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Will our fascination with giant, skyfaring, flame-belching lizards subside? World of Warcraft bets not, as it's currently soaring through its Dragonflight expansion. Will the music also ascend to lofty realms or fall to the earth with a dud? You'll have to listen to the Battle Bards as they figure out the answer to that question! Episode 222 show notes  Intro (feat. "The Dragon's Hoard," "Riverbends," and "The Isles Awaken") "Take to the Skies" "Giants of the Span" "Windsong" "Tyrhold" "Ramparts of Valdrakken" "Gardens of Unity" Which one did we like best? Listener Notes: George and Bullwraith Jukebox Picks: "Encounter Elite" from Sea of Stars, "Jubilife Village Theme" from Pokemon Legends Arceus, and "Density" from Citizen Sleeper Outro (feat. "Life Pools") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

The power of the One Ring doesn't just rule them all -- it also brings Steff back from retirement! All three Battle Bards are here today to talk about Lord of the Rings Online's enormous Before the Shadow soundtrack. From Hobbits to swans to everything in between, our radio dial is stuck on Middle-earth for now. Episode 221 show notes Intro (feat. "The Silver Bastion," "Valor of Yore," and "Hidden Hearths") "Before the Shadow" "Cranny and Nook" "Mark of the White Hand" "The Waiting Night" "The Stoors Abode" "The Shadow Rises" Which one did we like best? Listener Notes: Thuan, Zinn, and Katriana Jukebox Picks: "Sunset Breakfast" from Tunic, "Lichdragon Fortissax" from Elden Ring, and "San Francisco Escape By Day" from Driver Outro (feat. "A History Not Forgotten") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

Whether or not you like dragons, you have to admit that Guild Wars 2 certainly ended them in style! Join Syl and Syp as they rewind to last winter's End of Dragons and its incredible bounty of soundtrack goodness. Episode 220 show notes Intro (feat. "Daigo Ward" and "Mist Connections") "A Future Carved in Jade" "A New Era of Heroes" "I'm Home" "The Petrified Forest" "Captain of the Aetherblades" "Stroll in the Night Markets" Which one did we like best? Jukebox Picks: "Crystal Garden" from King's Quest V and "Knucklebones" from Cult of the Lamb Outro (feat. "The Empire of Dragons") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

If anyone's ever told you to "take a chill pill," then the Battle Bards have your full dosage in today's episode. Exploring peaceful and serene tracks from MMORPGs, Syl and Syp find their inner calm -- before the inevitable slaughter. Episode 218 show notes Intro (feat. "A Farmer's Life" from WildStar, "Dream of Peace" from Lineage II, and "Silverfrost Mountain" from Blade and Soul) "Aro to the Sun" from Runes of Magic "Settler's Campsite" from Aion "Serenity" from TERA "Ammon Vale" from World of Warcraft "Shire Nights" from LOTRO "Aquarium" from RuneScape Which one did we like best? Jukebox Picks: "Be'elze Territory" from Valkyrie Elysium and "Closing Medley" from Space Quest III Outro (feat. "Fishing" from Lineage II) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

Rock out with your mace out as the Battle Bards crank up the soundtrack to Dungeon Fighter Online. Have we been missing out on the vast bounty of action setpieces? Is there a delightful orchestral soundtrack tucked inside all of this synth noise? Tune in and find out! Episode 218 show notes  Intro (feat. "Main Theme," "Tower of Despair," and "Adios Verrickt") "The Seatrain" "Character Select" “White Night” “Forgotten Forest Boss” “We Are Desperado” “Alfhlyra Post” Which one did we like best? Listener notes Jukebox Picks: "High Score" from Rotox (Amiga) and "Trichroma Sunset" from Narita Boy Outro (feat. "Helix Powerstation") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

