Composer breaks down GOD OF WAR: RAGNAROK | Character Themes

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Hey there! I'm Zach - full-time media composer, passionate online educator, and obsessive coffee roaster. Through my KZbin channel, weekly newsletter, and online courses, I'll teach you how to grow as a composer so you can make cool music and spend your life doing what you love.
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[@ZachHeyde]

Hey there! If you want to learn how to build a career writing film & game music, check out my 6-week Composing Career Bootcamp: zachheyde.com/composing-career-bootcamp

[@TWDub]

Hi Zach! Are there any string libraries you know of where the Contrabass drops below C1? I've never been able to find a library where they go that low. So playing the Kratos theme in the key of C with the low strings, unless I settle for bumping it up the Octave, doesn't seem possible. Thanks!

[@Jaws1015]

Raeb's Lament is even more heartbreaking when you get to the end, and the brothers' theme comes back in, but out of time, lingering, and disjointed. "A Hole... gets bigger the more you take away." Tears.

[@samuelliebich7665]

That has got to be the most tragic line I've ever heard, absolutely shattering

[@frostmawedits9879]

The Brothers' theme lacking a sense of direction much like the missing part of Brok's soul, if that was the intent, it's bloody genius!

[@samuelliebich7665]

@@frostmawedits9879 that was absolutely the intent and it’s perfect

[@Jaws1015]

@@frostmawedits9879 I don't think its about the missing part of his soul, but just the loss in general. The Brother's theme is broken, because Brok died. But I agree, its brilliant, beautiful, and heartbreaking.

[@SamLipeNandes]

Who wrote that line and that "pun" deserves a promotion, it worked so well.

[@StormbowSquid]

Raebs Lament crushes my soul. Every time I listen to it, i get an undescribable emotion. It's more than sadness and feels so heavy, yet makes me feel like I'm floating everytime I hear it. It's probably the best song on the soundtrack and personally, the best I've heard out of any game's score. It takes me back to when I've lost, when I've grieved. It lets me stand on the shore to watch that little boat drift away as it goes up in flames.

[@randombackgroundguy6389]

Me either brother... Me either... And it's my favorite theme now

[@AtlasGaming001]

listen to it slowed and reverbed

[@Vayne_Solidor]

It's easily the best track in the OST of GoWR, no doubt.

[@earendilthemariner5546]

@@Vayne_Solidor i also quite like "blood upon the snow"

[@morikawa8991]

I told a friend it literally made me feel like I was physically at a friend’s funeral. Only time I cried hard at the game lol

[@nezfromhki]

What I understood from what Bear talked about in his own breakdown of the score, is that the loud chorus during the the Hammer of Thor theme is actually Thor. He's loud, big, and intimidating like Kratos. But the fast paced and more subtle strings are Odin, as he's always in the background, driving everything forward. It's why in the actual score for Odin's boss fight (called the All-Father), the same chorus motif is not there anymore, as that was Thor's motif.

[@ysgramornorris2452]

It even echoes Odin's toxic relationship with his son. Odin's theme is woven into Thor's just like Odin, as a hyper-controlling narcissistic parent, "inhabits" Thor in a way. It's like Thor is a glove that Odin puts on to crush his enemies. Come to think of it, that might be why the theme of Thor's entrance is titled "the Hand of Odin".

[@ArkhamverseJoker]

GENIUS

[@lkezzmarr4200]

Huldra Brother's theme is underrated as fuck

[@SoulShardx]

It’s not. It’s easily A LOT of people’s favourite from the game’s OST.

[@SomeName_AlsoHandlesSucc]

Tf is that emoji?💀

[@SoulShardx]

@@SomeName_AlsoHandlesSucc I thinks it’s the channel’s emotes.

[@debsan79]

​@@SoulShardx No it's youtube emojis

[@SoulShardx]

@@debsan79 KZbin has emojis?

[@samuelliebich7665]

Raeb's Lament, and the scene it goes with, is one of the most tragic and heartbreaking scenes I've ever seen. The character moments are heartbreaking, and Bear's beautiful, gut wrenching score are an absolute masterclass in story telling. I cannot speak highly enough about the accomplishment this game is

[@pleasehelp2446]

Kratos theme actually has a choir singing in old norse about the events that haunt him the most as well as what he hopes for his family but the big cresendo line translates to "Heal his rage"

[@ImGlassy]

Raebs lament has to unironically be one of my favorite pieces of music ever it's so incredibly well done and the moment it plays in is so touching

[@Soccercrazyigboman]

Why is it unironic? Why isn't it straight up one of your faves? What's unironic about it?

[@faultyclone0013]

The fact you addressed raeb's lament after reading the comments earned yourself a sub. Thank you thank you thank you!!

