Record of Lodoss War Opening Theme CD Single

RECORD OF LODOSS WAR
Opening Theme CD Single
Copyright © Victor
VIDL-30202
Available in Japan: 22 April 1998
¥ 1,020

—by Charles McCarter

1. Kiseki no Umi (Sea of Miracles) 4:21

2. Active Heart 4:18

3. Kiseki no Umi (Sea of Miracles, Karaoke Version) 4:21

4. Active Heart (Karaoke Version) 4:18

All vocals by Sakamoto Ma-aya.

ESCAFLOWNE was a very memorable series for many fans. From the moment they first heard the opening song, they knew they were on to something special. Sung by then-unknown voice actress Sakamoto Ma-aya (who also played Kanzaki Hitomi), the opening song demanded the attention of the viewers. Composer Kanno Youko's strong melody and arrangement had as much to do with that, if not more, than the vocals did. Sakamoto Ma-aya is once again singing a Kanno Youko song, but this time it is for the new television series RECORD OF LODOSS WAR.
Beginning with some beating drums and some chanting, the song has an almost primal quality to it. And once the rhythm of the drums and the chanting has been established, Sakamoto's voice begins to sing over it, almost soaring over the accompaniment. Strong and confident, she dominates the song yet still manages to phrase the lyrics gracefully and give them the delicate handling they deserve.
The chorus opens up a more complete orchestration, as strings and synthesizers join the percussion and create complex harmonies behind the voices. The entire song gives the feeling of a freedom of motion, of something akin to flight, as the vocals twist and turn.
"Active Heart" is not used in the LODOSS TV show, and it is more of a typical J-pop song than "Kiseki no Umi." But with another of Kanno Youko's melodies behind it, it feels more substantive than most current J-pop releases. The layering of vocal harmonies also adds to the unique feeling this song elicits. While not as complicated as the first song, it is still enjoyable and very upbeat.
Of course, the remaining two tracks are karaoke, to do with as the listener will. But even with the vocals stripped away, these two songs are very pleasant listening.
LODOSS fans will want to add this to their collection, and most likely so will fans of the ESCAFLOWNE and MACROSS PLUS soundtracks.