Dive into the complete episode list for Battle Bards. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
The Final Refrain
27 Mar 2025
01:20:19
It's been a very long while, but the Battle Bards haven't fully abandoned you -- at least not without a goodbye! In the grand final episode of the show, Steff, Syl, and Syp gather together one last time to share memories of the show, the reason behind the decision to end it, and a few of our favorite MMO music tracks. Enjoy -- and from the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for listening these past 12 years. We had a blast doing it.
Episode 234 show notes
Songs featured in this episode:
"Hamlets of Aquilonia" from Age of Conan
"Silus Mountain" from Aion
"Fly into the Sky" from Blade & Soul
"Freedom Theme" from City of Heroes
"Hills of the Shire" from Lord of the Rings Online
"Townston Theme" from Dungeon Runners
"Below the Asteroids" from EVE Online
"Main Theme" from EverQuest II
"The Republic of Bastok" from Final Fantasy XI
"Tidecaller" from League of Legends
"Home Sweet Home" from RuneScape
"Alsalvara Light" from Lime Odyssey
"Island Village" from Lineage II
"Silverwood" from RIFT
"Invincible" from World of Warcraft
"Traveling Tale" from Runes of Magic
"A Golden Field" from WildStar
"Lana, The Advisor" from Star Wars: The Old Republic
"World Map 2" from The Sims Online
"Stones" from Ultima Online
"Seascape" from Anarchy Online
"Townlife" from Ultima X Odyssey
"Bamboo Forest" from Vanguard
Outro (feat. "Elwynn Forest" from World of Warcraft)
This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.
Episode 233: Epic battle music
13 Aug 2024
00:54:37
For Battle Bards' penultimate episode, Syp and Syl explore some EPIC battle music across many MMOs. After all, if we're going to go out in style, that style's going to be loud enough to blast a hole in your eardrums! We also learn that nobody likes the Flute Guy.
Episode 233 show notes
Intro (feat. "Epic Raid Boss 4" from DCUO, "Mission Battle" from CABAL Online, and "Boss Fight 1" from Kritika Online)
"Flame Incursion" from World of Warcraft
"Battle Theme 4" from Atlantica Online
"Battle on the Breachmaker" from Guild Wars 2
"Abyss Battle" from Aion
"The Copied Factory Boss Theme" from FFXIV
"Enemy Territory" from WildStar
Which one did we like best?
Jukebox Picks: "The Blue Hole" from Dave the Diver and "A Verdant Wind Blows Day" from Octopath Traveler II
Outro (feat. "Nasod-King Boss" from Elsword Online)
This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.
Episode 224: A return to EverQuest II
19 Apr 2023
00:46:45
It's been an almost egregiously long time since the Battle Bards turned their attention to the EverQuest II soundtrack -- but now that wait is over. Join Syp and Syl as they comb through the expansions for all sorts of delightful musical morsels to enjoy!
Episode 224 show notes
Intro (feat. "Main Theme," "Landing Zone," and "Darkpaw")
"Artisan Theme"
"Qeynos Rises"
"Stonewood"
"Dreadcutter"
"Visions of Vetrovia"
"Enchanted Lands"
Which one did we like best?
Listener notes: Zinn
Jukebox Picks: "Big Apple 3PM" from TMNT Shredder's Revenge and "A New Land Awaits" from Going Medieval
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 139: Return to LOTRO
27 Feb 2019
01:00:26
It has been a good long while since the Battle Bards walked the road that led them from the Shire to Mordor, but now they're back in Lord of the Rings Online -- and they have a lot of positive things to say about this beloved soundtrack. If the word "quaint" can ever be used as a recommendation for a score, it has to be done so here! Tune in as these three Minstrels share a few favorite tracks you may not have heard before.
Episode 139 show notes
Intro (feat. "Let Us Sing Together," "Rivendell," and "Urgent Errands")
"Coronation of Aragorn"
"Mug in Your Hand"
"Brigand's Tale"
"Night in the Shire"
"Malthellam, the Steward of the Vale"
"Tavern Lore"
"Cape of Belfalas Housing"
Which one did we like best?
Listener mail from Hamblepants and Jaedia
Jukebox picks: "Chicken Illuminati HQ" from Guacamelee 2, "Menu Music" from Kingdom Hearts 3, and "Towergrounds" from Forgotton Anne
Outro (feat. "Battle of Pelennor Fields Final Victory")
Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
Battle Bards Episode 138: Wild wild westerns
13 Feb 2019
01:03:57
Boy howdy, is it time for another highfalutin Battle Bards episode? Shucks, looks like! In this week's show, the trio saddle up for a ride through the tumbleweeds and mesas of western MMO tunes. It may be slim pickins, but the pickins are actually pretty good!
Episode 138 show notes (show page, direct download)
Intro (feat. "Renewal" from Fallen Earth, "Ashe" from Overwatch, and "Crimson Hills" from Aion)
"Calm Guitar" from Crossout
"Thermock Hold" from WildStar
"Way Out West" from LEGO Worlds
"Main Theme" from Wild West Online
"Eyes of Ice" from Aion
"Cool Ranch Tumbleweed Explorer" from Pirate101
"Main Theme" from Dino Storm
Which one did we like best?
