Opera Singer Reacts: Arthas My Son || World of Warcraft OST

[@durango3063]

My son. The day you were born, the very forests of Lordaeron whispered the name, Arthas

[@PbasR]

I watched with pride as you grew into a weapon …….. of righteousness

[@davidbryonn1]

I tell you this, for when my days have come to an end, you shall be King.

[@HavocHounds1988]

This cinematic always gives me chills.

[@HerrscherofSimp3164]

​@@PbasRand I know, you will show restraint, when exercising your great power.

[@alornthespeedy3566]

@@HerrscherofSimp3164 But the truest victory, my son, is stirring the hearts of your people.

[@biglollol]

I still get goosebumps from this 14 years later. The whole story behind it, the whole character of Arthas, his dad and becoming the Lich King eventually coming to an end makes it such a beautiful piece.

[@SlendisFi_Universe]

Same here. And I remember each scene and word in that cinematic.

[@smiIingman]

And then they absolutely fucked his character by the one and only Mary Sue Sylvanas in Shadowlands.

[@SlendisFi_Universe]

@@smiIingman Yeap. And now they bringing him back.

[@norielsylvire4516]

​@@SlendisFi_Universewait what? They are bringing him back?! Explain please. I need to know.

[@SlendisFi_Universe]

@@norielsylvire4516 New content. Timeline where Arthas won for example

[@Spooky_Spookerson]

This was peak Warcraft, the franchise will never again return to this point. It is as tragic as the story of Arthas himself.

[@DeeFourCee]

This song is the song used for the WotLK cinematic but the cinematic also has voice over by Arthas’ father which actually starts with “Arthas, My Son” Might be worth a watch

[@mrShade-sb1th]

They go hand in hand pretty much

[@Phibles]

"And I know you'll show restraint when exercising your great power" *sword plunge*

[@xelloskaczor5051]

@@Phibles Well that was him showing restraint in WotLK until it got retconned by Shadowlands

[@davidbryonn1]

Star with Just "my som" thought

[@iruga7379]

@@xelloskaczor5051 Shadowland never happend.

[@linda-0587]

What makes the loss of Invincible, and Arthas’s bond with him so painful and beautiful, is that Arthas, when he was a boy, a teen, was forced to put Invincible down, due to a leg injury. But, the FIRST being that Arthas truly brought back to life, was Invincible, and his words were, irrc, “Rise, my old friend, your Master has need of your strength once more” and it was the *only* time the the Lich King expressed *joy* , because he got his truest, and most loyal friend back

[@lowkeyarki7091]

Don't forget he caused that leg injury

[@vhaelen326]

was about to say arthas caused the injury and the death, which was actually the first step on his journey to becomming the lichking,

[@linda-0587]

Yes, my bad

[@aurawolf664]

Arthas by Christie Golden is such a good book

[@nicodomeus4753]

@@lowkeyarki7091 and he allowed the horse to lie there, in agony for hours because he wasn't strong enough to do what needed to be done. His vow to never be too weak to do what needed to be done again led to some......questionable decisions later on.

[@sodasaintcommentaries4054]

If you're curious about the language this song is sung in, it's from the Warcraft universe. This is being sung in Arathi, the tongue of the empire of Arathor. Lordaeron was historically part of the heart of that empire, and the Menethil line is one of the families that held power there for many years. "Arthas, My Son" is such a masterpiece because it is a mournful elegy of what Arthas became; he, who was once so full of virtue and promise, became the very perversion of what he sought to protect. Even many years after his death in the lore, his actions are still shaping history. His story is both a tragedy and warning; a tragedy of what he once was, and a warning of what anybody like him could become if they aren't careful.

[@Runabou]

Actually, technically it's a language known as Common, a main language of the human races all around. Similar to how English is for us, there are different dialects, varieties and offshoots. Each version of Common has been noted by lore to be different per kingdom, and Arathi Common is just one dialect. However, I won't contest your description of the song. Ahn Karanir Thanagor!

[@dejanantic750]

Is like darth vader... kind of

[@OTBMemes]

@@dejanantic750I believe in a interview of some sort or an article… pretty much this is their version of Darth Vader, similar power uses aswell as both considered Gods in there universe

[@The_Hylian_Likely]

@@OTBMemes tbf, you don't need an interview to see the similarities. even the events of their life are similar.

