"Still Here" Is INCREDIBLE

[@MarcoMeatball]

Sad to hear about the 11% of folks that were laid off from RIOT. If you’re watching this and you are affected, my heart goes out to you.

[@TheyCallMeZiggs]

why ? Sorry for asking

[@mason_edwards1833]

@@TheyCallMeZiggs 11% of the Riot Games team was laid off recently

[@AdventureSteve7]

It's so sad that this happened when we finally had hopes for the game again. I hope the people that got laid off get somewhere to work soon, all of them were really talented

[@jazzaroobabu1101]

Its a real sad day for all the staff effected and the passion they had for this game, I’m sad that theyre not giving riot forge more of a chance. I hope LOR survives how much they just gutted it. I hope all the people are able to pick up new jobs quickly, at least the severance package sounds decent, I don’t really understand that stuff honestly.

[@AureumSolis]

​@@AdventureSteve7looking at the post riot disclosed their severance package, and honestly it seems pretty good (my judgement might not be accurate as a non-American) So it's likely that they won't be negatively impacted by this.

[@FortsOfficial]

Forts here! ⚔️ I wrote this song and duetted it with Tiffany Aris, and it was so fun to watch your analysis of the song! 🙂 Thanks for the great attention to detail and love on this!

[@Appleman291]

You did a very great job. Honestly i did not like it firstly, but after 2nd and 3rd listening i felt all the greatness. Now i cannot stop replaying it many times every day (like keep "replaying in my mind" in your song=)). Thanks a lot, please continue, i also hope that you will have another collabs with Zwei.

[@gallantk8581]

You're incredible for your part in making this, thank you !

[@bichen4151]

Masterpiece

[@ALEX-RAXI]

Keep rockin'🤘

[@anerbananers]

Standing O, Forts! This is truly a special piece!

[@Lesquidliestone]

What always stands out to me is how genuine your interest is. The simple fact that you remember Kindred and what they're about, to the point of recognizing Lamb's arrow before Kindred is even shown is neat. Means this is much more than just content you're pumping out for views.

[@rawinn6523]

My words exactly

[@Alex-MihaiDontu]

@@rawinn6523might have been your thoughts exactly, but those were, in fact, the other guy’s words

[@Rory10101]

I don’t really know the creator and am not hating, but it seems he knows a bit a about league here and there, there is just no way he is able to recognize that was kindred’s arrow. It could have been any arrow or Ashe’s arrow for that matter in that specific shot (ofcourse we know it isn’t) but I’ve played league since beta and know the lore, but you could not know that before she was shown at that stage of the video so quickly without analyzing the lore. Also not mentioning the beginning quote was from Kindred. It just looks like he did his research and made a reaction video that the viewers would like. All in all still nice video, even if it might not be fully genuine

[@faloughasch9239]

I've played league for years, but I didn't catch the part about it being kindred's arrow specifically until he mentioned it

[@faloughasch9239]

@@Rory10101 He's made a lot of videos covering the theme music of different champions, looked into the lore and what they look like after analyzing, etc. He knows kindred because they had a specific song for when they were released, but that's also why he didn't know Tryndamere's name, because he hasn't done a video on him and as far as I know he didn't have a song on release. I would recommend watching the videos, they're great looks into music theory and how certain things are portrayed through music.

[@RedNovaTyrant]

The one section that I think gets elevated immensely with context is the final section, between Tryndamere (big sword barbarian) vs Kindred (the Lamb and the Wolf). Put simply, Kindred are basically League's grim reaper in lore, and Tryndamere's ultimate in game is "I don't die". VERY cool juxtaposition

[@verdipauwnz3458]

a little information about that: So kindred is not actually the grim reaper really but more like one representation of death in league and depending on what you believe in you will see a different representation of death when you die. They ofc used Kindred here because she is the only representation of death that is actually a champion in league, some others can be seen in riots card game legends of runeterra though. And a fun fact about tryndamere: He is able to not die because of Aatrox who slaughtered his entire tribe including him but in Tryndameres last moments, Aatrox infused him with blood magic (which is the reason aatrox and all other darkin were created) which uses and feeds on tryndameres rage and willpower to keep him alive. But you did say "Put simply" so maybe you already knew all of this xD

[@vert_xd5223]

furthermore, I love the detail they represent in that battle with Kindreds lore. The Lamb kills you if you accept death, the arrow is a mercy kill (like Old-Man Yasuo accepting Lambs arrow with Wolf waiting in background) Wolf kills you if you refuse death. Lamb gives Tryndamere the option of an easy death, he refuses, so Wolf comes in. After a few attacks, Lamb sends another arrow for mercy, to see if he accepts again, but he refuses again. When Wolf cant finish the job, I love how Lamb tilts her head. Awesome attention to detail. (fun fact: Noxus only knows Wolf,)

[@louisrobitaille5810]

@@verdipauwnz3458 Kindred IS the grim reaper of League's lore. However, they don't necessarily look like a lamb and a wolf. There's also a grim reaper of grim reapers: the Etherfiend 💀.

