Old Gods of Asgard The Game Awards 2023 REACTION | Herald of Darkness Live Performance

We watched The Game Awards 2023 live on stream and although I knew Poets of the Fall would perform at TGA, I did not expect a full performance of the WE SING musical episode with the whole crew - David Harewood, Matthew Porretta, Ilkka Villi and Sam Lake! Alan Wake 2 has quickly won my entire heart after we played it on launch, and seeing this performance just made me SO happy and surprisingly emotional. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!
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This was broadcasted live on Dec 7, 2023 on Twitch! Full VOD with chat: / 1997955441
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Socials:
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[@chriswelter3859]

I’m not gonna lie, when Sam Lake came out and started dancing, I got a little choked up. It just makes me really happy seeing a creator being able to fully realize his vision, be celebrated for it, and then get to dance up on stage in front of a crowd with the character he created. It’s just a very nice thing to see.

[@Randomeris1]

Yeah, it's pretty wild when one one the main guys of the game,Max Payne himself, Sam Lake comes out and just dances his ass off, wild. You just love to see when people, that make their stuff actually engage in it and love it as much as their fans do.

[@coupdegrace2767]

@@Randomeris1 truly the Finnish Kojima.

[@angelobronte6029]

Thank goodness I was not the only one

[@Randomeris1]

@@coupdegrace2767 He is. Actual Western Kojima

[@PCBum]

Still he dances worse then Alan and Doors(forgot they real name) He is kinda "woody", same in the game)) but most important he actually did it)

[@Luka1180]

The singing is at least 100% live. And I know they CAN play like this live too. I’ve been to a Poets of the Fall concert and it was amazing.

[@hawkins347]

Can Marko and Marcus actually play base and drums, though? The singing is 100% live, that's for sure!

[@davidedipaolo8640]

Yeah I never knew the guitarist was some god like Satriani level player I mean wtf he's incredible

[@misfitheart]

@@davidedipaolo8640 He truly is ❤❤

[@hawkins347]

@@davidedipaolo8640 He rarely gets to show off but when he does...

[@Randomeris1]

I think the vocals are definitely live , but the instrumentals are not so much.

[@antediluvianer]

No shame in tears of happiness. Fans who waited 13 YEARS, some grew into men and women from kids, some aged in life while some passed away (Alice Wake's actor Brett Madden comes to mind) this was a moment when the living and the dearly departed that loved this project from Sam Lake, came together for a unified celebration. Rejoice !!!

[@priscilabee583]

Well said!

[@lookatmyright]

Rest in peace Brett Madden.

[@raythefox5594]

Also Lance Reddick, and now James McCaffrey too May all of them rest in peace.

[@antediluvianer]

@@raythefox5594 Not undermining Lance Reddick's passing but James's Death hit hard. Will miss that voice so much given Same and Remedy had so much plans with the revival/sequels to Max Payne

[@ABSolution2468]

Fun fact: Matthew Porretta is also an accomplished Broadway actor. He's one of the few professional voice actor who is 100% experience with singing on stage.

[@william678910]

He was Will Scarlet O'Hara in Robin Hood men in tights

[@chriswelter3859]

Oh shit! He IS! I remember seeing his face constantly in Control and i never put two and two together. That's crazy

[@NerdsmithTV]

@@william678910 I just discovered that rewatching the movie a few weeks ago - what an incredible career!

[@robinaerts1216]

He is so amazing. My brain can hardly comprehend his great voice.

[@pointblank2890]

This lady is expressing how a lot of us were feeling when that performance was going on--sheer enjoyment, shock, tears, and celebratory happiness. I'm so glad we all were a part in seeing this performance happen. Congratulations to Remedy and Alan Wake 2!

[@Games-yw9vc]

Best reaction match of happiness yes! We all are happy this happened! :)

[@tarkungZ]

Exactly

[@Cinetyk]

Exactly! And it's just so authentic and original for each of us, I feel. And it's even more heartwarming because we realize this and see the authentic realization of this from other people when we see them experiencing this. There's just so must magic to this game and this moment in particular :)

[@SirEvilestDeath]

Sam Lakes goofy smile clearly loving every second of being able to pull this 5th wall breaking moment in gaming off is just perfect. I love it so much.