[@Vazkiel]

You must now watch the Wrarh of the Lich King intro cinematic. I'm very impressed by how much you understand the character of Arthas with just listening to music about him. He is one of the best characters in Warcraft. A tragic hero. He could and would have been the greatest king to ever live. But his tragic fall as the Holy Prince of Lorderan, and rise as the Lich King of the Undead Scourge was an epic journey. Your videos are always a treat. I hope to see your reaction to the cinematic one day.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you so much

[@tifalockhart98]

Arthas is just like Darth Vader - he did bad Things by Believing it was the only right

[@aedangiffin1471]

Really incredible right off the bat how Marco interprets the connection between Invincible's death and Arthas' loss of his humanity or soul as he transforms into the Lich King. Really cool.

[@nezarecdiscipleofthewitnes3823]

I'd say he is the best character in wow

[@BringDHouseDown]

@@MarcoMeatball you can tell that one song(this one) shows him corrupted, the music signifies the rise of the evil of the Scourge(Undead he controls), as you said the melody sounds twisted or corrupted compared to Invincible. Meanwhile Invincible is when you defeat "Arthas"(more like the evil soul controlling him through the sword and crown he uses) and you get this heroic, good-willed melody because it symbolizes Arthas returning, even if broken and for a split moment before dying after being freed from the control. I suggest watching the two cinematics.

[@dalaraz1]

you should watch the ingame cinematic of the song with the narration of his father on top,its extra incredible

[@MrDueholmxD]

Its incredible that someone not super versed in the WoW lore can get so much info out of only the music. I've always thought that the story of Arthas was Amazing, but this is truly a testament to how complete and great the whole story actually is.

[@devongarden3485]

I love the lore of, especially older, warcraft but it is absolutely the music that will stick with me forever.

[@JoshSweetvale]

This song is about Arthas reveling in his monstrousness, especially starting with him mustering his power in the middle... And the world... his loved ones... are sad and then horrified when the bombastic part starts. The accompanying cinematic shows that really well.

[@FINISHHIM09]

The story of Arthas is a amazing example of the saying. "The path to evil is paved by good intentions." The beginning of the song could be seen as a wake for the hero Arthas once was whereas the second half of the song is the rise of the monster that remains.

[@saki1333]

It wasn’t even his fault rbh if Jeina and that old prick helped with the clensing everything would have ended well

[@stormerage]

“He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster.” "if you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back at you." Both quotes are from Nietzsche and defines Arthas' destiny quite well

[@Rale881]

@@stormerage The Abyss quote is actually in the box for Wrath or Cataclysm. Not even joking.

[@lukespetschanel]

​@@saki1333 well if you are the one who is ill and out of no where your lrotecttor that will protect you kill you instead that what jaina and the paladin try to impres to him

[@lukespetschanel]

I can't agree more

[@mordador2702]

You talking about Arthas soul leaving him when Invincible died is almost spot on. It gets explained more in the book than in the game. Invincible died when Arthas was still in his youth, and it was his fault. He rode out on a icy day despite warnings of the stablekeeper, when the horse wasnt trained for a rider yet. He lost control of it and it fell badly, causing him to have to kill it with his own hands to spare it its suffering. He then swore that he would never sacrifice anyone under him again. Cue the events of Warcraft 3, and his desire to save his people, borne from Invincibles death, leading directly to him becoming the Lich King and actually losing his soul. It was basically the seed that would grow into his downfall.

[@flamerollerx01]

Add to that also that he hypocritically sacrificed people under him, both in stratholme when he and his army culled the population and then again three more times in northrend! Once when he destroyed the boats he and his army needed to get back home, dooming them to eventually die in northrend, then when he blamed the mercenaries he hired to help him reach the boats in time to destroy them, leading to their deaths and finally when he got to the sword Frostmorne, he "killed" his friend Magni Bronzebeard (but not really).

[@МолчаливыйКлинок]

@@flamerollerx01 *Muradin Bronzebeard

[@TheMortiaris]

​​@@flamerollerx01tratholme was already lost, people where half turned undead, IT was plague! purging the city he save all kingdom, His change to lich king was possible only thanks uther blindness and Janina stiupidility, he was alone against most dangerous force ever in azeroth, but lich King plan everythink perfectly, Play with his emotions and manipulate two sides. After Arthas took blade he lost Control.

