MASA (Guitarist/Sound Composer of KOEI)

This is just an article that has been wanting to be done for a distant time. As being a very big fan of the Dynasty Warriors original soundtracks since the start until presently still, the musical composer has partaken in very memorable pieces of work which reside on mainly hard heavy metal rock noises. So reflecting on the thought of the series music, MASA has brought alive and given a dimension as to how an energetic, lively, and historically important part of China's history needs to feel like.

With his attention on producing a quality professional atmosphere, MASA has recently still given his awareness to pleasing fans of KOEI's everlasting video game soundtracks. Of course a game's content would not be as full of emotions and inspiration without an OST (Original Soundtrack). And in this case apart from it all sounding very noticeable given the genre of music, there's influence of Eastern scores which is utmost vital to be told because of the setting based loosely off of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel by Luo Guanzhong.

MASA's work within the franchise tells stories with thanks to his creation with the guitar, both sad and joyful experiences. Along with it's Eastern vibe. The Shin Sangokumusou series as known in Japan, with it's oriental sound setting based in The Three Kingdoms period of China can be listened to in countless songs. This in presence can be heard in particular in this guitar-based work which tells the anguish of Liu Bei wanting revenge after his oath brother Guan Yu's death by the joint hands of Wei and Wu in Dynasty Warriors 4. It's entitled ''AVENGING BATTLE''.

Now for a selection of fascinating noise, I will give examples of how instrumental and appreciated the music he creates reveal.

From Shin Sangokumusou 2 (aka Dynasty Warriors 3), this theme plays on one of the last stages, the Siege of He Fei Castle. Known on the OST as ''BLAST FROM THE EAST'', Wu's own theme music for this level is a slow, catchy, techno tune which more so allows the listener to anticipate a climatic time of somewhat desperation. Different when compared to the equally as good other song on the OST called ''THE MEN OF INTELLIGENCE'', Wei's grand newly built historical fort's brilliance can be seen as a faster more positive upbeat mixture of guitar and drum, although the composition is by Kenji Nakajo.

Based on the later era stage the Battle of Wu Zhang Plains, the apparent challenge of it merits the uncomfortable appeal of the stage's situation. SACRED GROUND by MASA which starts and ends with gloom, basing at night, is a fan favourite.

RUN, RUN, RUN from Shin Sangokumusou 4 has an extremely fast tempo which resides on the thought of urgency. Using guitar and drum, when playing at the Escape from Chi Bi, a fleeing Cao Cao is hesitant on not losing his life.

This song, ''SLASH THE DEMON'' is a BGM which plays against the tyranny of Dong Zhuo at Hu Lao Gate.  Referring to the terror of Lu Bu and Dong Zhuo which can be addressed throughout the entirety, it is full of heavy disturbing, resonant noises.

GAIN MOMENTUM, certainly not lacking liveliness, from the Dynasty Warriors 6 Original Soundtrack is as energetic as most of his work. It's one of my personal favourites and is very distinguished with it's rock-esque sense of style. It plays in scenarios where you gain the advantage and as a whole is one promising mood-uplifting soundtrack.

Lastly for this update, this popular memory is titled ''THEME OF LU BU'' from Dynasty Warriors: Online. It offers a range of sections (including spurts of guitar riffs) which are all exciting to hear. It is truly heavy metal rock, extremely busy, MASA at his finest and most known for composing the thrilling staple themes of Lu Bu in each title.

On a closing note, there will be more updates on MASA's recordings in the future and my personal favourites, as well as posts on the other artists such as Kensuke Inage and Masato Koike.

That is it for this update. Thanks for reading!