Opera Singer Reacts: Phantylia the Undying || Honkai Star Rail OST

[@Logical-Ruse]

I love the fact that with each phase, she's taking you more seriously. At the starts she's lounging back, 2nd phase she's more upright, and last phase she's leaning forward on an arm.

[@yharnamiyhill787]

Yes and it was her hubris that led to her defeat.

[@patrickcarter2829]

​@@yharnamiyhill787 although, is it really a defeat to lose a body "stolen on a whim"?

[@yharnamiyhill787]

@patrickcarter2829 I stand corrected. The song also emphasizes a sort of theft or "stolen." (First phase)

[@mathieuaurousseau100]

@@patrickcarter2829 Compared to "destroying the thing she had come to destroy"? Yes it's a defeat

[@sofarsogood8680]

If i remember correctly, you can see almost her whole body except feet during Jing yuan ult

[@celestialambert1775]

I just realized something... Phantylia, throughout the fight, does a Gamer Lean. She starts off slouching (Phase 1), sits up (Phase 2), and then, finally, leans forward (Phase 3).

[@chaosssssss_]

It's like she's taking us more seriously as the battle progresses

[@CptHazama]

If you export the animations, you can see they animated her lower half as well. First two phases she sits with one leg crossed over the other, last phase she is no longer sitting but standing up leaning

[@eveakane6563]

​@@CptHazamais there a video of this uploaded anywhere for research purposes?

[@alderwield9636]

when you're the only one left alive in the squad and that one guy starts saying "clutch or kick"

[@azraelgold8905]

​@@eveakane6563kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoLUZqiKZd2Bjtk here they show her body with SW ult

[@wesyoung296]

The Chinese title of this song is '蝉喓歌', which means 'the song of the chirping of cicadas'. In Chinese culture, cicada is the symbol of immortal and eternity, which means undying. The vocal sound in this song is called 'the Dong's Chorus', a kind of a cappella from the southwest part of China. It's a traditional music of the Dong , one of the 56 ethnics of China. This form of performance has a history of thousands of years, and is usually performed by thousands of people together. And here's translation: Phase 1: It's vibrant when the sun rises, but gets withered when the sun sets. Just like the mayflies and the dew, sighing the rest time of life is so short. Your whole busy life is short as only one day, what a tragedy! Phase 2: Bewail for the elapse of time！ The struggle of life, the sadness of senescence, the pain of sickness. All of them is because of the terror of death! Even as the noble body of celestial being, there is also a day of ending. You can do nothing but sighing. The divine tree is exuberant, flowers and grasses grow around it. And now the divine fruits are on the branch! Phase 3: I take the order of the god, with such a long and prosperous life! With the bless of heaven, I will spray the shine among the stars!

[@OldFrienD14]

Deym...That's so good... I can hear the music while reading the poems...

[@马安山]

just to clear a thing up, in China, cicadas aren't about immortal. They're more like a reminder of how short life can be. cicadas live their day in a flash and so do we . This whole idea of the cicada really ties in with the story's theme of wanting to live forever, but with a cheeky twist of irony

[@LumyTheQueen]

Thank you so much for this beautiful peace of lore and culture!

[@accenteddd1321]

thank you.i hope you have great day

[@landofthehazymist]

also its based on chinese buddhist and dong/kam buddhist lore

[@mizuenaa]

“coming face to face with a god” he can’t keep getting away with this, HE ALWAYS KNOWS

[@moika2725]

Well Phantylia isn't a god but a emissary of one at best she is a demigod

[@Bstrdmn]

​​@@moika2725eah she's probably the destruction equivalent of Jing yuan (comparatively at least)

[@destru1235]

I'm not sure calling the Emanator of an Aeon on par of with Jing Yuan is a fair comparison. Phantylia herself says that if any of the other two Lord Ravagers had come to the Luofu, they would've been defeated much more brutally and efficiently. I'm not trying to rain on Jing Yuan's parade here. It's just that a combination of factors had to happen to give us the winning chance.

[@zarwd3005]

@@Bstrdmn I don't think so she is an Emanator of destruction jing yuan is not an Emanator of the hunt

[@reolsimple7036]

​​@@BstrdmnJY is not an Emanator so in a 1v1 situation he gets slammed

[@egali34]

3:18 "it has a quality of elegance, size, body, poise. its very satisfying" phantylia: why thank you star rail players: thank the blessing of abundance

[@HaimuraKirii]

when the blessing of abudance kicks in on the SU : I am immortalllll!!!!

[@warbacca1017]

Assuming he doesnt know, the word choice is ironic

[@drpaimon2369]

The lyrics are in the Dong/Kam language, from the Dong/Kam ethnic group from south east China. The language is susceptible to become endangered, although it isn't classified as an endangered language yet. That makes it amazing for me how they managed to preserve this language in a video a game and representent a bit of that culture. It was recorded with Kam choir and uses traditional Kam singing. They also incorporated a folk song in the composition from what I've heard.

[@225Reaver]

Putting it as the boss music stand in of an evil demigod of destruction daring to tear down a china analog is a bit yikes, though. But eh, it's good either way.