Listener mail from Katriana and PanagiotisLial
Jukebox picks: "Legend of the Eagle Bearer" from Assassin's Creed Odyssey, "Into the Wilderness" from Wild Arms, and "Escape" from Return of Obra Dinn
Outro (feat. "Antique Cowboy" from Ragnarok Online)
Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
Retro Reprise Episode 16: Amazing Amiga
06 Feb 2019
00:25:40
The Amiga series of computers is renowned for its amazing sound -- and the terrific scores that video game composers were able to wrangle. In this episode of Retro Reprise, Syl joins Syp for a look and listen back at this machine and the tunes that carry on its legacy!
Show notes
Intro (feat. "Space Ninja" from Lotus 3)
"Theme" from Deflektor
"Ending" from Fuzzball
"Hymn to Aurora" from Horace Wimp
"Theme" from The Humans
"Theme" from The Carl Lewis Challenge
Outro (feat. "Theme" from Hero Quest)
Battle Bards Episode 137: League of Legends' hero themes
30 Jan 2019
01:00:15
What's your hero's theme? If you play League of Legends, you know the answer to that already, because every hero in that game has his, her, or its own musical motif, from the dour to the delightful. In this episode of Battle Bards, the crew turns to this popular MOBA to see what heroic themes are pure ear candy.
Episode 137 show notes
Intro (feat. "Elementalist Lux," "Odyssey Login," and "Snowdown 2018")
"Irelia"
"Arcade Ahri"
"Dragon Trainer Tristana"
"Kindred"
"Lulu"
"Tahm Kench"
"Braum"
Which one did we like best?
Listener mail from Mika, Thomas, and Katriana
Jukebox picks: "Warsongs: Silver Scrapes (ProtoShredanoid Remix)" from League of Legends, "Can't Wait Until Night" from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and "Stars at Our Backs" from Monster Hunter World
Ever feel like the Battle Bards have covered every MMO soundtrack in existence? It's actually far from true, and today's episode is Exhibit A to prove it. The team looks at seven online RPGs that have never had a single track featured on a Battle Bards show -- and it's a fun discovery process! So settle back as we roll out 100% debuts!
Episode 136 show notes
Intro (feat. "Terminus" from Pantheon and "Main Theme" from Otherland)
"A Harsh Winter Fell" from Camelot Unchained
"Intro Theme" from Rising Force Online
"Aman's Theme" from Lost Ark
"Outdoors" from The 4th Coming
"Sea of Hakanas" from Riders of Icarus
"East Sea Plain (night)" from Dream of Mirror Online
"The Magic Shop" from PlaneShift
Which one did we like best?
Listener mail from Mika, Theldos, Myre_Test, Mike, and Raphael
Jukebox picks: "Sea Theme" from Heroes of Might and Magic IV, "Dog" from MineCraft, and "Cave" from Blue Dragon
Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
Battle Bards Episode 135: Battle for Azeroth
02 Jan 2019
01:05:28
It's Battle Bards vs. Battle for Azeroth -- and only one victor will come out of this alive! Actually, the podcast trio is delighted to have another World of Warcraft expansion to explore and investigate. Will it be destined to obscurity as this x-pack apparently will be, or does the score rise above and beyond Blizzard's design flaws? Find out in today's show!
Episode 135 show notes
Intro (feat. "The Grand Bazaar," "Drustvar," and "Freehold")
"Pride of the Seas"
"Crimson Forest"
"Might of the Zandalar"
"Zuldazar Zandalari Lament"
"The Motherlode Dungeon"
"Time and Tide"
"Tiragarde Sound Tavern (Night)"
Which one did we like best?
Listener mail from Pedro Macedo Camacho (Composer, Star Citizen), Katriana, and Jinxed Thoughts
Jukebox picks: "Pallet Town" from Pokémon Let's Go, "Hunting Path" from Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, and "Another Voyage" from Chrono Cross
Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
Retro Reprise Episode 15: Atari ST tunes
26 Dec 2018
00:31:31
On this episode of Retro Reprise, Syl drags Syp back to her childhood playing on the Atari ST -- and the tunes that made this machine so memorable. Do these tracks withstand the test of time? Find out -- if you dare!
Show notes
Intro
"Theme" from Wizball
"Theme" from Toki
"In-Game Music" from Bubble Bobble
"Theme" from Wonderboy in Monsterland
"Theme" from Mousetrap
"Theme" from Xenon 2: Megablast
"Theme" from Bard's Tale
Outro
Battle Bards Episode 134: Halloween and Christmas
19 Dec 2018
00:56:55
It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas! And, er, Halloween! Well, the Battle Bards were never much for subtlety, so you must excuse their efforts to sandwich two holidays -- and their related MMO soundtracks -- into one amazing yet confusing show. Whether you like to be spooked or Santa'd, this episode's got the score for you!
Episode 134 show notes
Intro (feat. "Xmas Jazz Theme" from Lineage II, "White Christmas" from Ragnarok Online, and "Wistmead" from Lord of the Rings Online)
"Halloween 2018" from Black Desert
"Halloween" from Elsword
"Ice Day for Penguins" from RuneScape
"Jingle Bells" from Dragon Nest
"Frostfell" from EverQuest II
"Winter Wingding" from Glitch
"Gotham Winter Holiday" from DC Universe Online
Which one did we like best?