[@Rodinov_Claw]

Gutted that AW2 didn't win GOTY, but BG3 was worthy winner. I loved that Sam Lake and the Remedy team is truly enjoying themselves on the stage

[@PCBum]

Honestly it didnt deserved GOTY. I love Alan Wake and tears where on my face watching this performance. But game too specific for winning such award. Was obvious it would be BG3

[@annamarko606]

I agree with you. Moreover, the game has many problems that do not allow it to become GOTY@@PCBum

[@dakwonju]

@@PCBum Exactly. Love both games. BG3 is 10/10. Allan Wake is 9/10 to me. So glad Allan wake took away a couple of awards, well deserved.

[@Arkayjiya]

AW2 got a lot of recognition (more than any other game beside BG3 if I'm not mistaken), which from an outsider's perspective was surprising. I only played Control from Remedy because it was free on Epic but I was really intrigued by their games and this performance at the game awards singlehandedly made me install Alan Wake 1. I have a bias toward studios who love both video games and music to that degree, Supergiant is incredible for example, so this performance was a kick to the butt to make me try Remedy's other titles.

[@swamp345]

It won game of the year. Baldurs Gate took home the title but Alan Wake won Best Narrative, Best Art Direction and Best Game Direction, all of which encompasses everything a game needs to be game of the year. It's a trilogy of achievements that completed the award ritual. Alan Wake would have wrote it that way in his manuscript pages 😎✍️

[@BreadCatMarcus]

The huge horror fan and theater geek in me felt like a little kid watching this. Easily the best part of the show. They killed the entire performance.

[@knightwolf3511]

as someone who not a fan of horror, this was the only few games sides resident evil, because it's spooky but not full horror where you only running and hidings layers of fear, Amnesia, Soma, outlast, Alien: Isolation vs Dead space, alan wake, some of the resident evil games

[@scottnash70]

I'm pretty sure the singing was live as David Harewood's lines at the start are a little muted and they had to boost the volume so that you could hear it better. I'm still trying to figure out how they sneaked Sam Lake onto stage for the final piece - one minute he's not there and the next he's center stage.

[@mx0r]

I think he never returned from backstage after receiving the first award. They showed Remedy people, but never his seat, as he had to dress up and prepare. Then, you can see him sneaking on the stage before the final chorus in the background.

[@DuBstep115]

Lead singer Marko from Poets of the fall is definitely singing for real. I think David and Matthew could be lip-syncing.

[@87ThePassenger]

If you pause at 3:08, you can briefly see Sam Lake came from the left of backstage, whereas Mr. Door came from the right of the scene.

[@dragosandrei88]

@@DuBstep115 they sound just slightly different than the recording so i think it's safe to assume they are singing too. Also, the drums seem to be live as well, the guitars i dont think so.

[@DuBstep115]

@@dragosandrei88 I posted this down but this was written in Finnish newspaper: "The show has mostly received praise on social media, but also some criticism for the use of the background tape, even though it's common at galas. However, to the delight of many, the singing didn't come out from tape." Rough translation.

[@cloudrise]

I teared up playing We Sing, teared up watching the performance, then teared up watching your amazingly genuine and infectious reaction. I have such a profound happiness for Sam and everyone involved. AW2 was at least MY personal GOTY. Remedy are truly something special!

[@baluns1]

Such a genuine and heartwarming reaction!! 😭❤

[@pokemon_collector_90]

This is not videogame.. this is one of the greatest art forms❤️

[@eruannster]

Absolutely flabbergasted by how great this performance was. I had heard some of the actors were in town, but I dared not dream that they would actually do the song and dance live. Super fucking amazing and funny that they did this. Absolutely magical.

[@hawkins347]

As soon as Sam started thanking "the actors that here tonight" and listed Ilkka, Matt and David, but they weren't in the audience, I was like: no way, the madlads are actually gonna do it.

[@juliaedlund4107]

Thank GOD I wasn't the only one weeping at this performance! ❤️

[@antediluvianer]

Hell No. You're not that special 😭

[@juliaedlund4107]

@@antediluvianer Haha! Good to know! 😂

[@HighTreshold]

This is what art is for. To connect us and make us feel even if we don´t know each other

[@saatciaa]

I watched it hundreds of times. I still watch it again with the same excitement.

