Battle Bards

While many soundtrack pieces are a collaboration between an entire orchestra, once in a while a single instrument will take the forefront and steal the spotlight.  Those tracks are the theme of today's show, in which the faithful Bards choose seven MMO songs that feature a dominant instrument.  Also, there is much whining because that is what we do best. Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Follow Battle Bards on Player.FM Episode 34 show notes Intro (featuring “Breton Melody” from Dark Age of Camelot and “ARK Theme” from Anarchy Online) "Map Music 1" from The Sims Online "Sarutabaruta" from Final Fantasy XI "Below the Asteroids" from EVE Online "Sanctuary" from TERA "Ogrimmar" from World of Warcraft "Flibbertigibbet" from Final Fantasy XIV "Age of the Dragon" from Guild Wars Factions Which one did we like best? Outro (“Disband Deed” from Wurm Online) Email the Battle Bards! Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

As we've proven before on Battle Bards, free-to-play and foreign doesn't mean that the soundtrack is going to be lame.  On the contrary, scores like Allods Online is what gets us out of bed in the morning, pumped for another day of listening to excellent MMO music!  We've got several great tracks from Allods today, so put on your listening ears and uncover your tapping toes. Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Follow Battle Bards on Player.FM Episode 33 show notes Intro (featuring "Main Menu" and "Hadagan") "Main Theme II: Game of Gods" "Gibberlings" "Lords of Destiny - Instruments - Kania" "Astral Prelude" "Jungle 1" "Goblinoball" "Lords of Destiny - AC9 Main NM" Which one did we like best? Mail from Kevin Mail from Shay Outro ("Disband Deed" from Wurm Online) Email the Battle Bards! Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

It's the show that Syl's been dreading for almost eight episodes now: The Secret World!  Between conspiracies, zombies, ancient myths, and present-day cabals, is there actually music in this game -- and is it any good?  The bards investigate in this creepy, kooky, mysterious, and ooky show! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Follow Battle Bards on Player.FM Episode 32 show notes Intro (featuring “Main Theme”) "March on Templars" "Through the Hollow Earth" "Factions" "Sand Meets Sky" "Combat part 6" "Sleepless Lullaby" by Bright September "The Zombie Stare" by Amy Sweet and Clyde Shorey Which one did we like best? Mail from Crim Mail from Imakulata Outro (featuring "Nassir's Dance") Email the Battle Bards! Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

In this episode of Battle Bards, the hosts face their greatest threat yet: fire!  Yes, this show was disrupted by a genuine fire emergency, but happily everyone came out of it unscathed.  In other news, the bards tackle the second part of a series focusing on listener suggestions.  Good music and great discussion abounds in this show, so don't miss out! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Follow Battle Bards on Player.FM Episode 31 show notes Intro (featuring “The Hero's Call” from Ultima Forever) "A Euology for Hope" from Warhammer Online (suggested by Thomas) "Answers" from Final Fantasy XIV (suggested by CariMac) "Harababuresti Dances" from The Secret World (suggested by Richard Bartle) "Glorious Future" from EVE Online (suggested by Mika) "Theme for Rohan feat. Taylor Davis" from Lord of the Rings Online (suggested by Redbeard) "Vigilant Church Theme" from WildStar (suggested by Nightmare System) What did we like the best? Mail from Redbeard Outro (featuring “Disband Deed” f

As Battle Bards hits its 30th podcast, the crew turns the show over to... you, the listener!  With this episode, we kick off the first of two shows where each pick is made by fans.  What will they pick and what do both they and we have to say about thse tracks?  Find out! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Follow Battle Bards on Player.FM Episode 30 show notes Intro (featuring "Karakorum" from Auto Assault) "Saga of the Norn" from Guild Wars 2 (suggested by Dibstaru) "Guardian/Sanctum Theme" from RIFT (suggested by Scott) "Booty Bay" from World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (suggested by Shay) "Mithlond" from Lord of the Rings Online (suggested by Michael) "Land of the Golden Sun" from Guild Wars: Nightfall (suggested by Kevin) "Desert Travel" from PlanetSide (suggested by Reese) What did we like the best? Mail from Shay Outro (featuring "Disband Deed" from Wurm Online) Email the Battle Bards! Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