[@saffatonic]

@@225Reaverto be fair, I personally interpreted the singing to be coming from our side and the culture of the Vidyahara, not from Phantaliya's side. Same with the singing during the cocolia boss fight. Or the singing is at least a neutral party organizing during a large ceremony (which the fight kind of is).

[@paragayyy]

they’re chanting Buddhist sutras if I recall the developer video on this correctly

[@Nokyyyyy]

Reminds me of a "horror" videogame that happens in Graubunden, Switzerland and is entirely dubbed in the local endangered language The game is called Mundaun, haven't played it.

[@yukisong1259]

​@@paragayyythey are not.....the music designer said they plan to use Buddhism chanting but came across kam choir

[@oopsididitagain2077]

Its so funny because since he hasn't listened to jing yuan's theme, he's accidentally, yet very accurately, just explaining jing yuan as a character thinking its part of the boss when his part comes up LOL

[@liliya_aseeva]

The most interesting thing is that the idea of this track came to authors spontaneously. Firstly they looked into Tibetan chants, and it would have been a very traditional neo-buddhist influence, but then someone sent to them a videoclip of Dong people traditional choir chanting. This is a very small ethnicity in mountains of Southwest China. And then they looked more into this and decided "yes, this is cool".

[@zitloeng8713]

the english name is "Kam people" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kam_people

[@ben-taobeneton3945]

Yeah, it's cool. But at some point I would love to hear a pure Buddhist chanting or a song in the game since they mentioned it.

[@azzythesmol]

​​@@ben-taobeneton3945 Fr especially since so many things in the Xianzhou are so heavily based on Buddhism and Daoism (if I remember right) Like Dan Heng/Dan Feng has huge Buddhism/Daoism inspiration and symbolism (the white lotuses and maple leaves) I love what they're doing and I hope they keep doing it Phantylia also has lotuses and the deer has peaches Both of which are very symbolic in Chinese culture as representations of immortality, longevity, and eternity as well as purity

[@Tanuki-Sama]

@@ben-taobeneton3945 Probably when we get to the Xianzhou ship of mountain ranges or frozen ice peaks.

[@Doflaminguard]

@@azzythesmol Aeons themselves are Daoism

[@Vasilar]

Phantylia's second phase is my favorite HSR boss soundtrack. This interpretation of induism/buddhism mantras/praying in music is... Very interesting

[@mariarivera1340]

Yea like the Chanting really brings out like “this is a tough one this time “ or like she’s gaining power off their chants

[@skyzell5029]

Same, the song not only brings the scary and majestic vibe but the melody also gives me a head boop

[@Omnisci33nt]

I think in the second phase there is also laughing in the back at some parts? As if she is mocking us, always loved that part

[@ben-taobeneton3945]

My best too. It gave me that eary feel: "Well shit, this is going to be hard"

[@definitelyhuman2612]

@@Omnisci33ntI know this comment is a month old, but apparently the laughter in the background is the Aeon Aha spectating the fight.

[@MisoCodRamen]

I find it interesting that during this entire fight, Phantylia never drops her confidence that you will not beat her. With each phase, it doesn't feel like desperation or taking you more seriously, it feels like you're just irritating her more. She's just more and more annoyed that you just will not go down, like that one fly i could have swarn i swatted an HOUR AGO, WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE!

[@daokoxd1145]

Exactly. Phase 1 was her being so casual at flicking you. Then at Phase 2 she sits up a little straight and a somewhat suprised especially when she gets hit by Dan Heng for the first time. Then Phase 3 is now her being annoyed like a boss asking you why are you still in her office.

[@jeffrijeffreson5579]

Both of u explained it so darn well

[@R4GNAR0G]

​@@daokoxd1145 Dan Heng is like that flying cockroach for Phantylia. 😂

[@craigcarter1699]

“I haven’t played Star Rail in forever” Proceeds to describe the boss fight perfectly. Hoyoverse really knows how to deliver with their music!

[@menacingbread7909]

Same can be said about Riot games. (At this point, what I'm saying is practically a cliché imo)

[@StarrySky-]

​​@@menacingbread7909my both fav companies Riot and Mihoyo/hoyoverse a "music company" making games

[@kornkernel2232]

Yep, you know the music is so good that story can be interpreted without even playing the game. The story itself is in the music.

[@MariandMewo]

I would love to mention that in the third phase, those incredible violins and voices are a complete reference. The melody is a battle between Jing Yuan's theme and Phantylia's theme. The literal representation of the battle between the General of each god, each path... it's melancholy as the Xianzhou is in danger, but also motivation and confidence. I Love your comments and video, I'm so happy you finally reacted to this masterpiece!

[@jasonphan3669]

yeah, i have notice jingyuan theme in phase 3 when i first fight the boss and it give me the hype and motivation of it, they fighting in battle and also in music too, such an masterpiece.

[@ER-gs5wc]

I think the melancholic undertones are representative of the feelings dan heng has throughout the whole quest. He's considered a criminal in his own homeland due to the actions of his past self and this battle is his way to redeem himself.