[@Fer_94]

I cried too. This was an incredible performance! I wish there were more games nowadays that connected with us beyond just the gameplay.

[@Vincetagrammm]

This is totally a normal reaction to such an incredible moment for gaming.

[@infizex]

Poets of the fall are so fucking awesome as always

[@katerinakorkutoska8411]

There might be a backing thrack for part of the instruments that are missing on stage, but the singing and playing is 100% live. I have seen poets live recently and they sound amazing. Plus you can notice the vocals are not 100% the same on certain phrases as the studio version.

[@andrerevolution455]

this made my day, first seeing Sam Lake happiness, and yours. thank you

[@MapOfEurasia]

What a memorable moment! Even Matthew was dancing at the end! "So meta!"

[@timkotschaautor3513]

Your reaction was so emotional. I didn't feel any different when I saw it. The amount of love that went into this project is unique. You made me smile with your reaction. Thank you ☺

[@xKey015x]

This was totally my reaction, after so many years hoping to see the Gods live I was so fucking thrilled

[@liam4184]

hahaha, it's been 3 months since you uploaded this, but I had to come back and listen to more Herald of Darkness. So addicted to this song, and you're reaction is super genuine. Thanks for sharing this 😁😁

[@allen5930]

I'm so happy that AW2 won so many awards! Her reaction so authentic and heart warming!

[@_CMStuff_]

your reactions are so genuine and lovely, thank you!

[@ArgerasCZ]

I love both your and Sam Lake's joy, I had huge grin on my face watching this live and I still have it now, just wow, brilliant

[@jdog7797]

SO TRUE! 🤘😎🤘👍☕️🦉😘👌🤌🫰🎷🤙🫶🚦🌲⛰️🍸🗿👉♾️👹

[@xKey015x]

I keep coming back to this reaction 😂❤ It's my favorite one! Huge golden retriever vibes

[@Mulukkis]

I'm just saying. Games are supposed to be fun. Making games should be fun. Life should be fun. Remedy is fun. Sam is fun.

[@adamlove5173]

I think this is so emotional for so many viewers because video games are still such a sub-culture in many ways -- despite how much those of us who play know that this is the real form of entertainment, art, talent ...I could go on. This was a moment where generations who've grown up with video games and absolutely adore their evolution as the frontrunner of art and entertainment finally felt the connection and celebrative energy that's plastered all over Sam's face. Unlike Hollywood actors/writers/directors, I think gamers feel more connected to the creators, there is less "distance" between us all, as we're all part of the dark horse culture. This moment made me understand why my grandparents and parents would get choked up when their favorite musical numbers were selected to play at the Oscars/Emmys. It just feels damn good to celebrate artistic achievement.

[@Crowder1405]

Dude I cried too, I'm crying right now after watching this reaction which is similar to my own reaction after watching this shit five times today. So much love behind this creative team, the art they created truly touches me to the core. Hekimae really echoes my personal reaction to this art which is why I subscribe and will continue to support her in the future

[@vanpiisu88]

I absolutely LOVED your reaction 😍🥹😭! This performance was the greatest ever!!! It made me so happy seeing they were all on the stage and Sam Lake being so happy dancing was wonderful 🥰🥲.

[@spaycefunk2715]

This reaction made my night. Thank you for sharing your genuine and amazing self with us.

[@Khayman71]

I was watching the live stream, and I'm glad you posted this part to KZbin. It was a great moment from the game awards, and your reactions made it even better. 🍿

[@Finkele1]

If I get bad day, rarely do, Hopefully I remember that hekimae was so happy with this performance that it's contagious. Good one

[@synaesthesia2010]

you can see the sheer joy on Sam's face, he's having the time of his life

[@justintiger9]

my god this is so wholesome. i also was hit as hard, which surprised me as ive never played either of the alan wake games. confused tears of joy for me

[@albinoj904]

The best moment of Tga,so AWESOME 🤘🏻

[@mischa1981]

No need to feel sorry for your tears, I also felt so happy that I shed some tears. In my opinion the best scene ingame in videogame history so far. The BEST.

[@Ryo.Hazuki]

I cried too. it was beautiful

[@adamlafleur568]

This moment made my whole year!! Everything from Alan Wake 2 was incredible!!

[@lauzarus4313]

Not gonna lie, some tears of joy ran down my face. I love that Performance. Ur reaction is exactely how i feel

[@neslin99]

Glad I was there to share this!