When you think of MMO music, it's rare to put a voice to the tunes.  But more often than you'd think, these tracks have amazing vocals that lend an important layer to the proceedings.  In this episode, the bards focus on their favorite MMO songs -- and even break out in a ditty or two themselves! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Follow Battle Bards on Player.FM Episode 29 show notes Intro (featuring "Forest Calling" from Lineage II and "NPC Song" from Guild Wars 2) "Invincible" from World of Warcraft "Briarheart" from Free Realms "Cataclistic" from Runes of Magic "Forgotten Sorrow" from Aion "Sunrise" from Wurm Online "Three Hearts as One" from Elder Scrolls Online "Fear Not This Night" from Guild Wars 2 Which one did we like best? Mail from Jeni Outro ("Kobold Still Hates You" from Dungeons and Dragons Online) Email the Battle Bards! Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

The intriguing and diverse Runes of Magic soundtrack is next on the warpath for the conquering Battle Bards!  Opinions are all across the board as the insults and disagreements fly fast and furious, but in the end all is forgiven, hugs are meted out, and the crew agrees on at least a couple of excellent tracks worthy of your time. Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Follow Battle Bards on Player.FM Episode 28 show notes Intro (featuring “Main Theme," "Blazing Battle," and "Absurdia") "Main Theme Chapter 4" "Adventure" "Silverspring Day 2" "The Radiant Arcanum" "Tower of Wailing Wind" "Varanas City" "Traveling Tale" Which one did we like best? Mail From Zoward Mail from Shintar Reminder about listener episode submissions Outro (featuring "The Radiant Arcanum") Email the Battle Bards! Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

Regressing to childhood is no difficult task for the playful bards!  In this episode, Syl, Steff, and Syp examine choice selections from kid MMOs to see if the music is just as good to adult ears as it is to the wee 'uns.  Warning: If you're allergic to bright, happy, and cheerful tunes, this show will probably make you die. Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Follow Battle Bards on Player.FM Episode 26 show notes Intro (featuring "Wysteria Pigswick Academy" from Wizard101 and "Cave of Life" from MapleStory) Dragonica - "You Beat the Boss!" Free Realms - "Sanctuary" MapleStory - "Aqua Road East Sea" Star Stable - Selections Hello Kitty Online - "Dream Carnival" Pirate101 - "Cool Ranch Theme" Super Hero Squad Online - "Boss: Magneto" Which one did we like the best? Outro (featuring "Hope" from Hello Kitty Online) Email the Battle Bards! Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

It’s time for one of the most eclectic MMO soundtracks of all time: Granado Espada!  The Battle Bards wade through a wide variety of genres and deal with frayed nerves by getting all sorts of snippy with each other.  Will the music drive them apart?  Find out in this week's show! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Follow Battle Bards on Player.FM Episode 26 show notes Intro (including “Forzar" and "Old Speckled Reel") "Main Theme" "Death Book" "Beyond Hope" "Cite de Reboldeux" "Helios" "Endless Battle" "Amanecer" Which one did we like the best? Mail from EverQuest 2's Margaret "Luperza" Krohn Outro (“Purple Snow") Email the Battle Bards! Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

It's always a holiday somewhere, especially in MMOs, so don't blink twice if you happen to hear the Battle Bards talking about Christmas, Halloween, and Arbor Day on this week's episode!  After all, special occasions necessitate special music, and holiday themes can be quite memorable indeed. Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Follow Battle Bards on Player.FM Episode 25 show notes Intro (including "Wintersday Bell Choir" from Guild Wars 2 and "Lifeday Celebration" from Star Wars Galaxies) "Winter Event" from Star Trek Online "Winter Home" from Lord of the Rings Online "Halloween Wonderland" from Rappelz "Happy Holidays" from Project Copernicus "Brewfest" from World of Warcraft "Starlight Celebration" from Final Fantasy XI "Missing Presumed Death" from RuneScape Which one did we like best? Outro ("Winter Event" from Star Trek Online) Email the Battle Bards! Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

