Music Producer Reacts to DESTINY 2: WITCH QUEEN

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ffm.bio/emyoung
Song Credits: The First Disciple by Josh Mosser, Skye Lewin, Michael Salvatori, Michael Sechrist, and C Paul Johnson
NOTE: my username on Twitch has changed to aurevoirkneecaps!!
Bio link will lead you to the right place:)
Find me on Twitch to watch reactions live! Link above:)
Business email: [e-mail]
#destiny2 #destiny #destinygame #destinyost #halo #videogames #videogamemusic #gameost #oneirophobia #destinylightfall #lightfall #thefirstdisciple

[@nothere0135]

The music is like the fight against the first disciple. Heavy filthy horns representing Rhulk and that hopefull tones represent the six brave guardians fighting him :)

[@Awsomsauce3]

There’s also the darkness’ motif, the deep synthetic sounds becoming more consistent and pervasive in the songs. representing the darkness’s/witnesses corrupting power over everyone and everything

[@deertrivia5672]

​@@Awsomsauce3 I love that the song opens with the Darkness theme on these loud, overbearing horns, because this is the first time we've truly faced it. The theme was always used quietly before, to underscore the Darkness's presence or influence behind the scenes, but with Rhulk inside the Pyramid ship, we are well and truly meeting the Darkness, and the theme goes so hard in-your-face to underscore that.

[@zatderpscout6017]

The coolest part about this song, to me at least, is that it’s the first time we ever had a direct confrontation with an entity of the Darkness. The horns at the beginning represent the Darkness in pretty much everything, but it was never that “violent” sounding previously

[@emyoung]

love getting bits of lore with these reactions

[@scalyboi8918]

It was always a mystery with the darkness’s theme, always teasing us for 5 years since the first campaign, now we are finally meeting one of the many powerful being under the loyalty of The Witness. Finally learning who was pulling the strings of our enemies this whole time. You really feel it in the beginning of this ost, the fear, hate, anger and overwhelming amount of power from Rhulk.

[@jsmaster4779]

@@scalyboi8918ahh, see it’s like poetry. It rhymes.

[@Cnftti]

RHULK MY BELOVED 💜

[@entropyascending515]

Rhulk kick me!

[@notarrat0767]

RHULK MEMTIONED ‼️‼️‼️‼️ THE UPENDED RAAAAAAAH🫨🫨🫨

[@FormaAlert]

@@notarrat0767A TRIUMVERATE

[@Dhairyasheel192]

Destiny's music always sounds like a conversation between the notes... Like there's a sinister theme playing first saying it's here to destroy everything, and then the hero theme responds to it saying "not on my watch"

[@LankyLost]

The 'Hero' theme is actually a recurring motif (correct term?) that occurs during boss themes to denote when said boss is vulnerable. Its cool because not only does it have a mechanical purpose, but as you point out it shows that the fight is swinging in the players' favor

[@CarterRaiche7777]

I love this analysis

[@darksaigith7285]

its a part of "Look Within" from beyond light

[@ericbright1742]

The boss commands the players, Guardians, to "Drown in the Deep... or Rise from it." So it is appropriate that the heroic themes are (2:07) "Rise," (2:36) "Guardian"

[@_nubby_]

@@darksaigith7285 The Guardian theme is a part of every boss track in the game.

[@darksaigith7285]

@Nubby yep, Eric already corrected my ignorance, thanks for the late response

[@CoramDeo-wz3zz]

Highly recommend Riven's theme. Very string and brass heavy with a lot of awesome runs. Another great analysis, Em!

[@emyoung]

thanks for the rec!

[@inoli3164]

Keep of voices and Shell of What Was Riven’s Heart make up the Riven encounter

[@Jijert]

The First Disciple is a story that tells of Rhulk. a man that is a devoted follower of The Witness. The most powerful entity that we have faced yet with the power to be in multiple realities, steal planets, and take over galaxies. Rhulk was trapped in his ship for punishment and was kept by Savathun (the campaign boss). you venture further as 6 guardians find him. He was so powerful that he played with us like a game and didnt take it seriously until his final stand. The thing with destiny's music is the little bits of songs such as "Guardian" to tell when we are defeating the enemy.