[@Saiku]

Back when Blizzard told good stories. Good times. To all my fellow OG Warcraft/WoW fans: Current Blizzard might not be the Blizzard we fell in love with, but at least we'll always have the old stuff.

[@yanlevasseur7449]

@saiku they still do, Diablo 4 has great story telling

[@ToxicPopsicle]

Russell Brower knew what he was doing with this music and these themes. He has so many genius tracks over the years of WoW.

[@slinttu1378]

Now hold on, this is composed by Neal Acree (inspired by the original melody from Warcraft 3 by Jason Hayes), he's been making all the cinematic music since TBC. There's been almost 20 composers that have worked on WoW over the years, it's not all Russell.

[@txdmsk]

@@slinttu1378 Most of those composers are shit though. After Legion we pretty much only got JustAnotherGenericVideoGameOST save for a song or two every expansion. It's atrocious.

[@alexhuettl1716]

The Lament of the Highborne and how it weaves throughout all of Eversong Woods and the Ghostlands and then shows again in Icecrown in the Blood Wing is SUCH a stunning example of it

[@TheParez]

Blizzard never fails to deliver when it has come to music, that I'm sure of it.

[@Xynth25]

Not gonna lie, this one needs you to watch the video too. The cinematic for Wrath of the Lich King is one of the all-time greats. King Terenas Menethil's heartfelt message to his son proven tragically ironic by what Arthas has become. The culmination of years of build-up and hype, from the campaigns of WarCraft 3 and the first years of World of Warcraft to this moment. Still hits 15 years later.

[@digitalemotion3820]

Well said.

[@Nimoot]

This cutscene ALWAYS gives me goosebumps ... the beginning of the end of fantastic expansions. I wish you'd have been watching the Cutscene and not just the music. Missing his father saying, "My son. The day you were born, the very forests of Lordaeron whispered the name, Arthas. My child. I watched you with pride, as you grew into a weapon. Of righteousness. Remember, our line has always ruled with wisdom, and strength. And I know that you will show restraint, when exercising your great power. But the truest victory, my son, is stirring the hearts of your people. I tell you this, for when my days have come to and end. You, shall be king."

[@GItoKeG]

I still get chills and cry a little at this intro. It was glorious. It was also the end of the best and most epic storyline in all of Warcraft.

[@ZakhadWOW]

I think at this point the only other epically tragic story is, ironically, the laife , sturggle, and death of Varian Wrynn. THe two gre up together after Surviros fo First War/Stormwind destruciton fled to Lordaeron. From seeing his own father's heart cut out by a trusted person (under evil contol) , to learning that MEDIVH is the one who brought the Orcs in the first place, to growing up next to Arthas. Returns to his new kingdom, wife dies to mob violence * instigated by Defias/Onyxia, gets kidnapped and...stuff while on a mission of peace, to trying to lead the Alliance forces to the head of Icecrown only to have Garrosh show his true colors early on by blindside attacking Alliance on what saw supposed to be a joint mission. Then watching his son vanish in Pandaria, nearly brutally murderd.. again by Garrish, and then think things were getting better. then bamn LEGION shows up, he goes as he must to lead and dies horribly because he acted nobly to save an wntire skyship of peoiple. Varian ended up being the King Arthas should have been.

[@Veloziraptor111]

I haven't played WoW since Legion, but it's still physically impossible for me to listen to this track without getting chills. One of the all-time greats in gaming music history for sure. Also I love how at 7:08 you basically described the character of Arthas in a nutshell by just picking up clues from the music.

[@jointser1008]

ahhh Legion, good times.

[@rayvg7709]

Marco, you know that "Lament of the Highborne" now also has to go on the list?

[@Dirpitz]

Hopefully he looks into the windrunners to understand Sylvanas' rangers' desperate sacrifice to try hold back the scourge

[@blubberfeet5430]

The day you were born The forests of lordoron whispered the name ....arthas

[@WowNemy]

Goosebumpsssss

[@berk131415]

Without these words, the song sounded very strange, good thing you wrote it :).