[@verdipauwnz3458]

@@louisrobitaille5810 i'm pretty sure it is stated that there are other beeings who are exactly like kindred however they start to be forgotten. So yes she is the grim reaper for someone but only if that someone believes in her. Otherwise that someone will see some other representation of death.

[@IoniaZero]

@@verdipauwnz3458 Still tho, Kindred as we know them in League, it's said that is the more vastly known in all of Runeterra so still not wrong

[@horizon146]

Marco unknowingly describing Kayle and Morgana's relationship worsening and becoming non-existent purely off the music is fantastic, this cinematic where they fought Aatrox was the final recorded moment where they worked together as sister guardians and their relationship progressively got worse from that point onwards. On-point as always

[@ArielMorris371]

7:05 “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” - Mary Anne Radmacher

[@jusjusgamer6736]

Nah i think its 'i dont think i will'

[@Gabzilla27]

The guy Kindred is fighting has an ability that makes him unkillable for a short time. It´s such a cool thought that he has to fight Kindred all the time, you can see it on his face when the music stopped. He knew she was there. Amazing

[@Kiroana]

And in lore, it stretches even further - he has a limited degree of immortality thanks to Aatrox; we don't know how far it actually goes, but this cinematic gave a glimpse.

[@MrKanooe]

@@Kiroana AAtrox : I just want to die but i can't, kindred can't claim me ( seeing in the shadow of the flame.) Tryndamre : Litteraly too angry to die because of his fight with Aatrox, The Lamb failing to understanding why, hence the head tilt and the observation while she let Wolf fight Tryndamere. ( Lamb is claiming the soul if it accept their death, and the wolf is if not.)

[@AmbushIntheDark]

@@MrKanooe I love that Lamb still offers him the arrow a second time and he bats it away. Like refusing the first arrow is understandable for a warrior but after fighting Wolf when she takes the second shot and he bats it away its powerful because you gotta imagine that most people take that second arrow after having to fight Wolf after denying the first. And theres no 3rd chance either. He chose the wolf, hes getting the wolf.

[@grasssnail8348]

​@@AmbushIntheDark thats interesting because in game Kindred's E, the third attack is the execute. I havent thought about it until you mentioned it

[@rrraven369]

@@grasssnail8348 holy shit you guys opened my eyes. How many layers does this cinematic have? WTFFFF

[@Alex-MihaiDontu]

These videos feel like us sharing our excitement for a hobby with our friend and he actually really likes it. It’s very wholesome reading the comments

[@MarcoMeatball]

Makes me feel super fuzzy ❤

[@DJPonko]

i didnt realize you actually know the league characters, they outdid themselves with this video, both the cinematic and the music fit each other very well and are really good

[@henryrichardson2868]

he has done a huge chunk of the champion theme reactions, and then checks the lore on them. kindred being one.

[@glibchubik4090]

He has a 33 video long League playlist bro 😄May not be lore connosiuer but defo not a complete stranger

[@benns9673]

​@@glibchubik4090well he have more knowledge on the lore than the average league player

[@HomicidalTh0r]

He has done quite a few music break downs of champions, going into their lore soon after, and observing their game play at the end. They are all definitely worth checking out! I recall he's done many of the champions in this video as well.

[@storm3y3]

My G said he doesnt know whats going on, yet he understands much more than people with thousands of hours in league simply by understanding music and the vids. Amazing!

[@skyliaan6247]

7:35 the regret of yasuo to pick up a blade once more while lyrics “all my reasons cut like knives” will always give me goosebumps

[@necro-xeno]

Love how you break down the song in each scene. When it came to someone's posable last stand you were soaking in every moment of it with amazement. Kindred's moment was long overdue in the cinematic universe. Thank you for your input in this video and it's music

[@MarcoMeatball]

I appreciate that!

[@cerealbox7872]

Tryndamere backhanding Kindred's arrow is such a blink and you'll miss it moment, but has SO MANY LAYERS of lore attached to it.

