What I love about this particular theme is that it isn't insanely grandiose or violent or volatile. No, it's exalted, it's celebratory, it's melodic. Stark difference from Scaramouche last time. As a Reminder I now stream Genshin Impact on www.twitch.tv/marcomeatball and have a vods channel kzfaq.info

phase 1 : you are fighting "apep" , phase 2 : you are healing "apep". and phase 3 : you are dancing with "apep"

You know it's good when Marco starts doing phantom conducting, it's the classical equivalent of playing air guitar

This quest dropped so much lore. So MUCH. Chasm lore. Sumeru rainforest lore. Desert lore. The moment when the dragon appeared was genuinely terrifying.

When the opera singer starts vibing hard you know thats some real good shit

It happened again. Like with the Scaramouche Boss Battle theme, i kept shielding and healing just to listen to the boss theme for as long as i could. The music, the scenery, the enemy itself being beautifully detailed and animated. I can't help but notice that this game is changing me, from a "gamer" to a "art appreciator". What a beautiful time to be alive

I think that something that I don’t see commented as often is how the wind instrument in the first version actually sounds out of tune and only sounds properly in the second version, which knowing hoyoverse, is definitely made with the intention of symbolizing the boss’s condition while you’re fighting it, without getting too much into spoiler territory.

"that gives me the energy that this is OUR theme against Apep" actually its a rescue mission so its OUR theme ALONGSIDE Apep

I like how the Guardian sounds tired/suffering in the first phase which can be heard in the flute at 1:20 but in its third phase, it sounds as if its more free and majestic which can be heard in the flute at 10:42

Apparently this theme, unlike other weekly boss themes (and many battle themes too) that are finished pieces with a very clear end, is designed to be looped seamlessly. This is, while normal in most games, rather unusual for Genshin and apparently represents the difference in the lore behind this fight, far closer to Dvalin than to Signora.

I feel like this ost rather than make us feels scared or intimidated it gives us courage instead.

Apep feels really laid back compared to the other weekly bosses. But that piece of music that is louder than the rest of the OST hits hard.

I feel Apep’s theme mirror’s Azhdaha’s in a few ways. The heroicism in the second phase of Azhdaha’s theme mirrors that of Apep’s theme and I LOVE IT. Also the fact that with both Azhdaha and Apep you’re not fighting to kill or hurt them, you’re fighting to SAVE them. You’re trying to stop Apep from dying and with Azhdaha, you’re just trying to fulfill his contract. I love that about them and I feel Rage Beneath The Mountains is another song that is “our” theme.

I thought that after the weekly boss scaramouche, the guys from hoyo mix had reached their ceiling, but the new boss gave me a punch in the gut with the words :" You haven't seen everything yet."😮

hello from the past, non patrons who are just now seeing this video

it’s interesting to me that this is the first weekly boss theme to feature the photon of fluctuation leitmotif. idk what the significance is, if anything, but it is intriguing

In the last phase there was a techno sound beep beep.... boop boop.. sounds like synthesiser. That was a really nice touch. It adds some future-ish feelings into this hectic song. I don't know how to explain it lmao but I was so hooked to it

As a bassoonist, it is really a treat and ear opener to hear a bassoon as the main soloist against the boss music, adds more to rich and utter melodic contrast to the environment of this piece. Being a bassoonist, you’ll only have some rare chances in spot light in modern day pieces, so, it is ever lovely to hear pieces like this; to provide notion to a not-so-rare though rich wood sound in an orchestra environment~

I love this style of your videos where you're not afraid to pause often, go back to certain parts of the music, share your insights in depth. That's what we're here for. This theme is very different from usual boss music and i agree, it represents not only the opponent but also us.

Congrats to Hoyo composers and Marco's musical talent. Marco was absolutely right about 11:30. It is "our theme" because there is a revelation and plottwist.

