World of Warcraft: War Within || MUSIC REACTION

Wow. the visuals here are topnotch but also the music is so subtly sublime. I hope to cover more WOW as time goes on.
#videogamemusic
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/ marcomeatball
#music
| Who am I? |
Hi, I'm Marco Meatball, a former pro opera singer, turned voice actor, turned KZbinr. I grew up loving video games and video game music after first discovering them when I was 7 years old. Since then, I have lived and breathed all things video games. This channel is all about video game music and the beauty of modern composition, how it allows us to connect more deeply with the games we love, and how we can better learn to understand ourselves through it and the experiences it provides.
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#videogames
Games you will find in the channel:
Final Fantasy, The Last of Us, League of Legends, Genshin Impact, Devil May Cry (DMC), Elden Ring, Dark Souls, Ultrakill, Terraria, Undertale, World of Warcraft, Monster Hunter, Warhammer, Honkai Impact, Honkai Star Rail, Bloodborne, Ace Combat, Doom, Warframe, Arknights, Nier, Guilty Gear, Risk of Rain, Armored Core, Destiny and much, much more!

[@erlenwald8732]

10:15 It’s not Anduin’s sword coming close to Thrall. It’s Thrall, seeing Anduin’s arm shaking, coming close to his sword and supports his arm with his heart, showing he trusts him

[@Bliss467]

a little unnecessary for thrall to have said "i trust you" given that action already implies it, but i think the scene would feel a bit empty without that dialogue. it also shows a bit a desperation from thrall to feel the need to emphasize that way.

[@ElimusTaken]

I think also Thrall knew Anduin needed to hear that.

[@TripleTapHK]

@@Bliss467 Sometimes even obvious things need to be said out loud to the one that need to hear them.

[@FrozenxDeath]

@@Bliss467 You'd be surprised at how obtuse some members of the audience can be.

[@shinobi-media]

@@Bliss467 Yes, he could not have said anything. Hearing words from someone we trust is very powerful to a human being or an intelligent life form. You can definitely see the emotions on Anduin when Thrall says it. The pain, the loss, and the anger vanish, being substituted by the feelings of letting go and allowing that person they trust to help bear the mental load they're having. Many people don't realize that speaking to someone and confiding their inner thoughts to another helps tremendously. This cinematic helps deeply with males not wanting to share their feelings because, in the community, that is frowned upon. I hope this cinematic can help prove that words can literally bring someone up and not reject this helping hand.

[@MrKanooe]

Anduin's theme, is absolutly marvellous, i can only recommend you to listen to it ! This is what we hear for the most part of the trailer, really slowed down, yeah..but man..what a magnificent piece.

[@MataxGaming]

Yes i would love to see him do an analysis of that peice.

[@Darkclowd]

Canticle of Sacrifice too!

[@MrKanooe]

Indeed !@@Darkclowd

[@Darkclowd]

@@MrKanooe OH I just remembered Daughter of the Sea! I'd love if Marco did that!

[@Elurin]

Since it's beginning, World of Warcraft has had some incredible music pieces, and tracks, but Anduin's theme has to be my favourite, here, in this trailer, and the Battle for Azeroth cinematic. Jaina Proudmore's theme is possibly 2nd, along with some cool tracks from Wrath of the Lich King.

[@julbot1]

The Orc is Thrall. A leader that has been through a lot like Anduin. Thrall had grown weary of being the leader of his faction and tried to retire, but his poor choice of successor forced him to come back (twice). Anduin is a king, and he's still recovering from the trauma of a previous expansion's story where he was captured and magically enslaved into being a pawn for the villain. The ethereal hand grabbing his shoulder was a callback to when the power controlling his body was finally broken and he saw a vision of his father, Varian, there with him. The sword Anduin carries originally belonged to Varian, so it's also a symbol of his father's legacy.

[@young2010ize]

Garrosh did nothing wrong

[@MrKanooe]

Anduin had the weight of the world placed on his shoulders as a kid. Father died and he had to assume the throne. The Prophet Velen telling other leaders Anduin is destined to lead the Army of the Light in its final battle. Then forced into a war he didn't want, a war they were losing, seeing so many men he felt responsible for die... Through most of that he held strong, though it weighed on him. Then he was captured, dominated (mentally raped), and used as a vessel to commit atrocities. He was eventually rescued, and his friends never blamed him, but he's been struggling to put himself back together. Here he's reacting to being asked to be a savior figure again.

[@Mikeoneal07]

"I never asked.... But I'd hope you'd fight for it."

[@mateusneves589]

i really love how im pretty sure ive read this paragraph multiple times in different videos

[@blizzing3316]

Bro you just copy pasted this from another video lol

[@Dante1920]

​@@blizzing3316I think it might be the same person

[@MrKanooe]

Yes, i did, here is the original autor : @joveonlightbringer9684, It is just the perfect summary of Anduin's character.@@blizzing3316

[@ToastyMcGrath]

Dude, you are going to LOVE some of the music from Warcraft. Neal Acree in particular is a true master of his art.