Listener mail from Scott, Cynalus, and Zinn
Jukebox picks: "Village of Rynoka" from Moonlighter, "Train Heist" from Red Dead Redemption 2, and "Bloody Tears" from Super Castlevania IV
Outro ("Santa Claus is Coming to Town" from Lime Odyssey)
Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
Battle Bards Episode 133: Star Citizen
28 Nov 2018
00:55:18
The sparkling majesty of space beckons to the hearts of the Battle Bards -- and up there they discover the Star Citizen soundtrack! In today's episode, Syl establishes that she's not a "scifi nerd," Syp causes an international crisis, and the team comes together to hand out praise to this rich score.
Episode 133 show notes (show page, direct download)
Intro (feat. "Main Theme," "A Symphony in Motion," and "First Light")
"Scifi Homage"
"Bishop Speech"
"Majesty of Space"
"Hero March"
"My Home"
"Leir III"
"Main Theme Happy Variation 1"
Which one did we like best?
Listener mail from Cyclone Jack, Scott, Ken, and Katriana
Jukebox picks: "Marble Gallery" from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, "Overture" from Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and "A Jaunty Tune" from Death's Gambit
Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
Battle Bards Episode 132: Steampunk
14 Nov 2018
00:58:59
Steam-powered tech, airships, clockwork machines, and automata are the source of inspiration for this week's episode of Battle Bards! The team scrounged the landscape of MMOs for music from and inspired by steampunk games. It's a wild grab bag of themes, so fire up your phonographs and give it a listen!
Episode 132 show notes
Intro (feat. "Operation Gnomeregan" from World of Warcraft, "The Refugee" from City of Steam, and "Main Theme" from Arcanum)
"Main Theme" from Black Gold Online
"Lands of Igsh" from Allods Online
"Through the Epoch" from City of Steam
"Login Theme" from Divine Soul
"Ganedine" from Neo Steam
"Town" from Guns of Icarus
"Adventure Awaits" from Deepworld
Which one did we like best?
Listener mail from Video Game Music Soundtrack OST and Katriana
Jukebox picks: "Dark Forest" from Rise of Nations, "Lakrum Beach" from Aion, and "CrossWorlds" from CrossCode
Outro ("Menace of the Underdark Character Creation" from Dungeons and Dragons Online)
Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
Episode 223: Dragonica
29 Mar 2023
00:48:14
The steely gaze and pointy ears of the Battle Bards turns to 2009's Dragonica -- also known as Dragon Saga -- to see what musical treasures might be stashed in this beast's lair. Syl and Syp descend into this all-too-cute realm to find tracks of whimsy and madness awaiting. Listener beware!
Episode 223 show notes
Intro (feat. "Sky City," "Ferell," and "Haruka's Sushi Restaurant")
This podcast is produced using copyrighted material according to Fair Use practices as stated under Section 107 of the 1976 Copyright Act.
Retro Reprise Episode 14: Final Fantasy combat tunes
07 Nov 2018
00:37:12
It's been a year-and-a-half since Syl and Syp first dove into Final Fantasy music, but now the duo is back to discuss combat themes from four of the game's 1990s installments! From One-Winged Angel to The Man with a Machine Gun, it's all the classics you've been listening to -- and adoring -- for years, packaged with exclusive fan commentary!
Show notes (episode download, episode page)
Intro
FFV: "Clash on the Big Bridge"
FFVII: "Combat"
FFVII: "Jenova"
FFVII: "One-Winged Angel"
FFVIII: "The Man with a Machine Gun"
FFVIII: "The Extreme"
FFIX: "Combat"
Outro
Battle Bards Episode 131: Path of Exile
24 Oct 2018
00:58:42
It may be a fairly grim MMOARPG, but Path of Exile features a surprisingly, well, grim soundtrack. Guess that wasn't that much of a surprise! This episode, the Battle Bards wade into the fracas of this rather expansive soundtrack to see what audio treasure has been dropped by the zerg of mobs.
Episode 131 show notes
Intro (feat. "Main Theme," "The Overseer's Tower," and "The Ascent")
"Fall of Oriath Theme"
"Four Guardians"
"Solaris Temple"
"Hunter or Prey"
"The Grand Arena"
"Templar Courts"
"Elder"
Which one did we like best?
Listener mail from CJ and Loopy
Jukebox picks: "A Distant Journey, Soaring on the Battlefronts" from Granblue Fantasy, "Main Theme" from Spider-Man 2018, and "First Steps" from Celeste
Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
Battle Bards Episode 130: Oddballs 2
10 Oct 2018
00:53:56
While every Battle Bards episode is a cavalcade of strangeness, this week the team is ratcheting it up with the return of "Oddball" MMORPG music tracks. If there's a piece of music that made one of the hosts tilt their heads to the side and go "whaaat the what is this?" then rest assured, it's on this show!
Episode 130 show notes (show page, direct download)
Intro (feat. "Robo Factory" from The Sims Online, "Little Kitty's Adventure" from Ragnarok Online, and "The Rube Song" from Glitch)
"Chompy Hunt" from RuneScape
"Flow Control" from Entropia Universe
"Welcome to Doram Town" from Ragnarok Online
"Valentine's Theme" from FFXIV
"Venetian Eclipse" from NeoSteam
"Papaya" from FFXIV
"BEER!" from WildStar
Which one did we like best?
Jukebox Picks: "Alleycat Blues" from TMNT IV: Turtles in Time, "Crush" from Command and Conquer Red Alert, and "White All Around Us" from Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Outro (feat. "Kobold Still Hates You" from Dungeons and Dragons Online)
In today's episode, the Battle Bards crew row their dinghy to the island of Vvardenfell, where there is a rumor of the legend of the return of Morrowind. Yes, it's a tour through Elder Scrolls Online's first expansion soundtrack. Will it be enough to reverse a few negative opinions of the base MMO's score? (spoiler: yes indeedy!)
