ReMix: Chrono Trigger 'Through the Dark'

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Alrighty then. Shariq gives us some breakbeat-driven hybrid orchestral/techno from Chrono Trigger. And it's not Schala... err, not that we truly have anything against Schala, just nice to see the options explored a bit. Introing with a nice octave synth that establishes the chord progression, breakbeats fade in with strings and then a solo piano. DarkeSword's great at gradually phasing elements in - for example, the choral stab that follows the drum break in the next portion is seamless, and plays directly into the following recitation of the melody on guitar, which is then doubled up with a breathy wind lead as the piano provides some cross-panned accompaniment. Love the counter-melodies and the way the breakbeat pushes things along; the ending seems kind of abrupt, and I might have opted for one last solo refrain or something more melodramatic, but I think Shariq wanted to keep this piece relatively short and sweet, and the guitar in particular really works with the melody nicely, adding pitch bends and inflections. Plus, the breaks are at least spliced and diced a bit and not simply plopped down and repeated verbatim. At 2'28" I love what the guitar's doing - at one brief point it incorporates the main motif into an otherwise freeform solo of sorts, which I personally like to do as sort of a callback/relevance check. More strong work from Mr. Ansari, whose being prolific hasn't hurt his standards and has only helped him further master his mixing since his initial submission.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.

Simply, DarkeSword knows how to put a song together. And by that I mean, he knows how to structure a song really well to display restraint and also hit the sweet spots of the melodies. By no means is this mix structurally fresh or risky; it is really quite conservative in that regard. But what is built within is what really counts.
The interweaving of the two melodies in the center of the piece is handled well, I thought. I'm undecided on whether or not that element could have been expanded upon. The idea could quickly grow stale if repeated, however I do think the mix is over too quickly without wringing enough juice from the material. As it stands, Wind Scene achieves a cameo appearance in the piece, whereas it might have served better as a more solid foundation to the main melody.
Regardless, what's here is bright, tranquil and cruisy all at once and seems to really stick with you after a few listens. I'm a fan.

- Marmiduke on February 2, 2009

It is very beautiful ... does not seem that is mixed together with Manori cathedral but if we listen well yes, I congratulate you on this song, keep well.:-P

- ely_chan on October 26, 2008

I absolutely love Darkesword's ability to smoothly introduce instruments to a song. Mysterious and haunting intro (loving the tubular bells). Then the piano comes in, and I am instantly addicted to 4/4 Manoria Cathedral. At 0:50, the break builds just the right amount of tension. Just enough so that it's nearly unbearable, which makes the following "aah" from the choir ever more so...indescribably intense. Flutey arpeggios that begin to play above the piano get passed back and forth between the two ears, and that's my favorite bit from this song. They almost make me want to sob in utter bliss. The last one that leaves the song hanging again leads into Wind Scene, which I really don't have much to talk about until 1:48, when the piano comes in with a high echoing rendition of Manoria Cathedral that bounces between the two ears. Another moment of tension, then everything comes together for a climax. Wonderful guitar melody that counters the piano. More choir and flute love. The end is bittersweet and leaves me begging for more, but I think the end comes at the right time. A longer song might mean repetitive material, and that's what playing songs again is for. Brilliant, this.

- quine on March 10, 2006

I for one approve of this mix. It's been one of my faves for the longest time.
9.2/10

- shenroc on February 22, 2006

Using a light techno percussion set with a soothing and melodious orchestra Darkesword gives a wonderful new feel to the piece. Most of the melody comes from either strings or a piano, both of which are beautiful. When the choral hits some in they at emphasis to the downbeat. The amibient guitar then comes in almost giving an island feel to the song. A very good job in my opinion.

- ResEvil07 on February 21, 2006

How did I manage to actually not download this one, it´s superb! Shariq has slowed down the tempo on the cathedral theme and made it cooperate with a cool choir that sometimes shows up and say: haaaaaa, very nice.
And the piano, DUDE the piano. It´s beautiful, I like it , no, I love it. The whole first part is only the cathedral theme, and then the wind comes blowing in on guitar, DUDE!! :D 8) :D
Darkesword, you takes the prize.

- Bummerdude on September 27, 2005

I don't know why I haven't written a review for this song for this long. It's just beautiful. I've never even played Chrono Trigger, and it still struck me as a great piece. This is really one of the songs that inspired me to keep going with my music, in hopes that one day I could make something like this. Definitely a keeper, and one of my favorites for sure.

- Ichitootah on July 4, 2005

Eh. It's nice and soothing, but it's not really for me. But unless I REALLY hate it, its going into my playlist. 7/10

- Hybrid_Demon on June 22, 2005

I'm an absolute bell lover, and DarkeSword has perfectly met my tastes. A perfect blend of bells and guitar make this piece have its own flair and spice but at the same time sticking true to the original melody. Added to the mixing pot are short chorus chords. I love this song!

- [blunai] on June 20, 2005

darkeSword wrote: Manoria Cathedral from 600 AD. I also used Wind Scene (the overworld music 600 AD).

Thanks! It sounds alot like "The Day the World Revived"
Again, Great job on this one, Darkesword!
I love the guitar

- jordex on February 14, 2005

jordex wrote: Nothing against Shariq but alot of his songs just don't appeal to me but that's not true with this one
I enjoyed the song quite a bit
It just sounds so peaceful
I love the guitar solo
Excellent job on this one, Darkesword
Btw, what theme from CT is this?

Manoria Cathedral from 600 AD. I also used Wind Scene (the overworld music 600 AD).

- DarkeSword on February 14, 2005

Nothing against Shariq but alot of his songs just don't appeal to me but that's not true with this one
I enjoyed the song quite a bit
It just sounds so peaceful
I love the guitar solo
Excellent job on this one, Darkesword
Btw, what theme from CT is this?

- jordex on February 14, 2005

Weird that I haven't commented on this song, since it was the one that introduced me to OCR and led to me emailing Shariq to learn all that I could about the world of remixing.
Shariq - I sitll listen and love this song. I have lost myself for literally hours in the world you have created with this piece, and I will never tire of revisiting it. Just thought I would go ahead and throw my support for Shariq into the mix, as this is my favorite song by him.

- SirRus on November 7, 2004

I happen to love your remixes!
Can't wait to see and hear, what you come up with next!

- Faluna on October 29, 2004

kanchou wrote: it just ocurred to me after listening to this for an umpteenth time...
the Ahh ambience at the beginning after the percussion begins is a variation on the Chrono theme string intro.

It is?
If it is, its not intentional.

- DarkeSword on October 26, 2004

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