[@eodyn7]

It's wild that he also did Stargate.

[@Brainth1780]

Yeah! He also does the music in Legends of Vox Machina, and the two seasons so far have been a blast!

[@publicguy1664]

I dunno, I think Russell Brower is the real OG of WoW music. Acree really learned the WoW sound from him.

[@ToastyMcGrath]

@@publicguy1664 You're not wrong. The WoW series has had some of the best music from start to finish.

[@sonia417]

@@publicguy1664Russell is my hero💜💜

[@AHylianWarrior]

I think you'll love a good listen to Anduin's Theme if you enjoyed the music in the trailer. There's different versions of his theme (it evolves through the game as he grows from Prince to King of Stormwind to what he is now) but I think that's what you'll find enjoyable. You'll get to learn about this character through his music which has practically become the theme of the game beyond the login screen (which evolves too depending on the expansion).

[@Mad_Peasant_King]

Anduin's theme will always tug at my heartstrings knowing his story and having seen him grow up in the game throughout the years

[@animeyay4]

Warbringers: Jaina is a famous WoW song too you might enjoy.

[@lilangelki]

The parallels in this music, scene, and what Audiun has gone through directly correlates with Arthas is just amazing.

[@HooLeeYo]

Fast becoming one of my FAVORITE channels!!! The explanation of the music is just so superbly done that it's almost magical to hear you explain it all. Thank you for all that you do!!!!

[@chase5436]

The WoW team seems to be really on their game lately. I'm guessing there's some great cinematics and hours of amazing music coming up over the next couple years.

[@Ash-qd2ke]

Well the WoW cinematic team has never disappointed us, they’re always at the top of their game

[@Zergqueen377]

You should give Anduin's Theme a listen some time too. If I recall it was quite amazing. Love how you explain all these deep musical emotions or how to put it. So interesting seeing these things through the music, instead of just the visuals.

[@Zigz15]

To add to this, the Legion announcement cinematic is where the Anduin Theme was introduced (iirc) and it's narration is his father writing him a letter. A lot of subtle context you'll learn as you lay the game that adds even more to these cinematics! @MarcoMeatball

[@austinsebben1402]

Anduin's theme is like one of the long-running motifs in the game, it's been in a bunch of big moments and cinematics for the last 7 years, with a bunch of variance

[@niteshimmeror9847]

It goes from King Anduins' theme to Stormwind theme (his realm he has not returned to after Shadowlands). The sword has its own story.

[@jsteimel]

I was hoping you'd cover this! This cinematic trailer was just bonkers. Blizzard's cinematic team is just showing off at this point. A few interesting points -- Anduin, the human character, wasn't in control of his actions when he talks about his regret (keeping it minimal for spoiler reasons). I figured this was worth mentioning because you can really see a bit of pensiveness in him like he's almost afraid he's still not himself. Also, after Anduin readied his sword in the direction of Thrall, the orc, I took the motion in that scene as Thrall having actually taken a step forward to close the gap between himself and the blade -- and it's kind of beautiful because not only does it give more weight to when he says "I trust you", but if you notice in the scene before -- Anduin's sword is shaking a bit unsteadily. Once Thrall steps forward, it stills Andruin's blade, and then Thrall's words still Anduin's mind.

[@Honorsprenn]

it may be worth checking out 'canticle of sacrifice' from wow as well, The previous king varian (anduins father) died in the lore a few expansions ago and its one of the songs that plays at his memorial in stormwind sometimes.

[@SpaceAntlers]

We are thrilled to have you here enjoying the game we love! Its been amazing hearing your analysis of this music, it has captivated me since I began playing the game 14 years ago 💚

[@MarcoMeatball]

:)

[@once-and-future]

Neal Acree has such a distinctive voice for how he uses thematic variations.

[@WaywardHex]

Seeing the previous cinematics with Anduin makes appreciating the music in this one even easier.

[@MarcoMeatball]

It was pretty easy to appreciate ngl

[@WaywardHex]

@@MarcoMeatball then you're gonna have an amazing time going down the rabbit hole :D Especially with the music from early expansions. They are characteristic as hell.

[@TheSaltyAdmiral]

A cool thing about World of Warcraft is that it's usually so much cinematic storytelling that you can pretty much follow the story just from the videos they release, without having to actually play the game. As someone who don't really have time to play the game properly, but have been absolutely in love with its lore since the beginning, I really appreciate that.

[@133774c05]

The musical phrasing makes more sense when you know the leitmotif of the Wrynns. First his father's, Variant Wrynn, and then his. The leitmotif is never resolved until after the sword scene. It shows the little growth he achieved from being insecure and unresolute like the music to then sounding complete and resolute, also sounds more heroic.