[@MajorMike4868]

I cannot explain how fascinating this video was to me. I know next to nothing when it comes to music, but this was such an intriguing video. Thank you

[@ZachHeyde]

Thanks Mike :)

[@RulerOfTheLabyrinth]

You might find your calling letting your intrigue guide you from time to time.

[@holysecret2]

Faye's theme is also the same first 3 notes of Kratos's theme in a different order. Again telling of their familiar bond.

[@Peripheralz]

Gotta do Blood on the snow!! Hozier and Bear McCreary!

[@edgybravo4287]

Raeb's Lament is my favorite theme from the Ragnarok ost it had me tearing up a little when I heard it during the boy Brok's funeral

[@thattheatrenerd1418]

28:29 the hint of the Kratos theme in the back just sets me off, he feels remorse for in a way being the reason it is being played for a certain person. He know’s it wasn’t directly his but the fact that death seems to follow his path is his greatest burden. Just sets off the water works and the fact it is just those 3 notes that can hit you like a ton of bricks right out of nowhere.

[@maruf_khanYT]

25:21 Sindri and Brock's faces come to my mind every time I listen to this soundtrack💔

[@Ben_Kimber]

I think I’ve been Pavlov’d (classical conditioning) by Faye’s theme. I don’t need to see a cutscene anymore for the music to make my eyes well up, and I don’t think the music would have that effect if I had never seen the scenes it plays in.

[@jaker7567]

The first time i heard Raeb's Lement, i truly realized what we had lost. a friend, a new second family, and two great characters. This made me cry, and still does. Rest easy Brok

[@calebchapman2202]

dude, yes! this is the exact kind of thing I didn't know I needed to watch. Love how you go in depth and compose your own approximations of the songs. It's so cool and inspiring to watch. You have a great ear!

[@duketron6009]

Raeb,s lament its the best theme i,ve ever heard in my entered life, its a fucking masterpiece of the soundtrack industry. Even those who have not played gow ragnarok, feel with this song that pain of loss, that agony of losing something you love, that kills the soul...Sindri bro, you may not be a god, but it seems that you have become the new god of war... or revenge.

[@RulerOfTheLabyrinth]

It hurts even more when you realize it's a bittersweet version of 'Brok's half' of the 'Hulder Brothers' theme.

[@velvetrosang4684]

Sindri is in pain. I don't fault him for who he became at the end. I only hope his wounds heal enough to let that hatred go and forgive himself.

[@DestroyingTheDevoid]

Really great stuff man! I love this soundtrack as well and I've been jamming it regularly. Thanks for making this video!

[@ZachHeyde]

Thanks Craig!

[@gingersndragons]

uilleann is pronounced ill-inn btw :) It is irish for elbow, as the instrument is played by squeezing the airbag with your elbow

[@JuanRodriguez-eo4qz]

Amazing video, congrats !

[@Missionjacob_181]

I loved this in depth analysis! Thanks for making this video ❤

[@GundogduAkin92]

Very great job breaking down the themes. I really liked it 🤘🏻 Especially with pointing out the parallels between themes such as Odin and Kratos, I really dig that! Bear is a genius and he really out did himself this time. This is the best soundtrack since Witcher 3 in my opinion. Which brings me to my request… Would you consider doing a Witcher 3 analysis as well? It would be awesome and from what I’ve seen you would be great at it 🤘🏻

[@darkhpokinsngaming8889]

There’s been many great games with great soundtracks since Witcher 3. Sounds like you don’t play many games.

[@GundogduAkin92]

@@darkhpokinsngaming8889 I play mostly narrative driven games. Like The Last of Us, Red Dead Redemption, Life is Strange, Mass Effect, Heavy Rain, The Witcher series ect.) , I'm sure there has been a couple of good soundtracks just as well but nothing touched me like The Witcher 3 soundtrack. Horizon's soundtrack was also beautiful and very well composed. So yeah there are good games and soundtracks since TW3. It's not just about the soundtrack it's also how it's connected to the story and the characters. I'm also a professional musician, producer, mixing-mastering engineer and a composer so I'm looking at this from a technical standpoint as well. I mean KOTOR 2 also had one of the most beautiful soundtracks of all time, Mass Effect series, Heavy Rain, Diablo 2's atmosphere and orchestration omg... So yeah I played and still play A LOT of games. But some compositions just I like it better. That's the beauty of music I guess, everyone can connect and feel different melodies with different passion and emotions.

[@cloaker609]

I would highly recommend listening to the bloodborne ost, you could start with the first hunter if you want to but up to you I do agree tho that tw3 has a fantastic soundtrack too

[@Megacooler96_]

Great work in breaking down the themes, especially for the last one that hits hard.