[@plummet3860]

LORDORON! fuck sake at least spell it right

[@SapunMan]

Lordaeron*

[@Bordackh]

the *very* forests of Lordaeron*

[@Zebiekistis]

The story of how Arthas becomes the Lich King is one of the sadest stories in Warcraft lore. A prince who became a hero, a hero who was desperate to save his people and went too far, lost his soul and eventually became the very evil he fought against, only to return and kill his father and murder his people. There is a great little-known quest in WoW about the Lich Kings human soul remnant, and how he carved out his own heart to get rid of it, and the entire time of the story you are acompanied by a ghostly child, in the end it turns out the ghostly child is Arthas, his last human remnant.

[@N7sensei]

The saddest part of his story when he gets disenchanted into 3x[Strange Dust] at the end of Shadowlands, which should have been an expansion about him, and his redemption.

[@Bazzabazeman]

lmaoooo@@N7sensei

[@Suren0]

WOTLK intro is not only quite possibly the best cinematic Blizzard has ever done (for Warcraft), but also the best track. I hope you had the chance to watch the cinematic as well! Invincible being a little different thematically from 'Arthas, My Son' is I imagine it's from Arthas's point of view (the boy singing is supposed to be Arthas AFAIK) while 'Arthas, My Son' is from his father's. The former rememebers his most trusted companion, and the second is an ironic lament of what Arthas has become. If you hear King Menethil's speech alongside the cinematic it'll make sense, as he becomes the complete polar opposite of what the King imagined he would be.

[@araragisenpai4088]

WOD's is my favorite one but WOTLK is def second easily. What an iconic moment in the franchise...

[@Tyrbris]

That trailer was so powerful that it took me from "quit the game forever" to "I'm back" in an instant, so I agree completely.

[@DeusSalis]

Best xpac too

[@sirottovonbismarck6776]

I'd say WOTLK is the conclusion to Arthas' story especially to those who have played Warcraft 3.

[@jointser1008]

i like WOD more. (the cinematic)

[@fredd4920]

I dream about a new wow movie with Henry cavill playing arthas. I'm sure he would be perfect. 🙏

[@Ddarth_sidious]

It would be awesome, but he is so busy with Warhammer 40k project + there are rumors with Highlander remake series with him (main character) by Jon Wick director.

[@greatsarmatae]

May they make at least any WoW movie more apart from the existing one

[@ZakhadWOW]

actually I think he would be better suited to play Varian Wrynn.... Henry *absolutely* has the heroic Warrior figure about hin, as seen in Geralt and Kal-El.

[@Roamingfirebat]

14 years later. Still sends shivers down my spine. If you haven’t seen the cinematic I highly recommend it

[@AgenteusaRR]

Warcraft has great music, out of the top of my head "Grommash", "Anduin theme", "Nightsong", "Malach" which is with Eimear Noone someone you could have on your show :P

[@ZakhadWOW]

Cant9cle of Sacrifice is right up there with Lament of the Highborne.

[@eprlide2142]

WoW's soundtrack has always been consistently amazing. I reccomend listening to "Times Change".

[@toe8346]

Probably one of WoW's best ever tracks

[@iruga7379]

Big hairy male GigaChad orcs and a awesome soundtrack? YES PLEASE!!

[@SirDigbyChickenCaesar]

After Russell Brower left, the soul in the music left too. It's not the same now.

[@xRichhhx]

@@SirDigbyChickenCaesar Nah, Neal Acree is also god tier. Dude's been here since TBC.

[@davidlewis6728]

if he's going to listen to that, he'll have to watch the cinematic. if he's going to see the cinematic, he'll have to see what happened the first time. might even need an explanation of the first war.

[@JS44444]

Great comparison! Invincible: the background chorus supports and augments the boy king. Arthas my son: the background chorus mourns and cries from the dust of the injustices of the boy king. Music really holds so much emotion and power.

[@slavomirro]

For me as a person who know every bit of Warcraft's lore and WotLK was literally big part of my life, It was pretty obvious what those music pieces was all about. But to hear you learning this from just listening to the music... was something else. You sensed tension, dramatism entirely from those songs and it was beautiful. You wasn't mistaken in a simple bit! This prove two things - you're great at what you are doing and people responsible for "Invincible" and "Arthas my son" did great job.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Grateful to read this

[@ben-taobeneton3945]

This track, in my opinion, was the seller for the game. An absolutely magnificent masterpiece that still stands strong even to this day. I can't explain but this track encourages me in following Arthases dead flock and die for him. The majesty behind this track is omnipotent and vast. I think this piece will live on for decades to come. 🙏

[@SweaggerRexxar]

This piece of Art gives me goosebumps EVERY SINGLE TIME I hear it.