Episode 129 show notes
Intro (feat. "Ascadian Idyll," "Omens Prophecy," and "Telvanni Towers")
"Shadow of Baar Dau"
"A Land of War and Poetry"
"Grazelands Dawn"
"Currents of the Odai"
"Reverie of the Netchimen"
"Magnus Smiles on Suran"
"Azura's Coast"
Which one did we like best?
Listener notes: Deekay_zero
Jukebox Picks: "Main Theme" from Crash Bandicoot, "Darkness Rises" from The Banner Saga 3, "Traps" from Turrican II
Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
Battle Bards Episode 128: Seaside port
12 Sep 2018
00:58:16
Why not sail up to our dock and tie your ship to ours for an hour? The Battle Bards return for another great episode examining MMORPG music, with the focus this time around being on harbor and port music. Does the sight of boats sailing out into the open ocean inspire you? Then this music may be the soundtrack to your next great adventure!
Episode 128 show notes
Intro (feat. "Selbina" from Final Fantasy XI, "New Bellin Port" from Risk Your Life, and "Hermalte Port" from Dragon Nest)
"Port BGM" from Lime Odyssey
"Lith Harbor" from MapleStory 2
"Aria de Coimbra" from Granado Espada
"Saltswept" from Final Fantasy XIV
"Port Noble" from City of Villains
"Epheria Port" from Black Desert
"Port Town Ilfalo" from Wizardry Online
Which one did we like best?
Listener notes: Katriana
Jukebox Picks: "Deliverance" from God of War, "Jump Up, Super Star!" from Super Mario Odyssey," and "New Junk City" from Earthworm Jim
Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
Battle Bards Episode 127: Champions Online
29 Aug 2018
00:59:15
When you sit down to make a list of the greatest heroes that humanity has ever known, obviously the Battle Bards will top that list. So who better to comment on the music to the sadly neglected superhero MMO Champions Online than they? The trio wiggle into their ill-fitting tights and see if they can make sense of this off-kilter soundtrack before they have to dash out and save the day, yet again.
Episode 127 show notes (show page, direct download)
Intro (feat. "Midtown," "Apostolic Church," and "Renaissance Center")
"Main Theme"
"Location! Location! Location!"
"The Undying Reef"
"New Harmon Reeducation Facility"
"Sovereign Sunset"
"Renegade Run"
"Snake Gulch"
Which one did we like best?
Listener notes: Scott
Jukebox Picks: "The Traveler" from Crusader: No Remorse, "Main Theme" from Octopath Traveler, and "Main Theme" from Batman: Arkham Asylum
Special nod to Video Game Music for his excellent repository of MMO soundtracks!
Battle Bards Episode 126: Out of this world
15 Aug 2018
01:04:14
It's time to boldly go where no podcast has gone before -- by exploring MMO space themes! It's perhaps the flat-out goofiest and silliest Battle Bards episode to date, so you're going to have to excuse a whole lot of diversions, arguments, and giggles. Because that's what space does to people? We do not know.
This episode is also notable for Syl's all-time greatest quote, "Planets are usually in space." Usually.
Episode 126 show notes
Intro (feat. "A New Frontier" from Destiny 2, "Morning Star" from Anarchy Online, and "Centaurus" from Elite: Dangerous)
"First Light" from Star Citizen
"The Cold Science of Supremacy" from WildStar
"Terran Wander 3" from Earth and Beyond
"Delta Rising Theme" from Star Trek Online
"Through a Lush Ravine" from Wurm Online
"Main Theme" from Black Prophecy
"Theme Version 2" from Star Sonata
Which one did we like best?
Listener notes: Rafael, Bryan, and Katriana
Jukebox Picks: "Main Theme" from Revenant, "This Way" from The Terminator Sega CD, and "She Came from Outer Space" from A Hat in Time
Outro (feat. "Surface Tension Conference" from Star Trek Online)
The Battle Bards are always on the prowl for overlooked soundtracks from overlooked MMORPGs, and this week, they might have found a new one to share. Meet Archlord, a Korean title from 2005 that made very little waves in the west. Yet the music is pretty good and worthy of a listen. If you like epic high fantasy, then you're going to love today's episode!
Episode 125 show notes
Intro (feat. "Main Theme," "Shinewood," and "Thrilgard")
It's a catch-all, catch-up episode for the Battle Bards as they dig through new soundtrack releases from MMORPGs that they've covered in the past! You may be prepared for an eclectic and enjoyable mix of music -- but there is no way that you can steel yourself for the raw and heartfelt confessions that take place on this show.
Episode 124 show notes (show page, direct download)
Intro (feat. "Tiragarde Tavern" from World of Warcraft, "Never Look Back" from EVE Online, and "Mellow" from RuneScape)
"The River Running" from Lord of the Rings Online
"The Last Train to Cairo" from The Secret World
"Old Wisdom Tree" from Black Desert
"The Inquest" from Guild Wars 2
"Temple of Erlik (Night Version)" from Age of Conan
"The Ruby Sea" from Final Fantasy XIV
"Summerset Theme" from Elder Scrolls Online
Which one did we like best?
