t. Testament has no gender.

[@dreadcrimson7966]

Testament just wants to vibe and go places. I respect it. Be like Testament. EDIT - 11 months later and I have an addendum (oh and thanks for all the likes, y'all): Testament doesn't judge the good or the bad aspects of a thing, nor the sum of those parts. They see the experience and accept it for what it is, no matter the quality or the nature of it. To have been at all and impacted the world around you - and the world around them by extension - is a beautiful thing that deserves reverence in its own right. Of course, this doesn't mean to be impassive to the world, only to accept the good and the bad, and not to crush yourself with the weight of either extreme. *Live.* That's all there is to it.

[@wa6488]

YES

[@tonymacintosh3744]

YES

[@IStoleUrBaguette]

YES

[@БруноБуччелати-н6б]

YES

[@Crackheadcentral2188]

As a non-binary MF, I can relate, that’s all I really wanna do in life

[@Brainwave101]

Love how quiet and gentle the ending of this is in comparison to other GG songs.

[@93SuperSonic]

Yeah, even more so than the ending of Jack-O's theme. The end of Testament's theme sounds like the ending of a really good anime.

[@mallows9779]

Perfectly fits considering how normal Testament's life is now compared to the entire early part of their life fighting.

[@93SuperSonic]

@@mallows9779 As TVTropes stated, Testament has finally found atonement and peace at long last.

[@edgieststalker8141]

Unlike Happy Chaos theme that surprises you with a violent fast mishmash of instruments, fitting the "i don't want this happiness to end"

[@NotGoroMajima]

Daisuke and Naoki are out here making an orchestra

[@majorghoul9017]

This song really sells how Testament has moved forward from the grief and guilt their time under Justice's influence put them under and now they seek to just enjoy life to the fullest, campaigning for Gear rights and living a simple existence with the long-term goal of helping people in a similar position to the one they were put into by That Man

[@wigligigly3375]

I love that’s her lore but she looks so absolutely terrifying and evil

[@Voc_spooksauce]

@@wigligigly3375 They sure fucking do and i love it

[@AluRooftop]

"it's not evil or sacred, it's just life" and "I guess you can't trust a gentle tiger" are suuch good lines

[@JetowTone]

I will never get over that "that man" is what an important person in this series is called it will always be hilarious and absurd

[@LoraLoibu]

@@JetowTone i mean, he has a name now, though people might still refer to him as "That Man" because the reveal was relatively *very* recent (end of Xrd's DLC story iirc)

[@pian-0g445]

I still believe Arc should make these their official music videos for KZbin. Your quality and passion into these are amazing. The icing on cake has always been what you decide the play on the video and it’s timing.

[@Wolvenworks]

the music for the base characters + Smell of the Game are already officially in YT for a while.

[@rorunii2619]

@@Wolvenworks they're talking about music VIDEO

[@scarletnocturne]

@@rorunii2619 They just released a music video for Find Your One Way it only took one year we'll get there eventually

[@rorunii2619]

@@scarletnocturne God you do not read what I replied to at all did you

[@scarletnocturne]

What do you mean? While the themes by themselves were out for a while, you were correct in saying there weren't any music videos. However, ArcSys just released an official music VIDEO for Find Your One Way.

[@Arelath]

That they/them theme song hits differently.

[@yuchun_]

They/theme song

[@bareq99]

They/them national theme

[@caroline7828]

@@bareq99 We have the They/Them NB anthem with Testament, the She/Her Trans anthem with Brisket, now we just need the He/Him trans anthem

[@leeroyjenkins4456]

@@caroline7828 what about the xe/xir anthem?

[@Shadowlet]

​@@leeroyjenkins4456 seizure?

[@TheMimikingMimikyu2665]

"hey girl i mean they" -johnny guilty gear

[@kurkcalibara632]

Y'know, I didn't like this song at first but it started to grow on me. Like a weed. Naturally . As a matter of course.

[@emilianoizanagi2245]

*slow claps* :(

[@Soapia99th]

Me: “oh.. hm I’m not a fan, but I’ll give this song a chan-“ “OOOOH SHE FLLLLLLLIES” Nvm

[@jeffshittles3664]

Chorus slaps

[@arbetor12]

Oh my gentle jesus

[@synkadus]

Like every strive song With time you accept disjointed cocophony leading to incredible harmony, like listening to prog

[@arthurpprado]

It's not often that we see "finding peace of mind" as part of someone's character arc and that makes Testament really special in my eyes. In a world where a husband suffers through more than a century to bring his dying wife some peace, it's nice to see that someone is able to make peace with themself and move on from their past

[@X-35173]

Got this game and within the first hour of playing I had a crush on Testament

[@apoc4lypseArisen]

based

[@bubbeztree5066]

Realest

[@guardian3636]

Who wouldn't?

