PDA

View Full Version : Songs of "The Empire"



Kol Korran
2012-08-05, 10:39 AM
Hi again! In my game of piraty goodness, the PCs are about to meet with some forces from "The Empire". basically your over arching, quite powerful and ever present, mostly highly law abiding oppressive foreign power in the isles. I assume quite a few campaigns have a similar themed entity in their game, so this might benefit more than just my humble game.

I'm looking for various music and songs to accompany Empire encounters, ships, commanders, ports and the like. I'd prefer it not to be... TOO "Hey! it's the bad guys again!" and rather more atmospheric, more general in it's application and so on. Do you have any suggestions?

Oh, and I'd rather avoid too well known music (A.K.A. Star Wars themes) as that tend to distract players, as they start talking aboutthe movie/ show instead of the game.

thanks! :smallwink:

Edit: additions!

The Master, Code Geass (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWn0nF-PFcE) (thanks to Water_Bear) Grandiose majestic Introduction

Fire Nation. from Avatar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUzVk1iXQ6c) (thanks to Hyena) Battling the Evil Forces

Vernian Process- Behold The Machine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKRk1T_iWuQ&feature=related) (thanks to Eldan) Oppressive, efficient, methodic Empire

Black Moon Chronicles- Order of light (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxVP710oxX8) (thanks to Tengu_temp) The inevitable march of the Spiritual Battalion

Black Moon Chronicles track 7 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyR-RPs6Lko&feature=relmfu) another sort of marching song.

The British Grenadiers, fife and drum (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGrxHO-B2TY) (thanks to jaybird)

Undefeated, Two steps from Hell (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbInP4gsdL8) (thanks to Elm11) A chanting introductory song to the splendor of The Empire.

Prelude to war, battlestar Galactica (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlcUwUwjLrs) (thanks to Ormur)

Crimson Tide, Hans, Zimmer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBTIoL5vaOM) (thanks to hymer)



Atmospheric songs for when interacting with empire settlements
The Unforgiven, Apoclyptica (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weStzJV8ZTo&feature=related) (thanks to Water_Bear)
One, Apocalyptica (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei0XIkSK86Q&feature=related)
Fade to Black, Apocalyptica (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x97f-_y93a0)

Other civilizations
Kundun (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIpgSBWRAsE&feature=BFa&list=PL43A7EC682F55688B)

Uncorons' theme, Transformers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okja20PilGU) (thanks to Man on Fire)

(Search word: piratewitch)

Water_Bear
2012-08-05, 11:39 AM
The best one to use, IMO, is "The Master" from the Code Geass OST which can be found on You-Tube fairly easily. It is ludicrously bombastic but still threatening, and is a great leitmotif for a major villain or a powerful empire. Plus, unlike every other piece of music from Code Geass, it has neither lyrics nor random jazz saxophone wailing.

"How the World Fell Into Darkness" by the Protomen is an excellent song to accompany exposition or just increase dread as the party enters an Evil city or are being overtaken by an Evil force. Again, it's completely instrumental and fairly obscure, but can be found in 10s on You-Tube.

Other than that pretty much anything from the new Battlestar Galactica soundtrack, most anything made by the bands Apocalyptica and Two Steps From Hell, and about a third of the video game music remixes done by OCRemix have the sense of menace and sophistication needed.

Hyena
2012-08-05, 12:20 PM
What about Fire Nation theme from Avatar?

Eldan
2012-08-05, 02:12 PM
I tend to use this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKRk1T_iWuQ&feature=related)one for any lawful, oppressive faction, especially if they also have technology. This is the instrumental remix, there's also one with lyrics, but I don't like it as much.

Morithias
2012-08-05, 02:23 PM
In my opinion there is only one song for a truly rocking empire.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GauhWG340dI

Tengu_temp
2012-08-05, 03:13 PM
Look up Black Moon Chronicles soundtrack on youtube. A lot of it fits exactly what you want.

Example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxVP710oxX8

jaybird
2012-08-05, 05:00 PM
If your "Empire" is a more technological/steampunk sort of faction, take a look at the old Command and Conquer soundtracks. Very nice 'well-oiled war machine' sort of vibe.