[@Zero-tk1hb]

My man is too angry to die.

[@rrraven369]

@@Zero-tk1hb GIGACHAD

[@Arcavi0us]

Trynd 100% takes wolf's chase no questions asked

[@TheSakuraSamurai]

@@Arcavi0us Such is the way of the Freljord. Even Ashe would likely face the Wolf in her final moments, just like her mother did.

[@hasturthekinginyellow5003]

Knowing that in lore Kindred's attacks are supposed to be killing blows, Tryndamere is literally going against the very nature of life and death of his universe with nothing but a sword and his hands

[@MarcoMeatball]

very cool. very fun. drop a like, thanks a ton.

[@mumbo_fuze2484]

Definitely watch "The Call"! IMO the second best league cinematic

[@umcarafilipino]

The Call is the best one IMHO.

[@redroseibarahime8755]

"it's in my blood, it's in my veins" this is so perfect for Aatrox and Tryndamere because they are both corrupted by darkin/blood magic. Tryndamere's ultimate (red eyes) is called "undying rage" here he can not die which is caused by the darkin/blood magic corruption which was done by Aatrox btw. In the lore he can not die because of his undying rage. In game this means his ultimate gives him a few seconds without sustaining any further damage which makes it clear that activating the ultimate is strategically the best when you are right about to die. This is exactly what we see in the Tryndamere/Kindred fight wich is a symbolic one - in reality he fights the goons from the winter's claw tribe you see at the beginning and who are shot by Ashe at the end. Kindred (lamb and wolf) who are the 2 faces of death in runeterra and face off with Tryndamere every time he is in his ultimate. And since Ashe saved him with her arrows, lamb and wolf dissapear since he won't die this time. Ashe rescuing her hubby is best league couple moment 2024! The lyrics and vocal performance again elevate this moment as the 2 arrows fly beyond his head singing "im still here(...with you. You are not alone - I'm with you!)"- you can literally hear it^^. His rage dying down as he sees Ashe running up to him with concern in her eyes is everything! You can see his love, relief and gratefulness in his face and also signaling her that it is not over yet which is why she shoots her arrow at the end to enlarge their vision. [Those 2 started out as a political marriage because of a power struggle but lately they catch feelings ^^] The head tilt of the lamb says so much - this is not the first time they faced off (fuelling the fantasy that tryndamere is always fighting death in his undying rage) and confusion: not that he resists death and punshes the peaceful death of lambs arrow away but that he dares to leap at death itself - not only does he fight them off but also tries to slay death itself. Probably a first for kindred to experience this even though you can not kill death and they have not to worry(lambs bow regenerates out of nothing immediatly) but still the emotionless and rational lamb is confused about such a strange behaviour since normally everyone fears them - meanwhile wolf only cares about his hunt. The more they struggle the more fun the hunt gets ;) great reaction btw :)

[@chrishaven1489]

@@mumbo_fuze2484 No, no, no. Personally, I think it'd be cool if he listens to Kai'Sa's theme first before he watches/listens to the Call. I like the idea of him recognizing champions when he watches these cinematics EDIT: And Rek'Sai's theme as well

[@verdipauwnz3458]

@@chrishaven1489 i am with you on this one

[@iCyberDev]

Marco just figuring out the entire theme of facing death (kindred lamb\wolf) at the end of the line from literally 5 notes of melody at the start of the cinematic while actual league folks called this cinematic "mid" while not paying attention because it went over their heads. Woah

[@1Kapuchu100]

Something you might appreciate, is that the Kindred are present in each of the three storylines. Each more overt than the last. In Morgana and Kayle vs Aatrox, you very briefly see a silhuette of Lamb in the flames after he is "defeated". In Yasuo's (old sword man) portion, you already noticed Lamb's arrow, but in the trees in the distance you can see Wolf's eyes, as he watches and waits. And then finally, Tryndamere where they make a personal appearance.

[@gabrieldartemius9940]

Key here is the fact that Lamb is just standing while looking at Aatrox because she knows they can't claim him.

[@DEAWN]

​@@gabrieldartemius9940 so you try to tell me the man who gets controlled by Aatrox doesn't die after Aatrox gets back in the sword?🧐

[@BrianHuis]

@@gabrieldartemius9940 The man aatrox possesses gets claimed. She is not there for Aatrox himself.

[@Thulgore]

Although Kindred's arrows in the cinematic never have fletchings........though ashes do.........Yasuo saw fletchings.