[@kojibilbao]

I love the contrast between testament's simple contentedness with life against the yearning and complex ideals of characters like happy chaos and ino and how that shows in the lyrics of their respective themes. Its also cool to see the parallels between happy chaos's theme and this one as the two characters both simply wish to just exist in a world they admit is greater than themselves with the metaphors of drifting and being a weed respectively; Cool to see how they work into radically different philosophies: one nihilistic view of an indifferent world so mathematically fixed to one course that all outcomes feel pointless making surprises, displays, and drama the only things worthwhile and another more absurdist perspective appreciating one's part in such a world, finding purpose in their own small contained world.

[@henriquefinger935]

Virgin HC vs Chad (gender neutral) Testament.

[@digiornogiovanna1816]

How the fuck do I save comments that’s was making I think I’ve found a new fav character/waifu in some aspect

[@d.trubre5216]

Me after playing testament for 24 hours straight

[@babytricep437]

@@d.trubre5216 you’re not straight anymore

[@Zel-Veraan]

@@henriquefinger935 No chance. Happy Chaos might just be the coolest character in the roster.

[@zinogre_the_lord]

The "he/she flies" parts are my favorite part of this song, idk why but they just are.

[@hymnoffaith2942]

Music nerd here. The reason that part slaps so hard is because there is a modulation (change in key) at the section. So the tone shifts completely. The “oh she” sets it up and “flies” is the words that starts the new key. It’s so sick musically but yeah that’s why lol

[@zinogre_the_lord]

@@hymnoffaith2942 nice

[@tzeentchmundi44]

@@hymnoffaith2942 now explain to me why the final "she believes we're one... matter of course" slaps so hard at the end

[@staysterling]

Tried so hard to time the "oh she flies" to my plane's take off, just missed it. But man that part is magical

[@bittersweetpepper2482]

Wait, really?

[@alcatraz8694]

I always melt on the second: "HO HE FLIEEEEEEES THROUGHT THE PROUD DARKNEEEES" it is just SO GOOD

[@spectoestis3106]

RATHER THAN THE BREATHLESS VASTNESS OF THE WORLD

[@alcatraz8694]

@@spectoestis3106 AND YET! SHE DID NOT REJECT THE LIGHT HIMSELF!

[@spectoestis3106]

@alcatraz SHE BELIEVES SHE'S ONE OF A CHAIN! (SHE FLIES!)

[@alcatraz8694]

@@spectoestis3106 AT NIGHT TO SEE THE SUN OF TOMORROW!

[@spectoestis3106]

@alcatraz HE NEVER WANTED A SPECIAL DAY

[@leafoftales4098]

Y'know in times of yore i was taught that people who deviated from the typical norms of gender and preference were wrong, and before long i questioned those means as i grew across the internet. A choice my elder made, and though at first i was sour. I soon turned to a passive look towards those who deviated from the norm i took. Eventually i learned that they were no different from me, and like my experience with this song. Confused and put off by its design, i soon found myself attracted by its meaning. Realizing that these people have endless desires dream and possibilities just like tue rest of this infinite existence, and thus, both go hard as diamonds.

[@lvcsslacker]

:')

[@Fugels]

Your experiences, old and new, have given you a truly beautiful outlook on humanity, thank you.

[@billymkj2763]

more like : death

[@warlockarcher]

🔥✍️

[@MythicMachina]

I have never seem a KZbin comment written so poetically before.

[@toxictuxedo4156]

I just noticed that the song uses the exact same amount of She’s and He’s in the lyrics further cementing the fact that Testament is both and neither

[@coffeecaku3281]

The amount of times I've had this song blasting in my ears is immaculate.

[@burito3130]

is that a sentence

[@7n527]

Yes, it is indeed a sentence. 🗿

[@glacierwolf2155]

Of course, it's my favorite theme in Strive.

[@scotginger4690]

You can't really hate losing in Strive too much because the whole time you're listening to a banger.