[@MariandMewo]

@@ER-gs5wc if you pay attention in the animated short " a flash" (Jingliu vs Jing Yuan) it's the same melody and even instruments that are played, also is pretty similar to Jing Yuan's normal theme. But that could also be a chance, although Samudrartha is a better representation of Dan Heng's redemption.

[@ER-gs5wc]

@@MariandMewo I'm not disputing what you said about jing yuan's theme being in there-it's very noticable since he takes centre stage in that scene. But it isn't the exact same melody, and if you listen to Samudrartha (in the key change after the first chorus) you'll see that there's a hint of dan heng there too. Blade, Dan heng and Jing yuan's themes all share some weird similarities probably due to their lore connection to each other.

[@MariandMewo]

@@ER-gs5wc oh okay sorry it's right that it share part of it. That's really, maybe then we can talk of it as a redempion of their friendship itself? I'll think of it again but thank you for telling me about the details.

[@spiderdude2099]

Imo, I liked this one more than wildfire. This song just sounds like you’re taking on a god. It’s so cool and sinister

[@kue8427]

More epic feel

[@voltorian-minecraft]

the part of wildfire that actually loops in the boss fight is too short and it gets far too repetitive for me

[@lesterism]

@@voltorian-minecraft it loses it's hype energy when you played repeatedly imo

[@wendigoxavier5977]

If you came from Genshin, then I'm not surprised. Genshin made us feel that the bosses we are fighting against are no pushovers (unless you have good artifacts and weapons), with badass themes to match.

[@valk5041]

Wildfire has been living rent free in my head for like 2 months, now it's this song living rent free 😅

[@user-Robin151]

Playing through these phases, my feelings were Phase 1: This is a tough opponent. We need to be careful. Phase 2: They’ve gotten stronger. Just means we’ll have to try even harder! Phase 3: This is it. No more holding back! Give it your all! A perfect formula for a great boss battle.

[@mariarivera1340]

Same

[@sapphixiana]

General lines surely lol

[@irmoony]

Phase 3 hit especially good for me, considering she killed my healer right at the start of it, so I really had to haul ass before the rest my party went down from lack of healing 😂

[@gamergaming6604]

Yeah the more I listened to this, it is how it feels.

[@ibelieveinwoozisupremacy8681]

At the same time jingyuan died in phase 3🤣

[@satellafelix4597]

weirdly enough, even though this is phantylia's boss theme, it feels more dedicated to dan heng and jing yuan--two former comrades, who, over the course of this battle, begin working together better and better, as if they'd never separated in the first place edit: after this video, i can confidently say this is my fave track from star rail so far lol

[@sium4364]

14:58 this little part is Jing Yuan OST and it is so beautiful to hear, especially ending the battle with his ultimate in that moment😂

[@shadowbuddy8034]

Samudrartha is so good, hope you react to that later! Good reaction as always, keep up the good work! I always love your breakdowns!

[@sindrealight5182]

I absolutely love Samudrartha!!! The way it came in while playing the quest and I was like wait a sec, turned the volume up, and was absolutely offended it was just like randomly there and blowing my socks off. I was like excuse me I was just playing through and if I wasn't paying attention I would have missed this absolute fking banger? But then the cut scene came and I think my soul left my body, the scene with the music immediately made it into my top cut scenes of all time because holy shit it was so fking badass, I immediately went fan girling everywhere after I watched it.

[@THEO00900]

Fun fact: Aha was watching this battle. Funniest thing he ever saw.

[@ariel3526]

Nah, its still can't top the dropped baby he saw back then

[@LannAntares]

11:57 "It's like looking face to face with a god and being like oh my goodness we're not gonna be able to do this." Then the music picks up as the General of the Xianzhou Luofu rally the Nameless by taunting "Out of Ideas, Phantylia?" and summoning the Lightning Lord to attack. I really love Star Rail's trend of the music lining up so well with cutscenes, phase changes, and now ults, in story boss battles and I hope to see more of this in the future.

[@orangewil]