Alternatively, try some of the Napoleonic-era army marches for an old, aristocratic empire. "Over the Hills and Far Away", "The British Grenadiers", "Preussens Gloria", and "Koniggratzer Marsch" are good ones.

Finally, consider songs from the Red Army Choir (ironic, I know), if you're looking for a rough, hardened empire that does everything BIG.

All depends on the precise sort of empire you're looking to build.

Elm11
2012-08-08, 01:48 AM
If you don't want them to be completely evil, per se, I suggest a lot of the songs from my favourite production company, Two Steps from Hell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z28lwyQjuTY - Black Blade

Starts off fairly evil and Bombastic, but has a heroic theme to it of sorts. Not overly martial, if that's what you're after. The second half of the song, while awesome, almost certainly isn't what you're after for the introduction of team evil.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf4GAGwW7XA - Thousand Ships of the Underworld:

For ALL your ominous chanting needs! Again, not overly martial, but still semi bombastic without overdoing it on the 'We're obviously evil' quota.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmRUGqcsWOA - Destructo

Much more 'we're evil' than the others, but if electric guitars are your thing, rather than orchestral, then this is a good one.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlK2gadlMcE

I'd personally probably go with this one for introductions. It's not nearly as bombastic as others, and doesn't have the same 'combat' feel to it. It's definitely sinister, but not at all in a 'we plunder towns and kill innocents for the hell of it' kind of way.

Best of luck finding a suitable song. I love Code Geass and 'The Master' as much as the next anime fan, but I've always found their music far too over-the-top to use in gaming. It's awesome, but it makes everything feel too hammy.

If you ever need combat music, Two Steps from Hell is brilliant for that (far more so than for introduction music, anyway). Not strictly related to your question, I know, but as far as 'holy crap dramatic battle' music goes, try:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O6Q1OiF6LI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9DO1U1U5Rc

Kitten Champion
2012-08-08, 02:33 AM
If no one speaks Russian, the USSR anthem is fairly good (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BulFwGSi8bc&feature=related).

Anthems in general can be pretty intimidating and impressive.

Kol Korran
2012-08-09, 12:21 AM
"The Master"
"How the World Fell Into Darkness" by the Protomen
Battlestar Galactica
Apocalyptica

The Master is... a bit different than i imagined MY Empire, but it might work- quite more bombastic, flamboyant and exaggerated than I though for my idea. However, it might do better for their nobles, royalty and higher ups. thanks! (added it on top.
As to the Protomen piece- I could only find it performed live, with quite a bit of talking, some cheers and the like, and not a good sound quality. I'll have to skip it.
Battlestar Galactica. I heard some tracks (There are a LOT) and I'm unsure. I'll need to sift through them again, but there seemed to be a few interesting pieces there. Some have quite an "arabaian nights" feel to them. might fit another culture in my game.
Apocalyptica are quite good, but I listened to quite a few songs an found nothing to fit The Empire. will take a second listen at them later.
Two Steps of Hell I've used a few times in my campaigns (using them allready in a small dosage in fact). I'll need to see. Most of their songs are quite Epic though, while i'm looking for something a bit more sombre, oppressive but somewhat uplifting.

thanks!


What about Fire Nation theme from Avatar?
I must admit at first I was hesitant- It didn't quite seem to do as an introduction, and seemed far too "Hey- The bad guys are here!" sort of track. But upon listening to it, I think it would do great for when actually facing massive Empire forces- Ships on the Horizon, Fighting a battalion of Empire troops and the like. Thanks!


this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKRk1T_iWuQ&feature=related)
Ooooh! I like it! For some reason i find it especially fitting a military camp, slave/ prison camp, or some mining colony? go figure...


Black Moon Chronicles soundtrack

Example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxVP710oxX8
Loved the example you gave. Feels like marching music for a battalion or the like.


If your "Empire" is a more old Command and Conquer soundtracks.

"Over the Hills and Far Away"
"The British Grenadiers"
"Preussens Gloria"
"Koniggratzer Marsch"

Red Army

All depends on the precise sort of empire you're looking to build.
Indeed it does. I don't want it to be too one dimensiaonal, But i want it to be more or less a recognized enitity in the player's mind.

at least tow players played C&C a lot, so it would distract them. I loved the other 4 suggestions, "The British Grenadiers" would suit the Empire perfectly, as it is allready based to some degree on the British Empire, and suits it's style. the other... Less so. but thank you for the suggestions!