Chances are you've never heard of today's featured MMO -- or its quirky little soundtrack! So why not come along with Syp and Syl to explore Legend of Edda, a now-defunct RPG set in a realm of Greek Mythology? Episode 217 show notes Intro (feat. “Ballack's Castle” and “Cybele Garden”) “Title Theme" "Frigid Valley" "Gaiyan Town" "Wailing Wall" "Kobalos Mines" "Silver Lake" Which one did we like best? Jukebox Picks: “Millick Meadows (Night)” from Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and “Drug Store” from EarthBound Outro (feat. “Boreas Temple”) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

While Final Fantasy XIV players won't shut up about A Realm Reborn, it's not often you hear people speaking fondly of the original 1.0 edition. Yet in this episode of Battle Bards, Syp and Syl find something to praise from this era: the Before Meteor soundtrack. Let's rewind the clock and hear the O.G. Eorzea tunes! Episode 216 show notes Intro (feat. "Canticle," "Promise of Plunder," and "The Rider's Boon") "When a Tree Falls" "Navigator's Glory" "Born of the Boughs" "Desert Moon Defied" "Eorzea de Chocobo" "Dreams Aloft" Which one did we like best? Jukebox Picks: "Stage 2" from TMNT 2 and "The Fallen Kingdom" from Blue Fire Outro (feat. "To the Fore") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

Maybe you've never heard of Lineage W, a 2021 spin-off of NCsoft's long-running franchise. But after today's Battle Bards episode, you'll have heard it's sweet tunes! Join Syl and Syp as they explore this fantasy soundtrack to see how it stacks up against its amazing ancestors. Episode 215 show notes Intro (feat. "Against Odds," "Moment of Peace," and "Woodbeck Village") "Main Theme" "Elven Forest Village" "Lone Wanderer" "Atoning Elf" "Knight of Faith" "Magician in the Nightmare" Which one did we like best? Jukebox Picks: "The Crown" from Oaken and "Golden Forest" from 1080° Snowboarding Outro (feat. "Man of Honor") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

You may never see them coming, but when the Battle Bards strike out of the shadows, you'll either find your pocket picked, your fluffy best friend kidnapped, or your life's blood stolen. After all, they learned from the best thieves and rogues in the world! And what kind of music would these robbers identify with? Find out on today's show! Episode 214 show notes Intro (feat. "Rogue" from Blackwater, "The Holy Land of Assassins" from Ragnarok Online, and "Rogues" from WildStar) "The Call of Cyrodiil" from Elder Scrolls Online "Thief Theme" from MapleStory 2 "Two Rogues, One Mark" from Hearthstone "Golden Thief" from Ragnarok Online 2 "Thieves" from EverQuest "Dark Brethren" from Sea of Thieves Which one did we like best? Jukebox Picks: "Seashell Strut" from Monster Galaxy and "Honor and Thieves" from Ruined King Outro (feat. "Band of Robbers" from Runes of Magic) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

The END(walker) of Final Fantasy XIV came, went, and brought us some excellent music along the way! In this episode of the Battle Bards, Syl and Syp joust back and forth over the tunes from FFXIV's latest expansion. Is it an acquired taste or an instant hit? Let them be the judge! Episode 213 show notes Intro (feat. "Opening Cinematic," "Welcome to Our Town," and "Black Steel, Cold Embers") "Vibrant Voices" "The Nautilus Knoweth" "On Blade's Edge" "The Day Will Come" "Spoken Without End" "Festival of the Hunt" Which one did we like best? Jukebox Picks: "Welcome to Wonder Labyrinth" from Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth and "Elm St." from Nightmare on Elm Street Outro (feat. "In the Balance") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