The song inspired by "al laox" (grand song of Gam/Kam, Kamese living in Kweichow, China), the chinese titile of this song direct transilete is "Cicada(s) Chirping Song" Cicada in Chinese culture had the meaning of "short life" "rebirth" "prosperity" "transmutation", ancient Chinese will put a jade cicada in dead's mouth to protect thier soul to become immortal and wishing them rebirth and reunian (well, rich people/ nobles only of cause...) Since the The Abundance (Yaoshi) was connected with Bhaisajyaraja Bodhisattva, Buddhism, the Cicada also connected (just a little bit) to "Jurney to the west" the main charater "Tripiṭaka Master" (I know many people think the main character was monkey king lol), he was rebirth of deity "gold cicada", the point is "Rebirth" and "Undying" (in the book jurney to the west, rumurs saying if monsters ate Tripitaka, they will become immortal) and the lyric, I don't know Kamese, so, I can only translated the Chinses one (Mihayo write the chinses lyric and ask Kam profesor to translated it to kamese) P1 Pedujara Ephemeral Twilight (Cicada Chirping Song . (life) Short as twilight) Lush at sun rise, withered at sun set Ephemera, morning dew, days are short (Time is short) (Life like) sun set to sun rise, so short P2 Pedujara Immortality'e End (Cicada Chirping Song . Deities will die eventually) Sigh for the short time of sun set to sun rise Birth, aged, sick, suffer all will end with dead Even deities will die, leave the sigh of sorry Immortal tree is leafy, flourishing flowers around (the tree) Branches are full of flruts of endless life P3 Pedujara Demiseless Existence (Cicada Chirping Song . Long life never end) Receving destiny by God, life never ends Blessing by God, Shining all over stars *the concept of "God" here not really means the "one", with direct translet is "Sky / Upper Sky", its a complex concept, more like combination of fate, destiny, karma in Chinese culter, so the "Sky" and be mercy and ruthless in the same time. the "Sky/God" in song basicly point to "Yaoshi" in game, because the "Sky/God" can be replace by diffrent deities at diffrent time, more over, its more like a machine or rules in most of the time, so I took of "the", there is no "the God", not "Gods" too, its just God.

[@Sierraluno]

[SPOILER AHEAD] What’s interesting as well, and you said it yourself is the part of the strings through each phase. During phase I, Phantylia is using the blessing of Abundance, corroborating really well that idea of poise and deity you talked about. But they don’t play such an important role (they only play short motives or serve as build-ups). Phase II really embodies Phantylia the best tbh, when she’s finally revealing her blessing of Destruction. And during that phase, the voices are taking the main role. Strings are almost absent from the leading melodies and parts, they’re only here as back-ups, used for their rhythmic quality. And Phase III is where the shift operates. This is the first time the Guzheng (the instrument representing Jing Yuan) sounds melodic and not totally disoriented as in the beginning of phase II. It’s taking control over the melody, and the protagonist part over the voices (Phantylia). The second strings melody is not bringing us back to Phantylia (whose presence is more signaled by the voices) but signifies the awakening of Imbibitor Lunae. You’re so right when you’re talking about galvanization as that’s the first time that (story-wise) that Jing Yuan and the elder Imbibitor Lunae fights together for over a century. This third phase is more of a resolution of the fight and is here to introduce a new character (Imbibitor Lunae) on the scene. 😊

[@safffzz3636]

Phase 1 is Abundance (healing) Phase 2 is Destruction Phase 3 is both Abundance and Destruction

[@kazzuki7232]

Is incredible how Marco can be so accurate about the story and the battle itself by only hearing the song. Also, Hoyoverse is absolutely NUTS with their battle music

[@ahrisse6528]

Isn't that elegant melody, Jing Yuan's theme? Or is it just my imagination? I think it's his themesong.

[@torbai]

It is

[@skyzell5029]

Yes it is

[@dublim6367]

it is, confirmed in the hoyo-mix new video

[@ahrisse6528]

Great, thanks 🙂. It is one of the factors why I pulled for JY because his theme is catchy 🤣.

[@fedechan6325]

Yeah, I only listened to it twice but it was unmistakable

[@Sumiruka]

I'm so hyped about this boss that even though I already finished the story quest, I go around watching all the reaction videos on youtube cause the hype in me just won't die down

[@lonelywolf777]

I feel you. It's fun to watch other people get excited by this patch's story

[@magnificentapplepie2713]

Likewise, it blew my mind when I was playing through it and I can't stop watching others reacting to it. The music, the animation - everything about this boss fight was so hype. I was wondering how (and even if) they could match the Cocolia fight, but this one far exceeded my expectation.

[@gameruna]

Same

[@ben-taobeneton3945]

Same. I watched like 5 or 6 already. The ASmongold was my favorite :D

[@sticky-soup]

I love how the phase 3 part sounds more heroic and uplifting to emphasize that you are winning. Some of my favorite boss music is the one that doesn't stick with one "feeling" like "always horrifying" or "always uplifting" but the one that starts from a dark place, and then ends on a high and heroic note, to make the player feel powerful as they defeat this formidable enemy.

[@tropicalpenguin4668]

I think Hellfire from FFXV really tells a great story of pure dread, followed by this feeling of experiencing a gauntlet of oppression, before breaking through all of it and you get that feeling of "we made it through and can finish this"

[@willcipher1038]

the thing that's really amazing about hsr modernizing(?) traditional music is that they're doing an AMAZING job. moderizing tradisional music is something my country has been trying to do (search CNY songs from the past few years) and they don't exactly sound great... so the fact that hsr is making people being interested in chinese traditional music is so cool

[@racusebi3769]

I love how the guzheng always cuts in and stands out against all the other instruments in the background before blending back in and disappear. Perfectly encapsulates Jing Yuan as a character, as the instrument appears a lot in his theme.

[@RKNancy]

That chant is a lot similar to Indian carnatic style singing. Which isn't surprising considering we are neighbours and cultural exchanges must have happened at some point. But in Indian culture that type of chant is sung whenever evil is being exorcised. Rather than the chant just depicting Phantylia's evilness, I think it also depicts the harsh battle our heroes have to undergo to defeat her and purify themselves of Nanook's destructive filth.