[@thememeslinger7506]

WE GETTIN OUTTA THE GENDER DYSPHORIA WITH THIS ONE GAMERS

[@LatinaCreamQueen]

🔥🔥🔥

[@uwot225]

Frfr

[@spectoestis3106]

can't have gender dysphoria if you don't have one

[@yourfriendlyneighbourhoodc8475]

Testament I'm pretty sure has completely beaten everyone here cause they just figured out the simple solution of ascending beyond the human understanding of gender as a whole

[@thewallsspeaktome3507]

cause you're hanging yourself?

[@ucNguyen-ty9cx]

To quote two legendary tweets from Naoki-san(and yes, I've talked to both Naoki-san, Aisha-san, and Mr.Jamison, for those who don't know) on X that basically sums up his performance of this song: "When I tried to become the character Testament, that voice came out naturally." "It's about being low IQ energy and completely abandoning any sense of shame."

[@kenpokid10]

If Testament has ascended beyond the human understanding of gender, why do I want to have their gender so badly?

[@gojiratar1132]

They don't want it anyways you can snatch it

[@Woosked]

You may be non-binary fella And that's alright, do whatever you want forever, we make this stuff up anyways :)

[@MythicMachina]

Could be genderfluid. Also, mood.

[@niko_raiii]

That’s so damn real me too. Gonna start copying the aesthetic to achieve such elegant androgyny 🫡

[@mindless_drift]

@@niko_raiii ngl the fancy androgynous reaper aesthetic might be kinda difficult to pull off cause of the scythe

[@fauxwolf]

I think it's very cute that the song refers to testament as both he and she

[@freindofdorothy5822]

Their story is even cuter. It's impressive that a typical edgy goth boss becomes this self-loving adorable just by surrounding themselves with nice people. I can't believe I ised to hate them. Now my favorite

[@bareq99]

@@freindofdorothy5822 rare cringe pepe pfp W

[@jonathanrios8316]

After all these years, Testment has finally found and accepts themselves for simply who they are. Watching them throughout their journey since the sega dreamcast days of GGX this feels like a victory anthem

[@bwareist]

Definitely the most metal character theme in the game. It has a very old school thrash vibe. In my opinion, it's the best song in the game.

[@railtus5433]

True this song have old gg old spirit

[@scrappycoco651]

The vocal style reminds me of the old style of Dave Mustaine and a bit of Alice Cooper, it's definitely great.

[@braldoca]

Testament's theme has one of the best chorus in this game

[@braldoca]

Ngl now i consider this to be the best song in the game.

[@bubster8670]

@@braldoca based

[@ariano1561]

Arden! (sorry an fe4 pfp was a nice surprise)

[@magicalcapi9148]

that "rulers are afraid of the wind" felt VERY MUCH like the "ohhh lullaby! don't stop!" from Millia's theme

[@RenAoyama_Kun]

I see a lot of comments talking about what He and She represents, in my opinion, He and She represents the duality between light and darkness, between the two facets of Testament, you will ask me, why I think that, It may be very simplistic, but, "She flies at night to see the sun of tomorrow", "And yet he did not reject the light herself", this is the whole magic of the theme of Testament, the fact that they be "lost" between the darkness and the light, the darkness of his former actions, and his rise towards the light thanks to dizzy.

[@RenAoyama_Kun]

it's a song about testament redemption

[@OmegaChosen0]

Testament also doesn't care if you use male or female when referring to them pronouns and just shrugs

[@somebody6235]

I guess ALL the interpretations are right

[@UmbreonMessiah]

It's also Dizzy and Kliff. It's also Testament struggling with Their identity. It's everything and everyone that made Testament who They are.

[@wigligigly3375]

You are right. Light is her and he is darkness I’ve been saying this forever but the mindless hordes of the woke have ruined the beautiful duality between light and dark described by this song. It’s absolutely gorgeous and the chorus is phenomenal It has nothing to do with gender identity please go outside

[@ImCroozy]

Idk why but the bit at the end where he says "Like a Weed.... NATURALLY! AS A MATTER OF COOOUURRRSSSEEEE!!!" that part is just so fucking hype for me

[@ryancurtis5425]

There's something free-spirited about this song. It really does make you feel like growing a pair of wings and taking off.

[@scotginger4690]

The whole "doing both she and he thing for an androgynous character" is so basic on paper and yet so good in execution, I love it.