[@iruga7379]

1:35 - THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT HAPPEND!! A part of Arthas soul died with Invincible. Good job on the analisys.

[@rbflowt]

Having read the companion novel to the Wrath expansion Arthas that covers his back story, a part of it involves the true Arthas is a small sad broken boy haunting the deep corner of the Lich Kings mind by the time we get to Wrath and I always imagine the more child sounding soprano parts in both songs basically being that sad boy inside getting his voice heard before the rest of the chorus rises over it taking over.

[@tobiems]

Dude, this song is only goosebumps and nothing more. My childhood. Me growing up. Arthas turning to the dark. This is the only music I really feel in my bones.

[@Aneerah]

I love it when you cover Warcraft music. It's one of the biggest reasons why I have invested more than half my life in the setting (I'm 28). There are a lot of minor(?) shifts in the soundtracks for World of Warcraft, as most of them are made with several variants. One of the absolute best examples of this would be A World Divided, also known as Anduin's Theme. I highly recommend you check it out - it's from the expansion 'Legion', where the never-ending, demonic army of the Burning Legion finally returns to invade Azeroth (the main world of the setting.) There are plenty of amazing soundtracks, but I'll just highlight a couple more: Malach - from the Warlords of Draenor expansion as well as one usually referred to as Azshara's theme from Battle for Azeroth. Incredibly evocative stuff! Have a nice day! ^.^

[@FrankMcCauley]

Russell Brower was the greatest gift given to us that played. Brower WAS World of Warcraft. Miss his genius.

[@1ch1r1n]

My favorite WoW soundtrack is Song of Elune, or Anduins Theme, "Hymn of the First Born Son" - I just wish WoW still had that spark, after putting in 15 years of my life I moved on.

[@HavocHounds1988]

​@@lordarcalinox8582Yes, such a good song.

[@HavocHounds1988]

Bolvar's theme is actually really good.

[@flamerollerx01]

Despite the game being crap, not once in all these years have they failed to make incredible art and incredible music.

[@probionekenobi1978]

@@flamerollerx01the game is still fantastic after all these years

[@xRichhhx]

@@probionekenobi1978 Right? Dragonflight is the best place it's been in since Legion.

[@krios540]

It's mentioned by others already, but to really double down on it: the cinematic the song accompanies is very worth watching, and the song doesn't feel entirely complete without Terenas' lines before it begins and the Sindragosa's roar at the end. I would recommend several other songs from Blizzard, or World of Warcraft specifically, but there are just so many of them that would be worth it, though my favourite is, and always will be, Totems of the Grizzlemaw.

[@MeminSupreme]

This song will forever be a masterpiece, a true work of art. It has so much emotional weight poured into it. The entire journey of Arthas Menethil is detailed within this one piece of music. From his start as a young, heroic prince to his end as the corrupted, cruel Lich King. No doubt in my mind that Arthas is the greatest written Warcraft character we've ever gotten

[@sdapo]

The greatest story told in video game history bar none.

[@MDCGaming87]

Seeing you experience this for the first time truly puts a smile on my face. Arthas was an incredibly well written character with equally well composed music to fit. Welcome to Azeroth.

[@Subgenrelol]

6:39 he can’t even see the cinematic, but he’s got the grin from the music alone of me seeing Sindragosa rise from the ice for the first time as a 13 year old

[@Volkain10]

Man just going back and hearing that melody still sends shivers down my spine nearly 20 years later. Truly an iconic moment in gaming.

[@Galzag]

You should really watch trailer for which that music was made. Stunning!

[@LakelandMusic]

Lore, Art and Music is what kept the Warcraft franchise alive for so long.

[@WildWolfGod]

I know you react to music but it's essential to listen to the music along with the actual trailer. It's actually incredible.

[@kodoku444]

hes a musician. stick to ur tools.

[@kodoku444]

leaves a lot more room for interpretation, i think this is the right way to go

[@Elvensen]

When you try Anduin's theme, prepare your mind, and your eyes. For the tears.

[@vergil8833]

Especially the video called An Karanir Thanagor remix or 20 minutes long full version of the theme. It puts all the versions of it together, because it has alot of different versions that can't really be found easily outside of the game and cinematics.

[@Stormy2021x]

Lol Anduin.