Battle Bards Episode 212: Elder Scrolls Online Blackwood

When the Battle Bards get loaded up with money and jewels in MMOs, they head back into town for a shopping spree! And if they're shopping, you know they're listening to whatever muzak is piped into these establishments. Syp and Syl listen to the music of shops and services -- and deliver their best to you! Episode 211 show notes Intro (feat. "Cash Shop" from Dragon's Nest, "Shopping Arcade" from MapleStory 2, and "The Store" from Neverwinter Nights) "The Mystic Forge" from Guild Wars 2 "The Magic Shop" from PlaneShift  "Temple of Gold" from Aion "Aesthetician's Theme" from FFXIV "Brownie Storehouse" from Vanguard "Auction Hall" from LOTRO  "Smithy" from Meridian 59 Which one did we like best? Jukebox Picks: "The Ewer" from Sable and "The Lake" from Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future Outro (feat. "Shop" from Elsword) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

We heard your many requests, and we delivered! The Battle Bards crew is back to explore the final frontier of music in the Warframe soundtrack. From funky ninja fighting tracks to stirring interstellar ballads, Warframe ended up being a fun journey through space, time, and composition. Episode 210 show notes Intro (feat. “Fortuna Login," "March of the Moa," and "Venus Combat") "This is What You Are" "Cetus"  "KDrive Race Music A" "Gene Molds C"  “Smiles from Juran" "We All Lift Together" "Sleeping in the Cold Below" Which one did we like best? Jukebox Picks: "Main Theme" from The Sims 4: Cottage Living, "On Blade's Edge" from FFXIV, and "Easthaven in Peace" from Icewind Dale Outro (feat. "Synapse") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

When they're not saving the world from bad tunes, the Battle Bards stuff themselves into spandex and try out for sixth-tier superhero teams. Because saving the world is en vogue, don't you know? In today's episode, the crew takes a tour through the music of superhero MMORPGs past, present, and future! Episode 209 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Freedom Court" from City of Heroes, "The Rime Woods" from Champions Online, and "Credits" from Marvel Heroes) "Digital Death Dream" from City of Titans  "Nightclub District 2" from Marvel Heroes "Funk" from City of Heroes "Asgard Town" from Super Hero Squad Online "Arkham Asylum" from DCUO "Desert Disaster" from Champions Online "A Brave New World" from City of Heroes  Which one did we like best? Listener notes from Katriana Jukebox Picks: "Welcome to a Kick in the Pants in Good Old Hillville" from Commander Keen 4, "The Winding Meadow" from RuneScape Orchestral, and "Opposites Attract" from It Takes Two Steff's Best Books of 2021 list Outro (feat. "Metropolis 13" from DCUO) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

Mighty Vikings and meek bards come together to sing the praises of the soundtrack to 2021's smash hit Valheim! Syl does her best to sell us all on the game (and, perhaps occasionally, its soundtrack) as the threesome hack, slash, and plunder the score to see what spoils might be taken back to the homeland. Episode 208 show notes Intro (feat. "Moder v2," "Mountain," and "Yagluth") "Menu Theme" "Entering Valheim" "Black Forest" "Meadows" "Home Base" "Plains" "Sailing" Which one did we like best? Jukebox Picks: "In the Belly of the Beast" from Deep Rock Galactic, "Forest of Mystery" from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and "Main Theme" from Deathloop Outro (feat. "Eikthyr") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

Have you ever gotten so mad that you literally saw red? Better yet, have you ever heard the color red when you've listened to an MMO's soundtrack? In this episode, the Battle Bards explore the diversity that exists within this singular blood hue. What does red sound like? Find out in this hour! Episode 207 show notes  Intro (feat. "Red Broth" from Warframe, "Red Menace" from Stargate Worlds, and "Crimson Cove" from City of Heroes) "Scarlet Raven" from World of Warcraft "Ruby Weapon" from FFXIV "The Scarlet Desert" from EverQuest "Red Land" from Aion "Bloody Ice" from Cabal Online "Red Scar" from Ragnarok Online 2 "The Morning of Crimson Peak" from Blade and Soul Which one did we like best? Jukebox Picks: "Main Theme" from Red Dead Redemption, "Will of the Spirits" from Tales of Arise, and "Rain" from The 7th Guest  Outro (feat. "Redwood" from Aion) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

