...Is that a Bloodborne reference in the title, I spy? ཐི༏ཋྀ (Props to Fishy, if so! That's pretty apt and rad! :3)

Done for Pixel Mixers' 2019 Final Fantasy IX album, Beyond the Mist, this is an absolute classic from long-time ReMixer Fishy, making a stellar, bombastic return having done up one of my favorite sources from the FFIX OST, "Hunter's Chance" as a full, enthralling prog rock suite! To quote Fishy himself:

"this source, done a million times but hey why not one more. Lots of crunchy b5/#5 chords, silly time signatures, putting 4/4 over stuff that isn't in 4/4, all that good stuff. I quite like the breakdown in this one alternating between cheeky little palm muted riff and big djenty riff.

Bonus point(s) if you can spot the brief "Roses of May" quote."

Duly noted, amen to having MOAR "Hunter's Chance" ReMixes on the shelf and in the playlist (and, in the future!), and hell yeah -- as a big fan of the series, quote spotted!! (No spoilers! ;) ) When I first got to listen to this treat and do a write-up on it (delivered unto me by proph!), admittedly I felt like a deer in headlights about it, and felt a good bit of ol' "analysis paralysis" in coming up with things to say, because hoo boy, this one's GNARLY. Beeg drums from the get-go; big sound on-start -- and it only climbs higher and turns the ominous dial up to 11 with the blastbeats when we reach 1:20 mark in the track. Very much reminding me of some past years' entries into the FF sonic-sphere of rock and metal a la the twins' (Pixels & Paradiddles') impactful debut of "Strife", and Xaleph's take on some FFVII mashed-up with Resident Evil, it's a real classic affair to skip (happily, mind you!) down the primrose path and memory lane of Final Fantasy Goes HEAVY. Big fan of The Black Mages and The Primals myself, and Fishy's for "Hunter's Chance" feels and tastes like a scrumptious bit of black cherry on top the wonderful cake and plethora of those rock beats on offer, and fitting right at home on OCR!

Quick, dirty and to-all-the-good-points, my favorite part is 1:55 when we get the sweet vamping organ(s) in the background, whilst gettin' a lil' swing-y on the beat (and, of course, the "Roses of May" quote!) And, I think those "evil" judges can agree! It's hard to appease the OG Black Mage of the congregation, but judge prophetik music "caught myself just listening to the original on repeat. It's so good." Here's the further scoop!

"drums are really beefy and punchy [...] overall the arrangement's pretty straightforward [...] the dueling lead elements here are fun [...]

this is a fun one! [...] and the arrangement's solid. i particularly like the lead work around the 2:57 and that key change."

Judge Liontamer added:

"The interpretation of this theme is all sorts of good. Pretty good example of a melodically close cover with hugely personalized presentation thanks to Fishy's genre adaptation alongside lots of original part-writing to compliment the shift into rock/metal. [...]

I appreciated that drop-off with the delay effect, which was a nice idea, IMO.

A beastly return for Fishy, I'm excited to say!"

And judge Hemophiliac was excitedly in the middle of rustling up some beasts with this one(!):

"HOLY COW, FISHY IS BRINGING THE BEEF.

This is all kinds of fat and heavy in the low-end, in a good way. All with tons of clarity amongst all of the parts. [...]

The bass is strong in the sub-bass [...] I liked the synth elements in this as they fit right in perfectly, like a glove. Slotted in and were present when they needed to be, but invisible and supportive otherwise.

The source is easily recognizable and has plenty of your own interpretation and space to breathe.

Welcome back to the front page :)"

It may not be a Behemoth or a Malboro in a Lindblum district antiques store (or perhaps it might be!), but Fishy's old-new track is sure to bring some beasts stomping around in YOUR neighborhood! Why not join in on the fun with this headbanging track, in the mosh-pit galore!? I'll bring the pet snacks! :D