[@louisrobitaille5810]

@@Thulgore Yeah, I don't get why people are so obsessed with it being Lamb's arrow 🤷‍♂️.

[@Badlynamedchannel]

Now that you've seen this, I'd recommend paying a visit to Necrit. The depth of lore in this song specifically is INSANE

[@squishyazalea9970]

True, even though it wouldn’t be music related, he seems to be interested in the characters and world already

[@BouncingTribbles]

If you're new I recommend checking out his other League stuff, he's done reactions to a lot of the champion trailers. He knows more about the lore than the average player.

[@thegoat9219]

Marco you really should go subscribe to necrit. He is the Lore man

[@mrwallace7645]

He's fumbled several points of the cinematic because of his infamous headcanons. A lot of the league lore community resents the guy because he's "the" lore youtuber but he keeps explaining stuff the wrong way and outright lies about the story sometimes. Not a great reference.

[@squishyazalea9970]

@@mrwallace7645 um, no?

[@itz_ryugu_d8158]

The fact that out of all people, Marco, who doesn't play league noticed Kindred's arrow in Yasuo's section. You are really observant.

[@darkartsgaming1664]

"Schwells." I love it lol. Your review and breakdown was on point, ON POINT. I've seen other reviewers who get stuck on the graphics and forget the subtle techniques used in the music and vocals. They uplift the story so much by highlighting the hidden emotions of characters and their symbolic actions. These fight scenes are not just from the game, they are the fights every human must have with in themselves and they music/vocals express the emotions we all go through yet cannot express ourselves.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GewalfofWivia]

The first segment of the song actually feels dedicated to Aatrox, lamenting the glorious celestial form he once had and the hollowness from being trapped in darkness for millenia. He wants to die, and "it could all end here" is exactly what he hopes for in every battle. He cannot die, so Kindred can never claim him, and at the end of it all, much to his dismay, he is Still Here. The cinematic shows stories of one who has sought death since times long past, one who would embrace it in the future, and one who defies it in the present; and they are all Still Here.

[@lycheemyusic]

Wow, well said.

[@loler4802]

So a lot of people already explained it, but i really like to think that tryndamere was fighting the guys surrounding him, but was so close to death that he saw kindred. His Ultimate ingame makes him unable to die for a very short span, and his eyes being red simbolizes him using this. Not the coolest character but its a cool improvment for him.

[@miltortmanapaste6302]

Someone mentioned in a comment somewhere that the amount of clean hits Tryndamere lands on wolf is equal to the amount of guys he killed.

[@IoniaZero]

@@miltortmanapaste6302 Yes, every hit that Tryndamere got into Wolf ended up in one soldier attacking him, but the marks on his shoulder pat were from Wolf himself, and i believe that he was fighting in both realms at the same time, but with the advantage that wolfs had to give the final blow with the position of a soldier, cuz he can't kill something that isn't gonna die so yeah, furthermore, if you think this is not possible, remember that aatrox gave trynda the blood magic because he already deemed worthy of it, so he's kinda special even without that, and Shen for example, can travel between realms and if he ends up hurt in the spirit realm, the wound will still be on our realm, anyways, Trynda was fighting both Kindred and the soldiers at the same time imo (also, he was not attacking a soldier in the final scene, he went directly against wolf)

[@rrraven369]

@@IoniaZero cool interperation, but those marks on tryns shoulder pad might be from the guys. their tribe has something to with claws i think.

[@IoniaZero]

@@rrraven369 I mean that appeared exactly when Wolf bite him tho, and those guys didn't have a weapon or something looking like that to be the ones marking it

[@mattimeikalainen6963]

​@@IoniaZerolamb and wolf dont actually kill you though, they are symbolic. The arrow shot at yasuo wasnt lambs, it was an actual arrow. But its symbolically him accepting lambs arrow so thats what he sees. Trynd isnt literally fighting wolf, he is choosing to fight in the face of death, symbolically declining the lamb and choosing to go on the hunt against the wolf. He isnt immortal due to "beating kindred". His poweful blood magic via aatrox allows him to always end up on top even when his head is symbolically between the wolfs jaws.

[@UnboltingFalcon]

Been waiting for the moment you got to see this one! So glad I got here for the premiere, love seeing how you always perfectly connect it all to exactly what we’re all feeling. Stay awesome Marco!

[@ekus1647]

I am so overjoyed that I finally found someone who had my exact same reaction at the first "drop" 4:04 . All the other people i know who've watched it just went "oh, that's kinda cool ig". But for us musicians I think we really see the almost geniusness that the composer and singers did there (exactly what you talked about) that people without a musical background have a harder time to notice.