[@Mordikay211]

I haven't even played in years but this was the height of WoW. This music will stay with you forever and feel it in your soul.

[@kairwir3293]

I really recommend Anduin's theme, it's enormously powerful, an inspiration for hope.

[@kyvanrae]

Oh yes...

[@Kritigri]

Yesssssss

[@jonathancastro1275]

Bu what Anduin theme are you refering to? The piece called A World Divided?

[@kairwir3293]

@@jonathancastro1275 Yep. The theme of Legion.

[@Nohandlethankyou1]

@@jonathancastro1275probably the one tied to Arthas’ theme.

[@fila8549]

If you want to react to more WoW songs I can recommend: A call to arms (Tirion's theme), Stormwind theme (Both the original and the cataclysm version), and the Lament of The Highborne (Sylvanas' theme) They are considered one of the best pieces of music from wow right after the Lich King expansion.

[@pelixxson7684]

This song is giving me chills everytime... Masterpiece. I miss when the Blizzard made good stuff.

[@davidtousley660]

Long live the King, May he reign forever. May his strength Fail him...never.

[@trentsims]

The Wrath of the Lich King cinematic trailer that comes along with this track is the absolute chefs kiss. It is the perfect track for the scene. It is both the fall of a hero and the rise of a true villain.

[@BadgerGamingTV]

Arthas part always hits me the most you can close your eyes and whole body goes shivering..

[@zackimus]

Blizzard, primarily Activision, may be a horrible company but their cinematic, music, and art teams are top tier.

[@es-bd5fs]

Isnt this song perior to the Activision?

[@Willdchiild]

No Game, no movie,no anime! Have ever given me this much goosebumps & made me so emotional. Its something so powerful it simply hits the very root/core of your soul its smth unexplainable! Masterpiece! :))

[@danielkover7157]

The solo voice at the beginning is haunting. Probably my favorite part of this piece.

[@soundzthevibewalker]

Neil acree is the goat of wow music. He also made night song and anduins theme

[@Sinewmire]

I don't get rage from this, I get malice, I get confidence, I get a feeling of swelling, threatening might, and always always the high violins promising cold, biting winds that cut to the bone and the horror of things out in the snow, in the dark, that shouldn't walk the earth. God I love this piece.

[@uphale]

Arthas my son, no king rules forever.

[@benjamingrant6203]

I think the cinematically makes this song so much better like in my mind the 2 can’t exist without each other

[@Vordt_]

May I suggest watching the cutscene that goes along with this in a follow up, and also reacting to the Mike Shinoda cover that was released along with the anniversary recently.

[@domagojduilo4252]

Wrath of the Lich king is quite reasonably the biggest and most popular expansion for World of Warcraft beacuse it is finishing what we as players started in Warcraft 3 The frozen throne. I would say that this song "Arthas, my son." is referring to what King Terenas II (Arthas' father) wanted Arthas to become, a righteous, noble and devoted king of Lordaeron but in the end Arthas became the King but not the one that this world hoped for. This OST is telling us that that Lich king is coming back to wreak havoc and destruction. I would highly recomend that you Sir Marco listen to the OST called "The frozen throne", which emphasises more on the tragic end and the mourning of the once promiment young king.

[@falcrow1151]

I seriously love these two pieces, and your analysis is so lovely! I think, to me at least, when they sing "May he reign forever, may his strength fail him never," in Invincible it feels like a funeral. Like saying "The king is dead, long live the king!" When they say it in Arthas My Son, it feels like a threat. This angry, corrupted king is already dead, he will live forever, his strength will never fail. I can feel the corruption of Arthas the prince and paladin into Arthas, the lich king. That's why they're my favorites, on top of being stunningly gorgeous!!

[@chase5436]

You don't really get Arthas' anger and angst in the games very much, but it explodes in all the music. Especially the end of Arthas, My Son, with those strings. He's been completely taken over and is just seething by that point. More music from Blizzard Marco! Their sound design and composition is amazing!

[@AraiShado]

This music brings me back, the nostalgia from the opening of Wrath of the Lich king and the cinematic, playing with friends etc. Can't help but to feel even more emotions from the music today than 15 years ago. Story arch of Arthas Menethil is truly one of my favorite ones when it comes to Warcraft lore. But yeah, the music man, jesus fuck that lump in the throat feel.