Can’t wait to see this performed live! Hope they do, in the next Genshin concert 🙏

The music being so different from Genshins typical boss soundtracks, is I think a nod to the stakes of this battle being different as well. Spoilers: Since in this case, we're protecting Apep, not fighting them. The boss itself isn't Apep at all, rather it's the guardian of Apep's oasis. Apep is HUGE, there's no way we're ever fighting that thing.

the first thing i did last night when 3.6 went live was play Nahida’s 2nd story quest and i was SO impressed with Apep’s theme! 🤩it’s always super fun to see how hoyo-mix incorporates photon of fluctuation into so many of genshin’s tracks and it really makes you think about the significance of this leitmotif and why we hear it so much 🤔

This feels like in many ways the culmination of all Sumeru music in one celebratory piece which represents Apep being THE Dragon of Sumeru. Also its always nice to see these pieces recall back to the OG battle theme with the Photon of Fluctuation which is there a few other pieces too. Due to the story reasons you're definitely right in this feeling more of 'our' theme than the Boss's, hoping you find out soon enough :)

There's a different ferocity in this music, like quiet but overwhelming confidence. It's the sound of knowing your victory is assured as long as you don't lose focus

5:30 it pains me to know that his iteration is not in the finalized boss fight, this track is from the beta version of the boss, it sounds so fucking badass and inline with sumeru city’s technological feat with the robotic synth in the background along with the heavy muddy bass at the beginning, this version symbolizes the temporary Alliance between the desert dragon and the rainforest archon for me

It has more emotions in this theme than the ones before, loved it.

always a joy seeing marco jamming to genshin music

Bassoons and oboes are some of those under appreciated instruments that when they shine they really shine and you wish you could hear more of. I also really like the triumphant brass in this song too, its so determined and upbeat, its a good change of pace from the other boss songs that are more moody and sinister sounding.

I can't believe I was crying while listening and fighting. The nostalgia of the first battle theme, the epic swell and key change, the gameplay where we don't just fight the boss but also protect her. It just made me cry while eye framing the best of my characters Burst

What I understand from this is : The phase 1 theme depict Apep like a terrifying enemy, as we can see with the flute reaching super high notes, almost unbeatable. And phase 2 is epic, it's glorious. I really have the impression of Apep and the Traveler going all-out in a very epic fight. This theme is definitely my favorite from the game. Oh and Marco, you probably noticed that phase 2 got repeated in this theme. The first you hear is the finalized, and the last you hear is the midi version, hence the different sounds Spoliers : Yes I know it's phase 3 and not phase 2. I also know that we don't fight Apep directly, but I want to avoid spoilers

The music captures the movements of the boss so well, it swirls in spirals, flowing, twirling and twisting. Just like the music, no separate parts but continuously complex movement with more and more details entwined into it.

The real demonstration of power here is HoyoMix team dropping the bangers that are weekly boss themes

Bro this song is getting downloaded and added to my collection. It is stellar. Asia has been killing it with music lately, has anyone else noticed? Most of the best music I've heard in the past 10 years is by an Asian artist or draws inspiration from Asian art it feels like.

Its honestly crazy how well the song tells the story of what is happening... At first you're fighting back to protect yourself, then you find a chance to save the dragon, to heal them. After phase 2, you succeed, the music almost sounds like victory and adventure in phase 3, then goes more menacing again as even if you saved Apep, they wont let you go without testing you.

i love how due to the lore, theres definitely tension and stakes in the instrumentation but compared to other boss themes, this one is set from the rest. it feels less like you're fighting to end someone but it feels more like you're fighting to save them which makes sense story wise. its got such triumphant harmonic choices, it gives off anime protagonist power of friendship super move vibes. and marco you definitely aced the part where you said it feels more like our theme, the traveller's theme and the fight of the boss against our inevitable might much more than it is a theme for the boss against us. beautifully said. and for those who already fought this boss, im sure you guys are also catching the fact that the woodwinds and the tabla are also kinda representing the way the boss moves. all flowy and elegant, dancing around the arena as it fucks you up with the pillars and minions. another gorgeous analysis marco, you never miss

The ending of this song has the same vibe for me as the primal dialga theme, just freaking awesome, the music in genshin never disappoints, and the fight was awesome and the story too :D

Phase 1 she is hurt, she is in pain and angry. Phase 2 we are healing her Phase 3 she is no longer in pain and now open to reason

I'm so glad mihoyo brought attention to traditional Indian music through sumeru. We all knew middle eastern and Egyptian music were gonna be bangers but alot of times people forget that india's a part of Asia too and forget to represent their cultural influences into their animes and games, therefore stopping people from getting a taste of our nation's music. Not always do I give mihoyo a W but they've earned one for bringing out our culture and its music globally for people to see. Maybe now we'll start seeing more anime and games being inspired from our nation now too instead of just being overridden with high medieval, Japanese and Chinese fantasy. Good job yu peng Chen

This theme feels familiar, and balances that feeling of familiarity with something otherworldly. A story is also being told while we are fighting it - and that shows in the mood swings of the song. The "Photon of Fluctuation" is not only associated with the Traveller, but also Teyvat in general. Which is why I think a boss of this calibre and lore has that part. It's something related to the depths and origins of the world itself. Loved your analysis to bits! There will probably be an official version coming some time in the future - there's a part missing I think.