[@emyoung]

ty for the background!

[@jollax]

Describing the texture of the horns as "rough" made me grin so much. Horns like that are typically used throughout the game to signify our main enemy. This enemy is usually depicted within rough and jagged architecture. Architecture that is the same texture as the horns you described

[@emyoung]

love when the visuals and music mirror each other!

[@xIL40x]

The various parts that you identify during your reviews coincide perfectly with the phases that players have to face during the game (preparation mechanics, vulnerable boss, last stand boss), the power of the music is amazing. If you wanna dug deep into Destiny you can't miss Kingsfall - Regicide/Last Stand; Beyond Light - Look Within and Lightfall - Discipline.

[@eranronen573]

You're absolutely right about the hero theme that was the protagonists theme

[@emyoung]

!!! that's so sick

[@michaelfilippino2392]

That digital tinny sound you hear towards the end of the track is actually one of the trademark foley sounds they use for "Darkness" in D2. It's quite important for this track because the section in which you hear that is actually the boss's final stand, in which he makes your screen slowly darken. The only way to stop it is to kill Rhulk before he kills you.

[@emyoung]

ty for sharing that's sick

[@ladynocturne]

2:17 is spot-on. the player character's leitmotif comes in and 'battles' against the letmotif of our enemy, which is those deep descending horns. the music literally represents our battle with Rhulk through leitmotifs. it's incredible

[@emyoung]

these composers >>>

[@Exaar]

This is the theme of Rhulk, First Disciple of the Witness. He's a powerful servant of the Darkness, and that first motif with the horns is the Darkness theme, presented in its more powerful and overwhelming form we'd yet heard it at the time, at the beginning of the battle. As the phases go on, the music of the Guardian and the Light start to take over the piece, as the players (presumably) fight and begin to prevail over the Disciple.

[@OhShunz]

This was really great! Not only is the game landscapes visually stunning but the musical scores seep deep into your soul and mind!

[@bawlzyreviews465]

So good. Love me some horns. I love in this piece that the horns reflect the motifs of the enemy we face, and the strings reflect the guardian/hero motifs. Such a brilliant way to storytell within music.

[@emyoung]

agreed!!

[@NoVaCk3893]

thank you for reacting to this one glad you enjoyed it

[@AklyonX]

The Darkness leitmotif snuck into many songs over time, many times very subtly. But in this song? Front and center from the first notes, announcing that THIS ONE IS OURS. And then the Guardian theme kicks in the door just like we do and fights with it. First Disciple is great.

[@rosekarl5561]

im sure it was mentioned in a previous reaction but destiny music has much longer in game variants referred to as 'action' and 'high action' and the official releases only contain a small section of both versions therefore missing out on some amazing parts found in the full version

[@emyoung]

I've learned that recently!! I'll have to revisit these!

[@plaguedoctor5145]

​@@emyoung promethean archival mind (yt channel) has lots of those extended music pieces on their channel so that's where I would recommend finding those extended versions

[@tuckerbiggs7269]

One of my favorite songs from the entire Destiny franchise is The Hunted from the original Destiny 2 release! Still gives me goosebumps to this day.

[@Guiggy-pb1vd]

It’s nice to see someone as passionate for much is me!!! I love seeing people react to music!

[@God-of-all-monsters]

The moment rhulk says you have served your purpose then the beat drops was an insane moment. I highly recommend riven of 1000 voices raid boss music or hidden truths from witch queen

[@notarrat0767]

Lets goooo, stoked to see this one

[@twosuperdorks]

This is the one I've been waiting for 😁

[@emyoung]

yessss

[@CommanderCH]

You seem to really appreciate the horns. :P This was the first boss-fight that actually really included fighting a boss that heavily fights back, running around on the battlefield. Great design.