[@planetary-rendez-vous]

Yes guys we get it, but the point is to hear ONLY the music, and to dissect that. And for that I'm very happy he's sticking to his guns.

[@MarcoMeatball]

People forget that music is objective and not connected to the context. Context can improve it, make it better. But music alone allows for a creative curiosity that allows you to create a whole world within your mind’s eye and that’s the whole point here. But I love how meaningful this cinematic is for people

[@Zerradable]

​@@MarcoMeatballclearly not a social constructivist

[@zugdsbtngizudsgbnudsdsoiu]

This specific piece with the whole history of WoW and Arthas arc is just so powerfull it gives me goosebumps everytime and makes me sad that i have missed the story.

[@JalenKenobi]

Marco I highly suggest watching the Wrath of the Lich King trailer. The former King, Arthas's father, gives this beautiful monologue and if you know the lore it's so deep and powerful

[@OriginalMokthol]

Always love hearing your take on music, and you pretty much hit the nail on the head with this one. Arthas' story is tragic, going down a dark path to save everyone, influenced by him loosing Invincible at a young age. As others have said, I would recommend checking out cinematic as well because it's well done. As for other pieces to check out, - Anduins Theme (I don't know the official name) - Jaina's Theme (I don't know the official name) - "Totems of the Grizzlemaw" (also known as the Grizzly Hills theme) - "Mountains of Thunder" (also known as the Storm Peaks theme) The last two aren't story pieces or for a specific character (so probably not worth doing a video on), they're the themes for two of the in-game zones. They're just good.

[@GurniHallek]

"Patrick, that's a Frostmourne!" "Yes."

[@Notsogoodguitarguy]

I see you're also a man of culture.

[@WhiteFox]

Beautiful Video. Never heared an Opera Singer and even an Opera Singer that analyizes and speaks about the two songs. Gave me goosebumbs twice. Thanks!

[@gage9171]

As a world of warcraft fan, it would be amazing if you reacted to Totems of the Grizzlemaw. I doubt its as interesting and impactful as invincible and this, but its definitely a fan favourite among levelling zones to go and visit just for its music, especially when you contrast it with the rest of the regions themes.

[@OGDweeb]

I still just go park there to hear it.

[@carmagadon11]

Call to arms* awaits your ears, Marco

[@nicouniqo950]

Highly recommend watching the accompanying cinematic

[@gborgesbardi]

Man I'd like to say a big thank you here, my layman years were always able to appreciate this song, but never put in words what it make me feel. I 100% agree with your "translation" and I'm glad this video was suggested to me.

[@rayoza2607]

I’ve noticed western composers really like that ominous build up as heard from the first 30ish seconds. Then, what makes this track so iconic is how it ‘simmers’ into a segment of ‘let me tell you a story of a once proud prince of Lordaeron…’ And then… back to the ominous sound for a quick bit, which then takes a drastic turn. Perfectly composed piece. 🙏

[@freefall945]

Hooray! What a great reaction. I listened to your Invincible reaction literally last night and woke to find this follow up! I’m sure other commenters have flooded you with Arthas lore now, but he’s great. Warcraft 1 came out in 1992; Warcraft 2 in 1996. Instant classics that defined the genre - and then in 2002, they brought it back with the third instalment band used Arthas, new character at the time, to disrupt and redefine their world. The deeds done, the dark compromises and consequences, lead directly to World of Warcraft, which is as big of an industry landmark as Pacman and Super Mario Brothers. It’s lost some of its supremacy now - but for 19 years it has loomed there on a throne of deathless power. An karanir thanagor!

[@faloughasch9239]

Also, that sense of horror you mentioned at the start, and the sense of losing something, rather than the death of the lich king, it's heralding his return

[@kurojima]

back in the day Blizzard actually wanted to tell a story, what a masterpiece, so sad to witness the fall of Blizzard into oblivion

[@MarcoMeatball]

🤷🏻‍♂️ seems fine to me?

[@Turbo-bs7ok]

​@@MarcoMeatballno, he's right

[@flibbernodgets7018]

​@@MarcoMeatballeven their worst games/expansions have good music and cutscenes. Warlords of Draenor for example was widely disliked and the plot was very stupid, but damned if that opening trailer wasn't one of the best they ever did! Diablo 4 as well: terrible game, amazing cutscenes.