The fact that you can grasp the story fairly accurately from just music and one name is amazing!

I just wanna say your videos on the genshin ost is what got me really into music. I love the way you interpret the songs and it gets me even more hyped afterwards when I hear them again while im playing. I love your vids :))))

Bro I love this theme so much! Definitely didn't expect it to me so chill but just the amount of emotions it brings out is incredible, I'll admit this is the first time I've ever actually shed a few tears while fighting a boss ever, I won't spoil it but damn is it just heart wrenching the first time you do it, I literally just started running around while trying to handle my emotions and enjoy the song at the same time. This is probably in my top 3 genshin boss fights overall, the fight is fun and doesn't feel repetitive/scripted, the lore is fascinating the design is amazing and the music is a jam. Also am i the only one that hears a bit of fire emblem's battle theme in this? I don't know the specific song, probably in three houses game but it immediately reminded me of it.

Haha. Love the fact that you remembered "Photon of Fluctuation". Cool vid

"t's exalted, it's celebratory, it's melodic" I haven't done the quest or gotten to this boss yet but I did a little wandering around the new area last night and I came across a location that really I thought would have...kind of ominous music? But it doesn't. The music actually makes it feel like a nice, reflective, place to spend some time. It was this weird juxtaposition that leads me to wondering why they did it that way. Also: your reaction when the music suddenly gets intense was really similar to mine, hahah.

The celebratory final segment of this piece almost brings me to tears. It's so emotionally powerful and you truly feel like you've conquered the unconquerable. The flute howling into the wind at 12:10 and onward gives me chills every time, almost sounding like the creature is thanking you for its freedom. Thanks so much for putting my feelings into words Marco

Thanks dude! As a FFXIV player you always show me great gaming scores that I sadly would never have heard otherwise and that there are other great composers next to Masayoshi Soken!

The story quest and the visuals, everything is just so good, and the music is the cherry on top. It's amazing the 3rd phase has different versions

For me, I think there's a certain majesty when the Bazzoon comes in. Like "You and I, Traveller, are going to have a wonderful time dancing (fighting) in this encounter of ours" Then when the second phase comes in, that majesty turns into an awe-filled "Well, let's have this dance a memory for us to remember Traveller!" as the boss pummels you with more and more attacks like how you tend to get more erratic in dancing because what you, the traveller, and the boss is feeling in that moment.

Love the enthusiasm you have in these videos. Keep up the great work :)

Its definitely one of my favorite boss themes,funnily enough it was first leaked in 2.6,when the chasm was added,but it went completely unused until now Also,the very loud section is abit weird,its present inside the files,but it simply doesn't play in-game,it seems to be an adaptative theme that switches from a grounded version to an intense one

I love how you are living the music my friend. I really hope you get more roles in Genshin Impact ;)

This song is constantly growing... a proper dendro song.

That was an excellent analysis. Especially about the part where you said it feels more like the traveler's theme against Apep. I also felt the same

Idk if it’s just me or wind instruments reminds me of serpentine creatures. Similar to Apep, the wind instrument also fits the Baizhu part in the 3.6 trailer because he’s associated with snakes. I think the reason might be because of the common depiction of Egyptian snake tamers playing the flute to “control” the snake

Man I love the way you dissect every piece. All your explanations make me understand why I love every Genshin song

I really like this one. I think those "synthesized" sounds are very computer-y kinds of tones meant to invoke the idea of information or data. Sumeru is the nation of "wisdom"--of knowledge, information, and memory. But it reflects those concepts both in human ways (academic learning, almost sci-fi information systems, etc.) and in nature (the patterns in nature, the memories of the forest, etc.) Without getting into story spoilers this boss has themes of "evolution" and "adaptation", and you can see from the trailer it has various helix motifs in it's attacks and the corkscrew-seed elements in the boss design--very literally the information embedded in nature. To me this song is very much about the clash and dance between the knowledge of man and the knowledge of the natural world and whether they can find common ground...

Duuude! I was looking forward to seeing your analysis of this battle song

I really like the... sorry for my bad musical terms... the beep boops starting around 5:57. They remind me a lot of Nahida, and with her connection of knowledge to computer-inspired animations (keyboard, mouse cursor), I wonder if the boss is related to that in some way!