[@ben-taobeneton3945]

Huh....now that Marco explained / cleared up a bit, it all makes sense now. I had a hunch of the undertone of it - the emotional aspect of it but I couldn't explain it fully. Yeah....that's beautiful. Maybe it's high time to dive back into the game. Been a few patches since I last played it.

[@PapaDeusVult]

What's satisfying about the music that lingers in the piece (barring the key changes in certain moments) is that if you're someone who's seen Anduin grow over the years, you can easily tell that the notes in the piano and the strings are the first few notes of his character theme, which he inherited from his father King Varian Wrynn-among other things and responsibilities. However, given the tone of the cinematic and Anduin's emotional state, it never continues or resolves into the heroic leitmotif that follows those first few notes. Anduin is in there; he's still in there, but it doesn't come out until Thrall coaxes it out with his "I trust you", and only then is the full theme allowed to resolve-at least until they're both interrupted by the sharp, painful vision that hits them

[@prime161616]

WoW has some of the best soundtracks I've ever heard in video games. Nightsong, Jaina Homeland, Forsaken Flame and a lot more are just beautiful.

[@jimmiekarlsson4458]

I love most of the soundtrack s , nazjatar from the bfa expansion in particular got some dope tunes

[@cthun5912]

Any of the Neil Acree song can make you to start to its relevant thing, no matter a game or movie. Neil is someone has the power to inflict emotion in you with his music

[@kimibimi7532]

Your ears are in for a new world, each zone has its own musical theme, i cant wait for you to experience thecworld music in game ❤❤❤❤❤ the musichas been a comfort , a charge to action, a haven for me since 2008. Welcome aboard and happy trails adventurer!

[@gerardojeriasanchez4946]

Awesome video, didn't expect this, but I'm so glad you did it! (We WoW fans are really hyped right now haha) Something that can really enhance this analysis is the evolution of Anduin's theme through the years, I recommend listening to that if you are interested in WoW's music. There are some old leimotivs hidden here as well for the zone (Silithus) and the big sword "reveal" (the sword has been there for 6-7 years in real time lol), I actually love the musical storytelling in this cinematic!

[@xXDoUbLeDDXx38]

Just found your channel, this was excellent! I'm a huge Warcraft fan, would love to see you do the other cinematics. Going to check out your channel now to see if you already have!

[@Xynth25]

For a very different take on Anduin's motiff from an earlier point in the story, I highly recommend the Battle for Azeroth trailer. Blizzard's music team has been killing it for decades, I've got incredibly fond memories of StarCraft and the WarCraft 3 soundtracks even before WoW.

[@Vinzaf]

Absolutely love this cinematic. It's very soft and understated but still manages to display exemplary craft. Seriously, Anduin's face looks utterly picturesque. Please excuse my greedy aside: If you ever want to try something new, there's an interesting anime with one of the most unique scores I've heard in a long time that I think you'd really enjoy listening to. The anime is Made in Abyss, and there's many good songs but I highly, highly recommend VOH to really test your ear. The anime itself is quite good - but.. very hard to watch considering it involves a lot of children in messed up situations.

[@elliottbott7213]

to clarify the above "messed up situations" is kids going down deep into the earth and avoiding monsters. nothing shady.

[@freefall945]

Yeah, anduin’s stuff is right up there with Arthas My Son. Honestly I would love to see Marco do a series on relationships in music. Anduin’s theme is steeped in Father/Son stuff, for example.

[@MarcoMeatball]

A lot of work ahead of me 🤣

[@amandapelland]

Amazing analysis of this cinematic. This cinematic has been the most powerful one of them all.

[@BrosTheNugget]

Lore-wise, he has more reason than most to feel as though he's a lost cause, and that he has no light anymore. He's a priest, king of Stormwind (the capital of the major faction known as the alliance), and at one point was controlled by a fallen titan (powerful entities that created time, space, and other fundamental constants in the universe) and forced to attack many innocent lives and threatened the livelihood of everyone in the universe, in doing so. The mind control was possible by use of another beings soul be put in his mind by the Jailer, the titan I mentioned earlier. The soul of that person was the Lich King, another really terrible person. The whole time he was being controlled, he was watching as the lich king did these horrible things to innocent people in his body and almost changed reality in favor of the Jailer while trying to fight for his control again. He very nearly succeeded, as well. In this cinematic, he's still trying to figure out how worthy he is of the light, as it's a priests duty to protect and heal rather than to harm at all, let alone almost genocide galaxies of beings. He feels entirely unworthy, and Thrall (the orc that shows up to talk to him) is trying to bring him back to his people, as solitude and "time, alone, heals nothing." It's been a while since I commented, hopefully the lore comments aren't too crazy boring lol. Thank you for the awesome video, as always man!

[@junereames5354]

Looking forward to hearing what you think of the music that represents the zones themselves as you quest through them.

[@Manwendlil]

maldraxxus or the ice-crown themes?