[@sarevokbg5062]

Your League analysis videos are always a treat! I not only learn a lot about music theory and terminology but also a great look into the composers thoughts and emotions. Would be so hyped if Riot offered you to voice a new character track in the future. You’re a great content creator for League and other games and I’m happy that you enjoy this as much as I do! Cheers!

[@DayOfCasual]

That would be awesome.

[@Kriglz]

The fact that "I dont play league of legends" guy knows characters AND their specific lore more than most of the react Andy's who play LoL is warms my heart. Great job

[@louiskostasredojevic]

''TOO ANGRY TO DIE MAN'' STRIKES AGAIN !!!

[@Blackburn6969]

Nathan you absolute genius. That edit after his quote had me spitting out my coffee in laughs. Caught me completely off guard. Top notch video as always guys.

[@RakaAvali]

i absolutely LOVE during the Tryndamere scene, when he almost lands a blow on her and destroys her bow, Once she lands and settles on the ground she stops for a moment and tilts her head as if surprised at tryn's pure reluctance to die.

[@monologic_]

So refreshing to see a reaction from someone who's actually in tune with the music and its meaning. Makes the league pro players who reacted to it seem about as insightful as my toaster. Earned my sub with this one!

[@IoFoxdale]

It took almost a decade but we finally got Kindred as the main character of a cut scene (They're in all three scenes) and god I love how much the music and cinematography is in utter awe of one of my favourite death myths.

[@Gameplays-k7o]

So tryndamere's ultimate is becoming imortal for a short period of time and if he comes out victorious he gets to live ! So every time trynda ults he fights kindred who try to claim his soul wich wass amazing in my opinion

[@Patrick_Engels]

I saw many people react to this and I must say this is my favourite! I also love that you shared your interpretation and what you said about the significance of art and music.

[@alongwistfulsquiggle8440]

Something I think gets overlooked a lot (or maybe people just don't know) is that the line "heel crushing the snake" is a biblical reference. It's a bit of a mashup of God's curse on the serpent in the garden of Eden: "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." I don't know if this was the intention (I kind of doubt it), but there's an implication in the song that the snake is being crushed with the body part that is injured by it. And that's super cool.

[@scrollkeeper5272]

Still Here is a masterwork of music, animation and cinematography. And it only gets better with all the characters that are shown in it, especially Kindred!

[@derekmarshman6154]

Im glad you chose to check this out! I love how much you can glean just from listening to the music without context! I occasionally rewatch your Kindred video, cuz it blows my mind how much you were able to pick up.

[@SnowyMountainQuantum]

20 seconds in... I dig it Great sign

[@ej237]

Good one Editor Nathan! Best usage of the Captain America quote. Hahahaha

[@Kobrakai21]

LMAO the random Captain America insert at 7:05 was hilarious. Bravo!

[@hendrixraven]

If you haven't yet, listen to the music track alone. At the moment in the third scene when wolf charges in, the low brass are complementing his roar, which seems to be mostly covered up in the cinematic. Everyone involved with this project deserves so much credit!

[@snowyy.5275]

I love the minute head-tilt from Lamb at 10:43. It's this perfect little moment of apathetic/ emotionless curiosity. It feels clinical. Lamb isn't shocked, merely interested

[@Mastattak]

"No I don't tink I will" killed me lol

[@LinkMan889]

I love the dual movement at the end. but not only the movement but as well the meaning. I love how double edged arrows in the scenematic are. They mean death at times and they mean life at other.

[@lukerestlessstudios]

"Got my heel crushing the snake." That is not only best line, but also the most profound one. Very theologically and philosophically rich.

[@KamuiSeph]

Like for the editor's "no, I don't think I will". Good job, Nathan. That shit cracked me up.

[@TheSandove]

Having watched over 100 reactions to this cinematic, I have to say yours is hands down the one I enjoyed the most. I think it's the genuine interest

[@aubreymclean7712]

I was so invested in your analysis, then the Captain America clip came up and I cackled so loud. Send my best to your editor. That was comedy gold.

[@RazShape]

I cried while listening to your monologue man. It somehow resonated with something I thought I long lost. Hope.

[@tonypolacek9379]

Love the end when Tryndamere fights Kindred, the music and choice of only character in game that can be pissed so much that he will refuse to die is just brilliant

[@roguevector1268]

League of Legends music videos - especially their anthems - always weave this narrative of defiance and triumph that is so evocative to me. I really love their work because of this.

