ReMix:Seiken Densetsu 3 "The Fearless Angel" 5:20

While we last heard from Jovette Rivera back in 2013 with Balance and Ruin, this track from Songs of Light and Darkness was actually completed many years prior, as one of the earlier contributions to the album. It's more of a spiritual successor to his legendary FF7 VoTL mix, and features a similar blend of over-the-top, anthemic J-rock/J-pop, with a maximalist aesthetic and vocals which take their time to enter but end up defining the piece:

"This song was created in 2007, and I wanted to create something I feel could surpass my previous Final Fantasy 7 remix "The Crossroads," as I want to continue growing as a remixer and arranger, not limited to only writing original material for myself and other artists. So I enlisted the aid of Japanese guitarist ISAO (a renowned guitarist working with Japanese idol band Babymetal and others) to provide my guitar tracks. He's amazing and a great friend. I can't imagine the song without him, and I think you'll agree.

Since then, I've long been producing music for major Japanese artists and idols as well as performing as a singer/voice actor for many anime and games (i.e. Street Fighter V, Devil May Cry 4, Tekken 7, Pokkén Tournament, etc.). Of course, I hope to maintain my relationship with the OCR community as well, as I have been since the beginning. I will try to provide new mixes when time allows or serious inspiration hits. Thank you to everyone for making this album a reality."

Jovette's been doing awesome things with awesome people; congratulations to him for following his heart & living the dream - it's always exciting and rewarding to see artists doing well. In many ways SD3:SLD is like a time capsule, and opening it up to find this sister arrangement to one of my favorite tracks from Voices of the Lifestream was a highlight, for me. This is a little edgier, and doesn't have the same explosive, cathartic melodic refrain as Jovette's "Cid" mix, but it's superb nonetheless, and nails a certain style that anime fans might be more familiar with. Album director Rozovian writes:

"This was unexpected. Due in part to a misunderstanding on direction, we ended up with a more electronic track that I had in mind for the album. I don't mind, not anymore. A number of remixers wanted to incorporate more electronic elements into their tracks, and I think the album became more varied and interesting that way. This track serves as a nice bridge between the many styles on the album, drawing on orchestral, acoustic, ethnic, metal, and electronica. The eclectic sound might be par for the course in J-rock, but as I don't listen much to the genre, it's fresh to me."

Yeah, I'd say J-rock/J-pop are generally pretty varied when it comes to instrumentation & external influences, and a common approach you see is a "kitchen sink" sound that throws a lot at listeners but ties it all together with catchy vocal hooks. Did someone say catchy vocal hooks? You've got 'em here, with some tasetfully auto-tuned bits and nice doubling/FX that Jovette has always paid attention to on his vocal tracks. ISAO's guitar brings that extra bit of electricity and spontaneity. Assistant director Meteo Xavier adds:

"You didn't think this project would have just one "Angel's Fear" remix on it, did you? Without question, this time "Angel's Fear" begins a little differently than we might expect -- very triumphant, but with a lot of synthetic white wind/ocean noise on top of it. There's a fine, thick, crystalline piano doing the opening lines, a short break, a quick burst of... whoa, gated trance chords? Rather unusual for this project, but the guitar work that quickly follows it isn't and suddenly there's a new energy rocking out them angelic anxieties!

But the surprises don't end there. A manly, awesome voice sings the iconic melody over acoustic guitar and then there's more synth work and... whoa, it's dizzying trying to do play-by-play with this song. There's a lot of twists and turns, and they're so incredibly seamless that you never quite see them coming. I wouldn't be surprised if this song becomes one of the more popular "Angel's Fear" remixes out and around. I don't think the world has ever quite heard it done like this before!"

It's almost a guarantee, when Jovette tackles a source, that it's going to be a singular & distinct interpretation; very few arrangers are working in this specific style, and even within said style, the artist has his own voice. It's wonderful to have that voice return to the OCR homepage after so long, as this assertive pop/rock gem straddles the album's dark/light schism with a bit of both, plus energy, style, & passion. Excellent!