[@cxfxcdude]

Spot on Marco

[@charlayned]

This has been the character's theme since the beginning. I love it, have it on my phone as a ringtone. Some of the other uses of it is more upbeat, fighting, sad, and such. You can find it online and you would love the entire thing. I've played for a very long time and this is my favorite character. This list of videos has the story coming up and you'll find the music very interesting in all of it. World of Warcraft Legion Cinematic Trailer-World of Warcraft 4:05 (photo of Anduin as a child in the compass of his father. The big gray worgen is the King of Gilneas, Genn Greymane) Death of Varian Wrynn: World of Warcraft Legion-Tom’s Hardware 4:07 (the man at the end is Genn) Patch 7.2 In-Game Cinematic: A Found Memento: Raising a King-World of Warcraft 2:51 (Anduin is seeing the memories of his father’s death) Sargeras Impales Azeroth Sword Cinematic/Illidan’s Sacrifice-Athelarius 3:35 (how the sword happened-the Titans deal with Sargeras) Cinematic: Old Soldier-World of Warcraft 6:21 (set-up for the war and Anduin’s friendship with Varok Sarfang, the troll is Zekhan) World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth Cinematic Trailer 4:39 (Sylvanas, Genn, Anduin using his priest powers) Cinematic: “Lost Honor” World of Warcraft 3:18 (Anduin, Genn, and Sarfang) Cinematic: “Reckoning” (spoiler) World of Warcraft 4:12 (Sarfang and Thrall. Thrall is a shaman and the retired Warchief of the Horde) Anduin Finale Cinematic/Shadowlands Patch 9.2 Eternity’s End-LeystTV 3:52 (the end of the raid where Anduin finally breaks the Jailer’s hold on him) Sylvanas Windrunner & Anduin Epilogue Cutscene World of Warcraft Patch 9.25 LeystTV 2:45 (Anduin has to go find himself) Which is then connected to this one, the War Within Announce Cinematic that you commented on. Each of these has elements that are echoed in the War Within. It covers 2016 to 2023. Hope this helps.

[@rd2926]

do you know what specific version of anduins theme was used in this cinematic?

[@charlayned]

@@rd2926 I don't. It's just another variation on the theme, it's pretty consistent all the way through the game. He's been through a lot and this was quite a shock to see after the last time we saw him.

[@kellykel3542]

Hey Marco ! You should listen to Xaxas next ! Its a song with a lot of "calamity" in it, but its one of my favorite's from WoW ! As well as Seasons of War, with seasons of war we started wow

[@videomanster3029]

he needs to go into wow zones and listen to the zone music and tell us about it that would be awesome

[@gabrielwickander]

13:12 That voice gives me chills everytime I watch this cinematic

[@Athena-97]

That high note when focusing on the sword before the expansion logo I interpreted it as the scream of the world soul. When the expansion of Legion reached it's final patch and raid, Antorus, the Burning Throne, Sargeras, the fallen titan, tried to stab Azeroth, the nascent titan and the one who calls to them, with his sword, piercing her body and letting his sword malignant essence seep into the earth. Azeroth is said to be different from the other titans, more powerful in ways we don't know yet. But through the millennias, we've been told that the earth itself is her body: the Well of Eternity, the most powerful source of magic the Elves cherished so much, was nothing more than Azeroth's blood that coalesced in a gaping wound left when the titans plucked Y'sharrhj, an old god, from the planet's surface. The raw arcane magic that erupted from it would later become that very well, so central to the events of The War of the Ancients and that would be a milestone in elves' history, one that would birth all the different ethnicities, and the elves themselves (Elves are an evolved ethnicity of Trolls: Dark trolls. They found the well in the first place and its arcane influence slowly mutated their body and mind into what are now the Night Elves). So we could say that scream either is an echo from the moment she was stabbed, or a cry of a pain that still lingers, even though the sword has been "cleansed" of Sargeras' magic.

[@Mikeoneal07]

So Marco... There's just so much here that the team behind it has done. You nail the creep of the music and the pain, the so much pain. But the moments that you can easily miss is so much physical story telling their telling us. Anduin, who's dealt with the very same corruption of another famous prince thrusts his blade forward and takes a stance almost 1:1 of the stance Arthas takes in the cinematic for his own expansion. Giving us that immediate parallel that Anduin had suffered through and barely come out the other side. He breaks down and uses the quotes "What I've seen! ..... What I've done!" An exact quote to the Orc mind you, not ogre hehe, Varok Saurfang just an expansion ago losing his own stoic demeanor as he takes ownership of his own past atrocities, murdering women and children, burning a tree dwelling society full of non combatants, all dishonorable acts that weighed down the soul of a honorable warrior. A warrior that Anduin himself worked with to take down Sylvanas. (Also not the orc in this scene mind you.) Even the line Anduin spits out in the beginning "Come to tell me 'We don't get to hide'?" It's own specific in moment reference to that same warrior from before when he spoke directly to the orc character we see here. The loss of who clearly still weighs on him even years after now, being a strong masculine force who showed him the honor a leader should live with, a trait that his own father strove to teach him as well before his own untimely end. And here we are reintroduced to our boy, now man, literal years after the last time we've seen him naratively. The blood still staining his hands regardless how easily the world would forgive his deeds, the light that should be glowing within the recess of his blade now blank if for only his self imposed exile from his connection to the light. So much pain and loss with him and as a member of his faction, of the ones that still call him kings, all our hearts bleed.