[@monadoboy9639]

This is easily one of the best raid boss themes I love it

[@emyoung]

this seems like a huge fav

[@adamboy0559]

It’s the contrast for me. Starts off with the horns and drums for rhulk yet changes completely for when your doing damage. It shows who is triumphing at each part of the fight

[@monadoboy9639]

@@adamboy0559 yeah it amazing

[@adamboy0559]

@@monadoboy9639 it also is just better as rhulk was the first boss who actually fights back during damage instead of just standing there. In the past they all just had a stun animation or just sat there rhulk fought back same with nezarec and it really makes these 2 stand out. Hoping the final shapes raid won’t disappoint

[@DillonMagreveous]

Gotta give “bow to no one” + “queens oracle” a listen from destiny.

[@ethan-scott]

Killing it with these consistent posts!

[@emyoung]

ty! :D

[@MNDO]

That hero theme you hear is actually the guardian theme, aka our characters and that’s the damage phase of the boss fight. For context Rhulk was toying with us and could of wiped us dead nearly instantly if he wanted to so imo it shows hope ig

[@emyoung]

love learning where the motifs come from

[@MangoKai]

The great thing about all the pieces that are Hive related, IE Oryx and Savathun, all have continuity from day 1 of the franchise. Bungie musicians do a fantastic job of maintaining themes and putting them in places that you least expect where it feels like YOU are the star of the movie when you're playing it and really makes you feel more connected to who you're fighting. It's just a phenomenal ride.

[@Yilue]

One of my favourite songs from the entire series. And oh boy experiencing this song in game is amazing

[@BlackLionRampant]

The metallic "signal" sound is Witness-related ambiance that plays in the Disciples' Pyramid ships.

[@chehansen]

"You have served your purpose. All that awaits you now is the gift of death... The darkness beyond your final days"

[@maverickproductions3818]

So glad you’re reviewing the Destiny soundtracks! The soundtracks for both Destiny 1 & 2 (especially 2) are pieces that I have listened to for years as they continue adding to their existing scores. Some of my favorites from Destiny 1 are: Guardian The Warmind Excerpt from the Tribulation Excerpt from the Union Remembrance Enemy of My Enemy Rise of Iron* Elegy* Requies Aeterna Some of my favorites from Destiny 2 are: Inner Light* Journey Dominus Ghaul The Man they Called Cayde* The Rider Shadowkeep* Terroris Somnum Solitude Frigid Tomb Lament* Athanasia Questioning the Light* Revive and Reload Insurrection Seeking the Light Lightfall* Unholy Alliance Those are just my favorites if I had to pick. There’s not one Destiny 1 or 2 soundtrack that I’m not in love with. They’re all so fantastic and perfect. It’s impossible to find one track that isn’t super enjoyable to sit back and listen to!

[@DaisyBallz]

finally! this is one of my favorite tracks from my favorite boss

[@hyperdrone453]

This track for most people and this boss fight is definitely a contender for the best, the atmosphere and feel of the raid this is from is top notch too. I am glad the closer they’re getting to the end there’s more of these evilish, brass filled darkness tracks. Glad you got this one off the list P.S idk what they’re doing to the horns or if that’s natural but that shit is some of my favorite I think in score in general

[@caboose955]

There is a theme with big boss battles in destiny that revolves around melodies and counter melodies. they often let the big boss tracks be overwhelming at first as represented by the horn in the beginning but, as the fire team starts to turn the tide you get the classic "guardian" theme which is usually played by French horns and the counter melodies becomes dominant and it's a constant back and forth from there until you get the resolution as you kill the boss. Good examples are this, replicate, look within, the sanctified mind, and riven of a thousand voices. I highly recommend replicate and look within they are very clear examples

[@slate8409]

If you can find it - I HEAVILY recommend finding the track for Riven of a Thousand Voices if you like The First Disciple. Very different tune but a lot of the same rules at play, and the music itself is amazing if somewhat on the longer side.