[@hoomansaadat8469]

One of the best videos I've seen recently well done 👏 ✌

[@josephnono8161]

Awesome Video! Great Job!🔥

[@wnabi8469]

raeb's lament never fails to get me to cry. the question to me is that i wonder if its still as heartbreaking without the context

[@adamsin9260]

You nailed the Thor / Odin theme

[@greyfox6786]

@Adamsin Just like Odin nailed Thor.

[@Adynzh]

@@greyfox6786 bro 💀

[@kyleb8672]

@@greyfox6786 lmao 😂 bruh

[@jacksondarnell4186]

i am almost 100% sure they are going to have a tragedy happen to atreus in the next game, then slowly shift his theme lower to sound more similar to Kratos. if they do it right it’s going to be literally so good

[@BlueSlurpy]

I love this video! You've reignited an excitment that i had listening to the GOW OST for the first time!

[@JayMitchellMusic]

Really like this breakdown!! More please!!!!

[@SquishMe]

Love this

[@federico6793]

You are a magician what can i tell you, the way you interpreted it and teached it to us is mindblowing.

[@IoSonoAleM1]

Angrboda's theme is one of the best OST of the entire game. Simply wonderful.

[@adammamdooh6100]

W

[@jaykanuck1638]

I have one hand and I finally got to play this amazing score. Thank you 😊

[@ayoprez0534]

Wow that kontact VST is truly mind blowing. Those sounds are crisp

[@Harmonix05]

I’m going to college for composition in august, so this was amazing for me and I loved this game so it was that much better. One question though, what in the world was that mouthpiece you were using and what exactly does it do.

[@mrstikitupurcndyass]

Goodness, how do you learn how to play this so quick and effortlessly? Incredible

[@thebreadknight1209]

One of my favorite things about Kratos’s theme is that the vocals you hear in the song aren’t just random vocal sounds, they are actual words in a different language that describe the game. The same is true for GOW2018 but with changed lyrics.

[@Manamonke]

This is awesome how you break down the composition. Raebs lament hurts me in ways I never knew

[@mantero6094]

Man you should do a similar video to the score of Ghost of Tsushima, it's so beautiful and worth analysing

[@Nai_101]

Seconded.

[@nikitahorovenko8254]

Hi, Zach. Could you break down the Dragon Age Inquisition soundtrack in one of your upcoming videos? You're great at it, and I'd be interested in seeing a video on the subject. Thanks!

[@rafaelmassay]

Nice job Zach!! Which library you’re using for the choirs? especially for that low section!

[@ZachHeyde]

Thanks! Strezov Choir Essentials 👍🏻

[@senshai1267]

This whole album is awesome , been listening to the whole thing !!

[@Naugur]

Do you think he used a hurdy gurdy or a nordic key harp (nyckelharpa) for the Huldra Brothers' theme?

[@ZachHeyde]

Sounds like a hurdy gurdy to me!

[@rhombo323]

Not sure if you can do it in post, but the metronome kinda takes over the audio (at least in my earbuds) while your recreating strings. To me it was most noticeable during Freya's breakdown. I know why it's there but sometimes it's distracting to what your creating or breaking down. It's hard to describe other than saying it's too far in front of the rest of the audio of the video, my brain can't comprehend the music behind it because the metronome is a little too loud and intrusive. It was a great video, and I loved your breakdowns and recreations, your thoughts and everything, just a little criticism on my experience of the video. Hope you have a great day.

[@ZachHeyde]

Thanks for the feedback! Was just considering ways to avoid that for future ones 👍🏻

[@garygimmestad4272]

I think it might be a Nyckelharpa rather than a hurdy-gurdy. Soniccouture makes one and it sounds great.

[@landoncahill2747]

Your an amazing musician

[@shawnthompson2303]

I love The Hand of Odin. It’s such a good theme. Like a mix of a theme for characters like Sauron or Palpatine. It just carries so much discomforting and enigmatic malevolence and reeks of ancient knowledge.

[@notixhdz2909]

Total masterpiece

[@nyvguy]

Just realised Raeb is Bear backwards XD

[@strooba7035]

what strings plug-in do you use? they sound fantastic!

[@wolfmane5273]

the dulcimers are actually angrboda's basic character theme in atreus's, its not very clear but if you listen closely you can hear the melody.

[@LosToastyToes]

Would love to see you look at the older god of war games' music as well

[@fufufuaru]

3:47 Kratos: I speak plain.