Two Steps from Hell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z28lwyQjuTY - Black Blade

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf4GAGwW7XA - Thousand Ships of the Underworld:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmRUGqcsWOA - Destructo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlK2gadlMcE

I'd personally probably go with this one for introductions. It's not nearly as bombastic as others, and doesn't have the same 'combat' feel to it. It's definitely sinister, but not at all in a 'we plunder towns and kill innocents for the hell of it' kind of way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O6Q1OiF6LI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9DO1U1U5Rc

I love using Two Steps from Hell quite a bit too. (Though I'm not as knowledgeable as you). The Black blade won't fit, you're right. the thousand ships and destructo feel much more like battle music to me- quite high paced.

The 4th link leads to a no longer existing vid! I wonder what it is, since you said it must be the most suitable?

United we stand and Protectors of the Earth i have used, and are good choices for Epic battle music, I agree. But not specific to the Empire.

Thank you!


the USSR anthem is fairly good (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BulFwGSi8bc&feature=related).


One of my players have studied the russian culture enough. while it's a cool idea, it won't do for our group. it will be too distracting, but thanks!

Hyena
2012-08-09, 04:45 AM
If no one speaks Russian, the USSR anthem is fairly good.
No, it's not. Choir clearly sings "communism" three times and "Lenin" four times. Modern russian hymn, on the other hand? It shares the exact same music, but has differend lyrics with absolutely no allusions to russian history and no familiar to a western ear words.

Elm11
2012-08-09, 05:41 AM
The Master is... a bit different than i imagined MY Empire, but it might work- quite more bombastic, flamboyant and exaggerated than I though for my idea. However, it might do better for their nobles, royalty and higher ups. thanks! (added it on top.
As to the Protomen piece- I could only find it performed live, with quite a bit of talking, some cheers and the like, and not a good sound quality. I'll have to skip it.
Battlestar Galactica. I heard some tracks (There are a LOT) and I'm unsure. I'll need to sift through them again, but there seemed to be a few interesting pieces there. Some have quite an "arabaian nights" feel to them. might fit another culture in my game.
Apocalyptica are quite good, but I listened to quite a few songs an found nothing to fit The Empire. will take a second listen at them later.
Two Steps of Hell I've used a few times in my campaigns (using them allready in a small dosage in fact). I'll need to see. Most of their songs are quite Epic though, while i'm looking for something a bit more sombre, oppressive but somewhat uplifting.

thanks!


I must admit at first I was hesitant- It didn't quite seem to do as an introduction, and seemed far too "Hey- The bad guys are here!" sort of track. But upon listening to it, I think it would do great for when actually facing massive Empire forces- Ships on the Horizon, Fighting a battalion of Empire troops and the like. Thanks!


Ooooh! I like it! For some reason i find it especially fitting a military camp, slave/ prison camp, or some mining colony? go figure...


Loved the example you gave. Feels like marching music for a battalion or the like.


Indeed it does. I don't want it to be too one dimensiaonal, But i want it to be more or less a recognized enitity in the player's mind.

at least tow players played C&C a lot, so it would distract them. I loved the other 4 suggestions, "The British Grenadiers" would suit the Empire perfectly, as it is allready based to some degree on the British Empire, and suits it's style. the other... Less so. but thank you for the suggestions!



I love using Two Steps from Hell quite a bit too. (Though I'm not as knowledgeable as you). The Black blade won't fit, you're right. the thousand ships and destructo feel much more like battle music to me- quite high paced.

The 4th link leads to a no longer existing vid! I wonder what it is, since you said it must be the most suitable?

United we stand and Protectors of the Earth i have used, and are good choices for Epic battle music, I agree. But not specific to the Empire.

Thank you!


One of my players have studied the russian culture enough. while it's a cool idea, it won't do for our group. it will be too distracting, but thanks!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbInP4gsdL8 - Undefeated. Found an alternative video. Sorry about that.

Water_Bear
2012-08-09, 09:30 AM
T
As to the Protomen piece- I could only find it performed live, with quite a bit of talking, some cheers and the like, and not a good sound quality. I'll have to skip it.

