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.

Star Wars Main Theme-John Williams

Back in the day when a memorable theme song was essential to motion picture entertainment, a movie hit the cinema and began a revolution in the industry. That movie was Star Wars. To this day, there has never been a more widely known movie theme. When you see the words "STAR WARS" appear to the fanfare of this piece, you know immediately that you have stumbled into something awesome.

Feed the Machine-RED

After yesterday's light prelude, "Feed the Machine" By RED off Until We Have Faces is a perfect adrenaline-laced follow up. What sets RED apart from other hard rock bands is that they accompany their power chords with orchestral strings, giving it a movie-score vibe. Though RED has produced many great songs, "Feed the Machine" is their golden achievement. When I hear this song, I think, This is what RED is.