[@Kybalion2011]

Please, please, PLEASE explore the music and cinematics of WoW. Some of the best in video game history ❤️

[@MarcoMeatball]

I am and am playing it. FOR THE HORDE

[@rikkuricky]

Loved this, excited to hear more of your WoW music journey!

[@Zzzfunky]

Absolutely love your videos man! Gotta say tho This cinematic uses a lot of somewhat old stuff. The theme they are using is an revisit to "Anduin's Theme", which from what i've seen and read is widely seen as one of the best themes in all of world of warcraft. On top of being absolutely amazing, the theme builds on multiple cinematics, which it is expressing the feelings of. The first of which being the Legion Cinematic trailer, the second being the Broken shore cinematic. I would argue Alliance perspective (There is a horde and alliance version of this one) explains the emotions best of the theme best. For the Third cinematic its "Raising A King" which is where anduin himself revisits the place his father fell. I hope you would consider checking it out

[@MarcoMeatball]

Oh I’m going to

[@Zzzfunky]

Now you got me hyped!

[@FutayuriShironeko]

Piano and strings except for the very end is playing alternate(sadder/tragic) version of Anduin's theme from Legion.

[@gonzalopanizza]

There are a different variations for Anduins theme you should listen, the classic one from Legion, another one when his father Varian died, another one from Battle for Azeroth, and one from Shadowlands that is a darker version because he was being mentally controlled(a small part of it is played on this cinematic too at the moment the sword is shown, those dark notes, but they added screams here) Canticle of sacrifice also recommended. On this cinematic i noticed something that I didn't see anyone else comment that parallels to one moment from the Battle for Azeroth cinematic you should check out. Here when Anduin stands up with his sword they use a similar way to build up the sequense and the same disruption sound that they have used when Anduin got his sword up to the skye on Battle for Azeroth, but in this case the music don't progress because he "has no light on him" in contraposition to his Battle for Azeroth moment when he looks at his sword shining with light(remembering his father) Also you will be shock by the difference in his appearance, but that was not too long ago, Anduin looked that young until the last time we saw him (an expansion ago). Now in this cinematic he looks much older but is like coming back after war irl. He is still so young, ~20 years old

[@kebzero]

Hope you'll have fun while playing WoW, and that it'll lead you to more tracks to analyze for us! There are so many good bits of music hidden away only in select parts of the zones, or even as unique quest Easter eggs. One of my favorite WoW songs is - best as I know - only played (or rather, sung by an NPC) in an out-of-the-way room inside a big bridge in Pandaria.

[@user-ic6pj8jq2e]

You were spot on about Anduin's sword, which I find so fascinating. Just the theme is enough to illicit that belief in you even while lacking context. I'm sure comments have already mentioned it, but his sword is very iconic in the lore and was corrupted to force him to commit the acts he mentions. Anduin's theme is one of the best pieces from the whole franchise and was used to such great effect in this cinematic. Thank you for sharing your perspective. It was fascinating to see this cinematic from this angle.

[@MarcoMeatball]

:) my pleasure

[@brightestlight9462]

GOTTA listen to anduins theme im glad you're seeing this stuff

[@darkaria8]

Great reaction, thank you! One aspect that I haven't heard from any reactor yet is about the opening hazy shot of Anduin. Notice initially that Anduin's cloak seems to blend into the rock. As the haziness clears up, we see him sitting on a rock situated in the sand. Tthe break between his cloak and the rock is more obvious. In the lore, Anduin has been a rock helping his father and their kingdom since he was a little boy. Even after his father died sacrificing his life to give his people a chance to escape what seemed like inevitable death, Anduin persevered. Even after Anduin's mind and soul were enslaved and he was forced to commit horrendous acts, he persevered. The grinding of his sword into the sand leads one to suspect he is trying to scour all the blood & evil from his sword. The opening strings give us a feeling of suspense also. What is going to happen here? I love that Anduin's Theme lays below supporting the music - much like Anduin being a rock. Yes, he's a battle priest who is battle weary in mind, heart and soul, yet he will help the people of Azeroth. How could Anduin not...of course he will, as he asserts.The cinematic is THE best I have ever seen in my 72 years. Cheers!

[@MarcoMeatball]

Loved reading this!