Jukebox Picks: "A Town Unlike Any Other" from Darkside Detective, "Main Menu" from StarCraft, "Main Theme" from Viridi
Battle Bards Episode 123: Guild Wars 2's Path of Fire
27 Jun 2018
00:55:17
With eagerness in their hearts, the Battle Bards rush toward another Guild Wars 2 soundtrack, ready to bask in the aural glory of this MMO that's known for its incredible music. But hark! What is this Path of Fire? Join us for a listen through a soundtrack that one unnamed soundtrack reviewer has termed "bland and generic." If that isn't a back-of-the-box quote, we don't know what is!
Episode 123 show notes
Intro (feat. "On the Banks of the Elon,""Highland Hares," and "Undead of Elona")
"Main Theme"
"Sands of the Djinn"
"The Bounty Hunter"
"Legendary Ascent"
"Pricklepath Hollow"
"Welcome to Amnoon"
"Sands of Chaos (Percussion Version)"
Which one did we like best?
Listener Notes: Minimalistway
Jukebox Picks: "Main Theme" from Pharaoh, "Great Bustle" from Lost Sphear, and "Green Hill Zone Act 1" from Sonic Mania
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
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 122: Happy town
13 Jun 2018
00:57:16
In peaceful villages and bubbly burgs, you just know that there's bound to be an abundance of happy music! Whenever the Battle Bards regroup to lick their wounds and drink the terrors away, they often find that happy town music is perfect to soothe jangled nerves and re-center one's heroism. There's plenty of those tunes in today's episode, so recoup with them as they listen to the songs of the common folk.
Episode 122 show notes (show page, direct download)
Intro (feat. "Kamasylvia Town" from Black Desert, "Medieval Village" from Runes of Magic, and "Colhen Theme" from Vindictus)
The world's first, best, and only MMORPG music podcast is back to venture into a rather obscure title, Myst Online! The Battle Bards delve into this odd, atmospheric soundtrack that isn't quite like what we're used to hearing in online games. There's some love, some hate, some snark, and some indigestion. Also, we discover several of Syl's greatest fears and force her to live through them.
Episode 121 show notes
Intro (feat. "Spore Me," "Convergence," and "Kadish Tolesa Future Vault")
"Badlands"
"Trailer Music"
"Yeesha's Theme"
"Out of the Hive"
"Burn You Up, Burn You Down"
"K'veer"
"Air Stream"
Which one did we like best?
Listener Notes: MP and Scott
Jukebox Picks: "Menu" from Pocket Mine, "Theme 3" from Doom 2016, and "City Chicks" from Pit People
After an incredibly long absence, Retro Reprise is back for a kind of weird episode -- but aren't those the best? On this week's show, Syp listens to many video game studio logos and fanfares from the 1990s. These jingles may be short, but we heard them so many times they became burned into our brains! Which one was your favorite?
Look down -- and it'll be the last thing you'll ever see! That's because fury and death arrive in the form of short character races in MMORPGs. Even if they hit below the belt, their music is sweet to the ears! In this episode of Battle Bards, the crew take on themes from Gnomes, Halflings, Dwarves, and other short races in MMOs.
Episode 120 show notes
Intro (feat. "Dwarf Tavern" from World of Warcraft, "The Gnomes" from Project Copernicus, and "Exploring the Shire" from Lord of the Rings Online)
"The Call of Stone" from Warhammer Online
"Gnomes" from EverQuest Online Adventures
"Asura Theme" from Guild Wars 2
"New Tinkertown" from World of Warcraft
"Gnome Village II" from RuneScape
"Thorin's Hall" from Lord of the Rings Online
"Dwarven Village Theme" from Lineage II
Which one did we like best?
Listener Notes: Chestnut Bowl, Fair Mores
Jukebox Picks: "Nomads of the White Desert" from Assassin's Creed Origins, "Deployment" from Hive Jump, and "First Steps" from Celeste
Believe it or not, it's the Battle Bards' fifth anniversary! From its weirdly humble beginnings back in 2013 to our arrogant ramblings here in 2018, coverage of MMO music must continue! In today's episode, we'll be listening to a surprisingly good soundtrack: Skyforge. Yes, that Russian sci-fi MMO from the Allods team that lets you grow into your ego as a god. Groove on these tunes and see if there's a new sleeper soundtrack waiting for you!
Episode 119 show notes
Intro (feat. "Pioneers," "Story Without End," and "Wilderness")
"Dreams of Aelion"
"Login Theme"
"Stronghold"
"Campaign Music"
"Aelinar"
"Forest Retreat"
"Battle"
Which one did we like best?
Listener Notes: Rafael and Mark
Jukebox Picks: "Breathe the Black" from Where the Water Tastes Like Wine, "Skalitz 1403" from Kingdom Come Deliverance, and "A.C.I.D." from Into the Breach
Battle Bards Episode 118: More starting zone themes
28 Mar 2018
00:59:06
What are your favorite memories of those first few days in a brand-new MMORPG? Chances are that those memories are inextricably connected to the music of these beginning areas. On today's episode of Battle Bards, the crew revisits starting zone themes to talk about the experience of those first critical steps in an online game -- and the songs that connect us forever to that.
Episode 118 show notes
Intro (feat. "Dun Morogh" from World of Warcraft, "Autumn in Ascalon" from Guild Wars, and "Silverwood" from RIFT)
"Emerald Falls" from Revelation Online
"Bleakrock Isle" from Elder Scrolls Online
"Ronfaure" from Final Fantasy XI
"Azuremyst Isle" from World of Warcraft
"Olvia" from Black Desert
"The Black Shroud" from Final Fantasy XIV
"Newbie Melody" from RuneScape
Which one did we like best?