[@gustavopires5468]

This is so freaking cool

[@SigDel676]

The lyrics for Kratos’ theme are so cool as well, they’re in Icelandic I think

[@seleverxdlol8458]

I would like it to react to the music of the hammer of Thor but how it really sounds in the game, since the soundtrack that bear mcrary uploaded is very different from how it really sounds in the game

[@medmusic7977]

God of war have all been composed with The Phrygian pentatonic scale Starting with god of war 1 using Phrygian C and going up the scale as the titles grows

[@RobinsMusic]

whats that thing around your neck called, and where can I buy one?

[@RhysKSmith02]

I believe that is a breathe controller

[@maark2k1]

Zach, please tell me the name of that little device on your neck that helps you control the expression of the flute.

[@spnsman1]

I found out that the string playing the theme in Son’s Path is actually a hardinger fiddle

[@xSquiidx]

Which vst was used for the choir in kratos' theme?

[@ZachHeyde]

Strezov Essentials :)

[@Yusuf-yv9th]

Respect

[@martin.d69]

You should make a video about blood upon the snow

[@ahmedabdalhay2775]

lullaby of the giants is the top g

[@AcousticFlame]

Hey! Can you tell me where can I find those VST plugins you used for Kratos theme since I am on windows?

[@ZachHeyde]

My full gear list is now up on my site! 👍🏻 www.zachheyde.com/resources

[@youngblood1352]

Do you have perfect pitch or something? How can you replecate something just by listening WOW

[@viperapexpredator9247]

Can you check the God Of War 2018 and Horizons Zero Down

[@randombackgroundguy6389]

Well, why won't we do one more god of war song! I really want you to react to the song that Hozier and Bear McCreary made named "Blood upon the snow", it's a very very good song but I don't wanna talk about it much so we can get your genuine reaction.

[@idanlewenhoff2295]

damn you are so good if you ever do a version of gow ragnarok style soundtrack that could be dope!

[@ZachHeyde]

Stay tuned... 😉

[@SlipperyGoose]

Raeb is bears character and I think it is a perfect match for him and is cool that he was put into the game.

[@hasansaat5]

Im so glad that many people in the comments see and acknowledge the beauty of raebs lament, im proud of us brothers❤ Shoutout to Bear mccreary, cant wait to be amazed again by your godly work

[@ares946]

Atreus theme sounds like Scandinavian Spiderman

[@musicxxa6678]

This is good shit.

[@Cristian-ks3hy]

It is good you like the shit

[@gills2794]

Quick question what's the thing he's putting in his mouth and it's use?

[@thewyit4222]

U should totally do soundtrack vids on Witcher 3 and the Witcher Netflix show! Both have an absolutely incredible soundtrack

[@Scrubermensch]

DUDE YOU NEED TO DO A VIDEO ON SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS OST!!!

[@KostadinVargulev]

Brother, please do give Blood Upon the Snow a good listen. I'm really curious to view your reaction to that masterpiece.

[@Brandon-xc8uo]

Bro did his research, 👏

[@otasrob]

9:46 accidentally summoned Batman there!

[@SubjectDelta_00]

Freya’s theme kind of gives me “the one ring” vibes…

[@albibarry2999]

You need to do a video on the darks souls 3 soundtrack

[@FlatBoi]

giants is my favorite tbh

[@RAD-LTF]

Bear McCreary is a fu**ing genius

[@dylanmatthewneo1506]

Atreus or most known by Jotnar and Æsir Gods the name of Loki!

[@robinanwaldt]

You actually got something wrong about Kratos’ theme. The first few repeats of the low choir are the same three notes over and over again. They don’t get that lower resolve until later.

[@buckybarnes7458]

Damn I was happy and enjoying myself then I heard the last theme 😔

[@FelixPando]

You are amanzing.

[@billcrater1273]

It’s amazing what the untrained ear misses lol I had no idea there were similarities in kratos and Atreus themes nor that kratos them was simple

[@wnabi8469]

anybody know what he's wearing around his neck

[@2174863]

a breathe controller i think

[@OoOo-cb6xu]

Agryboda theme

[@Zebozomi]

Freya’s theme on top fr

[@earendilthemariner5546]

Bear mccreary is awesome

[@JustCauseFan]

whenever i hear Raebs Lament i can't help but picture the face of Sindri What gets bigger the more you take away? ... a hole

[@yokotubene]

Please react to Rage of Sparta OST.

[@Chellisto]

Was a big mistake to analyze Faye's theme based on the track u used. Cause this is just a variation, and cannot open this theme as it was basically written

[@yit1502]

You should take a look at all of the old god of war themes they are pretty cool not as cool as bear’s but they are cool

[@milboxr9772]

They're definitely as cool especially gow 3s kratos theme

[@2174863]

@@milboxr9772 overture is top tier

[@brandonsg1367]

If you go to 15:20 of this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqvPe4SwiJJ2aMk That’s my favorite part of Faye’s theme