Mors Principium Est - Inside the Project - Lost in a Starless Aeon

A closer look at the song, "Lost in a Starless Aeon", and how it was put together. Join me on a journey into the original Cubase session as we dissect elements of the new Mors Principium Est single from the upcoming album, "Seven". This is the 2nd video in the series, taking you through the composition, arrangement and orchestrations I made and will hopefully give some insight into the process and perhaps even inspire others for their own projects!
For early access to more content like this and to write music with me on a monthly live-stream plus other perks, please feel free to support me on Patreon! / andygillion
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[@rezzytheblackrose9212]

dude, i feel that you are so proud with the final product, i can see the amount of the authentic satisfaction and joy coming out of you when you are taking us through those sections. thanks for sharing it deserves more ❤️.

[@andygillion]

Thank you Mohamed, that really means a lot! I am very proud of this album and all the work that went into it so I'm glad that shows :)

[@AlloSynthesis]

I love this song so much!!!!!!! I listen to this almost everyday shuffled on my playlist, thanks for this masterpiece!

[@andygillion]

Cheers dude!

[@zerokid2007]

Sad to hear the whole situation with you leaving MPE, it's clear that you poured your heart into it and that shone through in the music. Thanks for all the great albums man :)

[@DimitriSabadie]

The pink pre-solo section is one of the best piece of melodeath metal music I have ever heard. Seriously that tapping in the high with the low in the other side and the aggressive rhythm guitars? 🥵🥵🥵

[@ravenwda007]

I've had this song on repeat. My brain likes the chord structure.

[@SalmonBoa420]

I love watching these. Thanks for giving us fans a look inside your creative music making process. This song is a true MDM gem, Villes vocals add the finishing touch for a dynamite track. Can't wait till my box set arrives /,,/

[@andygillion]

Thanks dude, I appreciate it!

[@ravenwda007]

The orange section reminds of Undertaker Ministry of Darkness theme when he turns on the lights of the stadium. It's the part where you hear an organ, choir, and trumpet. The orange section gave me an earworm man.

[@Fastmax13]

Dude is awesome to see how you put together a album I knew nothing about how complex it can be !!! You know your shit 👊🤘can’t wait to hear the finished version

[@andygillion]

Thanks man!

[@BCMUSIC09]

Can’t wait for the full album, loved embers of a dying world and can say this one will be excellent🤘🤘🤘🤟🤟🔥🔥

[@andygillion]

Cheers! I think a lot of people have said that they feel this is closer to "Dawn of the 5th Era". It's hard for me to be objective but I'd have to say this is the most balanced album yet in terms of all the aspects of each previous album, and a little more of something else too

[@plantpoweredhealth9383]

I love Dawn of the Fifth Era but it's not on Spotify and have to listen to it on KZbin. Should be a ripping album for sure.

[@BCMUSIC09]

Plant Powered Health every album is on Apple Music

[@plantpoweredhealth9383]

@@BCMUSIC09 I don't have Apple on Android phone, unless on computer?

[@andygillion]

@@plantpoweredhealth9383 out of interest are you in Australia? I think in Australia it's not on there due to us having a different label to handle it there. I'm in Australia now and I can see it on Spotify, but I have a UK account haha

[@Thyrfing666]

Amazing song on an amazing album. After so many great albums these guys still come out with excellent material. Fantastic!

[@Bodom92]

I usually listen to the whole album at once, and that green part is what sticks with me for the rest of the day. Sometimes I wake up the next day and I would still hear it in my head. Love that melody.

[@andygillion]

That's awesome, sorry for the earworm but thanks for listening dude!

[@Tekkenfreek234]

I've been listening to your band all day and I finally saw this video. Please never stop making music! I can't get enough!

[@andygillion]

Cheers dude, I never will

[@MatthewWiebeMusic]

Funny you mention Michael Romeo in the pickslide. I hear a lot of Romeo in the main riff as well!