[@thesunthrone]

And it absolutely fits, because this takes place in the sacred sea of the Vidyadhara. This is the place where they end their lives and where they are reborn - and it is where this cosmic evil has spawned. But it's also very cool to have these electronic themes to it, because ultimately, this sacred place still is on a fully artificial spaceship.

[@KunoMochi]

I love hearing the hero's theme (Jing Yuan) at the start of the 3rd phase. It was such a powerful scene as the characters are all well prepared to face Phantylia with everything they have. But yeah, the 2nd phase chanting/mantra is my favorite part of the whole thing, too. lol You get a feeling that Phantylia is just getting serious and have only started to see her full power slowly being revealed behind that veil of dense fog.

[@DaedaliusRE]

The music MiHoYo delivers just hits different. Whenever music pieces from media I like release I don't hesitate to go and listen to them right away. It's only when those freakin MiHoYo games get new tracks that I actively AVOID listening to them on KZbin before I experienced them in game first. Their music department just delivers on a different level.

[@philk5456]

More than Nier, this piece reminds me of Ar Tonelico pieces. The foreign chanting is insanely cool!

[@Saya-ng1sl]

Nier is more western orchestral and choral, while ar tonelico is more folk based with chanting, frankly I love both to death.

[@clarisse7137]

Im not the only one to feel the pieces reminds of artonelico one 😍

[@spongebobharden6265]

lol I’m Chinese and song do speaks in Chinese but 95% plus Chinese don’t understand a words

[@senelclark101]

Ar Tonelico, gigachad taste for games.

[@ydatura]

Oh my god I thought I'm the only one who feels that way. Yes this song really reminds me of Ar Tonelico osts

[@wendigoxavier5977]

As a Genshin Impact player, this theme feels right at home. Wildfire sounded as if you ARE the boss that they fear, and nothing wrong there. But in Genshin, boss themes revolve around the boss themselves and how powerful/menacing/tragic they are. Without spoiling anything, let's just say she is a massive being *wink*.

[@shanedoesyoutube8001]

As another Genshin player who plays both Honkais, I can't argue with you Phantylia is real big

[@andriands5926]

I played through Phantylia trailblaze mission twice, first with a busted account with signature jingyuan and signature blade and I blaze through the fight without feeling the excitement. But when I played on my second account only having modestly built serval and Yanqing suddenly everything you said about facing a god and fearing whether we can do this really came alive. And boyyy the music really helped especially when I finish with only trial Jingyuan standing alone in the red. Your react made me appreciate this experience a lot more

[@hdr128]

Whilst this soundtrack can be appreciated on its own, I feel that it shines through more when it complements the actual gameplay and battle. The parts of the music that sounds tense are when you are fighting for your life battling this boss. Then as the protagonists gain an upper hand, the more elegant and triumphant melodies flow in. Embedded within the third part of the OST, there are two character themes that were woven in and out (both protagonists play a major role in defeating the boss). Without the context, the shift in music may be a little jarring, but if you are immersed in the gameplay, it matches every movement perfectly.

[@beruegis]

I really look forward to when Marco will make an analysis of Samudrartha. This composition is one of Hoyo's strongest, it's great in terms of character building and it brings me to tears every time (I fucking love Dang Heng)

[@Silver-kg2qi]

Maybe you already listened to them and I simply missed your reaction, but if not, I'd recommend you to listen to "wildfire" and "samudrartha", too. The first one is from Cocolia's boss fight, and honestly it is a banger, and the fact that in game it is programmed to reach its drops and ppunches in synch with ultimates and "pivotal points" of the battle pumps so much energy in me each time I face that battle. Samudrartha simply left me in awe.

[@mariarivera1340]

Same Samudratha is so good it honestly shocks me with how good the music is and we’re only getting started

[@GhostUser-yu3xk]

Samudratha is actually a goosebump maker. I literally get chills whenever I listen to it. And then to pair it with that cutscene in game is just.... who let hoyoverse cook ✋️?

[@sara_s1737]

Samudrartha quickly became my new favourite. Definitely left my jaw on the floor hearing it in the cutscene

[@darkunykorn404]

Samudrartha is really amazing.With the cutscene it's just *chef's kiss*

[@Celestial-yq6hz]

I also hope he reacts to Samudrartha

[@colorlessguard]

ooo i’ve been looking forward to your reaction/analysis of Phantylia!! imo it has a very similar feel to the type of battle music we hear in Genshin - specifically Liyue considering both it and the Xianzhou are heavily inspired by China ✨💖 also fun fact that little bit of “elegance” Marco refers to in phase 2 (around 6:49 in the vid) is actually a leitmotif for the Xianzhou Luofu itself, and then in phase 3 that big swelling melody is actually part of the theme for Jing Yuan! so not only is Jing Yuan literally battling against Phantylia, but his theme is battling against her’s as well in the final moments of the final phase 🤩✨

[@yeechuin9671]

This OST really brought tears in my eyes like, it is just so epic and elegant, feels evil yet heavenly. I especially love how you describe the chanting part "confident" it is exactly how Phantylia thinks. Love your react!