[@MikeyGy]

There is also like a gameplay feature trailer BUT musicaly it's super interesting, very juxtaposed to this one with the invoking of a feeling of dread almost

[@kaybailey-jones3740]

He looks to the side as he’s remembering - a call back to the cause. It’s time. The something, someone is a call back to Thrall’s past, his culture. The King, has PTSD, the piano is like you say, emotion. The Horde vs Alliance changes to the major stating it’s right and then…..forward?

[@hodgesjake]

For having never played WOW, you were super accurate in what you were pulling from the musical cues. Anduin lost his father, who was King of the human faction, and later was mind controlled by the "big bad guy" of a previous expansion into being his own personal murder machine. He was aware the whole time but had no control of his actions. Really messed up way to torture someone. The players helped him break free and since then he's been MIA on his personal quest for redemption. I thought this cinematic was excellent, and your analysis was spot on.

[@MarcoMeatball]

❤️ Varis right? I’ve been playing!

[@samsalihe7129]

im love you man we wait for more reaction to music and sure be world of warcraft trailer cinematic

[@PhantomSinger1]

If you know the history of the sword, those opening moments are even more sad. There should be a ball of light in the gap between blades, but it's gone. A sword used by hallowed heroes now being used to dig in the sand. The liet motif for the human normally sounds hopeful and heroic, and now it sounds... Defeated and hopeless. You're spot on about the orc knowing what the man has gone through. That orc also walked away from everything to reconnect with the source of his power and was watched from afar by allies. An old friend was sent to bring him back to the people who needed him, and now he has to be the voice of compassion and reason for another troubled soul. He manages it and the music becomes hopeful for a brief moment before it's shattered by the mystery screech.

[@JonathanIndino]

It's even deeper for gamers who have seen Anduin grow up and build up reach the levels of emotional damage he's facing right now.

[@Brettman04]

Yeah i remember that kid standing next to Bolvar Fordragon and Lady Prestor from way back when WoW started. Anduin has had a very rough life.

[@majom4078]

what you did hear since he grabed his shoulder, and trigered a memory, was part of his theme, since a lot of character have their own theme music that gets mixed in key moments of the story ... Anduins is my personal favorite

[@m1bl4n]

Oh boy, if he starts WoW now... I can't wait until he hears all of the music in it. WoW has so much emotional and epic music in it. Especially in the WoD content. Frostfire Ridge's theme comes to mind. (And lots... LOTS more)

[@scajl]

This was a fascinating watch and breakdown. Well done, thanks for sharing.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@scajl]

@@MarcoMeatball Hope you enjoy the game!

[@rayoza2607]

3:50 good ol’ cello getting the tears ready to drop 🥲

[@danniswrites]

I've been playing WOW since the 2nd expansion, Burning Crusade. The music and artwork drew me to this game :) Really enjoyed seeing you react to it! It's awesome to hear from an opera singer. When I was young I took a couple class voice courses and I love to sing, so from this point of view, it's really interesting to hear your comments.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Glad you enjoy it! And now I’m obsessed with wow

[@planetprint8597]

hello! all the best I put you in context, in the origin and history of the Orcs, a race to which the warchief Thrall belongs, heir to the frost wolf clan of ORCS and firstborn of the warchief Durotan, it is emphasized that his spirituality was linked to the spirit of the elementals (earth, fire, water and others), it was a kind of shamanism towards the elements of the earth, that is why when he go down to feel the ground a mystical wind instrument sounds like something tribal, something from aboriginal cultures , the warchief Thrall has always had that connection with the elemental spirits, it feels as if when he closes his eyes and approaches the ground to feel what is under the world, he asks for guidance from his spiritual shamanic side. 😉 or well at least that's what I can perceive from the knowledge I have of WOW

[@user-uw3mu3ke4e]

As an alliance player I personally recommend you the music from kultiran zones of Boralus town

[@SlySgaile]

id highly recommend you listen to anduins theme and then to this again and how they picked this theme up and reimagined it. i loved the music of this so much

[@cristisha]

10:45 is Anduin's theme, stronger than it was throughout the rest of the cinematic.

[@BrowneePointz]

I hope you enjoy the WoW journey! While a couple expansions weren't the greatest overall(Battle for Azeroth and Shadowlands in particular) the music in each is still phenomenal. The Soundtracks for Wrath of the Lich King and Mists of Pandaria are big big standouts in my honest opinion as a fellow musician.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Will explore!

[@ShawnSmith3084]

I think you should absolutely do videos of each of the cinematics for the World of Warcraft expansions. I think Warcraft as a whole has some amazing music, but the cinematics are easy to turn into analysis videos. Play the game too, if it interests you! It's quite good, and has very, very deep lore to it!