Here ya go. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI3qAWkCgNQ)

Also, have some Apocalyptica. Not so much for the Empire itself, but definitely good for sketchy Nobles;

The Unforgiven. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weStzJV8ZTo&feature=related)
One. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei0XIkSK86Q&feature=related)
Master of Puppets. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH68Z6ysqZs&feature=related)
Fade to Black. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x97f-_y93a0)

It's kind of funny, no-one seems to like The Master. I guess it's because my Ham tolerance is weighted towards the "KHAAAAN!" end of the scale, but I can't imagine an Empire without an insanely bombastic anthem.

So here is Prelator. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q6skxRLnsI) It's about as crazy, but more Gregorian and somber.

Man on Fire
2012-08-09, 12:57 PM
Buster Machine March (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEx1D2lhKQA) from Gunbuster and Diebuster

Heroes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfa2QLV3MaA) from Break Blade

If they don't know 40k, you may also use this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6b7BJdbZxI)

There are also two good songs of Sabaton you might try - Carolus Rex and Gott Mitt Uns.

Kol Korran
2012-08-11, 03:35 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbInP4gsdL8 - Undefeated. Found an alternative video. Sorry about that.

That does suit the Empire, less it's army forces, but perhaps when they meet it's impressive talents and skills- architecture, culture, casters, and more.
Thanks!

Here ya go. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI3qAWkCgNQ)

Also, have some Apocalyptica. Not so much for the Empire itself, but definitely good for sketchy Nobles;

The Unforgiven. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weStzJV8ZTo&feature=related)
One. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei0XIkSK86Q&feature=related)
Master of Puppets. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH68Z6ysqZs&feature=related)
Fade to Black. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x97f-_y93a0)

It's kind of funny, no-one seems to like The Master. I guess it's because my Ham tolerance is weighted towards the "KHAAAAN!" end of the scale, but I can't imagine an Empire without an insanely bombastic anthem.

So here is Prelator. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q6skxRLnsI) It's about as crazy, but more Gregorian and somber.

Hmmm... The Protomen sounds beautiful, but too much like an anguished mourning song than a song to motivate and represent an Empire, at least to my taste.

I think I would use the Apocalyptica songs for dealing with the Empire in their settlements, give the place more of "their culture" feel. I don't quite know what to do with Master of Puppets though. doesn't fit any of my concepts.

The Prelator song might fit other epic moments, but not what i plan for my Empire. Perhaps when they are fighting in one of their temples/ palaces?

Thanks for all the effort, it's much appreciated!

Buster Machine March (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEx1D2lhKQA) from Gunbuster and Diebuster

Heroes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfa2QLV3MaA) from Break Blade

If they don't know 40k, you may also use this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6b7BJdbZxI)

There are also two good songs of Sabaton you might try - Carolus Rex and Gott Mitt Uns.

Hello again Man on Fire. the first two songs are two fast paced and bombastic for what i'm looking for. The last one is a bit vague in what it tries to transmit I feel. thanks anyway!

Anyone else?

Man on Fire
2012-08-11, 02:56 PM
Okay, some other suggestions then:

Asura Unleashed (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99DEjXDrB1k)
White Light (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq2zjwqt8EA)
Fight Against Destiny (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-Py7IamMxQ)

EDIT:
And one more
Battle 6 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiNt2JybMiM&list=FLaeoX3CApple3apt_n02XTA&index=22&feature=plpp_video)

Kol Korran
2012-08-12, 02:52 PM
Okay, some other suggestions then:

Asura Unleashed (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99DEjXDrB1k)
White Light (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq2zjwqt8EA)
Fight Against Destiny (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-Py7IamMxQ)

EDIT:
And one more
Battle 6 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiNt2JybMiM&list=FLaeoX3CApple3apt_n02XTA&index=22&feature=plpp_video)
Nice suggestions, might use them for other stuff (Especially White Light and Fight against destiny) but not for the Empire. Thanks!