[@uitre1598]

One of the 102 562 reasons video games is my passion, not just gaming.

[@Riggs0320]

I knew you'd immediately think of nier as soon as the song starts, I had that same thought when I started this boss fight. Absolutely love this track, Hoyo-MIX just never misses man. About what you said regarding the third phase sounding like reverence for Phantylia, it's actually Jing Yuan's leitmotif (playable character, General of the Cloud Knights) that is playing in that section. The third phase seems a lot like a back-and-forth musically between the two of them, which makes even more sense when you consider that the game forces you to use Jing Yuan in your party for this fight, as he's integral to this big story moment. During the beginning of the third phase, there's a section where the game directs you to use his ult specifically, and it seems to generally align with the moment that the music switches to his theme, which I thought was a super neat detail.

[@Melthazar]

I really hope Marco will eventually react to the new Samudrartha song from Star Rail as well.

[@newaxgold]

8:37 just such a gorgeous part went straight goosebumps went from such a development of the composition.

[@akaniwa]

Yas, ive been waiting for you to listen to this since i heard it a few days ago :D

[@Sheen_he_exe]

Same🎉

[@ben-taobeneton3945]

This is a stunning masterpiece! I love that ancient Chinese / Dong - Kam / Buddhist style of singing which made me feel as if I had ascended to the same plane as where the Gods reside. My feelings about each phases: > First Phase was: _"Behold this beautiful body!"_ - I was damn, that's impressive. > Second Phase: I had that anxious, evil, satanic vibe as if the demon itself has been summoning and I must face him head-on and there's nowhere to go. > Third Phase: A feeling of end and a new beginning - a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel. So close! Just a little bit more and it's done! The best part was the mentioned _"Musical Release"_ - those divine strings give me goosebumps. It feels like I'm going in a trancelike state. Mhm...what a divine piece. Thank you for reacting to this, Marco. 🙏

[@thawingkarma233]

8:35 Yes, the “Best Part” is indeed…THE Best Part. 😂🤣 18:49 Also my favorite part. It really gives you the feeling that things are heating up and she’s starting to take you on more seriously (2nd phase) as opposed to her looking down on you (1st phase). I also think elegance is present throughout the entire song in all 3 phases, it really does a great job at having her personality there at all times, given that she’s elegant mannered and just likes to cause trouble. Chaotic and destructive….but elegant. lol 😂🤣

[@NRSTナリサト]

8:35 The cyber sutra😂

[@TerrorUnit]

Y'know its funny that Marco did find the Phantylia OST somewhat similar to NieR, especially when you freezes her she looks like one of those huge white woman statues from Drakengard and also the ones that you see on Copied Cities. Definitely send shivers to see some resemblance and remember some memories on both Drakengard and NieR series.

[@grimoireweissfan6969]

at least in HSR we didn't fight the giant lady via rhythm game

[@VaioletteWestover]

The chanting is a traditional Chinese singing style so attesting it to Nier is a big miss in my view.

[@TerrorUnit]

@@grimoireweissfan6969 Ahh yes, that ending was 💀

[@joehanz9217]

​@@grimoireweissfan6969don't remind me of that, damn especially the last note, unbelievable

[@fairplaygaming142]

This boss music only has 2 phase music. the third phase is a combination of Trailblazer's tune -> Phantylia's tune -> Jing Yuan's tune. Which will makes sense if u play the game. I love this kind of details from the hoyomix.

[@vincentangwyn2144]

Also samudrartha

[@sayatacchi]

The reverence you hear in the music isn't for Phantylia, but for another actor in the battle, but that is still spot on analysis as always of what the different movements evoke and try to portray! This is definitely one of my favorite Hoyomix instrumental (mostly) themes!

[@1che3mau]

I recommend looking up hoyo-verse's vid of their Behind the Scenes/Making of Xianzhou's music, there's some insights I think you'd appreciate a lot! The chanting/choir in the background is actually inspired/based on Buddhist chanting iirc from that vid (:

[@Kaze127]

I can't wait till he listen to Samuratha. Herd it in game and went crazy for the next few days lol.

[@InsomniaArty]

mommy , sorry mommy? - she has badass ost woooopie

[@wuwuchi]

she is, and when i mean big I MEAN IT.

[@onecertainordinarymagician]

Fun fact, the "Neir sounding part" is because they (Also the Ghost in the Shell one) are all based on the "Al laox" of Chinese Dong ethnicity, it is a choir vocal for storytelling, kinda like an opera.

[@squaremage]

I lived close to Chinese shrine and often hear prayer music in the morning, very calming. and this song feel like prayer but a corrupt one. A prayer to demon

[@hanihani2472]

The strings being jingyuan or representing jingyuan just gets me everytimee, it like his this comforting hopeful reassurance in a horrifying and daunting situation and I LOVE HIM

[@Darkside38357]

What I love about this theme is the usage of strings in the final phase that are used mostly in the main theme for the game and the astral express mixed with the main motif of the lofu which symbolizes their alliance

[@azorailke6057]

Nice catch.