[@seanl7503]

My favorite theme in the game, it's so powerful

[@RhaegarsGhost]

there is a really cool video that was put out with Dr Lupo and a team of people going through a raid in front of the live orchestra playing, it was pretty great

[@jacobhills7933]

I love that the end part is a redux of the OG destiny theme

[@xenocyberfwagon]

"you have served your purpose. embrace death; the darkness beyond your final days"

[@Epictanker23]

If it wasn't already recommended, the Presage OST is a great soundtrack to listen to! Imagine a bit of a Dead Space/Destiny crossover with lots of horns

[@MrElmo54321]

You should try Queen’s Deception!! I really love that track

[@infernas]

"YOU HAVE SERVED YOUR PURPOSE. ALL THAT AWAITS YOU NOW IS THE GIFT OF DEATH... THE DARKNESS BEYOND YOUR FINAL DAYS."

[@Chicken_Rump]

Shell of what was! Queenswalk version! My absolute favorite piece of destiny music.

[@empiricalsmut9419]

The fact that you can tell when the heroic "Guardian" themes comes on, just from hearing it, goes to show just how good the composers for Destiny are

[@utkarshdev5067]

The music in Destiny changes with how the boss encounter is progressing. Initially in game as we're doing the mechanics to activate damage phase the start of the music plays as the boss descends down in the arena, watching us whether we're worthy of fighting him. then 2:17 is when he invites us for a duel and 2:36 plays when it's finally time to damage the boss. Also this boss is someone who destroyed an entire star to kill his whole planet just because, so yeah the music better be glorious. Lore bits like this make me appreciate the music that much more A

[@captndavyjones1777]

I can recommend the Sanctified Mind,Temptation,(The Whisper)Fixed Point and (The Whisper)drowning in The Deep theme it's a must!

[@OhShunz]

Did she give a listen to the OG Destiny (Destiny 1) Music of the Spheres yet?? that whole soundtrack is beyond moving! You can't go wrong with, "The Path", "The Ecstasy (Those HORNS!!!)" or "The Hope"!! Magical!

[@connorbiondi5011]

Yay! I'm so glad you got to this one! It's so fuckin rad! XDDDD

[@kennethhandler9944]

There are two songs back for Destiny 1 called sepiks prime and sepiks redux that are the same song done two different ways. There is also the sanctified mind from Destiny 2 shadowkeep

[@jsomebadmemeh833]

Perfect timing :)

[@zeref1054]

What makes the song even crazier when you're in game the first disciple is very cocky and sees himself as a higher being than you, which is where that dark theme comes in while you were heading to fight him. The steps you have to take the dark horns and this almost superior tone plays and when the hero theme starts playing is when you enter damage phase against rhulk aka the first disciple the hero theme only stops when damage ends

[@Valixo889]

Somehow I randomly got into a trombone choir and ended up playing this

[@bfedezl2018]

I also recommend from this expansion, Dethroned, the fight theme against Savathun, the main bad of the story

[@shirosatsuma4946]

Damn that title is so specific

[@stlplaya78]

A lot of these songs from Destiny are “raid themes” or “raid boss” music. It’d be cool for you to see the parts of the game in tandem with when the music cues. A lot of the description and context to the music you are giving, is right in line with what’s going on during those portions of the game. Requesting “The Last Array” from the Destiny 1 OST.

[@progenitor_amborella]

You should listen to the full/game version, the OST version doesn’t include the strings and synth that occur at the start of phase 3 (enrage)!

[@illium434]

If Em Young has 1,000,000 fans I am one of them, if Em Young has 1 fan that fan is me. If Em Young has NO fans then I am DEAD.

[@77SBCR]

Ok this is great, but Queen's Oracle is a master piece

[@emyoung]

that one is on my list!!