[@ToiJuh]

Yeah, me too!

[@L3.MAS.R3]

THIS WAS EPIC!!!! Loving Alan Wake II

[@David.Algren]

Yes. If there's a word to describe what I feel everytime I watch this, the word is HAPPINESS

[@franciscobutte]

Loved your reaction. That feels! A geniune fan.

[@BigBoss3254]

I'm pretty sure my reaction was the same as yours! Well, with the exception that I immediately knew it was pre-recorded instruments but was happy that the vocals were fresh. The fact that all 3 singers still sounded the same live made me happy. Maybe one day we'll get a performance that isn't restricted so that I can see Poets of the Fall absolutely shred like I know they can.

[@dasc2428]

Poets of the Fall are by far my favourite band. Their music is super detailed and varied in style. Their normal stuff is even better than the things they do as Old Gods.

[@amberliang7083]

I had exact same reaction to this live, my gosh this was so goooood! I was so happy

[@Renowned_Wolf]

Your reaction to this, Heki, is so joyous. It's an extra layer of happiness on top of the already very happy. 🥰

[@UnbeknownJuls]

Your reaction is so cute 😄 I got choked up too during this, Sam just looks so happy and pure ❤️

[@riccardoragni3304]

to answer your question about playback: Bass is definitely playback (Poets of the Fall's singer cannot play), voice, guitar and drums are live. Check POTF's other songs, trust me (especially Carnival of Rust)

[@DamielBE]

my favorite is The Poet And The Muse, but they're all great!

[@MikaelMikaelMikael]

The whole thing sounds too much like the "record". The guitars sound way too clean to be live. Those kinds of leads are very difficult to play live without ANY mistakes or unwanted noise. Also there are multiple guitar tracks audible in places. Of course it's possible in theory, that one guitar is indeed live and is playing on top of (many) recorded tracks, but I doubt it. The big amps on the stage are definitely there for show only. All in all, setting up a loud rock band on stage for a show like this, just for one song, and making it sound good, is a huge task. Playback is easier, cheaper, safer. Sad but true.

[@DuBstep115]

In Finnish news I picked up "The show has mostly received praise on social media, but also some criticism for the use of the background tape, even though it is common at galas. However, to the delight of many, the song did not come out of the tape."

[@KirosanaPerkele]

​@@MikaelMikaelMikaelLead singer has a voice crack soon after 1.20 so I think his singing was live. Cannot say about the rest.

[@MikaelMikaelMikael]

Yeah sorry, to be clear, I was talking about the instruments, which I suspect were all playback. But the main vocals were probably live.

[@SnakerPace]

The lip syncing of Alan Wakes voice actor with his physical actor was done really well in the game. Its cool to see them pair them both up again for this live performance.

[@Ozule]

Thanks for this reaction. This is exactly how I felt when watching this live. And think that I almost went to sleep earlier…

[@AB-vp9mi]

I was watching live 6 in the morning. I didn't have to wash my face because tears did it while watching. I love Sam Lake. Seeing him happy makes me happy.

[@balto9674]

Crazy how I remember the Gods of Asgard scene from alan wake 1 and the rock concert. Feels like after all these years everything has come full circle.

[@Wlaspec]

When a person really loves what they do, well done!

[@phrophannus]

Maybe this was another attempt of Alan to leave the dark place, are we all figments of his story?!

[@wagnerock1]

😂😂😂 who knows huh!😅😅

[@Sven_Riemann]

Seeing someone realizing their vision is just freeing, and man, he tried to do this game for 13 years now... gotta love sam lake. I hope this game isn't a failure financially...

[@jooei2810]

I cried, we cried, we were overwhelmed!

[@johnpaulpomfret5032]

As someone who’s grown up with remedy, playing the first Alan wake probably too young, then playing everything they released after religiously: seeing Sam pop up during this actually made me cry out of joy. It’s so amazing to see this passionate creator I’ve grown up practically worshipping living out a live performance from the game probably most true to his vision, and being celebrated for it… I love it. Every few months I rewatch herald of darkness, whether the level, the performance, or reactions to one or both. This is easily the best out of all of them.

[@esinach]

Your reaction to this was a joy to watch!