[@MintJammer]

I think the ambiguity is extremely intentional, Testament is Testament. The song being their identities as he or she or they, the light and darkness that makes their past and heart, and their family and friends are all equally valid thoughts, being a self-encouraging song just as much as respecting those that gave them acceptance and inspiration. It doesn't matter if he's a dude, or she's a chick. A gear, a monster, or a human. If they are a good PERSON not trying to cause trouble for anyone, what does it matter? Just, goth mommy instead of Superman.

[@ILoveTunah]

You get the point, my fren

[@wangwang2211]

I admit it took me a long time to figure that out. I thought all non-binary people want to be called them.

[@TriToneTiefling]

The pronouns confused me, at first I thought it was misgendering Testament, but then I realized they are using the pronouns interchangably at a whim and then I was like "OOOOOOOOH"

[@Vee_Sheep]

@@wangwang2211 "they/them" is a base, one could say, but it varies from person to person, bc any amount of non-binary folks is gonna have different feelings and experiences with their identity some people will have "he/they" or "she/they", some may be okay with any pronouns, and some may go outside of the usually seen trio any identity or choice of pronouns is equally valid and people should be refered to how they choose i hope that info clears it up and serves you much of anything, i guess lmao

[@Mathlink2695]

Pretty sure the pronouns aren't talking about Testament at all, but rather about the people he observed, those being Dizzy and Ky. Testament has been more of an observer since coming back to life, choosing to just watch things from afar since Dizzy left the swamps. The lyrics here seem to be Testament's thoughts ever since, only by then deciding that they are also one of a chain (that chain being Dizzy and Ky's family). I mean, who else do you see flying to be the wings of the flightless if not a king? Who would choose to fly through the proud darkness rather than the breathless vastness of the world if not someone who's hiding from it? I think this fits Testament's new role perfectly, since they say in the arcade that they got no wishes, or dreams, all that was just a walk to see people and the world Testament chose to leave behind long ago.

[@TitaniumTwitchDiaries]

holy shit Daisuke understands what it's like. he gets it

[@punishedbrak4255]

Lyrics by Naoki Hashimoto, arranged by Outrage

[@FilthyCasualty]

@@punishedbrak4255 Didn’t Daisuke compose the lyrics? I thought Naoki is just vocals..

[@matboss1115]

@@FilthyCasualty he composes some of the lyrics however he does look at every song before release so in short there is a small glimmer of Daisuke's Godly Vision in this song

[@vermiliontusk6090]

Daisuke is that man

[@originalElctric]

I can’t believe it took me this long to realize what it really was about

[@Resident-of-Pluto]

This is a certified "puting 'yes' on the gender question of a survey" classic!

[@alcatraz8694]

Funny cause in the english dub test speaks whit a man tone but in japanise speaks like a woman

[@Resident-of-Pluto]

@@alcatraz8694 Not to seem rude but are you having a stroke?

[@alcatraz8694]

@@Resident-of-Pluto I hate write stuff in my phone, apologies

[@losslesswifi]

@@alcatraz8694 testement's english VA is a transgender woman. Her name is Kayleigh McKee. So while, yes, testament's english voice is lower in pitch, in both languages they're portrayed by a woman.

[@alcatraz8694]

@@losslesswifi wow is transgender then... however I love the english voice, makes me tickle everytime I hear the "ho my!"

[@BlazeLibra]

I think no matter who's who in the lyrics of the song (Testament, Dizzy, Kliff, etc.), the story in it feels like all interpretations are valid, and the message stays the same no matter what

[@Terensworth]

And considering Testament's behavior in their arcade story, it doesn't matter that much which message is picked up from the song. The song itself is good and worth listening to, and a bit of genuinely enjoyable music is always welcome. Just so good on all accounts.

[@alpha-tomahawk532]

Message: I'm weed, lol

[@wukongprime179]

@@alpha-tomahawk532 Testament indulges in the devil's lettuce for sure

[@illcarl6651]

@@alpha-tomahawk532in fact am weed

[@FilthyCasualty]

@@illcarl6651 as a matter of course.

[@Sweetie_Lily]

I like how everyone is in this heated debate about Bridget now but mostly everyone can agree that Testament is just Testament

[@wa6488]

YES THEY ARE AMAZING AND THEY ARE TESTAMENT TO THAT

[@sophie________]

testament's gender is testament.

[@BadModder]

TESTAMENT IS TESTAMENT

[@bareq99]

I'm coming out: I'm a testament trapped in a boy's body :)

[@ariwhite3219]

it's because since Testament became a gear or whatever, they LITERALLY have no gender. so there's nothing to argue over lol

[@KittyFAN13]

Testament is THE IT PERSON. They have the fashion, the rizz, the suave, the charm. They have it all and I want it.