[@arcadeinvader8086]

destiny's composers know a drum set makes everything better

[@eranronen573]

Those are the signature destiny horns, they're in a lot of tracks they're the theme of the big bad

[@emyoung]

they're so good

[@eranronen573]

​@Em Young they actually evolved over time, meaning if you go back to the beginning of destiny 2 they slowly get more prominent in the tracks, there's a good video that shows that "darkness theme evolving"

[@CarterRaiche7777]

Yes.

[@cayde6719]

A really good destiny track you should check out, is shell of what was its one of the best.

[@spinfoilhat3087]

"the horns are so filthy" "this is going to some pretty twisted places" Well said because meanwhile the lore for the boss reflected in this music is just 💀I love it when Destiny goes grimdark and the music for this raid reflects the tone amazingly. I saw someone else mention that we hadn't heard the Darkness motif quite as powerfully as the horns blast the moment the song starts, so even after going through three different encounters those horns really drive home that shit is about to truly get serious. Rhulk is one hell of a powerhouse and you find out just how truly twisted he was after this battle, but you still get a taste for that in the music with how sinister and overbearing his elements are in the call and response to the Guardian's heroic elements. It's loud, gritty, and powerful, just like Rhulk is when he drops his nonchalant attitude to challenge the space zombies to a kickboxing brawl so he could serve a boss beat down unlike anything we'd seen yet in Destiny. Contest mode for this raid truly was an experience especially because he could one hit kill with a kick while still holding his hands behind his back. Nasty. I'm not convinced that we have seen the last of him either.

[@francismetherell4919]

In the actual boss fight, there is a small part where a single violin plays. Gives me chills every time.

[@emyoung]

oh shit I would love to hear

[@atheon-]

​​@@emyoung if you want to hear the full track (at least the more complete one that was recorder from the game) including the solo violin, search up for "the first disciple tension + game version" the solo violin is the section calles "strings"

[@francismetherell4919]

Yep. Some creators like Promethean, Archival Mind do edited tracks that utilise both the release track and the music you hear in game.

[@0600Zulu]

Yaaaasssss

[@supercato9613]

Last Stand and Riven of a Thousand Voices would be the next obvious choices for raid boss tracks, though Temptation and Sanctified Mind are VERY different. If you do listen to Last Stand, I highly recommend the more in-game version Promethean recorded for a more complete track, rather than the official one.

[@Thir]

You should check out some of the Halo soundtracks. Michael Salvatori, one of the main composers who works on the Destiny OSTs also worked on the Halo soundtracks, specifically from Halo 1 to ODST. Really recommend Behold a Pale Horse, Tribute and Never Forget from Halo 3.

[@emyoung]

ty for the recs!

[@warclericwill4]

Might I recommend the imperium mix of disposal unit from Darktide?

[@Rhulksgloriouslegs]

indeed my witness

[@Rhulksgloriouslegs]

this is my profile characters theme his name is Rhulk disciple of the witness, he is akin to a god and had incited a lot of the events in destiny, he is by far the strongest person we have completely fought in destiny currently.

[@Yilue]

Your legs need a shave sir? Be careful not to kick me tho. I know those legs have kicked many guardians in the booty.

[@LLuminated]

If you want to hear a Destiny track that is really different, check out "The Sanctified Mind" from the Shadowkeep OST

[@JollyGreen470]

Have you heard Riven of a thousand voices (phase 2) yet? It's such a good ost

[@emyoung]

not yet! its on my list!

[@1ceKingGaming]

You should listen to Gunslinger from Destiny 2: Forsaken

[@panasonicbluray7426]

would love to hear what youd have to say about riven of a thousand voices, both phases. Peak of destiny 2s soundtrack imo

[@emyoung]

that one is on my list !