[@MarcoMeatball]

I’m level 33 :)

[@Omegaroth666]

I learned the other day, that there a dungeon called the caverns of time that covers the story of Warcraft 1, 2, and 3 14:32

[@DragonflyenAmber]

Thrall (an Orc) and Anduin are part of opposing factions who shouldn't be friends but are. Anduin is the son of the former King of the Alliance and Thrall is one of the leaders of the horde. That sword was thrust into the planet (Azeroth) a few expansions ago, the one where Anduin's father died. Blizzard really outdid themselves with the quality and sound for this cinematic. The music in game is always bang on, I could sit in Valdrakken (the current major city) and just listen to the soundtrack all day. The theme is dragonflight and the music plays into it perfectly.

[@bounce6958]

I can only echo what many other commentators here have said. Anduin's theme is what you are looking for to react to. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

[@CyclopsToppingWolverine]

It's really cool to see how you're able to piece things together from information in the music alone. I assume you've never played because "the ogre" (made me laugh), but I'm impressed. Learned a lot about music today

[@MarcoMeatball]

Awesome! Ya I’ve never played but now I have a BM Hunter going :)

[@Jacobstx]

Getting into wow at this point must be quite overwhelming - considering that leveling a character now is done through 'Chromie time' rather than going through each expansion in order. Make no mistake, its absolutely easier to level a character this way and get to the new stuff, but I can imagine new characters are going to show up seemingly out of the blue.

[@gebamsel8052]

I really need the Soundtrack!!

[@skyhavender]

I love the music of this trailer. Before i die i want to listen to my favorite video game music and this is on the list. 😂😢 Man do i wish i didnt have to die...

[@andrewrodriguez4010]

The song by itself is telling us the story of anduin untild this momento. How his feeling are at this point befor all the thinks his passs throug

[@Lajune01]

you'll be glad you did. WoW has some of the most beautiful music.

[@seanmoran3638]

It's almost difficult to explain how Anduin must feel at this point, after being used as a weapon against everything he's stood for. He's absolutely broken.

[@publicguy1664]

So, Thrall is an Orc, not ogre. Thrall has had a very similar story, he as a shaman lost his connection with the elements and the earth, the way Anduin has with the light, which is represented by the sword not having it's glowing orb core in the round cut-out area. In WoW "the Light" is a cosmic force sort of sentient entity, it's where holy magic comes from. But to understand the place Anduin is at, watch the Shadowlands cinematics with him in them and then backwards, BFA thru Legion, while also keeping in mind he lost both his parents at a young age, he got his father back because he wasn't dead, just missing, but he then died in Legion.

[@Zonvolt]

12:00 I thought he sounded like a sports commentator for a bit there lol

[@dark_sunshinedgc]

You said it best, 20 years of warcraft and its also 20 years of music. I have a favorites playlist just on Warcraft music. It would be hard for me to say which would be my favorite lol... I agree with some folks here, Anduin's theme is worth a listen to for a future video. Anduin has been around those 20 years after all haha...but I don't think you can go wrong with anything you listen to. If you decide to play, do like I do, volume on the music as some zones they really immerse you into the surroundings and story :)

[@MarcoMeatball]

That’s my plan :)

[@dark_sunshinedgc]

@@MarcoMeatball one thing I'll add that I want to say is if you start listening to the music of the wow intros for og wow and all the others after, they have key notes or blocks of music (sorry don't know the official term) that repeats in all of them. Tying them all to wow, its chef's kiss to the writer(s) for that small detail.

[@Chad-770]

When ya react to Nightsong, check out Ysera's death and reborn cinematics there are elements of nightsong that play in them, and there is a newer version called (The Dreamer) for Ardenweald zone in Shadowlands, I have a feeling when the next patch ( Guardians of the Dream ) comes out that it will be played a lot.

[@whyteboyy1978]

Although some may argue about Gameplay and story being lackluster the last 6-7 years of WoW. The music and art/cinematic departments of WoW have ALWAYS been bar none. Absolutely some of the best music I've ever heard composed. Battle for Azeroth with all of it's faults had some of the best music WoW has ever had, imo. Check it out.

[@ayyycortana7196]

Been waiting years for Anduin to forgive himself

[@o.k.1175]

Good analysis. 👍

[@Phantom_Quasar]

You should really watch the cinematics and story that lead to this point. it's a lot but it's worth it.

[@AkridianRU]

I think there are parts of Anduin theme at the beginning.

[@henrikh3089]

I really liked this video and music analysis. ❤

[@MarcoMeatball]

:)

[@Urban_King1]

You should do a breakdown of the Battle for Azeroth cinematic trailer. That one has a younger Anduin's glorious theme. All of Blizzard's cinematic trailers have great music. Check out their Overwatch and Diablo cinematic trailers as well. There are more than enough trailers you could break down, if you wish.

[@MarcoMeatball]

I’d love to do just that!

[@paletyam]

If you want to get into wow and its wonderous lore i recomend the " wow lore in X minutes" videos as a start, it will initially make zero sense but serves as a really good backbone to then build kowlige on. Nobble is probably the main lore master of the franchise. Paltinum wow makes really fun videos that really do a great job at making "history" fun.