[@sleepygyro]

THE enby character ever.

[@Painted_world_of_Sant]

My dumb ass brain read 'I Like Weed, Naturally...' Fuck.

[@thefluffyaj4119]

they probably do tbh

[@anotherdnb]

Testament has many hobbies.

[@DouglasStewart99]

Welp, now there's a battle between Drift and Like a Weed, Naturally, as a Matter of Course for my favorite theme of Season 1 in my mind. And their battle will be *LEGENDARY!* 2:49-3:16 I cannot stop replaying this *delicious* guitar solo for the life of me! Testament taking of their hat is a pretty great end visual.

[@buggman6086]

Bruh I’m having the exact same conflict

[@erasedoggO316]

Kliff: I MAY be dead but my kid is STILL gonna kick yo asses!!

[@whyam1thisway]

They/them music is so good once you take the time to listen to it thoroughly

[@squibkib]

can confirm as they/them music

[@TheActualMrLink]

2:01 I like that the words “distinguish her” are subtly pearlescent. It’s pretty!

[@jaketheva]

I, also, love that the theme goes back and forth from saying he and she. It keeps that mystery of Testament. The true neutral: the gender neutral.

[@tyroneblackmann]

@@jaketheva Apparently it's referring to Testament's connection with Kliff and Dizzy. But honestly I'm debating that.

[@jaketheva]

@@tyroneblackmann That could also be it. Either way, both are cool ways to look at it!

[@TheActualMrLink]

@@tyroneblackmann ¿por que no los dos?

[@theonewho...1298]

@@jaketheva could also be gender fluid.

[@TheTrueBro]

How cool of Daisuke to pay tribute to Megadeath with this song.

[@turretboi]

It sounds like Megadeth paying tribute to ELO. And you know what? It's fucking awesome.

[@Galdenberry_Lamphuck]

Most people fail to understand the diference between sex and gender. I dont know Testament's gender but they sure are sex

[@Stachelbeeerchen]

Its pretty easy. Testaments gender is however the fuck he feels. Sometimes she is more himself sometimes its more herself and sometimes they don't care and call themselves a "yeah I don't know myself I just want to vibe"

[@Shy_002]

@@kelpree Pretty sure because they are a gear they are sexless

[@MythicMachina]

This made me snort. Well played.

[@anotherdnb]

Testament is sexy and has no gender, i don't see what youre on about

[@archi4u]

2:22 Always give me chills

[@gyonafra7686]

Literally that's like the best part of the song for me atleast

[@sippi3947]

I literally waited for this video because I wanted my first listen of the theme to be accompanied by the incredible visuals from cloud. Like I’m not even joking when I say I’ve been refreshing the page for this. Thank you so much for this 😊

[@Apansincebirth]

"Boy or girl?" "Forklift Certified"

[@Benito675]

"but like what's in your pants?? "more bitches than you'll ever get"

[@BloodfelX]

Took me the longest to get behind of all the Guilty Gear songs so far - with that said, Testament's transition from tragic villain to fashion supermodel is something I have been fully behind from their Strive announcement. xD

[@BloodfelX]

Funny it took me so long though, considering I love Ryu5150 and his vocal style isn't too dissimilar from the chorus here.

[@sirspookybones1118]

Testament really has the DRIP

[@thepurplemudkip9998]

heh testament’s transition

[@LoraLoibu]

And also construction worker, apparently.

[@karue7581]

Daisuke simply cannot miss

[@punishedbrak4255]

Lyrics by Naoki Hashimoto, arranged by Outrage

[@koncentra5767]

@@punishedbrak4255 naoki did the vocals, daisuke composed it

[@spectoestis3106]

@Punished Frak So yes, Daisuke simply cannot miss.

[@scotginger4690]

Been over a year, here to say again that you're still correct. "That man don't miss!" - Snoop Dogg.

[@zachataxxii7126]

My respect for deciphering the lyrics because I couldn't understand a single word lol Also, the choruses are totally about Dizzy & Kliff and that's really nice

[@ModernAegis]

Yeah, of all the characters' themes so far, Testament's were the most Engrishy.

[@Chris_Pickaxe]

I kinda felt the lyrics were talking about Testament. The lyrics constantly switch pronouns even in the same sentences, but it still refers to one individual.