[@andygillion]

He is a big inspiration to me for sure

[@interplay4520]

The green chorus is my favorite part in this amazing song. It's Pure Monumentality

[@Andr3wMus3]

Andy! These videos are so friggin' awesome. Thanks for taking all the time to walk us through all of this. I feel like you never see this part of the process and you're really doing a cool thing sharing all this with us. Appreciate you and thanks for putting out the fantastic music that you guys do in MPE.

[@andygillion]

Cheers dude!

[@Nyflheym]

Just counting days!!!! So far album seems to be a great balance between melodic and a new sense of power and speed in the songs... 🤘

[@8curious]

you must be beyond awesome to hang out with - love your riffs, they're unbelievable

[@TheGragol]

Those videos are great ! This song is pure gold to me, one of my favorite from MPE, at "The Ghost" level of greatness :)

[@andygillion]

Thanks Yannick! :)

[@seymur312]

Im still waiting Andy to do “The Ghost” guitar tutorial, my favorite song of MPE

[@Greywalker]

This is awesome. We definitely know how it is to start writing something years ago only to finish it up way later. Highly looking forward to the new album my dude!! You/Mors has always been a big influence on us. Never stop riffing!!! \m/\m/ cheers from Pittsburgh!! #riffcity

[@andygillion]

Cheers guys!!

[@lionrock3]

Damn man... I stopped working on the band album just to watch your video. Cheers Andy. We need more metal heads humble and friendly like you. Keep up the great work

[@andygillion]

Thanks man, much love!

[@JoelMoura]

I just discovered MPE a day ago and this song is mind blowing. You composed an astonishing album. It's so great to explore the internet for MPE stuff and find this really cool "make of". Congrats

[@andygillion]

You're welcome my friend!

[@infernoah4059]

Still my most favourite guitarist ever. You inspire/force me to write songs in the veins of MPE, pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. Though I'll never be as good as you, thanks for inspiring me! P.S you recorded a guest solo for my band Assault . Covid hit hard and now everything is delayed. Can't wait to release the album and most definitely can't wait to get my hands on another MPE album!

[@andygillion]

Wow, it's an honour to be called your favourite guitarist dude! And yeah, I remember that solo :) Covid has really screwed things up but hang in there bro!

[@DutchLessonsByThomas]

It's epic once more! Thanks for sharing the inside of your head!

[@andygillion]

Haha you're welcome! The inside of my head is a strange place to be

[@DutchLessonsByThomas]

@@andygillion I bet haha. You'll be surprised to know I actually still play Skyroads from time to time using a DOS emulator on my Windows...

[@andygillion]

@@DutchLessonsByThomas I am totally shocked that anyone even knew what that game was! Haha. Amazing dude

[@DutchLessonsByThomas]

@@andygillion Hahaha yeah me and my brother used to play it as kids on my dads DOS pc, just like you :)

[@theroflraptor]

Andy I cannot stress enough how incredible it is to see this level of insight from a musician/composer, it's truly a privilege and a pleasure. I discovered you and MPE recently when a friend introduced me to the new album and I have just finished transcribing this whole song - this video was so helpful! Huge respect to you man.

[@andygillion]

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

[@iguessitsumut1371]

*_N i c e_*

[@bendalgliesh5458]

Man, these videos are so good! I love the lead in the green section on this track, it's got a lovely simplicity and melody to it but it's a real head banger!

[@snofall3075]

Man! chorus solo is something beyond our world! So awesome! Love it!

[@andygillion]

Cheers!

[@snofall3075]

@@andygillion Is there a chance that you will upload an instrumental version, at least this song, please!

[@egeguzeldiyar]

You are the MPE itself man!

[@amon444]

Thanks for the video. I love your band and I love that you show us how you kind of work through a composition. I compose a little myself but struggle a little bit finishing things or finding a direction. It helps a lot to see how someone else works through their own comps. Thanks again and I look forward to future videos.

[@andygillion]

Thanks dude! It's a pleasure to take you guys through my process and I'm really glad people are getting something out of it :)

[@vaderistik]

Thank you a lot for these insights about songs, I really enjoy watching them and taking a look at the creative process of yours. Seven is my most anticipated album and two singles released so far has been absolute bangers! I can't wait to hear the rest... Cheers mate!