[@panasonicbluray7426]

@@emyoung love to hear it ^^

[@F1rstp3rson]

If I hear this Music I always have to think about the Hive, besides Savathun was a good Campaign Villain. A lot of revelations for the Destiny Lore.

[@nicholasfpayne]

I’ll just re-up that the Sanctified Mind is absolutely filthy.

[@hungrywampa7080]

Would love to see you react to Leaving Earth from Mass Effect 3

[@LukeBass1000]

"Horn heavy"....hmmmm, well said😏 🤣🤣🤣 I liked this one a lot...the darkest track from Destiny that I've heard so far.

[@Darthma94]

I would recomend Destiny Forsaken OST Gambit

[@mtb_0053]

Please react to Acceptance from Beyond Light, it’s really good

[@DamyLv]

My favourite boss fight Ost is still Destiny 2: Beyond Light- Look Within, check it out ;)

[@marasenna781]

Daddy long leg’s theme

[@mihalya.shilage6804]

You should react to "Young Wolf" from Rise of Iron

[@nukewaste]

God, can't wait till some older games' music gets showcased here.

[@emyoung]

any you'd like to hear?

[@nukewaste]

@Em Young Oh wow, since you asked, there's a TON I revisit. So I like of Nobuo Uematsu's compositions all way back to 16 bit works that have been given orchestral updates. So, from Chrono Trigger there's Battle With Magus, Corridors of Time, Schala's Theme, and Black Omen. I'm sure everyone is familiar with Final Fantasy X's opening theme To Zanarkand, but I also like Via Purifica and the Omega Ruins theme. Then there's Ori and The Blind Forest, which is nearly cheating there are so many beautiful and moving pieces, from the main intro theme, to Lost in the Storm, Thornfelt Swamp, Climbing the Ginso Tree, Down the Moon Grotto, nearly any pick is excellent. And to round off, Hollow Knight is full of powerful pieces like Mantis Lords, Grimm, Nightmare King, and Radiance, and some more muted and progressional pieces like Enter Hollownest, and White Palace. Any of those are great selections.

[@AWE_ZIOLIO]

Bury the Light by the amazing Casey Edwards plz!

[@emyoung]

its on my list!

[@InsomniacDoggo]

Once again begging you to do a video on "This is What You Are" from Warframe 🙏 Also call and response is 100% accurate for this boss fight. The entire fight is about taking Rhulk's attacks and turning them into power to use against him, his attacks are the call and our reversal of his power back onto him is our response

[@fredericbrassard4006]

I absolutely love how with practically no knowledge of the game you are able to pick up on the storyline and essential story points with only the music. Like the part where you said a heroic moment with something sinister happening in the background. That is exactly what was going on in the game when this music came out in game. Love you content keep more reacts comin’ 😁

[@emyoung]

I love heard this - huge credit to the composers for writing that into their pieces so we can all pick up on it even without knowing the game !

[@11billioncrabz]

I hope u can react to melania boss theme from elden ring

[@emyoung]

it's on my list! don't know if I ever reacted during my first playthrough so I'll do one now!

[@horizon_79gaming98]

The Destiny soundtrack is full of amazing music from the first game all the way to Lightfall. There’s too many to recommend

[@xMarshy147x]

Can you react to Super Gore Nest - Doom

[@emyoung]

yes! its on my list!

[@marckirby5342]

Man, I'm loving these Destiny Reactions lol one of my favorites that I think you'd enjoy is, "Ikora" it's got this melancholy sound to it that really encapsulates what despair feels like. kzbin.info/www/bejne/baHHeHSAjdmSa68

[@emyoung]

ty!!

[@les_picon3904]

You should listen to insurrection from this album. The strings and brass are even filthier than this song. My favorite of the album.

[@JEREFRUTA]

The other version of the Witch Queen theme is better

[@JEREFRUTA]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKDTmIinpZ5optE

[@baisansebastian3358]

Shame you listened to the incomplete hackjob that Bungie posted on their YT channel , and not the actual theme.