Listener Notes: Hirvox and GeorgeWilson3
Jukebox Picks: "Main Menu" from Life is Strange: Before the Storm, "With Sympathy" from Gears of War 2, "The Descent into Spring Valley" from Nine Parchments
Two Destinies for the price of one! For this episode, the Battle Bards are gearing up in their favorite space armor to take on highlights from both of the Destiny soundtracks. From buyer's regret to confusing the gender of a key character, there is all sorts of on-air therapy happening with this kooky trio!
Episode 116 show notes
Intro (feat. "Sepiks Prime," "The Wilds," and "Ikora")
"Inner Light" from Destiny 2
"The Traveler" from Destiny 1
"The Ecstasy (Jupiter)" from Destiny 1
"Lost Light" from Destiny 2
"The Last City" from Destiny 2
"Holliday" from Destiny 2
"The Farm" from Destiny 2
Which one did we like best?
Listener Notes: rafael12104, Katriana, Veon91
Jukebox Picks: "Becalmed" from Sea of Thieves, "Track One" from Loong Online, and "Riverside Bogie" from Railway Empire)
Mighty and majestic, scaly in hide and shrewd of mind, smoking with fury unabated... these are the Battle Bards! Also, dragons. Yes, in today's episode, the Bards tackle the soundtracks to one of the most iconic fantasy creatures of all time. So call over your good luck dragon and get your best Sean Connery voice on as we loot the musical hoard of these beasts.
Episode 116 show notes
Intro (feat. "Bash the Dragons" from Guild Wars 2, "Shinryu's Theme" from Final Fantasy XIV, and "Drakonspire Depths" from Aion)
"Sindragosa" from World of Warcraft
"The Valley of Dragons" from SUN
"A White Dragon Fallen into the Earth" from Dragon's Dogma Online
Jukebox picks: "The Valley of the Blinding Mist" from The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, "Milton's Tower" from What Remains of Edith Finch, and "Ave Maria" from Hitman: Blood Money
Forgettable ambient noise or entrancing space sounds? This is the debate that's at the core of today's episode, as the Battle Bards take on EVE Online's beloved and perhaps misunderstood soundtrack. It's a journey that goes far beyond our galaxy to one full of intrigue, industry, and space discotheques!
Episode 115 show notes
Intro (feat. "Below the Asteroids," "Odyssey," and "I Saw Your Ship (symphony version")
"Akat Mountains"
"Minmatar Rock"
"Hail to the Explorer"
"Theme from Jita"
"Red Glowing Dust"
"Merchants, Looters, and Ghosts"
"The Dealer"
Which one did we like best?
Listener notes: Veon91, Zen Dadaist, KatsPurr
Jukebox picks: "Musik 2" from Hotline Miami, "Battlefield One" from Battlefield 1, and "Theories of an Eager Heart" from Planet Coaster
Yes officer, these Battle Bards were well above the speed limit and violated many noise complaints in the local neighborhoods. But it was for a good cause, sir! This music from vehicular MMOs is just way too good to keep quiet! What's that? You'll let them go with just a warning? You only know they're going to peel out and look for another score to settle!
Episode 114 show notes
Intro (feat. "Snowmobile Chase" from The Secret World, "Harmonic Vengeance" from Auto Assault, and "Racing 4 Pinks" from Motor City Online)
"Garage" from Crossout
"Smuggler Track S Two" from Grand Theft Auto Online
"Assault of Fort Harrison" from Auto Assault
"Kharkov" from World of Tanks
"A2B" from The Crew
"My Garage" from Drift City
"Redlining" from Motor City Online
Which one did we like best?
Listener notes: Scott Rankin and Chillos Smith Jr.
Jukebox picks: "Main Theme" from Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, "The Ballad of Doctor Death" from Outlaws, "Free Roaming" from Owlboy
Outro (feat. "Beyond the Precipice" from War Thunder)
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")
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 113: Anarchy Online
17 Jan 2018
01:05:54
Alien, quiet, and weird -- that's the Anarchy Online soundtrack for you in a nutshell. For the first episode of 2018, the ever-contentious Battle Bards are back to quibble about, gush over, and nitpick the score to one of the older sci-fi MMOs on the market today.
Episode 113 show notes
Intro (feat. "Seascape," "Spiritual Elysium," and "The Cup")
"Main Theme"
"Majestic Omni"
"Omni-Tek Theme"
"Ancient Civilizations"
"Dungeon Dub"
"Shadowlands Battle Music"
"Amongst the Trees"
Which one did we like best?
Listener notes: Friendly Necromancer, Katriana, and Rafael
Jukebox picks: "Simmering Steeps" from Portal Knights, "I Am Justice" from Diablo III, and "First Light" from Aion
It's time to take a diversion to play -- and listen -- to the minigames tucked inside of our MMOs! The Battle Bards haul out their last show of 2012 with an eclectic and fun assortment of minigame soundtracks. While minigame-specific music might be hard to hunt down, this trio did their best and are reasonably satisfied with the result. Which is good, because no refunds on this podcast!