[@andygillion]

Cheers! I can't wait for everyone to hear the rest of the songs!

[@bjorn722]

Sick solo. Amazing work. Great album. Well done 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@andygillion]

Cheers Bjorn!

[@machelas17]

We NEED the studio diary! #throwitinthehole

[@guitarwayfarer]

I can't wait for the next one!!! I'd love to know how you compose your music in so far as where you got your style from. I'd love to know how to use cubase, seeing you know your ins and outs, so I'd look forward to you showing us all your gear and work arounds here if that's not too secret. I did buy Cubase Pro so I can start making my own projects per your inspiration, so I can't wait for the Cubase Café episodes!!!! I deeply treasure these inside looks at your projects, and I'm glad you're putting your busy time into making these. Thanks mate :)

[@guitarwayfarer]

To be honest I'm completely fucked right now, have 0 ideas on how the fuck to use Cubase Pro 10.5 since it looks so different than yours

[@andygillion]

@@guitarwayfarer you will find your way, there are tons of tutorials online. It can be daunting at first but believe me, it will change your life! I'm glad I can give you some inspiration, hearing that it awesome!

[@malted.4466]

Interesting.. could you also talk about arranging the drums?

[@andygillion]

I'll probably put something together for midi drums separately. these drums are only programmed, on the final album version they were performed by Marko Tommila

[@malted.4466]

@@andygillion Awesome :-) Thanks a lot! Always enjoy your videos :-)

[@lionrock3]

@@andygillion So the final drum line is not MIDI? Its actually live recording?

[@transforminggravity15626]

Wow that sounds amazing just like always awesome work 🤘🤘🤘🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯💯🔊🔊🔊🔊

[@andygillion]

Thanks Angelico! :)

[@itsnull1]

Glad I found the channel! Love the new sound! TY for providing awesome music! It has gotten me through some tough times as of late! Big up!!!

[@andygillion]

My pleasure! Cheers and keep up the spirits!

[@MetalMachineShop]

Fascinating insight, thanks! I love how this songs is so brutal and delicate at the same time.

[@d3athreaper100]

Ville was a dewsh i genuinely think youll go places without them. You were literally the entire band for the good part of 2 years.

[@joshuablackheart]

I love this series of videos

[@andygillion]

Cheers Josh!

[@NikolayTodorov2702]

You are amazing, man! Great song. The whole album is a pure masterpiece! Congarts! :)

[@andygillion]

Thank you!

[@pedropete52]

thanks for this Andy! love your work, wishing you lots of health and happiness!

[@andygillion]

Thanks Peter!

[@kaitenSenpai]

I can't wait for this album. I've learned so much about composing just from these videos. The idea of each section makes more sense to me than individual tracks and I'm going to start doing it as well. Thanks for making these, Andy! Look forward to buying the new album.

[@andygillion]

It's my pleasure Jeff! Cheers!

[@johnny_b_dude]

That was really informative and presented in a very digestible way. Love this song and your thought process throughout the project. Definitely gonna use some of your ideas in my future productions! 💜

[@andygillion]

Really nice to hear this, Cheers for your comment and best of luck with your music!

[@charlehpock]

Awesome - I'm reminded of Sinners Defeat on the solo section, and you know what I'm pretty sure phrasing/key wise it fits perfectly over the solo section in this - it would be awesome to take Sinners Defeat and put it on top of this and put this on top of Sinners Defeat to see what it would sound like :D - actually there's probably one chord change that doesn't fit near the end I think, but still...

[@DeadWorld169]

Damn! I used to play Skyroads! I forgot about that game. Also amazing two songs so far!

[@andygillion]

So many people coming out that they played it too, I'm so shocked haha

[@DeadWorld169]

@@andygillion It was such a great game for its time I think! Childhood memories haha

[@rifforacle716]

Andyyyyyy you are a fkin legend dude, srsly this is soooo epic!!!

[@andygillion]

Thank you! :)

[@ginodelgobbo9237]

Just heard of you guys today. You got a real banger here dude nice job. Clean shred on the solo 👍 Looking forward to exploring your music!