We couldn't stay away from Azeroth for long, and so the Bards have journeyed back to World of Warcraft for a second show dedicated to exploring our favorites from the soundtrack. This episode is also notable in that it's Battle Bards' first anniversary -- an entire year of bringing you MMO music commentary and opinions!  Stay tuned toward the end of the show to hear us share our favorite memories from the past 24 episodes. Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Follow Battle Bards on Player.FM Episode 24 show notes Intro (including "Ebon Hold" and "Garden of Life") Undercity (from World of Warcraft) Echoes of the Past (from World of Warcraft) Totems of the Grizzlemaw (from Wrath of the Lich King) Curse of the Worgen (from Cataclysm) Forged in Blood (from Wrath of the Lich King) Argent Tournament (from Wrath of the Lich King) Way of the Monk (from Mists of Pandaria) Which one did we like best? Our first anniversary! Outro (Argent Tournament intro) Listen to episode 24 now! E

When the bards aren't playing their tunes (or at least listening to them), they're facing down the fiercest, biggest bad guys in all of MMOs.  It's at this point of conflict that they raise a finger and say to the Undead Lord of Hell, "Oh hey, is this song included on the official soundtrack?" That's right, it's an entire episode devoted to "epic" boss battles!  How epic is up to each of the hosts' interpretation, but it's pretty dang entertaining nevertheless. Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Episode 23 show notes Intro (including "Epic Boss Battle" from Elsword Online and "Boss Room 1" from Atlantica Online) "Ragnaros/Molten Core" from World of Warcraft (comp. Jason Hayes, Tracy W. Bush, Derek Duke and Glenn Stafford) "Mutants of Delta Bunker" from Defiance (comp. Bear McCreary) "Wizard City Boss Tower" from Wizard101 (comp. Unknown) "Tough Battle" from Final Fantasy XI (comp. Naoshi Mizuta) "Romulan Battle Suite" from Star Trek Online (comp. Kevin Manthei) "King Toad" from

A long time ago the Battle Bards gave their frank analysis of the immense Guild Wars 2 soundtrack.  While that podcast won several awards and is now being used as standard class curriculum in all primary schools, the original Guild Wars has remained untouched... until now.  Join the crew as they travel back to 2005 to see how the original OST stacks up against its sequel! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Episode 22 show notes Introduction (including "Prophecies Theme" and "Resplendent Makuun") "First Light" "Ashford Abbey" "Over the Shiverpeaks" "Under the Dark Span (Asura theme)" "Eye of the Storm" "Factions Theme" "Festival of Lyss" Which one did we like most? Mail: Joseph's speakpipe (JVT Workshop) Mail: Rory's speakpipe Mail: Doone Outro ("Alternate Theme") Composed by Jeremy Soule Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

What MMO music truly moves us?  That's the wide-open question that Steff asked the Battle Bards crew to tackle for today's show.  While there's a variety of answers and perspectives on this, what you'll find is a ton of excellent music and heart-felt discussion! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Episode 21 show notes Introduction (including "Flicker of Light" from Dragon's Prophet and "A Story of Hope and Healing" from WildStar) "Alderaan, the Throne" from Star Wars: The Old Republic "Lovers Reunited/Heine theme" from Lineage II "Emei" from Age of Wushu "Epilogue: The Eternal Empire" from Age of Conan "Bluecoral Town" from Lime Odyssey "Autumn in Ascalon" from Guild Wars "Red Stone and Golden Leaves" from Lord of the Rings Online Which one did we like the best? Mail from Nick Speakpipe challenge! Outro ("Bluecoral Town") Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

