Search - Symphony Gundam Seed Destiny V.2 :: Ost

Destiny Waits For No Man.

Glen | 02/20/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As I mentioned in my review of Symphony Seed: Gundam Seed, it took me a while to actually listen to this particular CD. Not so much that I'm not big on orchestrated music, but that I really never had any urge to. Eventually, during one of my frequent dives into my digital archive of music, I noticed it, and figured 'What the heck, got nothing to lose!', and put on the first Symphony SEED. That got me hooked to these, however, I was somewhat adamant about the SEED Destiny CD, due to the facts that there were a lot of good tracks that may or may not have been ruined in their conversion, and that SEED Destiny, on a whole, was a bit disappointing as an anime sequel. Foolish thoughts, these. Not only was this CD above and beyond the first CD in terms of overall enjoyment, there were some tracks that actually (in my opinion) OUTDID what Sahashi Toshihiko (the composer for both anime and this CD) did in the anime OSTs. To this day, no matter how many times I listen to it, both Tracks 1 and 5, Opening and War, respectively, will send shivers down my spine.



However, much to my enjoyment, the surprises had not ended there. Upon finally obtaining my own physical copy, I was taken aback by the packaging. This CD does not come in the conventional boring jewel case, no. It comes in a thick paperboard foldout, with a 1/2 inch thick book (in Japanese, though) detailing the timeline of the CD production, as well as interviews, and other various tidbits for enjoyment (if you can read it, that is!). Additionally, the lettering on the front is silver-embossed, to which no words can describe, really, at the expense they spared on this CD.



And now, to the tracks themselves.



Track One: Opening - This track and Track 5 are my absolute favorites from this offering. This particular track features what is, essentially, the opening music to SEED Destiny, as well as the Impulse and Core Fighter launch themes. Without a doubt, a breathtaking track.



Track Two: Brand New Days - Follows Opening quite nicely, featuring the tracks from Kira's Freedom and Strike Freedom launch/appearance themes. Not as amazing as Opening, but definitely a great track.



Track Three: Battle In The Space - Engrish aside, this track really didn't grab me that much, as the name would imply a bit more high-tension than it delivered. A good track, nonetheless, if not slightly misleading.



Track Four: The Shadow Of His Mind - Very aptly named, as it matches the impressions you get of Chairman Durandal throughout the anime (There's a few different translations of his name, but Durandal seems to be the given), and features a rendition of one of my favorites off the OST, Akuma No Keiyaku.



Track Five: War - Quite possibly the highlight of this CD, in my opinion. While starting off with a slow, somewhat tranquil melody, once it gets going, you can feel the tension of SEED Destiny combat oozing from the track. My most-played from the CD, period.



Track Six: SHINN ASUKA - One of the two 'character' tracks featured in this CD, a bit of a direction change from the first CD. Naturally, it uses the tracks from the OST that involved Shinn. Very striking track, this, as, like its character, it's peaceful, yet somewhat turbulent.



Track Seven: Spaceship MINERVA - What more needs to be said? Featuring the two Minerva-themed tracks from the OST, it spares no expense to invoke this imposing spaceship. One of the dark horses of this track, for sure.



Track Eight: ORB - Not one of my favorites, but that's one man's opinion. I won't detract from the quality of this track, though. Features Umi to Sora to Kaze to, one of the 'peacetime tracks', and the Wedding Track used during the attempted wedding of Yuna and Cagalli.



Track Nine: Shyer Soldier - A bit of a break from all the uplifting tracks, this one is rather melancholy, and suggests brooding, rather than relaxation. Essentially, the main theme of SEED Destiny is right in this track.



Track Ten: STELLAR - The second of the character tracks. This one is, pure and simple, Stellar's theme (Watch the episode where she rampages in the Destroy, and you'll recognize it). While a little too peaceful for my liking, it truly is a fitting track.



Track Eleven: After The Glory - While I can't really call it the final battle track, it does give off that impression. Very fast-paced, and has a nice rhythm to it, although it isn't as catchy as War. Still a fitting prelude to...



Track Twelve: Finale - Containing the 'Atarashiki Sekai He' tracks from the OST, this track is most worthy of its title. This track is so well-done, you can practically re-watch the ending to SEED Destiny without even having to turn it on. Provides excellent closure to the CD, and is the other dark horse of it.



The Final Word - Get. This. CD. All fans of Gundam, whether you liked SEED/SEED Destiny or not, will find enjoyment from this collection. Bandai/Sunrise pulled no punches when they made this CD, so why should you?"