[@andygillion]

Cheers and welcome Gino!

[@ginodelgobbo9237]

@@andygillion Damn I had to pull out my old RGA to learn this. I cant believe this is in E. It's so heavy I assumed C. Nice tapping on the Solo it's so fun. Might upload a cover👍

[@ReIIek]

This was a great watch, thanks Andy! I just recently discovered the Fortin Nameless suite and after using the trial for like 15 minutes I immediately went and bought a license. My Schecter Hellraiser has never sounded so crispy using a plugin. How does something like an Axe FX compare to the best plugins available nowadays? I imagine the AxeFX is great due to the sheer volume of hardware it can recreate, but how do they compare sonically? Also, you're not wrong about being able to recall the old chip-tunes from video games. At the drop of a dime I can hum the entire Contra soundtrack from Jungle to the final showdown with Red Falcon and it's beating heart.

[@andygillion]

It depends on the production you're going for. I've heard amazing mixes with the Neural stuff, especially for leads. I personally still go with either real amps or the Axe FX as a final tone on an album, but in preproduction these plugins are really comparable and considering the price difference, there's really no excuse to have bad tone in 2020!

[@Th0rw0lf]

Crazy sound, great song. Just like that : which "drum kit" do you use in kontakt 5 ? The sound of the drums is really damn good.

[@andygillion]

Steven Slate Drums!

[@lionrock3]

Thanks for your question cus my drummer kept asking me to ask Andy the same question...

[@lionrock3]

@@andygillion aww wow... it really sounds massive... Got to share this now with my drummer!! Thanks Andy again for sharing your experience with us

[@fmcubico]

Any info on the drums? :)

[@andygillion]

I mapped out the drums with Steven Slate samples and they were recorded later by Marko Tommila, so I didn't really go too much into them in demo form here, though I possibly should have

[@fmcubico]

@@andygillion thanks man, it sounds great!

[@jamese1143]

Love watching these videos. For the rhythm guitar tracks do you 100% left/right pan them?

[@andygillion]

Yep! If I quad-track, I do 100% left and right and the other two just slightly inside those at 80% for example. But with double-tracked rhythms is 100% L&R as this spreads the stereo spectrum as wide as it can possibly go!

[@jamese1143]

@@andygillion great, thanks

[@ramtinyazdanian2618]

You guys set a very high bar with Embers of a Dying World, but from this song, I've got a feeling that you're gonna surpass it.

[@cantuignis3361]

Another cool video! Andy, your mention later in the video some stuff you'd do differently when writing something like your instrumental material for your solo album, and I'm curious how you approached the basic song structure differently from how you'd write a Mors Principium Est song, aside from sonically the way you fill the space with synth and more guitar layering. I recently recorded an album that was intended to be instrumental, but many of the songs ended up sounding like they'd be just as well-suited for having vocals, even with music being fairly complicated. Several bands release instrumental versions of their albums these days (Wintersun comes to mind), and I often find that melodic death metal could generally go either way as far as having vocals or not.

[@nestorvalenciahernandez1456]

Does the parallax consume a lot of ram?

[@andygillion]

The Neural plugins can be quite intensive but are totally worth it.

[@nestorvalenciahernandez1456]

@@andygillion I ask because I use bass fingers by waves and it kind of make my work rhythm slower. Maybe is time to trust again in neural. I use too fortin nameless, wouldn't change it for anything 😉

[@andygillion]

@@nestorvalenciahernandez1456 ah yeah, well I was blown away by Parallax. It all depends on your computer specs I guess. I'm doing an 8 plugin shootout soon for Neural and I'll admit that is gonna be brutal on the CPU haha

[@Dub2k4]

Thanks a lot for the video! I was wondering if you could make one about how the vocals are getting/fitting in your melody writing. How do you guys manage this? I guess you can’t really have a brainstorming around a super salty pot of french fries that often…

[@Idyliss]

I still dont realize how MPE was this unpopular. Seven is literally the definition of true melodeath. It is melodeath at its absolute perfection. What is your favorite song off that record?

