Violin Magic (1): Unlucky Morpheus

 

 

Founded in 2009 by vocalist Tenge Fuyuki (stage name “Fuki”), Unlucky Morpheus were initially known for their video game and action soundtracks.  They shifted their focus to rock and began performing live, but retained the stylistic approach of their soundtrack work, with epic storylines, dense instrumentation, and Fuki’s theatrical vocals.

Jill is a classically trained violinist who switched to rock and metal. She joined Unlucky Morpheus in 2017.  She combines the melodic sense and phrasing of classical violin with gymnastic dexterity of the best folk and country fiddlers.  She routinely plays parts originally written for guitar or keyboards, which itself is sort of crazy.  She may be the best rock/fusion violinist since Jean-Luc Ponty.

 

“Tower of the Blood” (2019, live concert)

Anyone want to make a movie to go with this theme?  It’s based on a folk tale about a princess locked in a tower by an evil sorcerer.  This is a showcase for Jill, but listen for Fuki’s vocals transitioning between classical and pop timbres, as she sings the parts of two different characters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVKc7jJ54UI

 

 

“Flight of the Thousand Demons”  (2019, acoustic performance from the same concert)

First released in 2010 as the theme for a video game series, the original song was fast-paced and chaotic, as one might expect of a game soundtrack.  For this acoustic version, they slowed it down, and layered Fuki’s bright tones over a musical score with is both upbeat and wistful.  They wrote a new part for the violin, and added castanets and Flamenco-style guitar for a bit of Spanish flair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2nOvL1n7D8

 

 

“Far Beyond the Sun” (Yngwie Malmsteen instrumental cover, 2021)

Malmsteen is one of the pioneers of neo-classical rock guitar.  He writes complex, classically inspired scores intended to be played at warp speed.  This piece includes riffs from Beethoven and Paganini, and even a little Baroque accent at the end.  Unlucky Morpheus transcribed the keyboard part for guitar, and Malmsteen’s original guitar line for violin. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2hZDzJp9Pc