Episode 112 show notes
Intro (feat. "Darkmoon Faire" from World of Warcraft, "Artifact Hunt" from Free Realms, and "Sneaky Block" from Trove)
"Bonus Stage" from Guild Wars 2
"Pet Battles" from World of Warcraft
"Triple Triad" from Final Fantasy XIV
"Choo Choo Zoo" from Wizard101
"Space Missions (Republic)" from Star Wars: The Old Republic
"Pest Control" from RuneScape
"Checkers" from Free Realms
Which one did we like best?
Listener notes: Skaldrom, Minimalistway, and Rafael12104
Jukebox picks: "Temple of the Fist" from FFXIV: Stormblood, "Main Theme" from Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and VGMpire
The Battle Bards are always up for a musical bargain, and on today's episode, they'll deliver two MMORPGs for the price of one (sitting)! It's a look at two rather obscure eastern MMOs, Cabal Online and Cabal 2, both of which have some surprisingly good music tucked away. So expand your video game musical horizons with this show!
Episode 111 show notes
Intro (feat. "Frozen Tower of the Undead" from Cabal 1, "Freii Hills" from Cabal 2, and "Altar of Siena" from Cabal 1)
"Green Despair" from Cabal 1
"Desert Scream" from Cabal 1
"Mission Battle" from Cabal 1
"Illusion Castle" from Cabal 1
"Forest of Troglo" from Cabal 2
"Another Truth" from Cabal 1
"Login Screen" from Cabal 2
Which one did we like best?
Listener notes: @JinxedThought, @Katriana_games, Minimalistway, and George Wilson III
Jukebox picks: "Fertile Highlands" from Conan Exiles, Super Marcato Bros., and "Welcome to Amnoon" from Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire
The Battle Bards are quite familiar with the power of the strummed guitar and lute, knowing that such simple instruments can bring down walls, devastate armies, and dethrone monarchs. But on their off days, acoustic guitars are simply pleasurable to hear and are sprinkled throughout many a-MMO's soundtrack. It's six-stringed serenity in the 110th episode of this podcast!
Episode 110 show notes
Intro (feat. "Sunlight of Morning" from Aion, "The Fringes (Daytime)" from FFXIV, and "Hills of the Shire" from LOTRO)
"Auf zu neuen Welten" from Drakensang
"Firelight" from TERA
"Lisbon" from Uncharted Waters Online
"Aughaire and Angmar" from LOTRO
"Dion Theme" from Lineage II
"Pre-Alpha 4" from Shroud of the Avatar
"Breeze Island" from Ragnarok 2
Which one did we like best?
Listener comments: Rafael12104
Jukebox picks: Retro Game Audio, "Emerald Falls" from Revelation Online, and "Main Theme" from Spyro's Adventure
When you've got a club full of penguins overseen by the Mouse House itself, you know things are going to get both wacky and weird! Club Penguin may not be everyone's go-to MMO for music, but its wide array of simplified genres certainly give the Battle Bards a lot to discuss on this week's show.
Episode 109 show notes
Intro (feat. "Hello Yellow,""Extra Planetary Force," and "Cabin Trails")
"Starting Fresh"
"Medieval Theme"
"Cart Surfer"
"Bull's Eye"
"Pizza Parlor"
"Ocean Voyage"
"Rock the Boat"
Which one did we like best?
Listener notes from Katriana_games and Zoward
Jukebox picks: "Divine's Lament" from Divinity Original Sin 2, "Inner Light" from Destiny 2, and Level with Emily Reese
Here's a musical episode that you can really sink your teeth into! Your... ear teeth? In any case, the Battle Bards are evaluating our Dark Masters this Halloween season to see which has the best music: vampires or werewolves. It's a sinister, gothic show with several first-time MMO appearances for the podcast, so check it out!
Episode 108 show notes (show page, direct download)
Intro (feat. "Gilneas" from World of Warcraft, "Werewolf Camp" from Forsaken World, and "Transylvanian Rain" from The Secret World)
"Clan (Pride Theme)" from Wolfteam
"Werewolf" from Neverwinter
"Main Theme" from Requiem
"Kindred Village" from Forsaken World
"Palace of the Dead Floors" from Final Fantasy XIV
"Concordia" from Dark Eden
"Hunter's Creed" from Darkfall
Which one did we like best?
Jukebox picks: "No Heaven" from Borderlands, Music Respawn show, "Sanctuary" from Destiny 2
Outro ("Cathedral of Eternal Night" from World of Warcraft)
Battle Bards Episode 107: Blade and Soul expansions
11 Oct 2017
00:49:31
After 50 episodes, the Battle Bards have made the brave decision to revisit the hallowed lands of Blade and Soul to look at two of the soundtrack expansions. The team combs through The World and Silverfrost Mountain albums to see what bounty can be harvested. It's another lively episode with plenty of upbeat music, so what are you waiting for?
Episode 107 show notes
Intro (feat. "Hammer of the Dog Sorcerer," "The Dreamdrift," and "Hogshead Hamlet")
"The Road/Lycandi Foothills"
"The Pot Fighter"
"Pine Stone Island"
"The Stranger"
"Forest of Illusions"
"Blood Battle"
"Pig's Ranch"
Which one did we like best?
Jukebox picks: The Annotator podcast, "The Old Republic Theme" from Knights of the Old Republic, and "Gremori Dungeon Ver. 1" from Closers Online
Instead of looking back at MMORPGs this week, the crew of Battle Bards launches forward into early access! What would a show about music from MMOs that aren't even officially out yet be like? We're going to find out in this wild and woolly episode!
