Markus Schneider - Shadow Skimmer

Glyn has possibly meat his match here, as Markus Schneider produces an earth shattering orchestral remix of Shadow Skimmer. The remix is also possibly the first truely authentic orchestral score available at RKO, from the instruments to the composition itself.

Everything about this remix says, Quality!. Even if you do not like orchestral music, you'll apreciate this remix never the less. In One word: AWESOME!

This orchestral cover is absolutely amazing.
Huge, menacing, powerful.
The orchestration itself is impressive, Markus made this like a real pro.
The best c64 orchestrated cover since today.

This tune might be; by lack for a better word; perfect, but i find the emotional aspect in orchestral music more important than the technical aspect. That's what i'm missing in this piece compared to Gordians Tomb and Firelord. It has it all, but it's missing just a little to be qualified 'beautifull'.

And maybe it's a little 'over-equalized' cause i could swear i heard instruments 'slide' a little depending on the frequency?

Sometimes it's a great surprise arrangers can make a poor original to something extraordinary. Compared to Glyn the instruments do not sound like cheap midi giving the tune a authentic touch. Awesome work and the best orchestral remix so far.

Compared with the original sidtune, which is among my favourites, Markus' attempt at creating an orchestral remix based on it, works extraordinarily well. The quality of samples is outstanding and sounds really professional. This alone is worth the download. Many arrangers would be happy if they could use such equipment.

At the same time, the remix could be described best as over-ambitious, which is likely the reason why this particular remix has caused some controversy in public discussion.

The sidtune is a completely different style. It's a fast-paced, powerful and drum-heavy music. Turning it -- or parts of it -- into an orchestral soundtrack is an extremely tough job. Professional equipment alone (and the ability to use it) is not everything. Orchestral arrangements should raise specific emotions and capture you through-out the entire track. This is where the Shadow Skimmer source material was not the best choice. The clearly recognizable theme is there and is the highlight. But it is surrounded by elements that don't focus on a specific atmosphere and which don't raise any emotions except when the fairly majestic Shadow Skimmer main theme kicks in from time to time.

Overall, this is one of the best remixes so far. Markus should not be put down if he expected only outstanding votes. He did an awesome job with this one and we all hope to see more like this from him in the future, whether on CD or not.

Yes, it is a great orchestral remix indeed! It shows that Markus perfectly knows how to work with Strings, Woods, Flutes and stuff…
I gave it only a VERY GOOD vote for the Chart-system - not an OUTSTANDING because even when the Sound-Samples are brilliant and of course the arrangement as well, there is some depth missing technically.
Markus knows what I mean, the overall sound is too dry for my ears but maybe that's a question of taste, but it was the only reason to give it not an OUTSTANDING VOTE!

Well Markus my friend, this is an awesome feat. I have to be honest when I say that I - although I very much adore symphonic scores - am not a total fan of the current orchestral sounds. Anyone who knows my stuff knows I prefer the poppy, electronic path. For me, a movie score should have some synthetic features like drumloops or synth effects. Just listen to Gregson-William's Shrek or MGS2 on Playstation2. Anyway, that's just my preference.

Needless to say, the orchestration here is awesome nonetheless. Markus has been improving with each remix. It's hard work getting that feel of the real orchestra in there. The track lacks a little progression in my view but with the overall tension and atmosphere in it, symphonic fans will get a huge kick out of it. This review may actually sound a bit negative, but it's not meant that way. In fact, I urge you: Download it and weep. I know I did.