As always, great analysis video Marco! I myself just finished the quest and was bobbing my head most of the fight, and to be honest... I have honestly been completely blown away with the amount, as well the sheer quality that the people who made most music for the Sumeru region have put in, i liked music in Mondstat, in Liyue(i hope that's how you spell it) as well as in Inazuma, but... Like... Sumeru music just feels much, and MUCH more grandiose at times, this, honestly just makes me more excited for future updates, as well as whenever Fontaine comes out, because as far as most gensin players heard from that one teaser video teasing all ACT names and main themes of regions, the music from Fontaine will definitely, and hopefully will surpass other regions. And i know that's already setting the expectations sky high but... I for some reason believe that they can be shattered and WILL be shattered with each/next new region added to the game, like how my personal hope is to hear so flamenco in Natalan, and Snezhnaya? Man... I honestly have almost no idea... As a person who've studied history and culture of ancient Rus, as well as history of Russia under the rule of "Pietr the 1st", i am very curious, anyway sorry for my ramblings, thanks for an amazing video once again!

I just played through that boss fight after completing the latest story quest, and I actually didn't rush to finish the battle and just ran around while dodging (and learning) its attack patterns and also to appreciate the creature design and background music.

I really loved how you are doing/showing information taken into the game music from mythology like Apopis and the fatui with commedia dell'arte, would love more on that.

I’m coming to this video hella late. I can’t express myself as well as you, but this is my favorite theme because it feels the most Adventurous. In the best way, this song says “you’re on a big adventure” and I think that’s beautiful

Overall I was really surprised at how much more relaxed this one was, just the melody and the movement-Like you said it was a lot like a dance and the fight felt like that too! It was nice to hear a different track and I’m excited to hear more of what this new region has to offer!

5:49 Marco had to check if it was still Genshin lol

I just finished the story quest where you fight Apep and I’m definitely glad that I experienced it in game before watching this video. Now watching your reaction to it, I am hearing these themes for the first time without gameplay sounds over it

Hey Marco thank u for that Reaction. I just got through all of the new region added in this patch. The music there is also really amazing. Had a weird Star Wars feeling throughout the whole thing. Have fun exploring! :)

That part (after the build up and Return to calm … before the piano) teared me up 😢 not sure yet why for I haven’t played the quest but …. There is something tragic and the mob seems to be linked to nature…. So far it gives me corrupted nature entity vibes and I Love it !

for me, the part your talking about in 9:33 is like the tension is suspended and pulsating in this state and in the actual boss, this makes sense because this is like the intermission phase where the boss switches up to a tower defense type mode! i realized it really adds to the listening experience when you know what the music is for, but good musicians can tell AND read a story within just the music. for intuition, u got the gist of the fight pretty damn well!!!

What I love about this track is that it presents a majestic presence whilst maintaining a sense of full control and strength of will, which I suppose is quite accurate to all of the relevant characters involved in this quest.

That drop made me goosebump everytime.

finally got to watching this video. it's a good boss theme and so nice to see you vibing to it, and i look forward to when you eventually listen to the ost in context as well i'm also here to comment that i hope you'll react to the polumnia omnia live performance lol. it's really good! but you probably expected that already. please make a video reacting to it plspls

I think this has become my favourite Genshin theme. It has a memorable melody and it steady builds into the booming heroic music in the 3rd phase, much like a seed growing into a tree. And to me this song has a lot of heart, which is fitting considering what the story behind this boss battle is. It's like the more you dance in battle, the greater your heart and emotions become, until every step taken in battle and every swing of the sword becomes full of what you are as a warrior and a hero.

I haven't watch the video yet but there is also a beta version of this song that leaked about 10/11 months ago. It's still up and you can listen to that. It was originally going to be a chasm theme, so it sounds quite different.

the boss fight was over so quick i didnt have the time to sit down and listen to it, im glad i can now also not spoilers but this quest was one of the few if not the only time(s) genshin was able to make me tear up

i really love the new area ost! i dont know how to explain it but its sounds so calming, the same feeling i feel when exploring dragonspine and tsurumi island, sometimes sounds eerie but not as much as the one in enkanomiya and the chasm and this new boss music! i havent fight the boss yet but this music sound different than the other weekly boss music, it doesnt make me nerveous like the others ww but still sound epic like a battle theme, also it sounds more heroism for me rather than villain theme ww anyway nice analysis marco!