[@Dragonflyx10]

Yet another briliant video with greatly articulated knowledge and tons of entertainment. Your videos not only bring back my passion to music but also make me fall in love with music's theory as well as its ability for both manipulating and enhancing emotions. Amazing job, really impressive.

[@eifiethemeep]

i would definitely recommend checking out more of league's other music videos! Those include all worlds songs, season start cinematics (such as still here), k/da, true damage, pentakill and heartsteel. even if all the genres arent up to your alley, they have amazing production quality and fun and great music videos!

[@fabiandeutschle3372]

I was waiting for this, glad you covered it.

[@PsychoDiesel48]

This still gives me CHILLS!!! Ao goddamn powerful, not to mention GORGEOUSLY animated

[@saamael1381]

I started to grin when you named those champions. That end scene gets me every time, when Ashe (woman with a bow) comes to rescue her man Tryndamere (man with the big sword).

[@milkilstudio]

"That music is obviously showcasing sadness, because what we are facing now is death." Spot on in the first 10 seconds. I love your reactions and I love how in most cases you are able to immediately tell what it is about.. Just wow.

[@DEAWN]

Appreciate that you are reacting to the cinematics to. Watching you, how you explain how the music creates the feelings together with the lyrics and the scene is amazing.

[@ryukjoga]

Man, i really love your analysis! Also, i love this trailer and for me, it's the best one they've ever made. Music, visuals, story... Everything was spot on.

[@jpfidalgo7]

We make sound of the word “here” last longer, just like we are here fighting for our hopes and dreams for as long as we can. Also, when Ash comes and saves Tryndamere, the “here” is no longer going up and down the scale, it only goes higher. Like a turning point was hit. A point where, even though death told us that “tomorrow is a hope, never a promise”, we now twist the plot on death, and make our own promise to fight for our tomorrow.

[@Bixente_]

I love how, the cinematic being so cool, you get out of your usual step by step explanation and just enjoy the last third of the video :D

[@andionn5575]

The moment where Ashe breaks through the shadows is so amazing. I get goosebumps every time. You just feel that she is Tryndameres hope for a tomorrow.

[@e2k220]

i love that through all your past league reactions you now recognize some of the characters

[@rotaloco30]

‘Courage is the quiet voice that says: "I will try again tomorrow, and then I will roar."’ Is such a powerful quote. Thank you for sharing it Marco, it really made me feel better about the struggles I’ve been having for the last couple of days.

[@szymonpeszko8835]

man, the way you were describing music as transcendant is just incredible. i feel the exact same way even tho i might just be a softy, i could never compos something like this but the feelings and emotions you feel on top of the cinematography is just unreal. love it when you get hyped about lol. i love it XD peace and love meatball! cant wait for more vids!!!!

[@xiixraiden4676]

i love it how he instantly saw that was kindreds arrow in yasous scene where so many ppl still didnt recognize it

[@Ancient_War]

The music with the cinematography really enhanced the whole experience. I read about the characters, the lore, and that further enhanced the whole. Knowing about Kindred and how Yasuo accepts the Lamb’s death, even while the Wolf is waiting in the woods, was so moving. Again, as someone who does not game, but just loves the music, I have to say…I think I may be missing out.

[@notimetoexplain8063]

the progression of lyrics and delivery is amazing. One can take the verses to pre-chorus as a moment of introspection and doubt. The low brass during the sisters/trynd and the dead silence before each sisters and yasuo, respectively is a pull to reality as a time of reckoning to scream defiance. The Ashe appearance solidifies this point, where Trynd’s spiritual fight with death is pulled away into reality where Ashe comes to the rescue AT THE SAME TIME as the scream of defiance.

[@emokidzrawr]

Love how when the arrow was launched at Yas, how they even had the big but small detail of Wolf watching and waiting to see if Yas would run

[@Entropy-ic3tf]

Holy crap, it's insane how the melody from the beginning hinted you. This is why I love hearing the reaction vids from the pros.