[@andygillion]

Thanks so much. It's very hard for me to say, they're all my children as they say and all have a personal meaning to me. I do honestly think that album was the perfect balance of all the different elements, symphonic and synth in equal measure.

[@Kalsten]

Amazing and very inspirational as always. One question: for the final album, was there real drums/bass or did you use VSTi? Which ones did you use in the video? Btw, I love nameless too :)

[@andygillion]

The final drums were recorded by Marko Tommila so the ones you're hearing here are just my demos written with Steven Slate samples. The bass here is a VST and in fact, I ended up using this for the album.

[@Kalsten]

@@andygillion Parallax sounds so good always. Have you ever tried to put it after a midi bass like Eurobass or Djinbass? It sounds incredibly brutal. I use it when I am too lazy to track bass myself, and using the DI option from Eurobass intro Parallax gives a very realistic sound to it. Thanks for taking your time answering my question. I think that the new MPE album is my most anticipated album in the last two years. You guys could not make a bad song even if you tried :P

[@user-yark0music]

good ! first time looking on metal song mastering. Kontakt best classic instruments synthyser. what plugins, effects, fx do u use with tracks(guitars, bass, drums? programming drums here?). Can u show Animals Within original project ? with EDM intro :)

[@Danidarkly]

Hi Andy How did you turn the midi Bass into Parallax? in my Reaper i cant hear anything of it

[@anasjacobs4130]

Hey Andy. Which synth plugin are you using for those chords ? Thanks buddy

[@GriznagPernicious]

Driving in my car listening to this it really feels like drifting through space with the stars shooting all around.. really good song and album. Trying to get some t shirts/hoodies, only ships from USA? I'm from EU.

[@andygillion]

Thanks so much for wanting to support us by picking up some merch. It sucks but right now our only merch store is in the US I'm afraid. They'll still get it to you not problem but I understand the worry of additional taxes etc.. I'm not 100% sure on that tbh

[@nestorvalenciahernandez1456]

Those are the projects we hear on the album?. I mean do you produce and mix for the album, or are those your demos? Where you compose and refine the songs?

[@andygillion]

This is where I compose and arrange the songs. Also where I mix the synths and track the final guitars/bass. So with the exception of the drums, these are the final guitars/bass/synths that you hear on the album. As for the final mix/master, that was carried out at The Panic Room in Sweden by the guru "Plec"!

[@thomasa.skjorestad3142]

Skyroads though, damn i remember that game :) Andy, remember the music for Road 8? I had to download DosBox and play it again right now.. Starless Aeon is an excellent tune btw, can't wait to hear the new MPE album :)

[@andygillion]

Road 8 was the boy!! :D

[@thomasa.skjorestad3142]

Ok, if we are picking favourite tracks, Road 6 has to participate :)

[@thomasa.skjorestad3142]

@@andygillion btw, heard Jori's new stuff? Cymatic? Man.. Insane shit right there. Truth be spoken though, you are filling his boots very well. Been a fan of MPE since they started out, They could not have chosen a better guy to do Jori's riffing. AND what a fantastic dude you are :D Keep it up bro!

[@andygillion]

@@thomasa.skjorestad3142 Road 4 for me! Jori is a special talent. I have heard his new stuff and it sounds amazing!

[@DerDudemitdemHut]

"Nice" - Andy Gillion

[@MrFatbard]

yea fuckin space awesome

[@johnfinch9827]

I know you said this song is about the game, but i hear alot of doctor who in this song.

[@andygillion]

Hah I never thought of that but the original Dr.Who theme is such an iconic piece of music, wouldn't surprise me if that was lodged in my brain at the time too!

[@johnfinch9827]

I feel like such an idiot now thinking about it, what i meant to say was the LYRICS feel like a doctor who song, "drifting through time, drifting through time and space, laughter used to fill my days, but now, only sorrow knows my name." This is the doctor with his companions lol

[@simondaberooni6483]

kevin spacey the song.

[@marcovalverde7251]

Amazing band, unfortunately very underrated