[@AGUSTIN-zc5iu]

0:11 every time that vocals dropped I cannot not remembering the lotus flies up and then THE Phantylia materializes in sync, truly one of the coldest boss entrance/reveals in my opinion. Like; we didn't see the boss in a dialog first, then the boss animation, no. We saw Phantylia as a freaking fireball on a lotus first, and only when you start the fight, THEN the game reveals the boss form. Still gets goosebumps

[@beidoumimujer7783]

probably my favorite hsr ost, it sounds soo bigg

[@Rina_TL]

Yay, I've been waiting for your reaction to this one! Also, Hoyo released a video on HSR channel "Song of Distant Planet Vol. 2" that talks about Lofu music in general and Phantylia's theme in particular. It's pretty interesting and definitely worth checking out if you haven't already.

[@purwmoon]

I thought for a moment that you weren't going to react to this, and I'm SO GLAD you did! This piece is absolutely amazing. Thank you for the video and the analysis, Marco!

[@dragonssweets6841]

I do love the chant makes chills up my spin in a good way

[@willcarter8735]

The algorithm served me your Wildfire video, which led me here, and I really hope you get to this part of the game, because your interpretations of each section are so spot on for the most part, and when you get it in context of the story and the cinematic stuff that's happening (just like with Wildfire), OH MY GOSH, it's so freaking satisfying.

[@__Krystal__]

This is my favorite hsr boss theme yet! In fact, almost all the music from the new patch (1.2) has been my favorite in the game so far. There's just something so mystical and ethereal about it; really makes me love this patch more than the others 💜

[@M4st3rDuck]

The tension that the chanting has with the drums feels suffocating (in a good way), like its trying to snuff you out and then boom! The Erhu starts playing long notes to contrast the part before it like you escaped and now its your turn to be on the offensive. Its such a good track!

[@Neruhana]

I like to think that this theme is a tug of war between xianzhou side vs phantylia, as the first phase its an ominous theme going on and as phase 2 starts there are more xianzhou esque melodic going on and phase 3 when victory became more and more apparent the melody become more apparent as well for xianzhou side

[@Hinechan]

I have been waiting for your video on this song. This is my fav boss battle music so far. I can feel the battle in the song and im so eager for you to feel it too. Another amazing video, i still can't believe how much you got it right, the song is just so good in story telling as weird as that sounds❤❤❤ Can't wait for you to play the game itself

[@puukiipiikuu1241]

This boss took me three tries to actually win, the music genuinely stressed me out during the battle XD

[@erbiis9961]

same bro, same.

[@kontrol42]

I had to build a few characters from scratch to actually fight her. Stelle was giving it all to protect the whole team, and Nat worked overtime to just keep everyone from dying. God, what a crazy fight.

[@puukiipiikuu1241]

@@kontrol42 I had to put Bailu and Nat on the team and I never use two healers at the same time like that XD

[@feathertheostrich8704]

If you haven’t heard it yet, I think you might like listening to or watching blades theme for his character trailer, it’s from honkai star rail and it’s my favorite trailer theme yet by far

[@Metronomeblue]

I find it very interesting that in the discussion of reverence it's sort of implied or assumed that the reverence towards Phantylia comes from the player- I'd argue that the reverence is FOR Phantylia, FROM Phantylia. That confidence and egotism is all her own lol. As a character, she's incredibly self-assured, and that's why the countering themes in part three come through so strongly as her opponents truly assert themselves against her. You're quite literally challenging her divinity (narratively), and therefore her theme (musically).

[@amithickyet]

The way this man can nail the mood at each stage of the soundtrack is so amazing to watch. Probably hasn't even fought the boss be he got the feeling of that fight so right!

[@divineipil415]

I come here to beg you watch the live! Its so amazing

[@mimirtells]

This was a great fight. HSR is killing it with the music IMO. Great analysis as always Marco!

[@THExJMC]

It starts from going up against an unbelievable power to a transition to Jing Yuan's sorta theme that indicates him fighting back and us going to be victorious.

[@1621lionheart]

The fight is so good, really pleasing visual (yes i go for the body) and this music. Everytime Hoyo releases boss music, it's gonna be my jam until the next. Wildfire is okay but this one is crazy good. My number one song with vocal from Hoyo mix is actually Regression and Rubia second.