11:13 you are actually right in a way because.. spoilers, It is apep’s theme but apep is actually with us and not against us. Apep is hoping we would win against well.. it’s own guardian but yes, its crazy how marco just picked that up that way, peops to both your genius and composer’s brilliance.

Suffice it to say that Ive been obsessed with this theme. Another small note is that the end part is a transition phase between phase 1 and 2 and not to mark end.

With this music as a background, I feel very inspired and wholesome dueling with Apep. It doesn’t feel like a violent fight, instead a mutual and respectful recognition of each other’s power and strength!

fun fact: this whole theme was originally a battle theme from the chasm that was scrapped. you can still find the old beta version on youtube. for apep, they remixed it with a more sumeru flavour. it does make it a little bit sad that this theme wasn't actually made for apep, but it's also a good thing because it means this great theme they composed but never got to use hasn't gone to waste.

I usually don't do quests immediately after updates, but the moment I saw this video in my notifications, I HAD to set aside time today to do the quest so I could experience the music myself first and then watch your analysis/reaction! And I was NOT disappointed. Was an absolutely beautiful piece to experience within the context of the fight/story and your reactions/analyses are delightful as always, Marco! Edit: Why did KZfaq place "Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild" as the game for this video??? XD

5:38 onward was my favorite part of this theme. I love it sm, i got a tadbit emotional for some reason.

I absolutely LOVE this theme. It's one of my favourite battle themes in the game. The main reason why is because the instrumentation, melodies and general movements to me show me a couple of things: 1) The use of the bassoon (and rest of the woodwinds) gives a very... well, 'woody' sound, which obviously represents the fact it's the *Dendro* dragon, the Sovereign of Wisdom and Rainforests. It sounds *ancient* and *mysterious,* which should be the case since she survived for all this time after the Primordial One defeated the Dragons TWICE. 2) you can hear the stages of Apep while fighting the Guardian inside her (because remember, we are INSIDE Apep during the fight). First the more lethargic section gives us the image of the current corrupted state of Apep, like an old withered tree standing in the storm, trying its hardest not to crumble and collapse. The next section is Apep's Guardian's inner struggle of fighting that corruption while simultaneously fighting the Traveler, who Apep and the Guardian both see as an invader/pest/enemy. Then finally, the corruption has been dispelled and the grandiose, divine, noble and royal aspects of Apep and the inner Guardian are heard, notifying that Apep is fully in control again, the Guardian is fully healed and everything functions as intended again. The Dendro Dragon Sovereign is back, and she is conscious of that.

this song goes hard it really paints a picture of a hero's battle almost like a test or a trial for the hero, I haven't gotten to the quest yet but I'm excited to see how it plays out. Also I don't know why but this gives me similar vibes to a zelda wind waker boss Molgera

As usual, you leave me the knowledge to listen the theme with a musical insight that I had not glimpsed before...

Let's gooo new weekly boss theme :D

sounds like an epic journey through a horde of enemies toward their stronghold in a last battle kind of situation.

The music is the first thing I start to analyse right after finishing the quest. While I hate the fact it's shorter than any other boss theme, I must say it's just as good and reached my expectations for 2nd Sumeru boss theme which use a lot of Arabic ish soundtrack. And notice how the climax sound a lot like Demon Slayer soundtrack?

I love that synthesizer! 💃🏾

Apep is so big.. she can eat Osial as a snack.

What we thought apep would look like after watching 3.6 trailer -🤢 After the patch released what apep actually looks like - 😎

That synthesizer its absolutely a neat conection with the Marana Avatar.

Help I can’t stop listening to this theme 😢

I am a bit late but I wanted to experience the fight first on my own. But as soon as I finished the quest I came to your video. Great reaction, it amazes me how much you can read in music. Although I have the range of emotions of a teaspoon (as hermione would put it) the quest and this theme has left me with a sad smile Quanto è grande la musica!

I genuinely gets goosebump when I fought this boss the first time, especially the 3rd phase

To not spoil it, this reminded me of Undertale's "Hopes and Dreams" when I was doing this fight in the quest. The context is VERY similar, it's about going home, hope, love, mercy and sacrifice, and I was crying in the end.

Actually, you are just battling the immune system of Apep but not Apep itself.

When you realize that what you were fighting was not even Apep. It was like one of her millions white blood cell. Merely a tiny fraction of her defence mechanism in her blood vein. You will not think you can defeat one of the supreme ruler of Teyvat now will you?

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR SO LONG LOL

I agree that this feels more like our theme while fighting against Apep. This theme feels like an epic of a hero's journey. Heroic af