For the momentous occasion of our 20th episode, we Battle Bards have chosen to examine the epic music of... Flyff?  Seriously?  OK, who thought this was a good idea?  No, no, we'll go ahead and do the show, we're professionals.  But Flyff? Yes.  Flyff.  More Flyff than you can handle! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Episode 20 show notes Introduction (including “Title Screen" and "General") "Flaris Town Theme" "Death" "Saint Morning" "Crisis/Darkon 1-2 Battle Theme" "General Theme (Flaris)" "Playground" "Darkon Forest Theme" Which one did we like the best? Mail from Rowan Mail from Dolnor Outro (“Playground”) Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

The Battle Bards are welcoming 2014 with a heaping dose of DEATH!  Dead MMOs, that is.  Sit right back as we take you on a musical journey through sunsetted games.  Even though you can no longer play them, their ghosts live on through song! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Episode 19 show notes Introduction (including "Karakorum" from Auto Assault and "World Map 2" from The Sims Online) "Freedom Theme" from City of Heroes "Birth of a Player City" from Star Wars Galaxies "Little Girl / Guild Hall" from Meridian 59 "LoadingH" from The Matrix Online "Blue Turns to Grey" from Tabula Rasa "Met With Honor" from Warhammer Online "Griddle Forest" from Glitch Which one was our favorite? Outro ("Rattle Tooth Theme" from Dungeon Runners) Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

For their final podcast (of the year), the Battle Bards are singing the saga of heroes.  If that's too vague, we'll just be up-front.  It's Vanguard.  We're talking Vanguard's OST.  It was a difficult soundtrack to review because it contained a paradox.  What is that paradox?  Listen, we're not going to spoil everything here -- just listen to the show! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Episode 18 show notes Introduction (including "Main Theme") "Brightwood Dells" "Celestial Hills" "Steppes of the Sunset" "Grotto of the Sea Hags" "Kaon Mage School" "Falgarholm" "Bamboo Forest" Which one was our favorite? Outro ("Bamboo Forest Combat") Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

This week on Battle Bards, Steff, Syl, and Syp recall their first steps into MMOs -- and the music that would be forever linked to those events.  Yup, it's starter zone week on the show, so break out a big canister of nostalgia and join us! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Episode 17 show notes Introduction (including "Silverwood Forest" from RIFT and "Autumn in Ascalon" from Guild Wars) "Freemarch" from RIFT "Elwynn Forest and Westfall Cataclysm" from World of Warcraft "Seascape" from Anarchy Online "Teldrassil" from World of Warcraft "Archet" from Lord of the Rings Online "Karana" from EverQuest "Tython the Wellspring" from Star Wars: The Old Republic Which one is our favorite? Mailbag Outro ("Freedom Court" from City of Heroes) Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!

Fresh off their Lunatic Lutes World Tour, the bards have decided to do one encore presentation (until the next show, that is).  The topic du jour?  It's Aion, baby!  Your ears will thank us when this hour is over and you've experienced the exciting, lovely music that's contained herein. Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Episode 16 show notes Introduction (including "The Still, Sad World" and "Solid State Battle") "Utopia 3.0 main theme" "Tower of Eternity" "Song of Katalam / 4.0 login" "Fortress of Gods" "Death Waltz" "Steel Rake" "Canyon" Which one is our favorite? Mailbag Outro ("Marks of Dark Wound")

Can music make a battle-hardened bard cry?  That's what we're going to put to the test on today's episode.  Syl came up with the theme of "tearjerkers," and it's up to a bewildered Syp and a stoic Steff to figure out what will fit the bill.  It's a surprisingly lively hour of music and discussion across a wide range of MMOs.  Check it out! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes Follow Battle Bards on Stitcher Episode 15 show notes Introduction (including "Tasca's Demise" from Guild Wars and "Rule City" from Ultima X Odyssey) "Intro Cinematic" from Blade & Soul "Forgotten Sorrow (in-game piano version)" from Aion "Sorrowful Lamentations of a Rusty Heart" from Rusty Hearts "Ul'dah Town Theme at Night" from Final Fantasy XIV "The Sea of Sorrows" from Guild Wars 2 "Shadow Kingdom" from Asheron's Call 2 "Arthas, My Son" from World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Outro ("Forgotten Sorrow" from Aion) Special thanks to Tesh for the Battle Bards logo!