[@TTMS-Khaz-kun]

Blizzard is its own Arthas; something destined for so much, was an icon to the people, but fell into the dark side and now they themselves are the Lich King perverting the very thing that rose them to their status that turned out to be their frozen throne.

[@MarcoMeatball]

meanwhile i finally started playing and am having the time of my life lol@@TTMS-Khaz-kun

[@Laenthis]

Thanks for analyzing this incredible piece ! I hope you will give some attention to other amazing pieces from WoW, who has amazing soundtracks even outside of expansions launch. They are often criminally under rated sadly !

[@dakojin3811]

Despite the varying quality of WoW content lately, the music is always phenomenal. If you end up doing more warcraft stuff, I'd reccomend "Times Change"

[@valimeyer8016]

You need to watch the cinematic to this one! Usually its not this importent but here it is!

[@NealAcree]

❤

[@hajoo9136]

Thank you for composing this masterpiece Neal.

[@HHealer]

God! I always, but freaking always get shivers when I hear these 2 songs. I still cant believe that its like 15+ years old, plus the cinematic is so good that it could still pass as something done recently. Respect ! To the guys who created these masterpieces.

[@Ragemonster69420]

I get chills down my spine listening to this song. Its so beautiful

[@lightsfury_nord]

So many years later..and still people reacting to music from wotlk. It brings a tear to my eye ❤

[@paraskamu]

What a great video. Nice too see people who havent (maybe) played the game and still lissen these arthas and invincible songs with passion. I have played wow since 2006 and these songs gives me goosebumps every single time.

[@Zinazshari32]

This is a beautiful song and one of my favourites from warcraft along with Lament of the Highborn, Daughter of the Sea, and Nightsong. Thanks for this.

[@TheOnyxian]

This video just cam up on my feed. Thought I'd watch because there's something very cool about seeing people react to WoW music. Wrath of the Lich King is, and always will be in my opinion, the greatest video game soundtrack ever made. It gives me chills all these years late and I still remember my time in that expansion because of it. It's incredible!

[@malinannaberglund]

As a WoW player (but not a musician or singer) it was really interesting hearing your experience and analysis of the music. Thank you so much!

[@tyler7356]

Great assessment of these tracks man! It's impressive what you're able to extrapolate out of it just from hearing it. That being said, you 'really' gotta watch the actual cinematic now, it'll make you appreciate the genius of the composition even more! Keep up the good work

[@lykin005]

Honestly got into WoW after trying multiple times to get into it, because of this and the Invincible video! I was so moved by these two songs and the Cinematics for WoW in general as well! (After finally giving it a chance) Thank you for these videos!

[@andros15u]

The music and cinematic go hand in hand. Please do another video of you watching/listening to both.

[@azervas]

Literal chills every damn time I hear this piece of music. No matter how many times I hear it.

[@michaelm.5568]

This song never fails to shoot tears in my eyes. Amazing. Even after all these years.

[@wesaaron6618]

Though I'm only familiar with the piece as part of the WOTLK cinematic, your understanding of what Invincible meant to Arthas is pretty spot on. He was pained with guilt since the death of the great horse was his mistake. The book Arthas has a lot of insight into the character. I'm really impressed how much the music alone is telling you, great vid.

[@AlexCombes]

those two tracks will always give me chills and tears, beauty + huge nostalgia

[@alnimri]

With the numerous times I've heard both these marvelous soundtracks, I never noticed the lyrical melody in climax of "Invincible" was a near parallel to the melancholic intro of "Arthas my Son" until Marco pointed it out. Awesome reaction and review!

[@Celticshade]

the things bizzard have always been absoutely amazing at are their intro cinematics, and the music. its all so masterfully done. i very highly recommend watching the wrath of the lich king trailer because the music really add those layers to the animation, and voice over. its extremely beautiful.

[@ptsmknbatgirl]

I love that you're reacting to older stuff from my childhood. I remember seeing this trailer and getting so hype for WotLK. I went to a midnight release and wrote an ad on the back of my car "ALL WILL HAIL THE ONE TRUE KING" and then the release date, and some dad with his kids asked me who the true king was and I KNEW he was fishing for me to say "JESUS"

[@override83]

awesome take on it. a perspective I can't see it from. You really should watch the cinematics with this song, though. When it was released, a lot of us were so stoked, because we were about to witness Arthas's story outside of just WC3, and to see his story was pretty awesome.