[@andresvidalcasariego7747]

Surely someone has already mentioned it before, but at 3:15 begins to play the Anduin's Theme (A World Divided). A truly beautiful theme but in a very sad version. I add one link if someone is interested - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqDIgYRuhNN0jdE

[@noisespark]

The sword spinning is also should I keep going or should i give up. Why do I care or should I just let it go. Do I want to get involved what is the cost of get involved.

[@osamahbooshi1600]

Maybe you already got it but thrall (the orc) was the one who moved himself to anduins blade, intention to stabelize it when he saw that he was shaking, was not a kill me situation but more of a i trust you and can aid u, calming his anger.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Ya I miss saw it the first pass. Really cool dramatically

[@jimmiekarlsson4458]

Recommend that u check out the diffrent soundtracks from the zone Nazjatar from the battle for azeroth expansion, lot of emotions there,

[@nolram]

As a Warframe player, I was immensely confused at the “The War Within” title…

[@plarysa]

Hey marco! You should really take a listen to the warlords of draenor auchindoun music it's super awesome and ty for your reactions❤

[@introvertedextrovert1023]

A lot of people say that Anduin is a cry-baby... and in my opinion, those people are emotionally retarded. I'm being harsh but sometimes its the only way to fight toxic masculinity 😅. His mom, who, according to the lore, was a kind and gentle woman ( Anduin takes after her) died when he was very young. When he was just a kid, his dad disappeared for a while, leaving him in charge of Stormwind and the Alliance (he, of course, had a lot of help). When Varian came back to rule, he was a very tough warrior, something Anduin was not. Anduin was literally a Priest! When Varian died, Anduin was forced to become king and a warrior. He was just a teenager then. He had to send men to their deaths fighting a war he was losing while one of his allies decided to just go do her own stuff... a fight that she also lost! Then he was kidnapped and mind raped, managed to refuse to be dominated but was forced into it anyway. He was stuck inside his own body, with no control over it even though he could feel everything! His body felt powerful doing things Anduin never would have done and all he could do is endure. Of course he is broken! He has seen what he could be and absolutely hated it and liked it at the same time. I for one think its refreshing to see a character that is more human and think he might yet be the strongest character in the lore! Now if you start playing WoW, i recommend playing Alliance if you want to know about Anduin a little bit more. You will be forced to play in the Battle for Azeroth expansion at first (which is a bit of a pity... its fine, zones are fine and story... but it means skipping a lot of lore! )Once you have a lvl 60 though, you will be able to talk with the gnome lady in Stormwind, called Chromie (who is really a dragon) and pick any expansion you want, in ordre you can do Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King (Arthas is another generation's Anduin in a way). Cataclysm, Mists of Pandaria, Warlords of Draenor, Legion, Battle for Azeroth, Shadowlands and Dragon Flight. I have been playing since the game lauched in 2004 and I really missed the days where I would level and discover the story of this massive game! I absolutely love this game and it is my favorite and I don't think any game will ever mean as much to me as this game does!

[@Brettman04]

Yeah Aduin has had it rough, at 10 years old his mom was killed in a riot orchestrated by Lady Prestor who became a royal councilor to Anduin after Varian's disappearance. And as we know Lady Prestor was actually Onyxia. And Bolvar Fordragon who had been Regent was killed by Arthas and raised into undeath later becoming the new Lich King. And that's just the start of his story. Through all the things Anduin has suffered and been through, he still looks for the good in others. Willing to give them a chance. He by all rights should be horribly broken with all that's happened to him, but he still tells Thrall that of course he'll stand with him. In my opinion he is one of the toughest individuals in all of warcraft.

[@jaratt85]

Man, if you ever decided to dissect Fantasia it'd be a 14 hour stream. BTW with the video taking up so much of your screen that it's overlapping your face, I'd suggest either sliding your camera over or moving over yourself to get out from behind it so you can be fully seen. You definitely need to explore the music from all the different zones, any of the Elven zones have really good classical music and the Undercity had pretty good music too. Arthas' theme was another huge one. The Orcs and Tauren always somehow remind me of Star Wars with the big booming sound.. I wish they'd redo the Tauren music to make it sound more Native American like they are, get some natives with hand carved recorders and proper drums to do it. (one of my favorite parts of Windtalkers was the recorder/flute)

[@MarcoMeatball]

I rushed the vid 🤣 that’s why the screen is in a dumb spot

[@puntacana7550]

I thought it was going to be pure reaction on first watch but he goes to full dissect immediately…

[@MarcoMeatball]

Yea that’s how I do things

[@candletv6591]

yaahhh laryaahh uhooohhh, emotional.. etc etc.. muiahhhh laradahhhhhh

[@MrThecrazyzombie]

nice reaction

[@aglanfield]

I just want to know where I can find this music! Any ideas?

[@slinttu1378]

Won't be out for a while, they release an OST with some music when the expansion comes out and the cinematic trailer music is always included in that. So, will have to wait for that.