[@TheLongVigil]

I don't comment on videos much but I wanted to say that I truly enjoy the passion and genuine love you have for the music you're listening to. It's so rare to have people that break down game music like you do. I love seeing musicians break down the mechanics of music, but it's something different entirely to see people get into the feel and emotion of the music and what the music represents. Your content is truly amazing to listen to. I originally found you through your breakdowns of Ace combat music, which is some of my favorite gaming of my youth and even into adulthood. I've never been too artistically inclined but it's kinda awesome to have content that can put into words some of the feelings that I've felt for music but couldn't really explain. From the knot in your throat making you choke up to the hype that makes you want to jump out of your chair and let out a shout of challenge or triumph. Your work with this channel has been nothing short of amazing and I personally have enjoyed it immensely. The world needs more people that have the kind of passion for what they enjoy like you do for music. It'd be a much less dreary place. ♥

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@andrewash3524]

I absolutely love that you did this song, they have several more musical cinematics including Awaken, The Call, and more!

[@jonasvendlermusic]

That low brass nearly sent me flying the first time I heard it.

[@lutheidiotfromhell5295]

marco struggling to quote things is what i live for

[@yuku6921]

I like that the song is about never giving up and standing your ground. No matter what the world throws at you, you remind it that you are "still here". In that sense, I like how it parallels with the Kindred. We see a lot of "death" in this cinematic, and the Kindred is always there in those moments. And even if they face beings imbued with immortality (e.g. Tryndamere with his "too angry to die" schtick), they remind you that they are never far away, they are "still here". This is best shown during the 3rd scene with Tryndamere fighting off the Kindred. Right after Tryndamere gets up, we hear whispers of "I'm still here" as the Lamb appears from the shadows; Death is "still here". Afterwards, we see Tryndamere doing his spinning slash move and successfully pushing back death even if for just a moment, reminding the Lamb and Wolf that he is "still here".

[@SmaRiss1]

I love that you already can recognize so many champions! LOVE!!

[@Phoxygamer2113]

Beautiful break down

[@Zedivh]

I just realised that Yasuo's section ends with the melody of accepting your fate once it's your time, and Tryndamere's section ends with "But not today!"

[@garvid3698]

Best reaction i've seen of this cinematic by far, you really express how you feel the music and your explanations are perfect. Keep up doing this kind of videos, they are amazing

[@CombatSloth]

I would highly suggest watching Necrit's breakdown of the visuals given you're interested in the lore. I was truly wondering when you were gonna do a video on this though. Great job, loved it. Edit: Also, wanted to point out if you weren't aware, from the last couple of months anything Riot puts out media-wise is completely canon, and that also includes Arcane! There's bound to be some retconning for some of the other stuff, but they're really trying to tie the lore together (likely to help for the MMORPG in the making), so it's not just some cinematic, this is pure visual lore!

[@definitelyvixon]

I was about to suggest the same thing. Necrit's "The Lore of "Still Here" Cinematic Explained" video is definitely worth checking out.

[@kwstashatz2218]

After this I rewatched the video about volibear you did and you said something among the lines of bringing a video game music composer on the channel to talk about his process of creating the music about a character or instance in a game and how he goes about handling that. As far as I know this hasn't happened yet but I feel like it's a good idea and many of us would like something like that to happen. Thank you for being awesome.

[@MarcoMeatball]

ive brought several :D take your pick!

[@my2hp2]

fun fact kindered was in every part for example when kale defeated aatrox you could see the outline of lamb with his bow in his iconic pose

[@Drake844221]

I pulled up the video before watching any reactions, and even then, it brought tears to my eyes. The whole message of "I'm still here," along with the theme of pushing through adversity is very significant to me. I've been through a lot over the last few years. Over the last decade, honestly (though, it was one of those 'if you put a lobster in a pot of cold water and raise the temperature, they won't notice until it is too late' kind of decades). But I've survived it and I'm moving on from all of that, and in the last year, as I've been focusing on rebuilding myself, this whole message of "I may be beaten down and tired, but I am still here despite all of that" is very much frontmost in my brain. But, apparently, this one is a fully canon cinematic from League, and it is filled to the brim with lore deep cuts. I actually watched a video from Necrit going over the lore in it. I knew... next to none of the lore going into this, but one thing is that the character with the round glowing eyes and the wolf are, fundamentally, this world's embodiment of death, and they show up in each of the three scenes. In the one with the 'valkyries,' as you called them, it doesn't step in because that great demon isn't able to die. In the middle story, you see the wolf as the arrows are flying up to come down on the samurai character (who is the guy with the wind powers, just decades later than the in-game present), and the one that comes straight for him is the same kind of glowing arrow that we see the death archer firing in the last scene, implying that this is his death years later. Most interestingly, the scene implies that he's at a point in life where he has forsaken killing - none of the bandits that he fights are killed. Even the leader, who he blasts with the wind... it seems as though he is knocking him away from the rain of arrows. And the last scene is a character... having a kind of near-death experience, with some of the implications being that he isn't actually fighting death, but rather the warriors who were surrounding him in the first place. Phenomenal storytelling all around!