[@sageofanys3476]

@@Chris_Pickaxe Nah, it's clearly multiple people because "he" has an opinion of "she" and vice versa. However, I'm kind of not sure if it's Kliff anymore, since the "he" and "she" have a close relationship and Kliff died before ever knowing about Dizzy.

[@Chris_Pickaxe]

@@sageofanys3476 I guess that could be true. I read some theories and some people say it's about Sol and Dizzy which makes sense since Sol is "technically" Dizzy's father.

[@sageofanys3476]

@@Chris_Pickaxe Sol is definitely a possibility, and I personally see Ky in it because of the mutual acceptance between "she" and "he". Testament themself is also an option if you wanna think the song is deliberately misgendering them (weird but possible), and some guy in the comments has been asserting that Dizzy + Testament is the canon interpretation though I've yet to see the supposed evidence myself. The main problem with theorizing is that Testament doesn't really have many guys close to them outside of Kliff and Johnny, but neither work with the song.

[@kieranray5340]

Its only just occurred to me that the guitar at the very beginning is a callback to their original theme. Never change, Daisuke.

[@rikogal]

THIS SONG IS MY MOST FAVOURITE PROBABLY. The entire song is such a banger. I love testament, especially their design. .o.

[@memorableman3709]

“He flies to be the wings of the flightless” “She flies at night to see the sun of tomorrow” These lines are genuinely so fucking beautiful. Also, I think that the line “he/she believes that he’s/she’s one of a chain” means that Testament believes that everything they do, and everything they went through, is only a small piece of a bigger puzzle. An event in our lives that we may see as purely bad or purely good, or maybe something that we think is, in the end, rather small and insignificant could be the start of something bigger than the sum of its parts. Similarly we can see ourselves through a humble lens, thinking we are simply one more person in this cold and uncaring world, but there’s always a chance that we see ourselves in that fashion because we are only a single link of a larger chain. Testament sees themselves as small, but is aware that they could be just a small chunk of something bigger. Or maybe not, maybe I’m just going insane over this one line, lmao.

[@wa6488]

Nah you're not, you're right about everything else tho

[@wigligigly3375]

I don’t thinks it’s about non binary people at all. I’m pretty sure it’s about a couple completing each other.

[@dronkusdonkus9190]

@@wigligigly3375 bro give it up the devs literally said the character is nonbinary 💀

[@xacmashe3852]

@@wigligigly3375 The person you're replying to never said the line was about non-binary people either, it was purely about Testament understands that their life is part of something bigger. Look past the pronouns for half a second and you'd see that.

[@DpadDuncan]

FEATURING DAVE MUSTAINE FROM THE MEGADETH SERIES seriously though i love how hard this goes to a rather placid and gentle arrangement. much like testaments growth from their GG:ML counterpart to strive.

[@Hadesnash777]

I don't comment munch but man I was holding to the feeling you were going to make it,and here we are,you don't never fail in surprising me and I even dare to say you are the best lyricist from the GG community. I might not have a PC or a next gen console ( God,I still only possesses a ps2 ) but I love hearing the ost and I can assure you I always look for your videos. Thank you CloudDrop,keep up the good work and have a wonderful day and God bless you. Oh pardon if you bothered to read all of this God bless you too and have a wonderful day as well.

[@TheActualMrLink]

Your words are kind. This is good!

[@ultrabex4839]

I hope you have a great day as well!

[@ultrabex4839]

I hope you have a great day as well!

[@Hadesnash777]

@@TheActualMrLink Thanks I appreciate the compliment good sir

[@Whup.]

I understand that well I don't comment on much or i'm not sure what to say most of the time if I do but if you ever got a pc wouldn't mind doing steam remote play for you so you could play strive sir and or madam. Do have a good day.

[@damianruiz6294]

WERE MAKING IT OUT OF THE GENDER WITH THIS ONE🔥🔥🔥

[@galactica_2]

You can hear “a fixed idea” through the song and I can’t lie I’m loving this missing link love

[@m.jordan5181]

Absolutely

[@mythcat1273]

CANT BELIEVE DAISUKE CREATED THE TRANSFEM ANTHEM AND THE NB ANTHEM FOR THE SAME GAME

[@mongodroid4842]

now he needs to put Venom in the game so that we have the MLM anthem too

[@SomeRandoDum]

​@@mongodroid4842 I think robo-ky instead, cuz Venom is working at the bakery. At least with him, it could be a 2 for 1 packages deal.