Episode 106 show notes
Intro (feat. "Pre-Alpha Music" from Shroud of the Avatar, "Main Theme" from H1Z1, and "Rhyldan" from The Repopulation)
"Main Theme" from Star Citizen
"Main Theme" from Kritika Online
"Main Theme" from Osiris: New Dawn
"Another Story Begins" from Gloria Victis
"Main Theme" from Sea of Thieves
"Bay Theme" from Cloud Pirates
"Winter is Here" from Crowfall
Which one did we like best?
Listener feedback
Jukebox picks: "The Wild White Yonder" from West of Loathing, "Main Theme" from Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire, and "A Threatin' Zeppelin" from Cuphead
Set sail for amazing adventure and an assortment of audio discoveries! This week, Cap'n Steff and her lackeys board Uncharted Waters Online to see what bounty this soundtrack holds. It may not be to everyone's liking, but the sea is a fickle mistress that doesn't appeal to everyone!
Episode 105 show notes
Intro (feat. "Login Screen," "Central South America," and "Seville")
"First Voyage"
"Bar"
"Forest"
"East Asian Sea"
"Russian Empire"
"American Sea"
"Caribbean Pirate Song"
Which one did we like best?
Listener feedback
Jukebox Picks: "On The Sands Of Serkonos" from Dishonored 2, "The Scent of the Sea" from I am Setsuna, and "Strike the Earth!" from Shovel Knight
Battle Bards Episode 104: Something wicked this way comes
30 Aug 2017
00:58:15
And lo, as the Battle Bards walk through the zone of the shadow of death, they will fear no evil, but they will listen to evil's soundtrack because that is what they do! In today's episode, the crew looks at the darker side of MMORPG soundtracks, dwelling in the wicked, the profane, and the deliciously macabre. Also, Syp does his Cookie Monster voice.
Episode 104 show notes
Intro (feat."In the Darkest Hour" from Vindictus, "Twilight Vale" from World of Warcraft, and "Theme" from Hellgate London)
"Into the Shadows" from Dragon's Prophet
"Zombie Apocalypse" from The Secret World
"Eulogy for Hope" from Warhammer Online
"Krall Theme" from Aion
"Battle of the Black Gate" from Lord of the Rings Online
"Warsong" from World of Warcraft
"The Heartbeat of Evil / The Strain" from WildStar
Which one did we like best?
Jukebox Picks: "Monster Town" from Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap, "1:00 A.M." from Animal Crossing: New Leaf, and "The Synapse" from Deus Ex
Outro (feat. "Palace of the Dead Final Floor" from Final Fantasy XIV)
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
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 103: Wurm Online
16 Aug 2017
00:54:32
You think you've heard strange MMORPG soundtracks before, but Wurm Online is about to take you to the odd frontier. With two distinctive soundtracks that skew away from typical composition, Wurm baffles, amuses, and bewitches the Battle Bards in today's show!
Episode 103 show notes
Intro (feat. "Sunrise,""Long Summer," and "Traveling")
"Waking Up"
"Why You Dive"
"Abandon the Hill"
"Flatland Stride"
"They Wait Back Home"
"Along the Broken Ridge"
"Village Work Song"
Which one did we like best?
Jukebox Picks: "Stormblood Theme" from Final Fantasy XIV, "Shipwreck Creek" from Yooka Laylee, and "The Path" from The Last of Us
Retro Reprise Episode 12: Offbeat NES music tracks
09 Aug 2017
00:24:56
When it comes to talking about the music from the original NES, everyone seems to always reference the same games. But what about those "other" titles with interesting and memorable soundtracks that get ignored? In today's show, Syp pulls out 10 offbeat NES music tracks that you might have never heard of -- but definitely should! Buckle up, Retro Reprise is about to go off the beaten path and into the wild unknown!
Episode 12: Offbeat NES music tracks
Intro
"Theme" from Rambo
"Theme" from Pictionary
"Coralcola Village" from StarTropics 2
"Duel" from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
"Towering Catastrophe" from Monsters in my Pocket
"Running Through the Blue Fields" from Strider
"House Theme 3" from A Nightmare on Elm Street
"Good Weather" from Mr. Gimmick!
"Salvage Chute" from Bucky O'Hare
"Strange Woman" from Uninvited
Outro ("Mini-Game" from Pictionary)
Battle Bards Episode 102: Pure joy
02 Aug 2017
00:53:21
Is it even possible for pure joy to be derived from MMORPG music? Whether or not, the Battle Bards are going to take a serious stab at it in today's episode! Each piece is hand-picked and home-brewed to distill joy for the listener, coated in sparkling hopes and drizzled with fond memories. No matter what, you're in for an uplifting show!
Episode 102 show notes (show page, direct download)
Intro (feat. "Maple Island 1" from MapleStory 2, "Life Abundant" from Stargate Worlds, and "Farm" from Free Realms)
"Village Theme 1" from ArcheAge
"Sunlight of Morning" from Aion
"Plotting Our Course" from WildStar
"Sunnyside" from Granado Espada
"Party in the Shire" from LOTRO
"To Start a Journey" from Star Wars Galaxies
"Lakeside" from Cabal Online
Which one did we like best?
Jukebox Picks: "Main Theme" from Dead Space, "Hot Pursuit" from Gravity Rush, and "Grazelands Dawn" from Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind