path: root/album/ancestral.yaml

Album: Ancestral
Date: August 27, 2017
Date Added: June 12, 2020
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/album/ancestral
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1fTYKSo2grBk7cJ3aIoYT2tc8eikCUKV
Cover Artists:
- Rangzhe
Cover Art File Extension: png
Track Art File Extension: png
Color: '#ff0300'
Groups:
- Unofficial MSPA Fans
- Fandom
Art Tags:
- The Handmaid
- The Summoner
- The Psiioniic
- The Signless
- The Disciple
- The Dolorosa
- Redglare
- Mindfang
- The Expatriate
- The Grand Highblood
- Dualscar
- The Condesce
- Alternia
Commentary: |-
    @@ album booklet

    <center>Josefin B and the Ancestral Music Team present;<br>
    <b>ANCESTRAL</b><br>
    A collaborative Homestuck fan album in three discs.</center>

    Track commentaries are authored by their respective fan musicians and fan artists. Track art is the property of the credited visual artists.

    The Ancestral Album and related media are brought to you by Josefin B and the Ancestral Music Team, and are unofficial fan works based on Andrew Hussie's <i>Homestuck</i>. <i>Homestuck</i> is a property of Andrew Hussie and What Pumpkin.

    <i>Josefin B.:</i> (booklet commentary)

    <b>Special Thanks</b>

    I would like to thank [[artist:blackhole|Blackhole]] for having helped and guided me through this entire process. Couldn't have done it otherwise. [[artist:circlejourney|Circlejourney]] for assembling the booklet and thus ensuring there would be one. Everyone who jumped in at a second's notice when I needed a track done. Everyone at the LoFaM team for having helped me and for managing a lot if not all the final workload. It's been fun.

    <i>Rangzhe:</i> (booklet commentary)

    As it is the cover of the album, I wanted to make it dramatic as much as to my ability. I wanted to put them in order of the zodiac at first but i realize that it didn't look as great, So I put the Signless and his associates as one and the other highbloods on the other side, and to show Handmaid vs Condesce i made them top and bottom, as polar opposites. i felt like this was the best way to put them to show their interactions in the stories. The background was inspired by the actual Homestuck album [[album:alternia|"Alternia"]] and the pixel-y title font is also because of the ancestor's role to prepare the descendants for the game.

    <i>Josefin B.:</i> (booklet commentary)

    To some extent, I consider Ancestral to be a little sister album to [[album:beforus|Beforus]]. We share many contributors and this project was largely inspired by Beforus. The reason we asked Rangzhe to make our cover was to tie it in. [[Motions of Infinity|The very last track of Beforus]], ending with the ancestors being created, was drawn by her. Isn't it fitting how she begins this story after having ended the last? That, and her art is hella.

    <i>Ngame:</i>

    ([Community listening stream w/ chat](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr1_rpxovt0))
Crediting Sources: |-
    @@ album booklet, excerpt

    <b>Director</b>

    [[artist:josefin-b]]

    <b>Musicians</b>

    [[artist:acyl]]<br>
    [[artist:aeolianchemist]]<br>
    [[artist:blackhole]]<br>
    [[artist:circlejourney]]<br>
    [[artist:corona-sanctus]]<br>
    [[artist:dallas-ross-hicks]]<br>
    [[artist:david-burkee]]<br>
    [[artist:ducky-senpai]]<br>
    [[artist:grace-medley]]<br>
    [[artist:irl-porrim-maryam]]<br>
    [[artist:keyboard-cait]]<br>
    [[artist:llyona-fang]]<br>
    [[artist:mathias-ramalho]]<br>
    [[artist:miraculouslollipop]]<br>
    [[artist:nate-tronerud]]<br>
    [[artist:navochao]]<br>
    [[artist:nevaeh-drexler]]<br>
    [[artist:not-the-kind-you-save]]<br>
    [[artist:nymelord]]<br>
    [[artist:potato-sollux]]<br>
    [[artist:psithurist]]<br>
    [[artist:rhyselinn]]<br>
    [[artist:sara-stebbins]]<br>
    [[artist:sean-william-calhoun]]<br>
    [[artist:seijen]]<br>
    [[artist:seren-mist]]<br>
    [[artist:serialsymphony]]<br>
    [[artist:smear]]<br>
    [[artist:tempitunes]]<br>
    [[artist:the-one-music-maniac]]<br>
    [[artist:toris-crow]]<br>
    [[artist:wc]]<br>
    [[artist:zan-beaver]]

    <b>Artists</b>

    [[artist:amanda-bell]]<br>
    [[artist:andi-dispirito]]<br>
    [[artist:anna-rodman]]<br>
    [[artist:bootsie]]<br>
    [[artist:daisy-s]]<br>
    [[artist:dogslug]]<br>
    [[artist:donomon]]<br>
    [[artist:elanor-pam]]<br>
    [[artist:erin-b]]<br>
    [[artist:gelasticat]]<br>
    [[artist:gilwing]]<br>
    [[artist:josefin-b]]<br>
    [[artist:kaz]]<br>
    [[artist:kisbys]]<br>
    [[artist:lilly-higgs]]<br>
    [[artist:liz-fish]]<br>
    [[artist:lou-chastain]]<br>
    [[artist:melissa-peebles]]<br>
    [[artist:molly]]<br>
    [[artist:oskarna]]<br>
    [[artist:phil-gibson]]<br>
    [[artist:prince]]<br>
    [[artist:rangzhe]]<br>
    [[artist:rebecca-peason]]<br>
    [[artist:senpai-satan]]<br>
    [[artist:shellsea]]<br>
    [[artist:shu]]<br>
    [[artist:sigourney-martin]]<br>
    [[artist:silverwater]]<br>
    [[artist:thiefofstars]]<br>
    [[artist:tunapuns]]<br>
    [[artist:xagave]]<br>
    [[artist:yoitscro]]
Banner Artists:
- Rangzhe
- Rebecca Peason
- Circlejourney (asset organizing)
- Niklink (edits for wiki)
Banner Dimensions: 1100x180
Banner File Extension: png
Additional Files:
- Title: Album Booklet
  Files:
  - Ancestral Album Booklet.pdf
- Title: Bandcamp Banner
  Files:
  - banner_anc.png
---
Section: Disc 1
---
Track: Disc One
Directory: disc1
Suffix Directory: true
Artists:
- Corona Sanctus
Duration: 0:29
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/disc-one
- https://youtu.be/ZUckuE8Kzt8
Cover Artists:
- Rebecca Peason
Art Tags:
- The Signless
- The Handmaid
- The Summoner
- The Psiioniic
- The Disciple
- The Dolorosa
- Redglare
- Mindfang
- The Expatriate
- The Grand Highblood
- Dualscar
- The Condesce
- Alternia
Commentary: |-
    <i>Corona Sanctus:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This track was written with fairytales and myths regarding the troll ancestors in mind. I tried to give it a fairytale-y feel.

    <i>Rebecca Peason:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I was thinking about how I could include all twelve trolls in a picture that sort of introduced them in a sense. The organ sounding bit in the song made me think "rose window" and, of course, the only direction given to the artist who made the Ancestor silhouettes for the [[flash:3520|showdown]] [[flash:4085|flashes]]: "Heavy handed religious imagery."
---
Track: ♈Reality Theatre♈
Artists:
- Navochao
Duration: 3:41
Color: '#eb0000'
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/reality-theatre
- https://youtu.be/wfJJW5x1zo0
Cover Artists:
- Prince
Art Tags:
- The Handmaid
Commentary: |-
    <i>Navochao:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Continuing my trend of using a flute in every single song I've written, I bring you Reality Theatre!

    This song kind of creeps me out and I'm not sure if that's good or bad.

    I hope you enjoy this song that can only be described as a trip.

    <i>Prince:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The story of the Handmaid is one of long drawn out sorrow and pain. But she was also a powerful being responsible for dealing with some of Lord English's worst demands. I wanted to accurately portray her character in my track art: someone lonely and pained, but still had some sort of power and magic to her. She's a fearsome foe for what it's worth. In my art, I posed the handmaid to look distant from the viewer, but still her eyes are sharp and her stance is ready to attack. Who knows what she will do when she strikes.
---
Track: ♉W1th W1ngs♉
Additional Names:
- With Wings (quirk-free)
Artists:
- irl-porrim-maryam
Duration: 4:28
Color: '#c36100'
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/w1th-w1ngs
- https://youtu.be/xmTBPsfjtY8
Cover Artists:
- Molly
Art Tags:
- The Summoner
- Alternia
Lyrics: |-
    (I have thought of the summoner often. I have been troubled to know that as one so common blooded, he could not possibly have been hatched yet, nor will he wriggle from the caverns for many sweeps. So I must have patience to take my role in his story of heroism. It is a tale which reads to me as though lifted from a child's story, yet, I know I'd be a fool to doubt its veracity entirely. He would rise through the ranks of the cavalreapers and assume command, having proven the most skilled and fearless of them. He would exhibit a remarkable pupation, the sort only recorded in myth, growing, or perhaps simply revealing, a striking pair of wings. His army thus inspired would spearhead a major rebellion. Surely one at least on the scale of the sectarian revolt crushed by the Highbloods, who thereafter forbade its mention, or any invocation of the heretical symbols at all, even in private journals. Which is why I will stick to the fable of the summoner, and not risk another execution with even oblique reference to the compelling tale of the sufferer.)
Commentary: |-
    <i>irl-porrim-maryam:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I was absolutely ecstatic when I was given the track of the Summoner! Though there's not much canon information on him, towards the end I was able to include an excerpt from [Page 5658](https://www.homestuck.com/story/3758), in which Mindfang journals about the Summoner. I also looked to [[Bronze Rebel]] from coloUrs and mayhem and [[♉ - Breathtak1ng|Breathtak1ng]] from the Beforus Album to get a feel on what instruments I should be using. I gave the song a bit more of a minor key since the Summoner's life most likely wasn't the easiest or most fun life to lead. This track was definitely great fun to work on, and I'm definitely honoured to be a part of the Ancestral Album!

    <i>Molly:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I quite like how this piece came out! The track itself was lovely and soothing, and the vocals at the end added an interesting feeling to it, almost like a story book. I wanted to showcase the atmosphere rather than The Summoner directly, but still wanted it to be obvious that this is The Summoner's track, and a view point from behind where you can obviously see his defining characteristics but not directly see his face felt like the best way to accomplish that! That, and a purple and blue night sky above the rust-blooded Summoner, with a golden fire in front of him feels rather poetic in a way. This was definitely a learning experience, and a really fun piece to work on for the album. I'm excited to see what's next!
---
Track: ♊Propulsion♊
Artists:
- Sean William Calhoun
Duration: 3:02
Color: '#a1a100'
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/propulsion
- https://youtu.be/QHlaCcFXXwY
Cover Artists:
- Dogslug
Art Tags:
- The Psiioniic
- The Dolorosa
- The Signless
- The Disciple
- 'cw: body horror'
Commentary: |-
    <i>Sean William Calhoun:</i> (booklet commentary)

    When I was asked to fill in for the Psiioniic's track, I wanted to make a nod to First Turn Fold's [[Gold Pilot]], given my history with it. So, while I did not quote any full theme from Gold Pilot, several elements are a little bit like it.

    <i>Dogslug:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The Psiioniic is without a doubt my favorite character in Homestuck, and this song is absolutely perfect for him. The whole song, but especially the glitchy sounding parts, make me think of him losing himself in the Helm, losing everything that he was and is and what's left of his past can be just as painful as his present.
---
Track: ♋️A Peace Worth Fighting For♋️
Artists:
- Nate Tronerud
Duration: 5:12
Color: '#ff0000'
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/a-peace-worth-fighting-for
- https://youtu.be/sFhScGwOe00
Cover Artists:
- Lilly Higgs
Art Tags:
- The Signless
- Alternia
Referenced Tracks:
- Skies of Skaia
Commentary: |-
    <i>Nate Tronerud:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Cursed with visions of a better Alternia, one of love and peace, the Signless walks ever forward. Visions of such a world may bring to Him great pain, but also great hope: it is a world worth striving for, one He could possibly see in His own lifetime, and so he continues walking. He spreads the message of such a world knowing it will fall on mostly deaf ears, even met with hostility. But for the chance to bring love and happiness to even a single troll, it fills Him; His suffering is worth it, even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace...

    <i>Lilly Higgs:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I wanted to experiment a little with this one! And great apologies to Austin Wintory and the whole team who worked on Journey by That Game Company. This song seemed very lonely, very solitary, and so I envisioned the Signless wandering through the dunes between city and township of people who won't listen, lit by the light of two moons, but only remembering one.
---
Track: ♌On The Hunt For Something Unknown♌
Artists:
- The One Music Maniac
Duration: 4:47
Color: '#588a00'
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/on-the-hunt-for-something-unknown
- https://youtu.be/rNxOZggKOIM
Cover Artists:
- Melissa Peebles
Art Tags:
- The Disciple
- The Signless
Commentary: |-
    <i>The One Music Maniac:</i> (booklet commentary)

    "On The Hunt For Something Unknown" is not about the events that took place within the Disciple's lifetime, but rather how these events allowed her to define who she became: a Warrior, a Lover, and a Survivor. The overall title is a play on her cat-like survival skills, while the definition of "unknown" can be led to open interpretation-- a love beyond quadrants, equality in a society that's built upon an oppression of heirrarchy, etc.

    <i>Melissa Peebles:</i> (booklet commentary)

    For this song I pictured people gathered around a fire late into the night listening to fables, the beat and thrill of a hunt, and the undefinable love between Disciple and Signless echoed in the heartbeat at the end. This track defines Disciple beautifully and I wanted to show who she had become through symbolism.
---
Track: ♍Theotokos♍
Artists:
- SerialSymphony
Duration: 4:34
Color: '#008f48'
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/theotokos
- https://youtu.be/4X00kfRnmcc
Cover Artists:
- shu
Art Tags:
- The Dolorosa
- The Signless
Referenced Tracks:
- Crustacean
Sampled Tracks:
- Through fire, justice is served!
Lyrics: |-
    (THROUGH FIRE, JUSTICE IS SERVED!)
Commentary: |-
    <i>SerialSymphony:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Theotokos is about how the Dolorosa saw the Signless growing up, his sermons and execution, and ends with a look forward to his descendant. Making this song was like making a premix brownie cake; I love brownie cakes. But you can't just make a brownie cake, you gotta eat it too.

    Thusly, this song is delicious.

    <i>shu:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I love how this track starts off so sweet, builds up steadily, then falls back again. There's so much happening; it was very difficult to pick a single snapshot// I just hope I was able to do this magnificently dynamic piece a little justice!
---
Track: ♎H3R HONOR4BL3 V3NG34NC3♎
Additional Names:
- Her Honorable Vengeance (quirk-free)
Artists:
- Seren Mist
Duration: 2:49
Color: '#008b8b'
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/h3r-honor4bl3-v3ng34nc3
- https://youtu.be/IusAe6XHzws
Cover Artists:
- Liz Fish
Art Tags:
- Redglare
Commentary: |-
    <i>Seren Mist:</i> (booklet commentary)

    When I was assigned to write Redglare's main track for the album, my first thought was to make it a very orchestral track, with lots of strings. As it was forming, I decided that limiting myself to only orchestral instruments would hamper my exploration of her character, so I added in more synth sounds and heavier drums. The name of the track comes from a play on "His Honorable Tyranny" and from a quote by Alexander Pope, "On wrongs swift vengeance waits." I think it's quite fitting for Redglare, who blindsides Mindfang but in the name of justice, of course.

    <i>Liz Fish:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This track inspired me to put a noir twist on my usual style. I could picture Redglare stalking down dirty back alleys and seedy underground establishments, hunting down the fleeing criminals that need to be brought to JUST1C3 in a gritty detective game with cyberpunk flavor. A great track and a great character; I hope I've done justice for them both. >:]
---
Track: ♏Spider's Eclipse♏
Artists:
- Blackhole
Contributors:
- magnoliajades (vocals)
Duration: 10:00
Color: '#3796c6'
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/spiders-eclipse
- https://youtu.be/LtLE_T53p_A
Cover Artists:
- Josefin B.
Art Tags:
- Mindfang
Referenced Tracks:
- Spider8ite!!!!!!!!
- Cobalt Corsair
- Winterfall
Lyrics: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics

    Walk the gangway, look right through me,
    Take it my way, no one's duty.
    Trust my dice cast, where the wind falls,
    Fortune's eye glass, scattered light shoals.

    Fires burning 'cross the ocean,
    Fate is turning, starboard motion.
    Now an outcast, dreams of dying
    Foretold at last, waking, flying.
Commentary: |-
    <i>Blackhole:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This song took me a while to finish off, but it's finally here! At 10 minutes it is the longest singular piece I've ever composed. I tried to take inspiration from different Mindfang themes and parts of her story to get a rounded depiction of her character, while keeping an overarching theme for her throughout.

    <i>Josefin B.:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I've been working a lot with Blackhole lately and they've really helped me out a lot with this album, so I wanted to collab right from the start. There's not much to tell; it's Mindfang looking good and probably being nasty. It's fully made with aquarelle and I never want to ever see her hair again.
Crediting Sources: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics page

    Lyrics by [[artist:blackhole]]<br>
    Vocals by [[artist:magnoliajades]]
---
Track: ♐Broken Strings♐
Artists:
- psithurist
Duration: 3:17
Color: '#487aef'
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/broken-strings
- https://youtu.be/oje4ziyMcy0
Cover Artists:
- Phil Gibson
Art Tags:
- The Expatriate
Commentary: |-
    <i>psithurist:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This track is about Darkleer and his fall from his position of E%ecutor. 'toe' were a big influence for me on this. They're a math rock band, so I wrote it in 15/8 because it sounds awkward, just like the Zahhaks. The title is a pun on bow and instrument strings.

    <i>Phil Gibson:</i> (booklet commentary)

    One of the absolute best character arcs in HS is Darkleer and Equius - both succumbing to their own desires to tragic ends, but for the greater good of the story. It's a heavy bittersweet taste, but one I love enough to make them my favorite characters.
---
Track: ♑His Demented Mural♑
Artists:
- Zan Beaver
Duration: 3:51
Color: '#a34bff'
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/his-demented-mural
- https://youtu.be/8oNF8p_6Q84
Cover Artists:
- Amanda Bell
Art Tags:
- The Grand Highblood
Commentary: |-
    <i>Zan Beaver:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The Grand Highblood,<br>
    He is the enforcer,<br>
    He is the ruler,<br>
    He is the one they fear.<br>
    But why do they fear?<br>
    His unmatched tyranny?<br>
    His capricious pardons?<br>
    They do not know,<br>
    And they fear to know,<br>
    Because anyone who knows,<br>
    Becomes a part of His Demented Mural.

    So yeah, The Grand Highblood. Pretty scary guy, right? Anyways, that short sort-of poem is the best way I can portray my thought process while making this. It starts off with an eerie organ and piano representing the dread anyone would feel from having to confront him. It speeds up to represent his violent nature, and the many repetitions embody his cruel insanity. The few sections of the piece that show glimmers of hope are soon shot down and brought back to vicious hopelessness.

    <i>Amanda Bell:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The title of the track I did work for was called "His Demented Mural". Besides the painting he keeps behind his throne, I also imagined his face paint to be a part of that. Changing everyday to match each addition to the wall behind him.
---
Track: ♒Tumescent♒
Artists:
- Seijen
Duration: 3:51
Color: '#db00db'
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/tumescent
- https://youtu.be/5VKSoP22sIg
Cover Artists:
- Sigourney Martin
Art Tags:
- Dualscar
- Alternia
- 'cw: blood'
- 'cw: corpse'
Commentary: |-
    <i>Seijen:</i> (booklet commentary)

    So this is a re-hash of one of my first tracks from about 2 and a half years ago. The original title of the track was "Robot Pirate Island" and had a shift into a ravecore EDM as opposed to the constant high energy baroque sound we have here. This current edit is from april of 2016. I would create another, had it not been for the project crashing upon loading. It sounds incredibly rough in comparison to my current skill and Im losing a little sleep over it. A damn shame since the amount of tools and knowledge I have now could make this sound night and day in quality, but what you hear is what you get.

    <i>Sigourney Martin:</i> (booklet commentary)

    While working on this piece, the song wasnt difficult per-say? It was more challenging, because I had many different images on how i wanted this to look like. in the end, I chose what I drew and It was fun! I tried watercolours (though it might not be noticable) and I think it turned out alright!
---
Track: ♓Greatest -Empress♓
Artists:
- Mathias Ramalho
Duration: 5:52
Color: '#e30072'
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/greatest-empress
- https://youtu.be/Y_pWa2CA2x0
Cover Artists:
- Lou Chastain
Art Tags:
- The Condesce
Commentary: |-
    <i>Mathias Ramalho:</i> (booklet commentary)

    She's the one, the one and only. The one I decided to make an outstanding track. From orchestra to electronic, it ended way too cool than I would ever expect.

    <i>Lou Chastain:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This track made me think of the Condesce plotting in secret, alone in a rather small surveillance room. Here she has some screens where she can go over her fleet, ongoing sieges, targets etc.
---
Section: Disc 2
---
Track: Disc Two
Directory: disc2
Suffix Directory: true
Artists:
- Corona Sanctus
Duration: 0:32
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/disc-two
- https://youtu.be/fad2nOKc-Js
Cover Artists:
- Rebecca Peason
Art Tags:
- The Handmaid
- The Summoner
- The Psiioniic
- The Disciple
- The Dolorosa
- Redglare
- Mindfang
- The Expatriate
- The Grand Highblood
- Dualscar
- The Condesce
- 'cw: blood'
- 'cw: body horror'
- 'cw: corpse'
Commentary: |-
    <i>Corona Sanctus:</i> (booklet commentary)

    With disc 2 I wanted a more violent, powerful feel to assimilate the feeling of terror all the battles the ancestors fought.

    <i>Rebecca Peason:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I wanted the Disc two piece to be related to the first in that it showed the wear and tear their actual lives had on them. Where they ended up, how they died, what happened, etc. Signless is completely smashed out of the window as if he never existed, a few of the panels are modified, but some have holes smashed through them, indicating their deaths in some way or another. Just as this disc is meant to be the story of the Ancestors, I wanted this track's art to reflect that in comparison to the first disc's.
---
Track: Ancestral Anthem
Artists:
- Rhyselinn
Duration: 5:24
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/ancestral-anthem
- https://youtu.be/t3GvIlY-Krw
Cover Artists:
- bootsie
Art Tags:
- The Signless
- The Handmaid
- The Summoner
- The Psiioniic
- The Disciple
- The Dolorosa
- Redglare
- Mindfang
- The Expatriate
- The Grand Highblood
- Dualscar
- The Condesce
- Alternia
- 'cw: hanging'
Referenced Tracks:
- Theme
- Darling Dolorosa
- Iron Infidel
- Olive Scribe
- Gold Pilot
- Jade Mother
- Indigo Heir
- Cobalt Corsair
- Violet Prince
- Purple Bard
- Bronze Rebel
- The Lost Child
- Fuchsia Ruler
- ♈Reality Theatre♈
- ♉W1th W1ngs♉
- ♊Propulsion♊
- ♋️A Peace Worth Fighting For♋️
- ♌On The Hunt For Something Unknown♌
- ♍Theotokos♍
- ♎H3R HONOR4BL3 V3NG34NC3♎
- ♏Spider's Eclipse♏
- ♐Broken Strings♐
- ♑His Demented Mural♑
- ♒Tumescent♒
- ♓Greatest -Empress♓
Commentary: |-
    <i>Rhyselinn:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Ancestral Anthem is a big huge medley of Homestuck tunes! It loosely tells the timeline of the ancestors and the shenanigans that they went through.

    The motifs used, in order--

    - [[Alternia]]
    - [[Darling Dolorosa]] + [[Iron Infidel]]
    - [[Olive Scribe]] + [[Gold Pilot]]
    - [[Jade Mother]]
    - [[Indigo Heir]]
    - [[Cobalt Corsair]]
    - [[Violet Prince]] + [[Purple Bard]]
    - [[Purple Bard]] + [[Terezi Owns]]
    - [[Bronze Rebel]] + [[The Lost Child|Lost Child]]
    - [[The Lost Child|Lost Child]] + [[Fuchsia Ruler]]

    then each of the tunes of the album played in hemospectrum order, followed by a reprise of Alternia.

    So all in all, it's a medley of 26 songs! It's one of the more ambitious projects I've taken in recent memory, and it took me a number of months to complete, but I had a blast doing it! I hope you guys enjoy it :smile:

    <i>bootsie:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I greatly enjoyed working on this piece. I'm so proud of all the work thats gone into this project and its been an honor to participate
---
Track: BATTERWITC)( ASC-ENDANT
Directory: batterwitch-ascendant
Additional Names:
- Batterwitch Ascendant (quirk-free)
Artists:
- Seren Mist
Duration: 2:33
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/batterwitc-asc-endant
- https://youtu.be/D8Fxv8MBdU4
Cover Artists:
- Shellsea
Art Tags:
- The Condesce
- 'cw: blood (abstract)'
Commentary: |-
    <i>Seren Mist:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This track gave me room to explore, as the only thing we know about this event is that it had to have happened. I decided to make it a very absolute battle theme, with a tension-building lead up and a main body with lots of leading synth. The end with the brass is meant to end on a note of bittersweet, because the Batterwitch has won this battle, but what will that mean for the rest of the universe?

    <i>Shellsea:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Capturing such a profound moment proved to be somewhat challenging, balancing struggle, triumph , and condescension all in one piece. The process of creating such a proud and arrogant face of victory washed over by the shadows of an unforeseeable future was very fun, eagerly claiming the crown for her own, for better or worse.
---
Track: Rampage
Suffix Directory: true
Always Reference By Directory: true
Artists:
- Mathias Ramalho
Duration: 1:21
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/rampage
- https://youtu.be/z7y8pJdo5bk
Cover Artists:
- Kisbys
Art Tags:
- The Grand Highblood
- 'cw: blood'
Commentary: |-
    <i>Mathias Ramalho:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This is a track made for the Grand Highblood, a short track reflecting his own traits and personality, just to tell you how good he is at his job.

    <i>Kisbys:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Since the track was for the Grand Highblood and centered around his job and traits, I decided to try and make something that would reflect that. I drew him in a situation where he is getting ready to take care of his usual business: culling some trolls. The song sounded powerful so I wanted to try and portray the GHB that way too by drawing him much larger than the trolls in the foreground. There are some silhouettes of other trolls in the background which are the other subjuggulators. I added some of my own headcanons for what I like to imagine he dresses like and kept it relatively simple, as well as trying to add as much color to the image as I could. He's also looking outwards and the viewpoint is that of someone in the crowd of trolls that are about to be culled, so it can be taken as a "you're next" type scenario. Truly I just tried to create a piece that represented what the music made me envision and feel, and I hope I could do the lovely song some justice!
---
Track: Orphaner's Ocean
Artists:
- Acyl
Duration: 4:14
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/orphaners-ocean
- https://youtu.be/vSluYX6xYl0
Cover Artists:
- YoItsCro
Art Tags:
- Dualscar
- Alternia
- 'cw: blood'
- 'cw: corpse'
Referenced Tracks:
- Eridan's Theme
Commentary: |-
    <i>Acyl:</i> (booklet commentary)

    A variation of [[Eridan's Theme]] from AlterniaBound, written more sombre for his ancestor. I was originally going to add lyrics and make a shanty, but the instrumental alone sounded perfect. Dualscar is always portrayed loud and angry so I quieted the mood.

    <i>YoItsCro:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This piece was really intersting to try out. I was experimenting with a way of painting over everything rather than just staying within the comfort zone of line art. I think for the most part it worked out. Considering the song literally had wave sounds in it, I'd figure to put Dualscar near an ocean as well. The song parallels Eridan's theme too, so I thought I'd set a callback to when he took down a whale of his own. Dualscar's a messy shot though, which is why he's probably cleaning the spill off his gun.
---
Track: cerulean seas, misery machine
Artists:
- smear
Duration: 2:40
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/cerulean-seas-misery-machine
- https://youtu.be/A2U3gFZr748
Cover Artists:
- Silverwater
Art Tags:
- Mindfang
Commentary: |-
    <i>smear:</i> (booklet commentary)

    this track started out as a rough ambient piece, with dissonant piano and beating drums. like each new page of mindfang's journal, more layers found there way in to complete the picture. much like her, this track is unsettling and restless.

    <i>Silverwater:</i> (booklet commentary)

    A music that you can imagine of mindfang's destiny with the ancestor from start til the end, awesome!
---
Track: Nothing Will Ever Be The Same
Artists:
- Nate Tronerud
Duration: 3:59
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/nothing-will-ever-be-the-same
- https://youtu.be/eZV2dexbkC0
Cover Artists:
- Anna Rodman
Art Tags:
- The Dolorosa
- The Signless
- Alternia
Commentary: |-
    <i>Nate Tronerud:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The Dolorosa makes the fateful decision to abandon the mother grub and care for the mutant anomaly, the Signless, setting into motion events far beyond her understanding, ones that will have far reaching consequences, even beyond her own timeline. The music begins as the ramifications of her decision quickly begin to unfold, following not just her efforts to keep the Signless safe on the surface, but the broader implications that her choice set in motion. The gears begin to turn...
---
Track: Protector
Suffix Directory: true
Always Reference By Directory: true
Artists:
- Sean William Calhoun
Duration: 6:12
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/protector
- https://youtu.be/PdWbdxzO6ig
Cover Artists:
- Tunapuns
Art Tags:
- The Dolorosa
- The Signless
Commentary: |-
    <i>Sean William Calhoun:</i> (booklet commentary)

    "Protector" is about the Dolorosa - her stability of a caretaker of the Mother Grub, her agility and gentleness to flee with and care for the Signless with fractured, unfamiliar lullabies, and her fortitude to endure through being enslaved.

    <i>Tunapuns:</i> (booklet commentary)

    in this track i wanted to draw something to fit the more intense parts of the music, so i drew the dolorosa maybe on the run and fleeing from danger while trying to protect a child signless with a bright fiery light source for contrast!
---
Track: In The Forest
Artists:
- WC
Duration: 1:01
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/in-the-forest
- https://youtu.be/63IDW0iDdbQ
Cover Artists:
- Sigourney Martin
Art Tags:
- The Disciple
- Alternia
Commentary: |-
    <i>WC:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This is a song about before the Disciple met the Signless. I'd imagine that she might lived a life like Nepeta, far from society in the wild and carefree.

    <i>Sigourney Martin:</i> (booklet commentary)

    While listening to this song, I kind of thought of her looking out on a town or city , maybe feeling like an outcast of some sort. Maybe listening to signless's sermons from the distance but not really going to them herself.
---
Track: PRII2M BREAK
Additional Names:
- Prism Break (quirk-free)
Artists:
- David Burkee
Duration: 2:10
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/prii2m-break
- https://youtu.be/1A3-rn4FTys
Cover Artists:
- Andi DiSpirito
Art Tags:
- The Psiioniic
Referenced Tracks:
- Battle! (Colress)
Commentary: |-
    <i>David Burkee:</i> (booklet commentary)

    When I was composing PRII2M BREAK, what kept coming to mind were some songs I had been listening to a few months back while I was cramming for finals. It was pretty much elevator music on crack, so moderately calming at times but then some speed segments. That's what I tried to do here with the saws and NES drums for the energetic parts. I feel like I pulled off a very bipolar retelling of the Psiioniic's internal struggles.

    <i>Andi DiSpirito:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Upon escaping, the Psii must have struggled with respecting his leader's pacifism when given the chance to strike back for once in his life. I wanted to show the split second when adrenaline is at the helm and the Signless' words are the only thing keeping him from blasting you moonside.
---
Track: The Disciple's New Beginning
Artists:
- Nevaeh Drexler
Duration: 2:54
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/the-disciples-new-beginning
- https://youtu.be/_GYKJe_l5vI
Cover Artists:
- Gilwing
Art Tags:
- The Disciple
- The Signless
- Alternia
Referenced Tracks:
- Serenade
- Requited
Commentary: |-
    <i>Nevaeh Drexler:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I wanted to have lots of flute, piano, and violin in this piece. Piano from [[Serenade]] from Vol.8 and [[Requited]] from Vol.9; both Leijon themed songs. Flute and violin from [[Olive Scribe]]; The Disciples 'canon theme'. My main inspiration for the Disciples New Beginning was Requited, since its a song about the love between The Disciple and The Signless. Since The Disciple's New Extreme is about The Disciple meeting and falling in love with Signless, Requited was my go-to music fuel.

    <i>Gilwing:</i> (booklet commentary)

    [[Requited]] is a very special song to me, so I'm very thankful I got to do the art for this track. Everything about Disciple meeting Signless and falling in love is pretty up in the air in canon, so I came up with my own version of their first encounter, under the light of Alternia's moons.
---
Track: C9me T9gether
Additional Names:
- Come Together (quirk-free)
Artists:
- TempiTunes
Duration: 3:51
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/c9me-t9gether
- https://youtu.be/qsPG2Kwp-zw
Cover Artists:
- Erin B.
Art Tags:
- The Signless
- The Disciple
- The Dolorosa
- The Psiioniic
- Alternia
Referenced Tracks:
- Jade Mother
- Iron Infidel
- Walls Covered In Blood
- Serenade
- Gold Pilot
Commentary: |-
    <i>TempiTunes:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Okay so this piece is about the Signless and co. I used inspiration from varying songs on the canon Homestuck soundtrack, mostly from "coloUrs and mayhem: Universe A." You may recognize bits from [["Jade Mother"]], [["Iron Infidel"]], [["Gold Pilot"]], [["Requited"]] from "Homestuck Vol. 8" and something like [["Nepeta's theme"]] from Alterniabound. The narrative of the song follows the Dolorosa, Signless, Disciple, and Psiioniic as they get together and meet each other.

    This is by far the most complicated track I've ever composed and I'm pretty proud of it. There are about seven instruments and over ten parts. I hope you enjoy!

    <i>Erin B.:</i> (booklet commentary)

    There's so much to this "family's" story and so much from the song that I really love. The trick comes to showing a large story in a single image. Luckily, the very tone of the song seemed to lead to the idea of stained glass windows. So I tried to create one to display the moments of this family coming together.
---
Track: Sufferer's Suite
Artists:
- Toris Crow
Duration: 4:11
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/sufferers-suite
- https://youtu.be/elQOhIKHWVw
Cover Artists:
- Dogslug
Art Tags:
- The Signless
- Alternia
Commentary: |-
    <i>Toris Crow:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I. Intro / Overture<br>
    This represents the struggles of the Signless in living as a pariah.

    II. Preacher's Ballad<br>
    This represents his preachings as how he spread his visions.

    III. March of the Signless<br>
    This represents a final victory before his untimely demise.

    <i>Dogslug:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I was excited to get a Signless/Sufferer track for my assignment, and even more so when the song focused more on his life and deeds than his death. He may not have succeeded in his ultimate goals, but his actions and words gave many trolls hope and irrevocably changed Alternia.
---
Track: Black Heart, Green Dress
Artists:
- psithurist
Duration: 4:44
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/black-heart-green-dress
- https://youtu.be/0A9JljvOJEI
Cover Artists:
- Josefin B. (lines)
- Andi DiSpirito (coloring)
Art Tags:
- The Handmaid
Referenced Tracks:
- track:limelight
- English
Sampled Tracks:
- Amen, Brother
- Temporal Shenanigans
Lyrics: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics

    i'd like to introduce myself
    although i'm sure you know me well
    i am the shadow
    of tomorrow
    and it's time for my next spell

    with only seconds to spare you're dead
    wiped out with nothing to be said
    for your existence
    before resistance
    can find a thread

    by his dread hand i come
    from out behind the pendulum
    when there's work to be done
    so why let woe begone
    it's part of the experience
    it's half of the fun

    i'm only moments away at any time
    before you know it my light turns lime
    i cross the threshold
    and the air goes cold
    no ghost left behind

    so ready or not, here it goes again
    how many times now has it been
    [wait, lemme check]
    (you see a thousand of me, and)
    i won't ever stop, because

    every puppet has it's strings

    when he lines up the shot
    i put that special spin on it
    and wait for the drop
    so why not feed the flame
    it's written in the basecode, yeah
    in the rules of the game

    i promise you, this won't take a second
    there's no need to fear
    so listen now, there ain't no use in running
    cuz i'm already here
Commentary: |-
    <i>psithurist:</i> (booklet commentary)

    From the Handmaid's perspective as she wreaks havoc on Altertnia. This was made a few months after my other track, [[track:leftovers-ancestral|"Leftovers"]], so I'm a little more confident with my voice here. There's a brief sample from [["Temporal Shenanigans"]] by Rachel Rose Mitchell.

    <i>Josefin B.:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I wanted to do a Handmaid piece since the album started, but never really got the chance. Then psi swooped in with this track, and I jumped on it. I had actually another design in mind but ultimately the song was too aggressive for that. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time for colour so when the lineart was done, I outsourced it to Andi, who did an absolutely stellar job. The majykks crackle is all theirs.
Crediting Sources: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics page

    Lyrics by [[artist:psithurist]]
---
Track: Expatri8's March
Additional Names:
- Expatriate's March (quirk-free)
Artists:
- Nymelord
Duration: 3:53
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/expatri8s-march
- https://youtu.be/Kj8v_FnFOl4
Cover Artists:
- Donomon
Art Tags:
- The Expatriate
- 'cw: blood'
Commentary: |-
    <i>Nymelord:</i> (booklet commentary)

    When i was tasked with creating a song about Darkleer becoming the expatriate, I thought to myself; "What if the opening of this song sounded kind of eerie because it would be Darkleer walking to execute the sufferer?" And after that i just let the plot take me to Signless dying, and the whole "Executioner-to-Expatriate" thing.

    <i>Donomon:</i> (booklet commentary)

    When I first listened to the March I was overcome with this sense of burden of duty and formality. It has this really deliberate vibe, but its so forlorn in its conclusion. After reading the composer's commentary I really wanted to capture that feeling of Darkleer both walking to and away from his duty, so I thought marching boots would be a nice visual metaphor for that. The void is depicted as rising up to envelop him and his weapons from the stain of blood at his feet. I hope I did this track justice!
---
Track: Release Me
Artists:
- not-the-kind-you-save
Duration: 3:53
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/release-me
- https://youtu.be/O6VS7yWl1C4
Cover Artists:
- Oskarna
Art Tags:
- The Disciple
- Alternia
Lyrics: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics

    I'm not a god--I never said so
    I'm not a fool--I never lied
    I am not a king--I don't decide
    No
    I'm not wrong, I'm not wrong

    I'm not a shame--I shouldn't hide
    We are not weak--we live inside
    We are your hands
    Without the low you would not survive
    You would not survive

    Release me
    Go ahead
    Release me
    My arms don't matter
    I can take this pain
    Release me
    Go ahead
    Cut the cord
    Release me
    Ideas don't die when
    You kill the source

    Are you scared?
    When you throw me around
    Can you feel the eyes
    of the crowd?
    How do you know when you're
    On the stand
    Judgement is forthcoming
    You're running
    From the things that you don't understand
    You fear what you don't understand
    Release me
    Go ahead
    Release me
    One life doesn't matter
    I can take this hate

    Release me
    Don't be weak
    Let it go
    Release me
    My blood is my weapon
    Let it fall below

    But she
    She's innocent
    Don't let her suffer
    For what I've done
    You can break me
    You can hurt me
    You can shoot me
    (whispered) But I'm the one you want
    Release me

    Release me
    Go ahead
    Release me
    Your blood doesn't matter
    You cannot change time

    Release me
    Don't be weak
    Let it fly
    Release me
    My words are my weapons
    Let my body die
Commentary: |-
    <i>not-the-kind-you-save:</i> (booklet commentary)

    A song about the death of troll jegus requires a certain amount of drama, which is nothing big orchestral chords can't fix. The lyrics are a combination of things the Signless is thinking to himself and "saying" to the people around him, in particular Darkleer. I wanted to create a sense of urgency, and the feeling that while the Signless is saying over and over that he doesn't care if he dies, he may be lying. Musically, I wanted to portray a since of racing thoughts, which means there isn't really a conventional song structure. The vocals are echoey for \~aesthetic~. Enjoy!

    <i>Oskarna:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This song marks the end of the Signless' life, encapsulating what would have been his last thoughts and words. I wanted to portray the sort of emptiness that happens after he has gotten his wish, and show the mark he leaves even in death.
Crediting Sources: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics page

    Lyrics by [[artist:not-the-kind-you-save]]
---
Track: E%ile
Directory: exile
Suffix Directory: true
Additional Names:
- Exile (quirk-free)
Artists:
- keyboard cait
Duration: 1:46
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/e-ile
- https://youtu.be/r_wqTbLDEAE
Cover Artists:
- Xagave
Art Tags:
- The Expatriate
- Alternia
Referenced Tracks:
- track:ruins
Commentary: |-
    <i>keyboard cait:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Like a few other tracks on this album, this was a last-minute emergency song made for a track that was dropped. The very title of this track is also lifted from the original submission. Though it was in a roundabout way, I'm glad I got to contribute to the album with a brand new piece!

    This particular song features a lot of piano, owing to its predecessor's status as a solo piano composition. However, I thought some mournful strings would also represent the idea of Darkleer's exile well, and their slow, dark nature under the main piano melody expresses the shame and confusion he must have felt the entire time. It's hard being a highblood and expressing a sudden act of kindness that gets you ostracized from every upper caste, wrecks your social standing and upends your entire way of life. It's hard and nobody understands.

    <i>Xagave:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This made me think of Darkleer's life in general so here he is, standing proud and doing his job, and then his slouched form bemoaning his existence after being banished.
---
Track: Legacy
Suffix Directory: true
Always Reference By Directory: true
Artists:
- aeolianChemist
Duration: 3:56
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/legacy
- https://youtu.be/e-A2mSbNl9o
Cover Artists:
- Rangzhe
Art Tags:
- The Disciple
Lyrics: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics

    I wrote once in a book, ancient record I kept
    Of a Hero whose story they wish you'd furget
    A legacy I fought to purrtect
    Of a signless seer burdened by Blood and dreams of an impawsible past

    And so it is known, in a world enslaved by Rage,
    He alone defied her throne, he had faith in a better way

    Delicate lines writ on delicate pages,
    measuring lives to be known through the ages
    Efury word that he spoke, I wrote
    I always lent him my ear, his dear Disciple

    In word and in action, he taught love and compassion
    and equality despite blood, caste, or faction
    In whispers he roared with a burning passion
    But no Hero's tail is complete without a villain, without a tragedy

    And so it is told, from his words arose outrage,
    The peace he furtold inspired a challenge, inspired a change

    Delicate lines writ on delicate pages,
    measuring lives to be known through the ages
    Efury word that he spoke, I wrote
    I always lent him my ear, his dear Disciple

    And when the Time came when they called fur his name,
    they cried fur his blood and they put him to shame
    They branded him heretic, cast him in irons
    without Hope, a lamb at the mercy of lions
    His love and compassion burned bright as the shackles,
    the scarlet-soaked ground became his tabernacle
    To speak one final word, one Final Sermon...

    Now these despurrate lines scrawled on a canvas of caves
    measure his life in a pallet of pain
    The final curse that he cried I remember
    His suffuring's branded on my Heart furever
    A new sign we did take from the ash of his shame
    to remember his strife and hallow his name
    Efuryone he once loved was condemned,
    but I vow his words won't disappear,
    written in ink, traced in blood, sealed with tears,
    his legacy I'll keep through the years, his dear Disciple

    I wrote once in a book, ancient record I kept,
    of a Hero whose story I purray you will never furget
Commentary: |-
    <i>aeolianChemist:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Legacy is written in the voice of the Disciple, reflecting on the story of the Signless and her role within it. Musical inspiration for the song came largely from [[artist:phemiec|phemiec]]'s fansongs and [[Olive Scribe]] (from Colours and Mayhem:Universe A). Composing it was a journey in itself; along the way she taught me a lot about her history, her undying dedication, and storytelling. She had so much to say, it was difficult to limit myself to such a concise song. Each line has been frequently rewritten, reconsidered, and countless have been cut - I was making revisions up until the final recording.

    In the end, I hope the story you hear is the one she wanted to tell.

    <i>Rangzhe:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I wanted to express the bittersweet ending of Disciple and Signless' relationship, and how even though shes still trying to move on she looks back, reminiscing the moments.
Crediting Sources: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics page

    Lyrics by [[artist:aeolianchemist]]
---
Track: Terminal Aeon
Artists:
- WC
Duration: 2:02
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/terminal-aeon
- https://youtu.be/7ceSHgCuJHk
Cover Artists:
- gelasticat
Art Tags:
- The Psiioniic
- The Disciple
- The Expatriate
- 'cw: body horror'
Referenced Tracks:
- Gold Pilot
Commentary: |-
    <i>WC:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The idea I wanted to convey with this piece is the subtle melancholy in the Psiioniic who becomes a living battery, but not overly sad or regretful. This was achieved through use of chimes and snare drums which are usually associated with Mituna or the Psiioniic. It's a bit more full of energy at the beginning, but loses said energy over time. I'd imagine that gaining unwanted immortality from the Condesce would eventually cause his job to lose the dramatics and emotions over a period of decades or maybe even centuries.

    <i>gelasticat:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I based the composition of the picture on the adjacent notes on the opposite ears with the two most prominent figures in the Psiioniic's life. I also used what the musician said about him losing his emotions over time to decide on the colours, bright and lively and warm for the main figure then darker and colder in the background.
---
Track: Vwigor8us
Additional Names:
- Vigoratus (quirk-free)
Artists:
- Llyona Fang
Duration: 3:42
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/vwigor8us
- https://youtu.be/6S7k6zZcjls
Cover Artists:
- Donomon
Art Tags:
- Mindfang
- Dualscar
- Alternia
Referenced Tracks:
- Wind-up Storm
- Doctor
Commentary: |-
    <i>Llyona Fang:</i> (booklet commentary)

    A deep and lively dancing tune in 6/8 and 5/4 time, containing excerpts of [["Wind-up Storm"]] by Llyona Fang (me) and [["Doctor"]] by Buzinkai.

    <i>Donomon:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Here's my finished art, I went pretty literal, and tried to capture more of a 'falling in love/good times' feel that the upbeat music inspired. There's some hints of their conflict, Mindfang's hair is engulfing and overwhelming, Duelscar's possessive embrace is being held at a distance.
---
Track: Lady of Sorrows
Artists:
- Dallas Ross Hicks
Duration: 4:58
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/lady-of-sorrows
- https://youtu.be/UeUGGehexC0
Cover Artists:
- Oskarna
Art Tags:
- The Dolorosa
Commentary: |-
    <i>Dallas Ross Hicks:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Of all the Homestuck pieces I've done, this was one of the most challenging! Not because of the technical difficulty but because of the subject matter: Dolorosa is a tragic figure and her sad fate was entirely undeserved.

    This song opens shortly after the passing of the Signless; the four chimes signal his loss and the sad flute her grief. This continues into the arrival of Marquise Spinneret Mindfang : someone Dolorosa may have initially hoped would provide a safer refuge but Mindfang had her own plans for the political prisoner. While the potential for a red relationship between the two was hinted at, it certainly began with empathic possession which is explored in the second movement of the song: Dolorosa struggles but eventually falls under Mindfang's spell. Darker sounds speak of that despair and when Mindfang finally lets her be, she feels more alone and empty than ever, wishing for someone to come and set her free. Unfortunately, she gets her wish - at the hands of Orphaner Dualscar who frees her of her very existence, solely to spite his soon-to-be former kismesis. The six bell chimes as she passes away echo the beginning of the song and the end of her son.

    Like many of my songs, it is in 6/8 time: Maryams being the sixth troll on the hemospectrum, Serkets the eighth while the snare drum at the end makes eleven hits to represent Ampora. It's a "dark mirror" to [["Dear Heart"]] but follows the sad canon story told by Mindfang's journal. I hope you found I did this unfortunate chapter of the Ancestors' story justice.

    <i>Oskarna:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The death of the Signless marks the beginning of a very different chapter of the Dolorosa's story, and this song does a wonderful job setting the tone for it. I wanted to focus on her initial emptiness - the instigator of this chapter of the Ancestral tale.
---
Track: Dualscar's Lament
Artists:
- not-the-kind-you-save
Duration: 2:46
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/dualscars-lament
- https://youtu.be/YmOr_qLr_hQ
Cover Artists:
- Lou Chastain
Art Tags:
- Dualscar
Lyrics: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics

    First things first she says your name
    You gotta hear it to believe it and it gets in your grain
    You think "uh oh, she's the one"
    There's hate in her eye and it's turning you on

    You haven't really met her, you don't know her
    She's a black box
    One controlling mind, when she talks it's
    Hopeless, helpless, hate cascades
    Before you even know it you've been taken up in spades

    I am royalty, not prone to jealousy
    But
    In this case I think my head's gone up in
    Flames of something I can't place
    I saw the look on the slave girl's face

    Who does she think she is--she's a riot
    If I tell her we're done she'd deny it
    The only thing left for her to do is run
    It's a black-rom rom-com if you've ever seen one

    I'll find her
    Don't know where
    But she'll know what a broken heart feels like
    When she's staring down Ahab's Crosshairs

    Sorry, did I miss the boat?
    I am realizing slowly, quickly I have
    Fallen for her crossways, what a joke

    You always hear those stories about
    Someone you don't know and they say that
    Hate and love don't mix, like water and oil
    The blood just floats

    I have never had a strong sense of humor
    I get off on rumors everywhere I go that she has
    Gone to the east, or the west, or to hell
    No matter where, I know her well

    It's sad that it should end like this
    One of us will leave this dead
    It's not my fault she struck me when she knew our black was red

    I'll find her
    Don't know where
    But she'll know what a broken heart feels like
    When I send the clown after her head
Commentary: |-
    <i>not-the-kind-you-save:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I wanted to write something that was basically the antithesis of what we know about Dualscar's personality, at least musically speaking. It ended up being something approaching a rap (I can't rap so I sang it instead). It's Dualscar's justification to himself that he's in the right when it comes to his relationship with Mindfang, and it goes all the way through his clown-ridden demise. Enjoy!

    <i>Lou Chastain:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Tried replacing Mindfang with a little more Highblood instead. I wanted to kind of focus on that last part while the ships in the background is for Dualscar and Mindfang. It's a bit vague since the different hues of purple mix.
Crediting Sources: |-
    @@ booket lyrics page

    Lyrics by [[artist:not-the-kind-you-save]]
---
Track: Court of Miracles
Artists:
- irl-porrim-maryam
Duration: 2:23
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/court-of-miracles
- https://youtu.be/tx5xxC2y4xk
Cover Artists:
- bootsie
Art Tags:
- The Grand Highblood
Referenced Tracks:
- In the Hall of the Mountain King
- Purple Tyrant
- The Court of Miracles
Commentary: |-
    <i>irl-porrim-maryam:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Court of Miracles was such an amazing track to be able to work on! Admittedly, it was more piecing bits and portions of songs together that I thought would fit GHB's character. I used excerpts from [[The Court of Miracles]] from the Hunchback of Notre Dame as well as [[Purple Tyrant]] from coloUrs and mayhem; [[In the Hall of the Mountain King|Hall of the Mountain King]] was also referenced. I do hope to have captured the mood correctly, and it was great fun to work on!

    <i>bootsie:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Grand Highblood is a tricky fellow, isn't he? Right when you think he's shown his hand, his true intentions are still lurking in the shadows...
---
Track: Violet Means to a Violent End
Artists:
- Acyl
Duration: 4:09
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/violet-means-to-a-violent-end
- https://youtu.be/OgQ2ywrV5c4
Cover Artists:
- Liz Fish
Art Tags:
- Dualscar
- The Grand Highblood
- 'cw: blood'
Referenced Tracks:
- Purple Tyrant
Commentary: |-
    <i>Acyl:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I was originally going to make the song more dynamic and pompous but I realized that the furious, almost frantic, section in the strings better represented Dualscar in his last moments. True, he may not have shown that on the outside, but his inner turmoil and betrayal by Mindfang is more important.

    I quoted part of [[Purple Tyrant]] from "coloUrs and mayhem: Universe A" to represent His Honorable Tyranny, and the echoing church organs to show when he takes back control of the situation.

    <i>Liz Fish:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Dualscar's exact end is left a mystery, only hinted at by Mindfang's memoirs. I have a feeling no one saw his death coming until the last minute, the Orphaner least of all. The track's frenetic build gave me a sense of the kind desperation he was feeling at that point, and how his short sighted mistake cost him everything.
---
Track: Paint The Walls
Artists:
- The One Music Maniac
Duration: 2:36
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/paint-the-walls
- https://youtu.be/8AH5dxKeTvk
Cover Artists:
- Melissa Peebles
Art Tags:
- The Grand Highblood
- 'cw: blood'
Commentary: |-
    <i>The One Music Maniac:</i> (booklet commentary)

    "Paint The Walls" is a composition that reflects on the faith-driven and violent nature of The Grand Highblood. Its instrumentation and distortion is meant to represent the iconic image of The Grand Highblood in his throne where the walls surrounding him are painted in troll blood (hence the title of the piece). The ambient break is meant to portray the idealisms that the Makara family holds-- that there is a Mirthful Messiah, guiding them to cause their violent tendencies.

    <i>Melissa Peebles:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I too wanted to allude to the GHB in the throne room. The music break in the distortion and hard riffs has an almost spiritual feeling and I wanted to illustrate the faith driven side of the GHB; so here he is seen covered in blood and almost reverent.
---
Track: The Pursuit of Justice
Artists:
- SerialSymphony
Duration: 4:09
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/the-pursuit-of-justice
- https://youtu.be/45EtHqNfhBQ
Cover Artists:
- Thiefofstars
Art Tags:
- Redglare
Commentary: |-
    <i>SerialSymphony:</i> (booklet commentary)

    [[Party Rock Anthem|Erryday I'm Justicing]]<br>
    -Skip

    <i>Thiefofstars:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The track definitely gives a strong sense of redglares determination and sense of justice, so I went for a composition that put her front and centre.

    I kept the background fairly dark with this ominous silhouette of the gallows, but made redglare's red + teal colours really bright to make her stand out.
---
Track: The Confront8ion
Additional Names:
- The Confrontation (quirk-free)
Artists:
- Circlejourney
Duration: 3:08
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/the-confront8ion
- https://youtu.be/r6VjBsFuqzA
Cover Artists:
- Lilly Higgs
Art Tags:
- Redglare
- Mindfang
Commentary: |-
    <i>Circlejourney:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This track is a musical depiction of the showdown between Marquise Spinneret Mindfang and Neophyte Redglare. The piece begins with a driving electric guitar riff representing Mindfang as she sets out on the oceans to meet her foe. Mindfang's motif is interrupted by Redglare's harpsichord as she approaches. As the two clash, both instruments and motifs do battle, fighting to gain the upper hand in the arrangement.

    <i>Lilly Higgs:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This track is so full of energy!! I wanted to convey that with a dynamic, confrontational (haha) composition set at an angle. Given Mindfang and Redglare's uh, charged relationship and energy, I wanted them to be close, with hot, palpable tension that doesn't ever really get fulfilled. Redglare's about to wallop Mindfang a good one at the same time as she's about to reach her glowing dice, all wrapped in the burning embers of her fleet. If you look closely, you can see the Sufferer's sign swinging around Redglare's neck like a noose.
---
Track: JUST1C3 R41NS FROM 4BOV3
Additional Names:
- Justice Rains from Above (quirk-free)
Artists:
- SerialSymphony
- Circlejourney
Duration: 4:13
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/just1c3-r41ns-from-4bov3
- https://youtu.be/jMkLXQf-Vvo
Cover Artists:
- Lou Chastain
Art Tags:
- Redglare
- Pyralspite
- Dragon Cane
- Pink Moon
Referenced Tracks:
- The Confront8ion
Commentary: |-
    <i>Circlejourney:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This track is about Redglare and her lusus Pyralspite, apprehending the enemies of justice, preserving order in the empress' name. We wanted the track to evoke an image of the pair flying over a battlefield, laying waste to foes. We decided an epic orchestral sound would be most fitting.

    <i>SerialSymphony:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I think that this song is a vital addition to the dragon genre of music that I feel is severely underrepresented in the homestuck fan albums. Also, the real reason we used a koto is because neither of us wanted harpsichords.

    <i>Lou Chastain:</i> (booklet commentary)

    It was difficult making the art as epic as the music while keeping it simple. Still, I did my best to make them both look mighty in a way. Could've focused more on Pyralspite.
---
Track: The Demise of Neophyte Redglare at the Hands of the Unruly Mob
Artists:
- SerialSymphony
Duration: 2:30
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/the-demise-of-neophyte-redglare-at-the-hands-of-the-unruly-mob
- https://youtu.be/6R1O1zfaKfU
Cover Artists:
- Daisy S.
Art Tags:
- Redglare
- 'cw: hanging'
- 'cw: body horror'
Referenced Tracks:
- Terezi's Theme
Commentary: |-
    <i>SerialSymphony:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The Demise follows a slowed down piano arrangement of [[Terezi's Theme]], It cresecendos hard, and then almost peters out, which is the style I wanted to show the abrupt end of the neophyte. I chose the name to mimic a sort of Victorian headline, I'm not sure why, but it fits so well.<br>
    \-Skip

    <i>Daisy S.:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The art was inspired by religious art due to the dramatic crescendo and haunting tones depicting the abrupt death of Neophyte Redglare. The music combined with the Neophyte's hanging reminded me of some sort of ascension which I wanted to show with the halo and her outstretched hands.
---
Track: The Mechanism
Artists:
- not-the-kind-you-save
Duration: 3:23
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/the-mechanism
- https://youtu.be/7eX_Q4cmAow
Cover Artists:
- Amanda Bell
Art Tags:
- The Disciple
- The Expatriate
Lyrics: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics

    Leave me be
    This is what I deserve
    Broken hallways
    And empty words

    I had a purpose
    I had a design
    When your puppet doesn't work right
    You set it aside

    (Pre-Chorus)
    I didn't know her
    I'd never seen her before
    And yet when I turned to her
    I couldn't do it anymore

    It's quiet—disturbing
    I can still hear her cry
    He was only a lowblood
    He was always going to die

    (Chorus)
    I am mechanical
    Methodical
    I only see detail
    I can watch the world from below

    It is my legacy
    My rightful place
    In the glimmer of the moons
    But my body is empty
    Moonlight bleaches
    Mechanical bones

    Wander off
    It's a terrible place
    I have made myself a castle
    To hold my disgrace

    Who am I kidding?
    I belong alone
    There is nothing for me elsewhere
    And this my home

    (Pre-Chorus)

    (Chorus) x2

    It is my legacy
    my rightful place
    In the glimmer of the moons
    But my body is empty
    Moonlight bleaches
    Mechanical bones

    Wander off
    It's a terrible place
    I have made myself a castle
    To hold my disgrace

    Who am I kidding?
    I belong alone
    There is nothing for me elsewhere
    And this is my home

    (Pre-Chorus)

    (Chorus) x2
Commentary: |-
    <i>not-the-kind-you-save:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I was tasked with writing a song about Darkleer's thoughts and feelings as he exiles himself post not-killing the Disciple, which is great because my specialty is making things sad.

    The lyrics show Darkleer agonizing over his decision and narrating his emotions, but I wanted to make sure that the tone of the music itself was never really comical--his pain is Serious Business. Unlike many Homestuck songs, this one isn't particularly electronic-sounding, and I think it feels almost like a woe-is-me song from a musical. Hope you enjoy!

    <i>Amanda Bell:</i> (booklet commentary)

    For this piece I wanted to amplify the melancholy and regret that Darkleer feels after he lets the Disciple go after the Sufferer's execution. The comic only touches base with this moment briefly, so I was happy to work along side such a great piece that extends on that particular time.
Crediting Sources: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics page

    Lyrics by [[artist:not-the-kind-you-save]]
---
Track: Summon the Cavalreapers
Artists:
- The One Music Maniac
Duration: 2:19
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/summon-the-cavalreapers
- https://youtu.be/b9wOdfuPo_8
Cover Artists:
- Andi DiSpirito
Art Tags:
- The Summoner
- Alternia
Commentary: |-
    <i>The One Music Maniac:</i> (booklet commentary)

    "Summon the Cavalreapers" captures and invokes not only the strength of the Cavalreapers as an army, but also of the loyalty that regined between them and their leader, The Summoner. Because of their devout loyalty and trust, not only did they come together to become the most powerful army, but they became the most powerful rebellious movement that ever lived up to the Signless' name.

    <i>Andi DiSpirito:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The part of the Summoner's story that I regret not having the chance to see was the moment he first revealed his wings to the crowd. After all, it must take a truly impressive sight to inspire an entire army follow one into a revolution.
---
Track: Last Lovers
Artists:
- Mathias Ramalho
Duration: 3:30
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/last-lovers
- https://youtu.be/YTY-YLx8SH8
Cover Artists:
- Melissa Peebles
Art Tags:
- The Summoner
- Mindfang
Commentary: |-
    <i>Mathias Ramalho:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This is a track I made for the Summoner and Mindfang, about their loved and tragic relationship. Some sad feelings along with fast paced movements to give more emotion.

    <i>Melissa Peebles:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I wanted to capture the beautiful sad tone of the music while showing that Mindfang and Summoner were happy, despite their tragic end.
---
Track: pyrrhic rust
Artists:
- smear
Duration: 4:33
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/pyrrhic-rust
- https://youtu.be/J_WjzbKvcAE
Cover Artists:
- Xagave
Art Tags:
- The Handmaid
- Alternia
- Green Moon
- Pink Moon
Commentary: |-
    <i>smear:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This track started out as an attempt at another theme, but it slowly grew into something on its own. Ultimately, the track decided it wanted to be for the Demoness. With low synths, pulsing bass, and ambient samples, hopefully you'll feel her precess upon you. Then, death. :D

    <i>Xagave:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The track made me feel like she was doing her time travel thing and wreckin crud, so here she is in some important part of history screwing everything up, getting ready to cull you if necessary 8]
---
Track: Mutiny
Suffix Directory: true
Always Reference By Directory: true
Artists:
- Zan Beaver
Duration: 5:30
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/mutiny
- https://youtu.be/N5cgR8KXbZA
Cover Artists:
- Elanor Pam
Art Tags:
- The Summoner
- Pyralspite
- Alternia
Commentary: |-
    <i>Zan Beaver:</i> (booklet commentary)

    A worldwide mutiny is a notable feat, even if it is destroyed completely, so I wanted to orchestrate a piece that represents the strength, the suffering, and the endurance, even if it were in vain, of a rebellion as life-changing as this one.

    <i>Elanor Pam:</i> (booklet commentary)

    What manner of havoc did the Summoner wreak, for the Condesce to take such unreasonable measures against a new insurrection? YOu'd think he put the Empress in more of a precarious position than the Sufferer himself ever did...
---
Track: Black Flag Stained 8lue
Artists:
- Navochao
Duration: 2:12
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/black-flag-stained-8lue
- https://youtu.be/Fe7rCwyB04E
Cover Artists:
- Thiefofstars
Art Tags:
- Mindfang
- 'cw: blood'
Commentary: |-
    <i>Navochao:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Mindfang wouldn't want a funeral march, she'd want something much more epic.

    The song title is taken from the name of Assasin's Creed Four. The game is titled Black Flag, but after these events it's going to be a bit more blue.

    <i>Thiefofstars:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I loved the title of this track and the strong visual image it evoked, so I went with quite a literal interpretation for the track art. The music is very strong and bold, and I wanted the art to reflect that same majestic vibe; it's sort of this idea that Mindfang isn't afraid of death, and that she is going out with her head held high. To help give it that feeling I used a fairly dark colour scheme, and (of course) a lot of blue tones.
---
Track: A Rebel's Requiem
Artists:
- Seren Mist
Duration: 2:45
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/a-rebels-requiem
- https://youtu.be/cgwBrV0AzSQ
Cover Artists:
- Kisbys
Art Tags:
- The Summoner
- Alternia
- 'cw: blood'
- 'cw: corpse'
Commentary: |-
    <i>Seren Mist:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Since the Summoner's death isn't described in canon, I had a lot of free reign in this piece. I took the view that after the Summoner's rebellion was crushed, he was captured and executed by the Condesce. This piece chronicles his last speech (given bravely on his execution platform), his death, and the Condesce's attempt to suppress the rebellion. The low harp at the end is meant to signify how the story of the Summoner and his army survived in hushed stories.

    <i>Kisbys:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I wanted to try to merge a few elements into this to capture more of the song. I attempted to show the destruction of the rebellion through the flag by showing it as getting more worn down and ruined as it tapers off. To the left of the image I wanted to show the Summoner giving his speech while in chains, signifying his capture, and to the right I drew one of his camps being attacked and burned to the ground. I wanted it to be like the Condesce sending out armies to crush the camps and thus putting a stop to his rebellion.
---
Track: In Condescent Darkness
Artists:
- Nate Tronerud
Duration: 3:11
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/in-condescent-darkness
- https://youtu.be/S8Xi-oe3R0A
Cover Artists:
- Dogslug
Art Tags:
- The Condesce
- The Summoner
- Imperial Drones
- 'cw: corpse'
Commentary: |-
    <i>Nate Tronerud:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Condi's had a bad day and decides to just banish these traitorous mofos once and for all... At least until she gets bored. Glub.<br>
    \-Nate

    <i>Dogslug:</i> (booklet commentary)

    It's no secret to anyone that Her Imperious Condescension is one bad motherglubber, but it takes a special sort of ruthlessness to exile the entire adult population of your own species just to ensure complete obedience. I think that move is a perfect example of her desperation and callousness, her willingness to do absolutely anything to stay on her throne.
---
Track: Die For Me
Artists:
- Ducky Senpai
Duration: 2:30
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/die-for-me
- https://youtu.be/hPkPJx7Jnno
- https://soundcloud.com/sloof/die-for-me
Cover Artists:
- shu
Art Tags:
- The Psiioniic
- 'cw: body horror'
- 'cw: eye horror'
Commentary: |-
    <i>Ducky Senpai:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This song is meant to depict the Helmsman's demise as he pushes himself to death powering the Condesce's ship. Of course, lots of electronic sounds for a thematic Helmsman track. Sorta tried to vaguely emulate old console noise percussion like on the Commodore 64. Somehow old tech sounds always gives a more "techy" vibe when applied to this kind of music in my opinion.

    <i>shu:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This track is busy and fast-paced so I tried to capture that with this piece and, in keeping with the "techy" vibe, threw on some static texture. Hopefully the effects distract from the lack of shading because I was worried that it'd be too cluttered!
---
Track: The Doom of the Planets
Artists:
- Circlejourney
Duration: 3:31
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/the-doom-of-the-planets
- https://youtu.be/SkLVln1KnRc
Cover Artists:
- Tunapuns
Art Tags:
- The Psiioniic
- The Condesce
- 'cw: body horror'
Referenced Tracks:
- Fuchsia Ruler
- Gold Pilot
- Heir of Grief
Commentary: |-
    <i>Circlejourney:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The Doom of the Planets is about Her Imperious Condescension's relationship with the Helmsman throughout her interplanetary conquest. Grandiose orchestral snippets are interspersed with intimate, sometimes dissonant contrapuntal segments featuring motifs from [[Gold Pilot]] and [[Fuchsia Ruler]]. Eventually the various disparate moods of the piece unite at the climax of the piece, signifying the ship's final leap through the cosmos, which ends in the Helmsman's death, the music fading way as his life does.

    <i>Tunapuns:</i> (booklet commentary)

    oh gosh i really like this song, especially the more orchestral parts. i tried to depict the condesce walking away from the helmsman as he bleeds out to death on the ship and looking all sinister and dark as, the doom of planets should be, and yet making it colorful to match the very prominent [[fuchsia ruler]] tune. i have no idea how to describe music so pardon me if i got anything wrong!
---
Track: Rusted Wench
Artists:
- miraculouslollipop
Duration: 1:25
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/rusted-wench
- https://youtu.be/uXJjB9JkQ1Y
Cover Artists:
- shu
Art Tags:
- The Handmaid
- Doc Scratch
Commentary: |-
    <i>shu:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I thought that the flat tones of this track really brought out the hopelessness of the young Handmaid's struggle in the bleak situation that she was in. In correlation, I guess I tried to play into the "already there" presence of Lord English with this piece.
---
Track: Handmaiden's F(l)ight
Directory: handmaidens-flight
Artists:
- SerialSymphony
Duration: 6:01
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/handmaidens-f-l-ight
- https://youtu.be/dYSvDkTSrRk
Cover Artists:
- Silverwater
Art Tags:
- The Handmaid
Referenced Tracks:
- Sburban Jungle
Commentary: |-
    <i>SerialSymphony:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Handmaiden's F(l)ight is really two songs, or maybe a song inside a song? What I'm saying is that there's a very deep meaning behind whatever it is I did and you should be impressed. Also, I entirely made this track so people would stop complaining about there being no [[Sburban Jungle]] remixes.

    <i>Silverwater:</i> (booklet commentary)

    the scene of Handmaid running from Dr. Scratch in Lord English's sight.
---
Track: Of Rust and Royalty
Artists:
- Grace Medley
Duration: 3:20
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/of-rust-and-royalty
- https://youtu.be/wZMCe6jy7xs
Cover Artists:
- Elanor Pam
Art Tags:
- The Handmaid
- The Condesce
Referenced Tracks:
- Rust Apocalypse
- Fuchsia Ruler
- Eternity Served Cold
Commentary: |-
    <i>Grace Medley:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Shortly before finishing the album, this project's coordinator approached us managers at unofficialmspafans about it, and at some point mentioned that a few pieces of track art weren't attached to any song any more, and that it was too late to have the songs replaced. Which is a shame, because the piece of track art I saw (this one, in fact) was very good! So, I spent the next week or so making a song in the style of a certain French nu disco duo (no prizes for guessing who) out of elements from [[Rust Servant]] and [[Fuchsia Ruler]], a subtle nod to [[Eternity Served Cold]], and an even subtler nod to WMM's unofficial remake of Rust Servant, [[Rust Apocalypse]]. For how quickly I made this track, I think it turned out rather well!

    <i>Elanor Pam:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The battle between the Condesce and the Handmaid is still one of the most mysterious parts of the story, and I feel its impact and consequences have yet to be fully explored. There's no question that it was an insidious trap for the Condesce, but what is the true nature of the curse spoken by Doc Scratch...?
---
Track: The Handmaid's Lament
Artists:
- Sara Stebbins
Duration: 3:03
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/the-handmaids-lament
- https://youtu.be/9-6r_T_3poQ
Cover Artists:
- Sigourney Martin
Art Tags:
- The Handmaid
Commentary: |-
    <i>Sara Stebbins:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This piece is written about the Handmaid's struggle against the Condesce, her ultimate defeat, and a sort of bitter-tinged relief she feels from it. I wrote parts of this piece in twelve-tone, alluding to the twelve zodiac signs and the twelve numbers on a clock. I tried to keep this piece as simple as I could because I feel that the Handmaid has this silent, brooding austerity with a sense of anger within, which I tried to bring out in occasional dissonance.

    <i>Sigourney Martin:</i> (booklet commentary)

    So right away this song made me feel *really* sad. For Handmaid i mean. She needs hugs. But yeah, this song really makes me hear and or see her pain and I suppose relief from just being away from lord english's grasp. the jerk.
---
Track: (Her Imperial) Ascension
Artists:
- SerialSymphony
Duration: 5:33
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/her-imperial-ascension
- https://youtu.be/rRLr17RZmYg
Cover Artists:
- Xagave
Art Tags:
- The Condesce
- Lord English
- 'cw: blood'
Commentary: |-
    <i>SerialSymphony:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Every bad bitch needs a badass song, and Condy is the biggest, baddest bitch of 'em all. Warning: listening may induce urge to conquer, lay waste, and generally subjugate all.

    <i>Xagave:</i> (booklet commentary)

    We all know Condy can frick a binch up but at this point I'm pretty sure she could trap someone in her hair and strangle them to get the job done.
---
Track: Crockercorpse
Artists:
- Sean William Calhoun
Contributors:
- Josefin B. (vocals)
Duration: 4:13
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/crockercorpse
- https://youtu.be/VU-vPcs2HY0
Cover Artists:
- Donomon
Art Tags:
- The Condesce
- 'cw: blood'
- 'cw: corpse'
Commentary: |-
    <i>Sean William Calhoun:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The final boss from )(er Imperious Condescension's perspective - a boss fight cut off abruptly by a katana to the bladder-based aquatic vascular system.

    <i>Donomon:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Whew, what a song! Crockercorpse rocks, and I tried to do it justice with a kinda neon, acidy, Ben Templesmith inspired look. I have her that sort of falling forward, not really quite believing one of these kids actually got the best of her.
---
Section: Disc 3
---
Track: Disc Three
Directory: disc3
Suffix Directory: true
Artists:
- Corona Sanctus
Duration: 0:30
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/disc-three
- https://youtu.be/hiu2h-gCLkA
Cover Artists:
- Rebecca Peason
Art Tags:
- The Signless
- The Handmaid
- The Summoner
- The Psiioniic
- The Disciple
- The Dolorosa
- Redglare
- Mindfang
- The Expatriate
- The Grand Highblood
- Dualscar
- The Condesce
- Doc Scratch
- Pyralspite
- Alternia
- 'cw: blood'
Commentary: |-
    <i>Corona Sanctus:</i> (booklet commentary)

    My general thoughts regarding this track is "In between the large, sad and violent times the ancestors faced, they must've had some fun, joy and laughter. So I thought about that.

    <i>Rebecca Peason:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I didn't even realize how little we know about these characters outside of the tragedy in their stories. Putting together an image that had to do with the good times was interesting. I tried to keep the window pane motif as the last two discs, but I thought it departed enough from the first two discs which dealt with what happened in canon and their known stories. I wanted to make it feel like something more readable than the rose windows, like it's own little story.
---
Track: the mother, a child
Artists:
- smear
Duration: 5:02
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/the-mother-a-child
- https://youtu.be/NNlqFwRmMRo
Cover Artists:
- Kaz
Art Tags:
- The Dolorosa
- The Signless
- Alternia
Commentary: |-
    <i>smear:</i> (booklet commentary)

    this track is composed of many layers, with bells and chimes. though a low bass warns us of later tragedies, the gentle feel of this tune reminds us that even the dolorosa was once a carefree soul. a mother, and a child.

    <i>Kaz:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The mature and nurturing Dolorsa was once an explorative child, sometimes irresponsibly venturing into the treacherous caverns near her hive. While the dark was scary, she had no idea of the real tragedies and responsibilities that she would soon bear.
---
Track: Space Serenade (A Lullaby for a Restless Sleeper)
Artists:
- Navochao
Duration: 2:59
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/space-serenade-a-lullaby-for-a-restless-sleeper
- https://youtu.be/WzbUdnxSZvk
Cover Artists:
- Phil Gibson
Art Tags:
- The Dolorosa
- The Signless
- Alternia
Commentary: |-
    <i>Navochao:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Named for my art blog, Space Serenade (A Lullaby For A Restless Sleeper) is meant to be a lullaby sung by Dolorosa to Signless. It's also a really darn long lullaby but who cares.

    I will also bet money this has to be the song with the longest name on this album let's be real.

    <i>Quasar Nebula:</i> (wiki editor, 6/4/2020)

    ([[track:the-demise-of-neophyte-redglare-at-the-hands-of-the-unruly-mob*color=#3796c6|It is not. ::::)]])

    <i>Phil Gibson:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The Dolorosa is probably one of my favorite ancestors; an icon of the tenacity of love and compassion that can endure even with the harsh, unforgiving troll society.
---
Track: Sweet Baby Tr9ll Jegus
Additional Names:
- Sweet Baby Troll Jegus (quirk-free)
Artists:
- potato-sollux
Duration: 2:31
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/sweet-baby-tr9ll-jegus
- https://youtu.be/NlX7MkeuJUE
Cover Artists:
- gelasticat
Art Tags:
- The Signless
Commentary: |-
    <i>potato-sollux:</i> (booklet commentary)

    dammit i can picture him running around in a cloak thats wayyyyyyy too big for him and im dying

    <i>gelasticat:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The track sounded very happy and bouncy to me so I kinda wibbled the Alternian sunlight problem because I thought a lighter, more airy palette would be more suitable for the overall feeling of the piece. I chose green accents on most of his clothes instead of red because I thought it was cute that he'd want to match is mumlusus.
---
Track: Tomorrow There'll Be More Of Us
Artists:
- Navochao
Duration: 2:06
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/tomorrow-therell-be-more-of-us
- https://youtu.be/sCRu0qZOiMA
Cover Artists:
- Liz Fish
Art Tags:
- The Signless
- The Disciple
Referenced Tracks:
- The Story of Tonight
- track:burn-hamilton
Commentary: |-
    <i>Navochao:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Random spurs of inspiration can get you places, and most of the time it's angsty places.

    <i>Liz Fish:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I sort of wonder sometimes if collecting strays ran in the family. Dolorosa had no idea what she'd start, picking up the little red grub.
---
Track: Signless Protection Squad
Artists:
- Navochao
Duration: 2:27
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/signless-protection-squad
- https://youtu.be/JRvsco-mVB8
Cover Artists:
- bootsie
Art Tags:
- The Psiioniic
- The Disciple
Referenced Tracks:
- Icirrus City
Commentary: |-
    <i>Navochao:</i> (booklet commentary)

    To make this quick: once upon a time I had a roleplay with a Psiioniic and they called themselves the Signless Protection Squad so now the everything I make for these two is named that because I have nothing better to call it.

    Also I'm sorry Nintendo.

    <i>bootsie:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Every time I imagine the Psiioniic and the Disciple interacting, I imagine him using his sparks like a cat laser to distract her. I didn't want to be so silly, but I hope I captured the same energy as the song!
---
Track: Purple And Purple
Additional Names:
- Purple and Purple (name in booklet)
Artists:
- WC
Duration: 1:47
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/purple-and-purple
- https://youtu.be/GPjMY-lZgP0
Cover Artists:
- YoItsCro
Cover Art Dimensions: 1498x1600
Art Tags:
- The Grand Highblood
- 'cw: blood'
Commentary: |-
    <i>WC:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I made this once and then realized it sort of sounded like a song for clowns, and then I didn't sleep well the next few nights because at the time I was scared of clowns and thought they were influencing me subliminally.

    There's a beeping section in the middle, except it's actually bad Morse code, and it spells out 'no homo.' I don't have an explanation for this.

    <i>YoItsCro:</i> (booklet commentary)

    […song] is called Purple and Purple. Might as well have a focus of purple in the piece, and purple with a meaning at that! Chucklevoodoos always feels like some kind of signature sign with the Makara line. Not only that, but it leaves a sense of unease. Overall, the song gave an overall ominous feel to me where surrounding the Grand High Blood in an atmosphere was not only complimenting, but fitting! Also, blood on the walls for that extra touch. It's safe to say that the picture pays homage to his appearance in the comic, with the stylizing and unique attributes of course!

    Getting that glow was my prime focus, and to also light up and put some focus at that wicked paint of his! They have to be some of the physical characteristics that stand out the most to me, and certainly focal points that I attempted to pull attention towards.
---
Track: Sandswept Schismatic
Artists:
- Acyl
Duration: 3:54
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/sandswept-schismatic
- https://youtu.be/BOf4YnCcm9k
Cover Artists:
- Amanda Bell
Art Tags:
- The Summoner
Commentary: |-
    <i>Acyl:</i> (booklet commentary)

    So I was working on music for an askblog, and it came out particularly Summoner-y! I'm pretty sure the guitar that comes in around 2:05 was something from a Legend of Zelda song I heard once but it seemed to fit a young Mr. Nitram.

    <i>Amanda Bell:</i> (booklet commentary)

    As the song being inspired by Nitram + Zelda, this color palette and imagery came to fruition. Heavily inspired by Skyward Sword.
---
Track: lazutrix
Artists:
- smear
Duration: 2:28
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/lazutrix
- https://youtu.be/tIxmOUQnz08
Cover Artists:
- Andi DiSpirito
Art Tags:
- The Disciple
- Mindfang
- The Expatriate
- The Condesce
- 'cw: asphyxiation'
Lyrics: |-
    @ booklet lyrics

    Blue, blue, blue
    im seein blue, blue blue
    A couple hundred years, waiting to run into you
    Seldom thoughts can hurt me
    I cant even find my self
    In the void i wish to linger,
    Not that i have a choice

    Something here seems to be
    Always eating at my health
    Something i cant quite figure
    Not that i have a voice

    Maybe i pitied you
    Giddy at the thought of you
    Maybe my hearts not true
    To the cause ive devoted my life into

    Perhaps not out of my own volition
    Stomping out every coalition
    Regardless of the lives they may have saved
    I knew to you they only misbehaved

    Maybe it is because
    Im a glutton for punishment
    Behind my eyes a buzz,
    Banishment, admonishment

    Blue, blue, blue
    Im seeing blue, blue, blue,
    Somehow im still not free,
    Finding comfort in my stealth
    a misery machine, with her
    No reason to rejoice
Commentary: |-
    <i>smear:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Title: lazutrix, women who shape the blue<br>
    Lazu: from lazulinus, the color ultramarine<br>
    \-trix: denoting femininity in adjectives and nouns

    <i>Andi DiSpirito:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I decided to focus on Darkleer struggling to reconcile his weakness towards two known criminals and how their influence forces him to question his loyalty to the Empress, as well as his role in enforcing her hemocaste system.
Crediting Sources: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics page

    Lyrics by [[artist:smear]]
---
Track: Leftovers
Suffix Directory: true
Always Reference By Directory: true
Artists:
- psithurist
Duration: 4:08
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/leftovers
- https://youtu.be/fQsujVTQ3e8
Cover Artists:
- senpai-satan
Cover Art Dimensions: 2445x2525
Art Tags:
- The Disciple
- The Signless
- 'cw: blood'
Referenced Tracks:
- Walls Covered In Blood
- track:olive-scribe
- Flare
Lyrics: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics

    Every word you say,
    Every piece you give.
    Every night and day,
    Every life you save.
    For them,
    For us.

    Every shot they take,
    Every drop they spill.
    Every heart they break,
    Every one they kill.
    For what?
    For her?

    In every severed tail|tale,
    In every leap
    I won't hold back.
    In every ship that sails,
    In every spark of love
    I will remain.
    For him,
    For me.
Commentary: |-
    <i>psithurist:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This is actually the first song I've ever put out with my voice (so go easy, haha). It's a song from the Disciple's perspective about her friends, her oppressors, and herself, and also about her role as a scribe, recording the trials of the ancestors.

    <i>senpai-satan:</i> (booklet commentary)

    At first i had alot of ideas about what i wanted to draw for image but i finally settled with an view of the disciple writing on the screen while inside a cave, giving a nod towards Nepeta and for example her shipping wall.
Crediting Sources: |-
    @@ booklet lyrics page

    Lyrics by [[artist:psithurist]]
---
Track: Cardinal Fyre
Artists:
- Zan Beaver
Duration: 2:19
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/cardinal-fyre
- https://youtu.be/yZHBHz5n88A
Cover Artists:
- Gilwing
Art Tags:
- Redglare
- Pyralspite
- Dragon Cane
Commentary: |-
    <i>Zan Beaver:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The minute I saw that I was to make a track for Redglare and Pyralspite, it screamed for harpsichord in a weird key (I honestly don't know the key I wrote this song in). After getting the main instrument to work the song around, I had to imagine their relationship. I described it as trusting, solid, slightly playful yet harsh. So I created a melody to fit this description, and it blossomed from there.

    <i>Gilwing:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The only time Pyralspite and Redglare are shown together in-comic they're busy raining hellfire on Mindfang's fleet, so I wanted to create a more intimate moment to showcase their relationship. A monstrous and powerful, but loving, dragon mother surrounds and protects her cocky, talented daughter with a dangerous passion for justice. I wanted it to look a bit like an aged photograph, like an old, warm memory, which is something the harpsichord made me think of. As we know, Pyralspite outlived Redglare by quite a lot.
---
Track: Preach
Suffix Directory: true
Always Reference By Directory: true
Artists:
- Seijen
Duration: 3:19
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/preach
- https://youtu.be/78VVxNx51Xg
Cover Artists:
- Erin B.
Art Tags:
- The Summoner
- Pyralspite
- Imperial Battleship
- Alternia
Commentary: |-
    <i>Seijen:</i> (booklet commentary)

    Them: "we need a dubstep track for our project"<br>
    Me: "I gotchu fam"

    Thus this master piece was born. If you don't like this song, then you can contact me through the credit links, so I can explain to you why your opinion is objectively wrong.

    <i>Erin B.:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I wanted to depict Summoner in some context while also capturing the power that the song was radiating. I tried to show a moment of the revolution at the starting clash of a battle. The song also had some calmer moments, which I felt were very appropriate for the moment right before battle. That, and I really wanted to draw Summoner and Pyralspite looking cool.
---
Track: Swan Song
Artists:
- Navochao
Duration: 2:38
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/swan-song
- https://youtu.be/MGOoXJMvZNU
Cover Artists:
- gelasticat
Art Tags:
- The Grand Highblood
Referenced Tracks:
- The Cave You Fear
- track:swan-song-set-it-off
Commentary: |-
    <i>Navochao:</i> (booklet commentary)

    "You cut to the bone, pick up the phone, to hear my swan song"

    The phrase [Swan Song] refers to an ancient belief that swans sing a beautiful song in the moment just before death, having been silent during most of their lifetime.

    <i>gelasticat:</i> (booklet commentary)

    I wanted something dramatic because that just seemed right for a swan song but somewhat subdued at the same time since that's how the track came across. I went with a stained glass aesthetic because they've always encompassed that kind of feeling for me.
---
Track: The Doom of the Planets (Reprise)
Artists:
- Circlejourney
Duration: 3:32
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/the-doom-of-the-planets-reprise
- https://youtu.be/WG81465YQf4
Cover Artists:
- Circlejourney
Art Tags:
- The Condesce
- Battleship Condescension
Referenced Tracks:
- The Doom of the Planets
Commentary: |-
    <i>Circlejourney:</i> (booklet commentary)

    This is a piano arrangement on [[The Doom of the Planets]], an earlier track on the album. Instead of building to a grand orchestral climax, this version dwells more on a sense of foreboding and finality that surrounds the latter part of the Condesce's journey, with the Vast Glub and the extinction of the troll race soon to come.

    <i>Circlejourney:</i> (booklet commentary)

    The Condesce looks on at a new star system as her ship approaches, mirroring the contemplative mood of the track.
---
Section: Bonus tracks
---
Track: Black Heart, Green Dress (Instrumental)
Artists:
- psithurist
Duration: 4:44
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/bonus-black-heart-green-dress-instrumental
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhSz6NerCkQ
Referenced Tracks:
- Black Heart, Green Dress
---
Track: Release Me (Instrumental)
Artists:
- not-the-kind-you-save
Duration: 4:01
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/bonus-release-me-instrumental
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iyhRkSfTJI
Referenced Tracks:
- Release Me
---
Track: Dualscar's Lament (Instrumental)
Artists:
- not-the-kind-you-save
Duration: 2:47
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/bonus-dualscars-lament-instrumental
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO__chcu58A
Referenced Tracks:
- Dualscar's Lament
---
Track: The Mechanism (Instrumental)
Artists:
- not-the-kind-you-save
Duration: 3:22
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/bonus-the-mechanism-instrumental
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l35am6ioOGc
Referenced Tracks:
- The Mechanism
---
Track: Leftovers (Instrumental)
Artists:
- psithurist
Duration: 4:08
URLs:
- https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/bonus-leftovers-instrumental
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=achjkhBpiKs
Referenced Tracks:
- track:leftovers-ancestral