[@LoraLoibu]

@@SomeRandoDum robo-ky is just a *head* though Venom _could_ have saved up enough to get him a new body

[@Shy_002]

@@LoraLoibu Theres no way venom made that much money in like 3 weeks i think, But i can hope as a robo ky fan

[@LoraLoibu]

@@Shy_002 _Oh, right._ Strive happens 3 weeks after Xrd.

[@camelboop]

I’ve only discovered this theme yesterday i dont even own GG Strive i love this song

[@velvetbutterfly]

Have you listened to the rest of the themes?

[@tipsybun]

GGST is a great game for people who haven't played Guilty before, try it out whenever possible. You won't regret it.

[@lionelk.y7233]

GGST the the music album with a free game inside

[@camelboop]

@@velvetbutterfly sorry for replying a month late, but I have! I still think I like this one the best though :)

[@Jack_Horner_is_a_hero]

@@camelboop you pick up the game? Season 2 is about to drop real soon. Now would be a good time to if you haven't

[@admiralAlfonso9001]

Testament reminds me a lot of early metal bands like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Motörhead which is one of the many reasons they are my favorite character in the game

[@corporealaegis9634]

This song is actually incredible. It feels so free and happy.

[@AHylianWarrior]

Your typography game is always on point! Love the colour changes between them, also the video editing to go with the music is always my favourite to watch

[@jkennard10]

"Testament is nonbinary. And to prove it, I wrote an entire fucking song about it" Daisuke . . . probably.

[@nachobear5100]

This song is simply about existence. To simply exist in the world regardless of gender or sexual identity. "Rulers are afraid of the wind" those in power are afraid of changing times. Because changing times means that those who rule become out of touch, they start to lose their grip on power that they held onto so tightly. They'll keep the night going as long as just so that they can keep their power. Those who exist outside the norm don't want anything special, they don't want a special day or to be honored or anything of grandeur. They simply wish to exist without fear of being persecuted. A weed is a plant that is seen as "undesirable" yet it's still life. It's no particular plant just one that you don't want in your yard. A weed still has the right and want to live and just wants to be. To simply exist. A weed never choose were it wanted to grow, or even that it wanted to exist. But here it is, different from everything else and that's okay. Because all the weed wants is to live.

[@nachobear5100]

@@mr.cuddlesworth3144 Developers say they're non-binary. And the in game-lore uses they/them pronouns. Even the official starting guide refers to them with the proper pronouns

[@goby1764]

That's a retcon. Testament is historically a man

[@nachobear5100]

Sol used to be call Fredrick but everyone calls him Sol Badguy Faust was called Dr.Baldhead but everyone calls him Faust and his real name has never been reviled. Bedman's real name isn't Bedman that's just what he goes by. None of them historically had been known as their current names. They both have changed as individuals and their previous names no longer fit their current identity so they changed it. Nobody is denying that Testament used to identify as a man. But now their identity changed in the 5 year time span between Guilty Gear X and Strive. So no it's not a retcon, it's just writing.

[@Cupid1023]

@@nachobear5100 thank you for having common fucking sense and understanding how people work

[@notshardforwork5502]

I love this interpretation of yours. It's honestly beautiful and I think it sheds light on probably one of the best examples of what metal is as a whole. Defying the conventional norms to be more personal and to speak out from the norm by expressing a struggle or idea people can take hold of or relate to and how we will retaliate against said struggle or idea. In other words, this song and the message portrayed is fucking metal as fuck dude.

[@nasapeepo]

Testament’s theme definitely does feel like the song you’d give to the one in charge of the crazy place of guilty gear. Fantastic video! I always love the visuals you give to these

[@nobutaisa]

サビが綺麗過ぎて勝手に涙が出る

[@dracosol4415]

Boy? Girl? It doesn’t matter. What matters is that they/them thighs are to die for

[@teroskranov6925]

i dont get why people dont like this song its like literally one of the best alongside The Town Inside Me, Love the Subhuman Self and Out of the Box

[@funkuro]

I think it comes down to music taste. I find most of the songs you just listed to be on the lower end of Strive’s music (they’re still really good though).

[@spectoestis3106]

They just haven't been hypnotized by Daisuke yet

[@soulreaver6546]

I wasn't a big fan of the intro, but then the chorus hit

[@Izigurand]

I don’t think any of Strive’s songs are bad. In fact, they’re all quality, but quality doesn’t mean shit if it’s not to your taste. In short: The Circle is the best

[@teroskranov6925]

@@Izigurand the circle really is a banger

[@goddard9669]

That Chorus is fucking beautiful

[@ZahnwehZombie]

Nagoriyuki: "What happened to you?" Testament: "People did. I, too, used to carry myself around as some sort of demon. Even though I was surrounded by accepting people." "And that's who you claim to be?" "I'm not here to fix you. I am just passing through. Though, I did bring a bit too much tea for just one person. If you like, I'd gladly share." The best dialogue ever, and perfectly gives a close to Testament finally not only coming to terms with themselves, but finding peace at long last.

[@DASH596]

This song just makes me so happy and emotional to see my baby reaper journey from back in the day to this point :')

[@jimijenkins2548]

Congrats on getting this banger of a theme out so fast. I've found myself humming the chorus at work more times than I'd like to admit.

[@pinkpeacock313]

4:05 seems almost divine in a way

[@CoolRylanFilms]

I love Testament so much, casually using any/all pronouns and changing them so fluidly is really cool representation that's not seen. Also this theme is S tier, just like Testament in my mind 🖤

[@JBBRDNKS]

I honestly thought the bridge went like this: Life, fasten it Life, respect it It’s drawn to each other You’ll be guillotined Life, radiance Life, it’s vicious She doesnt need a name to distinguish him

[@Fang_Tooth]

"You’ll be guillotined" is so good i'd way prefer it ngl

[@UmbreonMessiah]

This might just be the most brilliant song Daisuke has ever made. 10/10 stuff here.

[@rafaelrebelo1899]

This song is pratically about Testament’s Happy ending, truly beautiful and deserved ending for them

[@punishedbrak4255]

Lyrics by Naoki Hashimoto; arranged by Outrage; Composed by Daisuke Ishiwatari. He doesn't write lyrics to anything but "Smell of the Game" and doesn't play guitar in the songs.

[@freesiarooky97]

@@punishedbrak4255 Do you have any source for that though? Pretty sure he composed the soundtrack and Naoki (also AISHA for some songs in Strive) only does the vocals

[@PsychPsychic]

@@punishedbrak4255 Why don't you Brak that up with a source?

[@punishedbrak4255]

@@PsychPsychic "Necessary Discrepancy", the GG Strive OST that just released. Is that enough of a SAUCE for you?

[@Voc_spooksauce]

Love how the song's name sounds like the end of a conversation

[@robogamer0502]

Sol Main: I play him cause he’s good May Main: I play her cause she’s a annoying enemy to go against Me: … I play whoever’s theme I like more at the moment, even if I never played them before

[@ruldeeefoon]

this feels like a bar fight and youre the crowd

[@ANGRYYYYYYYYY]

i love their theme so much

[@luigigx1172]

Does anyone else get a Mario Galaxy vibes out of this I swear it’s feels like you can put in it one of the levels and it somehow fit right in no problem

[@wobbuffetzeppeli3552]

The instrumental and melody most definitely. Actually I think you're on to something... I think that familiarity is why I really love this one

[@luigigx1172]

@@wobbuffetzeppeli3552 this would definitely be great for boss fights like Rock Monster Kamek Bowser Bowser Jr and as for levels well this go great for every time you use lunch star specially at 0:56 and of course Bowser’s castle as during the middle at 2:10 gives out a royal king vibe so I think that’s nice touch oh and red star levels too so yeah

[@AffyMoon]

Ok I was doubtful at first but now that I think about it, I kinda see it

[@chrisrockett5897]

@@luigigx1172 God, thinking of the launch star at that part brought a tear to my eye.

[@luigigx1172]

@@chrisrockett5897 someone should make video showing Mario galaxy game play with this song editing in that would be awesome

[@Mepphy99]

people can hate Strive for many reasons but Daisuke cooked with the ost

[@ModernAegis]

Yeah, I'm just gonna call it *Matter of Course,* if that's okay with everyone.

[@weakhunter13]

Naturally

[@Wylchelm]

Like a Weed

[@lightdrgn20]

As a matter of course

[@snakester3502]

They should have called it one of a chain

[@UmbreonMessiah]

Absolutely not. You refer to this song with its full title! D:

[@arcadedomination8006]

0:40 this part is so reminiscent of Megadeth

[@dopey473]

The whole song sounds like Naoki trying to do a Dave Mustaine impression

[@thatguy2377]

Life: Respected

[@jojojojojojojojojojojojo4181]

Life: Radiant

[@DEM0REAL]

Testament's real gender is just being majestic