Man on Fire
2012-08-12, 06:02 PM
Good then I thought of some more: for starters Beautiful Emperor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmWte9BaoYs)
Madder Sky (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2tGEiYU9KU&feature=related).
God Bound by Rules (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L4Jr-jdewE&list=FLaeoX3CApple3apt_n02XTA&index=8&feature=plpp_video)
The Battle Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_sMuo8Lujg)

Kol Korran
2012-08-14, 02:10 AM
Good then I thought of some more: for starters Beautiful Emperor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmWte9BaoYs)
Madder Sky (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2tGEiYU9KU&feature=related).
God Bound by Rules (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L4Jr-jdewE&list=FLaeoX3CApple3apt_n02XTA&index=8&feature=plpp_video)
The Battle Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_sMuo8Lujg)

The first three songs don't quite fit (Only to my opinion of course). I guess we have different tastes.

The Narnia battle song does fit nicely, not exactly as introductory for the Empire, but perhaps for a major battle with it. Thanks!

eulmanis12
2012-08-15, 01:19 PM
Try some of the prussian military marches, some of them have the right feel

Ormur
2012-08-15, 02:16 PM
Victory of the Daleks. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-FabWDS9wE) From Dr. Who.

Prelude to War (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlcUwUwjLrs) from Battlestar Galactica

The Brood War Intro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEUQ7Xkdz9g)

Rectifier (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgkxlQyw03A) from Tron 2 by Daft Punk

The Kundun Soundtrack is also pretty great.

Doc_Pippin
2012-08-16, 01:50 AM
O fortuna- Carl off
Lux Aeterna- CLint Mansell
Mars, the bringer of War-Gustav Holst
Uranus, the Magician- Gustav Holst
Neptune, the Mystic- Gustav Holst
Hoist the Colors- from Pirates of the Caribbean
Requim-Beatoven
for the seriously oh F$#% fight
Counting bodies like sheep to the rhythm of the war drums or (Pet for slower but similar message)- by A Perfect Circle
Tales from the Emerald Sword Saga Album- Rhapsody
Waltz to the death- Danny Elfman
Up the Cathedral- Danny Elfman
Symphonie Fantastique
Suite gothique pour grande
suite gothique: Toccata
Dancing Mad- Careless Juja
Toccata and Fugue in D Minor is classic villian
for the Romani or gypsy feel try Gabi Lunca and Saban Bajramovic

and of course for the air of total Party Wipeout and just to scary the PC's Don Abandons Alice by John Murphy just chilling in its slow intensity

Kol Korran
2012-08-16, 07:59 AM
Victory of the Daleks. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-FabWDS9wE) From Dr. Who.

Prelude to War (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlcUwUwjLrs) from Battlestar Galactica

The Brood War Intro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEUQ7Xkdz9g)

Rectifier (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgkxlQyw03A) from Tron 2 by Daft Punk

The Kundun Soundtrack is also pretty great.
I liked the Battlestar Galactica theme. (added at the OP) The Tron and Dr, Who were a bit too sinister, but might work for other threats than the Empire. The Brood war doesn't quite fit I'm afraid.
The Kundun i'll have to sit down and listen too, sounds interesting. most likely for other civilizations, more exotic ones than the Empire.


O fortuna- Carl off
Lux Aeterna- CLint Mansell
Mars, the bringer of War-Gustav Holst
Uranus, the Magician- Gustav Holst
Neptune, the Mystic- Gustav Holst
Hoist the Colors- from Pirates of the Caribbean
Requim-Beatoven
for the seriously oh F$#% fight
Counting bodies like sheep to the rhythm of the war drums or (Pet for slower but similar message)- by A Perfect Circle
Tales from the Emerald Sword Saga Album- Rhapsody
Waltz to the death- Danny Elfman
Up the Cathedral- Danny Elfman
Symphonie Fantastique
Suite gothique pour grande
suite gothique: Toccata
Dancing Mad- Careless Juja
Toccata and Fugue in D Minor is classic villian
for the Romani or gypsy feel try Gabi Lunca and Saban Bajramovic

and of course for the air of total Party Wipeout and just to scary the PC's Don Abandons Alice by John Murphy just chilling in its slow intensity
We have quite different tastes and ideas as to the Empire, but i like some of yours. The more classical "heavy" songs i'm afraid won't fit, as i'm trying to keep the game mostly light hearted, and give The Empire a feel of usually on the action, on the move. Trying to portray more it's army and fleets than it's nobles and highg culture at the moment, but i'll keep your suggestions for and if the party decides to go covert.