[@CallMeKes]

Poor Ilka was super nervous. Meanwhile Sam Lake is too pure for this world.

[@francis147741]

He was not nervous at all. Thats is exactly how he plays the part

[@user-xi7es6bc7f]

That's just his character portrayal as to how Alan is in the actual game lol

[@Pyovali]

Ilkka*

[@jonathonpolk3592]

What others have said. His movements and mannerisms were identical to his portrayal of Alan in the game during that sequence. He appeared nervous and irritated because Alan was that way in the game.

[@hawkins347]

@@francis147741 Ilkka staying in character while David and Matt were goofing off to the side was the funniest thing tbh.

[@IndePe42]

I felt like u... ❤❤Still exited and happy

[@tarkungZ]

love your reaction

[@alexschnee566]

i'm glad to see more people screaming "it's Dr Darling!!" and thinking about remedy universe

[@kaiuniverse876]

I think this really exemplifies how well Ilkka and Matthew know the character and like, understand each other's little quirks in speaking to make it work perfectly

[@caczech]

I'm not upset BG III won GOTY, but I'm more happy that AWII got the trophies that it did. This performance was the cherry on top. Sam Lake deserved those W's high and low.

[@newgabsxl]

Alan Wake 2 is one of that games that reminds me why I like videogames so much ❤

[@GioDeR]

this was so fun to watch 😄

[@Thejackranger]

singing Sam Lake so happy make the whole world happy

[@xam.yo.3943]

ALAN WAKE 2 is my goty, but baldur's was amazing too

[@artemyburakh12]

It's so hecking cool to see how invested you are into the game and everything around it! Only a true fan can feel so strongly from Sam Lake going on stage This kinda makes me want to learn more about you and your gaming journey

[@chupitolepame5357]

WE are so happy! Best gaming moment of 2023!

[@SuperArppis]

I love this video.

[@winter8920]

your reaction is so wholesome!!!

[@nissan300zxtt9]

I havent played alan wake 2 yet but this song looks like its in the game for sure 😊

[@Nymaga]

Trully a work of art they did amazing in the game and performance wow

[@Royy5737]

i freaking loved this stay awesome

[@SolidKnight64]

The way she said, "Sam Leeek" and then started losing it ❤new fan right here

[@marcosmaldonado5393]

This girl is me and maybe everyone of us who are fans of this saga and Remedy. Love this reaction

[@caduguardrailkingowo]

her reaction is the best for me, she was really happy for that

[@7kingly241]

THEY DID IT

[@martinholt8168]

Finally, after years of hard work and talent, Poets of the Fall (aka Old Gods of Asgard) got the recognition they deserved at the VGA. Best of all, this isn't even the best song in ALAN WAKE 2.

[@Puff996]

Ive never played alan wake 1 or 2 but this made me wanna play them 😭 i gotta finish control too

[@nexust]

Beautiful

[@Kauntti]

This is only reaction video you ever need to see.

[@juhavirtanen1424]

I think Marko's mic was the only one on...... And he having the best voice of top 10 singers of all time... If you didn't already try Poets Of The Fall like you comments have been demanding! i am Finnish and i did find poets when they did singles in max payne and 3d mark... From the beginning they have been nothing sort of awesome ^^

[@o.k.1175]

Your reaction is so emotional. I got emotional when I watched it too. 💙💛

[@bobcobb13]

Those foot slaps always bring a tear to my eye.

[@melodygn]

One of the epics moments in entertainment history. Hands down. They literally invented the interactive musical genre.

[@joshalexander5760]

Sam Lake really has that effect on people I was feeling the same way she felt when I watched it 😊

[@PlagueJ]

I love that Sam is in the center during the end. Where as in the game it's Alan Wake in the center. You know damn well that wasn't his idea, but i'm sure it was everyone else's idea to put him in the middle and he just humbly accepted lol

[@otresnycthulhu]

Your reaction is amazing, I've played it about twenty times and I also had a tear on my face, great!

[@mstuomel]

Greetings from Finland!

[@Jezeriah]

That was Incredible!

[@d.oconnor4047]

It was so nice to see someone feeling the way I felt when I watched it! subbed ❤

Cara dá para ver que essa guria é gamer raiz. Ela não grava mostrando decote, ela se emociona de verdade jogando e vivendo isso. Excelente.