Never-Ending Story-Within Temptation

You may have noticed that I have not posted a song of the "day" in several months. This is because of one of those curveballs that life throws at us that we never expect: I have lost interest in music for its own sake. Now, I like music when it accompanies another medium, such as a video game or movie, and then I'm more interested in the story than the music.

Here, with my tenth post, I officially end Song of the Day. The vision I had when I began it no longer applies, so if it continued, it would be without the spark of passion that makes these things important.

Some of the songs I previously considered writing about are Morrowind/Oblivion/Skyrim Medley by FamilyJules7x, Glass House by RED, Ordinary World by RED, Dream of Mirrors by Iron Maiden, Rain by Harmony, One-Winged Angel by The Black Mages, All Nightmare Long by Metallica, and Fly by Blind Guardian, among others.

To close this blog, I have chosen a song which fits the scenario very well: Never-Ending Story by Within Temptation. It is about how life takes us in all different directions. We don't remember where we started, and we don't know where we're going. But, as the saying goes, it's about the journey, not the destination.

Assasin's Creed: Brotherhood literal trailer-Tobuscus

Have you or someone within earshot of you ever broken into random singing while watching a video? That is what Tobuscus has done with Ubisoft's trailer for Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, except Tobuscus is a little more organized than random. The moment I saw this video it became a classic to me, and "kill 'em with your awesome" was added to my list of tip-of-the tongue reference quotes. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood literal trailer is an essential addition to your list of videos to show your friends at get-togethers.

Dreaming Awake-Harmony

"Dreaming Awake" is the second song on Swedish power metal band Harmony's album, Dreaming Awake. It's the story of a man in a surreal, dreamlike place, unsure of whether it is real or not. During my Scandinavian power metal phase, this song immediately clicked with me, and it remains one of my favorites.

Masquerade-Symphony X

Coming from Symphony X's neo-classical roots, "Masquerade" paints a picture of blurry motion, as of specters and ghosts. There is something about the band's first, self-titled album that feels artificially amateur, as if they chose, for artistic purposes, not to use the best recording equipment. "Masquerade", however, has aged well since its release in '94, being rereleased in 2002 with Russel Allen on the vocals. I love both versions, but the original sticks with me in a way that only the things of nostalgia can.

Enter Sandman-Metallica

If there is one Metallica song everyone should know, it is "Enter Sandman". Its throbbing rhythm and catchy melody have earned it a place on top of many lists. Departing from Metallica's traditional thrash-style metal and theming the lyrics more as a fantasy story as opposed to their usual ranting against the dark side of humanity, "Enter Sandman" is more friendly toward casual listeners than most of Metallica's other pieces. For this reason, I place it above of "Master of Puppets" as the Metallica song everyone should know.

Hell's Kitchen-Dream Theater

Hell's Kitchen is another of Dream Theater's instrumental pieces. It combines cheerful, peaceful melody with the band's brain-tickling timing complexity. Hell's Kitchen is by far DT's most mellow instrumental, making it perfect for whenever you aren't feeling on top of things. If ever I have needed a motivational boost, this song has given it to me. I have never heard anything quite like it.

To Zanarkand-Nobuo Uematsu

The first time I heard this song, my brother was playing it on the piano. I didn't know where it came from, but I knew it was special. Some time later I bought Final Fantasy X, and, when I discovered that it opened with this track, I fell instantly in love with the game. That feeling did not wane through the whole 40+ hours I spent playing through the story.

The Japanese are masters when it comes to storywriting, and Final Fantasy X is certainly no exception. The characters follow in the footsteps of the two leads' fathers on a quest to stop an endless cycle of destruction and needless sacrifice. Through it all, this song returns time and again leaving an impression that will last a lifetime.