Hoist the colors is a pirate song, which won't fit the empire, and a too well known one- it will distract the game while players start running anecdotes from the moive.

As to the battle songs, I'll keep them in mind, but not exactly what I'm looking for at the moment.

Thanks though!

Silverbit
2012-08-16, 02:06 PM
This may be impossible, but if you can find an instrumental version of many of the War of the Worlds music, it should do well. With the words, it only fits a technologicly advanced empire. With Tripods.

Also, I see that another poster has already recommended Preliator, by Globus. Almost all of their other tracks would fit a not entirely evil empire. Search "Crusaders of the Light".

Doc_Pippin
2012-08-16, 05:51 PM
@ Kol Korran

No Problem I was just listing some of the music I have used I have over 10,000 roleplaying songs on my laptop unfortunately im at work @ the moment but if you or anyone you know needs Ideas just hit me up

Vahir
2012-08-16, 11:00 PM
As a Fire Emblem fanatic, I can't resist posting these.

Bern Theme: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JpqF7bcsJE

Variations:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T7xjd0TSPg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Hcghnufndg&feature=relmfu

Or, if you're going for corrupt aristocratic instead of oppressive militaristic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lweQ_LKyDZc

Oh, and the FFXII Imperial theme is of course excellent as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIkYOR5kgxM

Man on Fire
2012-08-17, 05:01 AM
Unicron Theme Orchestral (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okja20PilGU)

Lentrax
2012-08-17, 08:06 AM
Midnight Syndicate. They make very impressive atmosphere pieces that run the gamut from dark to light, good to evil. Highly recommend if you need something for effect.

hymer
2012-08-17, 09:00 AM
I'd have to put up an oldie but a goody: 'Mars the Bringer of War' by Holst. Depends a bit on who's playing it, but give it a minute to build, it gets pretty menacing. And then it gets even better.
A great piece, bordering on tacky, father of much modern film music. Can be found in various forms on youtube. The Chicago-version doesn't suit the purpose very well if you ask me. Try this one instead (it's a bit loose, but I've weird taste anyway): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8EwBTQhl3Y

Edit: Ah, saw it's been mentioned already. My bad. Have some Crimson Tide instead: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBTIoL5vaOM
Needs a good minute to build to what you're looking for.

Masaioh
2012-08-17, 08:55 PM
Music from Code Geass is a definite must. If no members of your group are FF/Tales fans, both franchises have tons of music that would fit as well.

Here's an example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqAJi3eDEFQ

Kol Korran
2012-08-18, 11:46 AM
War of the Worlds music
"Crusaders of the Light".
War of the world is too well known for my players, alas.

The Globus song is good for an Empire, just not eactly the Empire i have in mind. It has more spaniard feel at the start (at least to me) which is more laid back thean i seek. but thanks!

As a Fire Emblem fanatic, I can't resist posting these.

Bern Theme: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JpqF7bcsJE

Variations:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T7xjd0TSPg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Hcghnufndg&feature=relmfu

Or, if you're going for corrupt aristocratic instead of oppressive militaristic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lweQ_LKyDZc

Oh, and the FFXII Imperial theme is of course excellent as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIkYOR5kgxM
Sorry, but they sound too "computer gamey" for my tastes. Thanks anyway.


Unicron Theme Orchestral (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okja20PilGU)
It's a nice one, which i'll keep for some ancient civilization or such, but looking for something less grandiose for the Empire. Added at the OP.


Midnight Syndicate. They make very impressive atmosphere pieces that run the gamut from dark to light, good to evil. Highly recommend if you need something for effect.

I listened to a few of their songs. Might have fit a necromancer's kingdom, But i'd prefer to keep The Empire a bit more... lively?


Crimson Tide instead: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBTIoL5vaOM
Needs a good minute to build to what you're looking for.

Liked it! mighty do well, well indeed. Added it to the OP.



Here's an example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqAJi3eDEFQ
I'll look through the others. This song is too bombastic for my purpose. Code Geass songs seems to be so I've come to learn. Thanks!