It's been a long, long time since the Battle Bards have ventured down to the surface of Nexus -- at least, as a full episode. Now, it's time to warp back to WildStar! But after having featured this amazing soundtrack so often on the show, are there any good picks left... or just the dregs from a former civilization? Episode 206 show notes Intro (feat. "Main Theme," "A Tropical Getaway," and "Sea of Green") "March of the Empire" "Operation Northern Wastes"  "Legend of Blue Horizon"  "A Very Dominion Shade's Eve" "Clear Skies" "From the Ashes"  "Grist for the Mill" Which one did we like best? Listener notes from Friendly Necromancer Jukebox Picks: "Main Theme" from Wild West World, "Main Theme" from Metroid Dread, and "Fading Twilight Battle Theme" from Dungeon Encounters Outro (feat. "The Malgrave Trail") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

They might not be the most naturally romantic crew at heart, but the Battle Bards have been known to get, er, swoony when love is professed and crushes confessed. In the spirit of love and romance, Steff, Syl, and Syp explore romantic themes in MMORPG soundtracks to see if they can figure out what the heart really wants! Episode 205 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. "Lana, the Advisor" from SWTOR, "Origa, Beautiful" from Aion, "Tieve's Theme" from Vindictus, and "Chapel of Love" from EverQuest II) "Endless Affection" from Rohan Online  "Votan Romance" from Defiance "And Love You Shall Find" from FFXIV "Happily Ever After" from FFXI  "Love Story" from RuneScape "Waltz in the Forest" from Aion "Romeo and Juliet" from Mabinogi Which one did we like best? Listener notes from Katriana Jukebox Picks: "FFXIV Remix Medley" by Calico, "Side-Crawler's Dance" from Wonder Boy III (SMS), and "Main Theme" from Square-Enix's Guardians of the Galaxy Outro (feat. "Valentione's Day" FFXIV) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

The MMORPG smash hit of 2021 is now a soundtrack of far-off lands, dangerous vistas, and bewildering secrets. To navigate this New World, the Battle Bards have disembarked onto the shores of this score to see what wonders they can pillage. Episode 204 show notes Intro (feat. "A New World," "Discovery," and "Heart of Corruption") "Embark" "Cutlass Keys" "Everfall"  "Sunset Ballad" "Monarch Bluffs"  "Brightwood" "Homeward Bound" Which one did we like best? Listener notes from George and Minimalistway Jukebox picks: "Yara Para Todos" from Far Cry 6, "Deep Thoughts" from Tales of Crestoria, and "Engineering" from System Shock 2 Outro (feat. "Sea of Trees") Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.

For this week's episode, the Battle Bards turn their attention to an oft-neglected realm of MMO music -- that of mobile titles. Will Steff walk into a pole while playing Pokemon Go? Will Syl instantly recognize an old musical favorite? Will Syp use the word "cacophony" at least once this hour? You'll have to listen to find out! Episode 203 show notes (show page, direct download) Intro (feat. “Take the Lead” from AdventureQuest 3D, "Diagon Alley" from Harry Potter Wizards Unite, and "Track 7" from MapleStory M) "Main Theme" from Order & Chaos Online "Walking" from Pokémon Go "Main Theme" from Another Eden "Glish" from Black Desert Mobile "Royal Fight" from Mobile Royale  "Title Screen" from Epic 7  "Airship Theme" from Stella Arcana Which one did we like best? Listener notes from Friendly Necromancer Jukebox picks: "Volcano" from The Flintstones SNES, "Dance of Illusions" from Castlevania Symphony of the Night, and "Into the Labyrinth" from Final Fantasy Brave Exvius Outro (feat. "Bad Reputation" from Hearthstone) Talk to the Battle Bards on Twitter! Follow Battle Bards on iTunes, Stitcher, Player.FM, Google Play, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts! This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.