[@trixterdash4975]

An incredibly high-quality analysis of a not-so-long cinematics. Against the background of other reviewers, Marco is a real gem. No kidding - when everyone else is just watching the beautiful graphics, Marco FEELS IT and I just love it. Thank you for your creativity, Marco, we are with you! (And also, pls look at the analysis of "Still here" from Nekrit, there everything becomes 10 times more interesting)

[@gaborvagyokoriginal]

thank you for reacting to this song! Also i really enjoy how you describe and giving us indepht knowledge about music.

[@themaddrabbit1]

I am so happy for how far you have come with the lore. Your interpretation and understanding before you were even fully aware of LOL, was awesome to witness. I look forward to your coverage of more League cinematic’s. Your explanations always lets me know League is doing their job.

[@jaegerdanger6328]

Been waiting for your reaction, now I can rest. You’re on a whole nother level when it comes to reaction videos, thank you for breaking down this video!

[@lauravedovatto100]

The fact that you don't play LoL, and still knew the lore and made such an amazing and beautifull reaction made me subscribe. I'm excited to ypur next videos!

[@verdipauwnz3458]

Hey Marco, if you habe not reacted to the other season cinematics (awaken, warriors and the call) you definitely should. They are all really really good both musically and visually. Oh and i'm still wating on that Kai'sa champion reaction.

[@furukodes]

and Elementalist Lux..

[@furukodes]

and neeko theme

[@kannaharuka]

the song alone gives me tingles but combined with the animation it just hits so hard

[@martindraft]

I love how accurate is this description "Dude literally fought death and he was like NO!"

[@TheQcjoe47]

What you say at the 4minute 40 seconds mark. Is a feeling I had dificulty trying to describe in word for a long time. That's the ooompf that make music an art form like no other. It's the idea of the writer, that's being elevated by the singer voice, and all that is transformed even more with the melodies of the producer/musician behind it. I am not a musician at all myself and even I have goosebumps listening to some music. It's an instant dopamine and sérotonine rush. It almost like a drug trip. It's the only thing capable of doing this effect reliably and without taking anything more in your system.

[@kollsepta]

the cool thing is that you can see kindred in every scene, the lamb appears in the fight with Aatrox, in the yasuo fight the wolf is watching while the arrow comes and of course at the start when she speaks and the tryndamere fight, I love this champion and its my main, so I'm so happy they finally appear in a cannon cinematic.

[@assamamjid4917]

This along with Necrit's breakdown of "Still here", couldn't ask for 2 better breakdowns of this. One from a musical viewpoint and another from a lore viewpoint. Amazing work from Riot.

[@jonnyfitness]

I cried like a baby during your elaboration. Liked and subbed.

[@Spryzing]

Have been waiting for your reaction to this for awhile

[@jaimecouto9450]

The voice on this song, I can easily call it "Hope", Hope it's still here, always.

[@PawstaPlays]

I don't even wanna imagine, how much people worked on this. How much time it took to create this *Masterpiece* It's absolutely stunning! From the Visualization of the Characters, the music building up, the depth of the characters expression that make them look so real - aswell as the Details of fictional characteristics like with Aatrox or Kindred. That first Attack of the Wolf was timed so perfectly with the music, the blade strifing Kindreds Throats, the slight tilt of the Head... The more i watch it, the more details catch my eye. This Trailer gets better with every single time watching/listening to it! Absolutely amazing piece of Art - what a start into 2024! The Animators Team and Forts + Tiffany Aris created something amazing

[@bryan2733]

It's nice to see someone who doesn't play the game but knows almost all of the characters.

[@keithpierce5686]

7:41 to 7:52 i feel like these words said at between these 2 time stamps are all straight from Yasuo's own mind. If you know a bit about him ofc.

[@fakename2890]

Kalista seen through her song. Not sure if it gives enough to go on or not, but she has a one very strong emotion that her song might cry out to express.

[@cuitonwap]

Its always fun watching u guess what league characters are like from their theme, never thought id see u react to one of the cinematics. If your interested in more like these (where song+visual themes are very heavy etc), it would be fun to see u react to other season cinematics like one, Warriors and The Call are two that i remember off the top of my head (well warriors is a remix of an even older league song originally made for as a theme song for their esport stuff, but the way its remixed rly changed the vibe and fit the visuals of the newer vid, its cool)