[@Kikkia2018]

When I was playing I didn’t notice that it sounds like Nier but hearing it again I agree! I love the Nier soundtrack and I didn’t expect Hoyo - or anyone - to create something so similar yet unique (I don’t think I’ve ever heard another song use that style of voice) but they really did. If someone were to edit it over Nier gameplay I wouldn’t notice haha

[@user-kun2147]

This, alongside Koyanskaya's Boss Theme from Fate/Grand Order is one of my Favorite Gacha OSTs ever

[@SheepyPanda95]

Phantylia on every Phase: Phase 1: Couch Potato Phase 2: Sits upright gaming chair Phase 3: 45 degree angle body lean, face a bit close to the monitor *AND TRIES HARDER*

[@hanihani2472]

If you love the part from 19:58 Listen to jingyuan's trailer or his animated fight with jingliu because it's his theme , it's absolutely beautiful yes

[@trashraccoon2635]

phantylia the undying and samudrartha both made my jaw drop, they're so good. but then again this is hoyo-mix and they never miss with their music. and the otherworldliness makes sense! in here we're fighting a Big Lady (and hitting her giant boobs in the first phase lmao) and she's one of the leaders of the enemy's armies. she kicked my butt so hard, my team wasn't the strongest, i just relied on my healer most of the time. poor luocha was working overtime. the music truly does make you feel the weight of that fight. and it's a pretty heavy fight too, narratively, in that usual "if i let the enemy win everything will go to hell in a handbasket" sort of way that's common in stories. on top of that, a friend has also been taken and the boss is also threatening to basically take away your humanity. there's just so many things at stake. this fight is A Lot.

[@nataniel1002]

Please do Samudartha next!

[@onimarutenchu6589]

Holy shit this guy just keeps describing the whole boss fight like he actually already did it! It's amazing!!!

[@literallyafk]

It baffles me that you ALWAYS, like always perfectly understand the idea behind the soundtrack. Is this the superpower of musical artists because it never fails to amaze me.

[@AleASanti-mw5wv]

u nailed what is going on plot wise with each shift of the theme

[@blckorb6322]

She went from thinking she was gonna crush ants to being the one crushed

[@davidcoso1179]

"Sounds like NieR", exactly what I felt during the fight when I got there. That was literally my reaction to my friends.

[@wanrushdan8104]

Its amazing how Marco despite not playing the boss fight, was able to capture the essence of the fight just by music At first, wasn't too sold on this ost ( wildfire is hard to beat). After hearing Marco dissect this, I start to enjoy it too

[@xelloskaczor5051]

So sad for many people who had this fight scoffed due to a bug. It was quite a spectacle.

[@pekoeji]

i feel like this truly showcases the power of music; how he hasn’t played this part of the story so the only context he had was a still image of her during the boss fight yet he was able to analyze it in a way that nearly reflected the actual events and it’s also really cool to hear someone who has a musical background take a deep dive into this!

[@Haze4743]

Honkai Star Rail has many excellent tracks, but this one was the first one to reach greatness, truly stunning in all aspects.

[@KyoCujo]

really enjoyed your break down of this. I genuinely wasn't listening intensely when i was in the boss fight the first time but after watching and listening alongside you i gotta say it's quite a eloquent piece of music. I love how its expresses so much like you're going through this tale with the hero fighting through the ranks to finish it all once n for all but the odds are so ever stacked against you and as you're pushing onwards all these flash backs and scenes just overpower you as if its not just fate you're fighting but yourself. I love music

[@tite93]

The way the third phase starts blending Jing Yuan's theme (the hopeful strings section) with Phantylia never fails to put a smile on my face. We may be facing a god, but we've got a demigod of our own on our side

[@DeRedBaronCT]

I'm barely halfway through and I am astonished at how you are calling out the boss fight as it happens-- which maybe I shouldn't be but I never knew that a song made well for something like a boss just gives the vibes away without seeing it just as much as it fits perfectly when you do see it

[@toastbucket]

I think I've legitimately learned more about music from your channel than my entire music theory class

[@Sheen_he_exe]

Pls Marco! Listen "Samudrartha" with the cinematic in Honkai Star Rail 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ahamilaag192]

Hsr 's latest video on their channel actually had the makers talk about what went into making the phantylia song at the last part of the video. It's really cool. Like, I didn't expect that almost all the xianzhou music to be a leitmotif. They talked about this at the start.

[@kingalex105x7]

phase 2 gotta be my fav, on the starrail channel they did a vid on the behind the scenes of this

[@recilince]

As usual, always impressed by your analysis of context through the music itself! Really loved this track, and it really gave me that sense of "oh no im going to die" during the fight LOL I'm sure others have mentioned it by now, but I'd love to see your reaction-analysis to Samudrartha! It's another amazing piece that was dropped this patch, so I think it would be really interesting and fun to have you pick it apart too. Thanks for the great content, and take care Marco! o/

[@JustANyanCat]

Another great video! Also the HSR youtube channel released a video talking about the music for the Xianzhou area, if you want to see more regarding Phantylia, look for the video titled "Honkai: Star Rail - Song of Distant Planet Vol. 2: Xianzhou's Music Trick", turn on the captions for the translation, and go to 7:53 :D

[@xolove0024]

0:42 that creepy sounds like is reminds me of Nona Ouroboros OST from PGR

[@mannakallat2894]

The amount phase 1 and phase 2's music reminds me of ArTone (edit: upon listening fully without omghype it reminds me WAY more of ArTone) gives me whiplash.though I heard in another thread its actual lyrics of a language that predates chinese so that's cool if true