Round 2, Pairing 2: "Kefka (FFVI)" vs. "Messenger of Ruin (FFIX)"

[Dave]

Welcome to the second pairing. :) Vote here (http://www.squareenixmusic.com/uematsu.php), and comment!

[Resk]

This one is kind of tough, mostly because I'm not a huge fan of either track. But I think I'm gonna go with Messenger of Ruin :D

[Black Mamba]

Yet another hard choice. I really love both tracks.

...

I'm going to go with Messenger of Ruin since it has more to offer.

[TheShroud13]

I'm not a huge fan of "Messenger of Ruin". It's fairly weak as far as major FF battle themes go IMO. There are some neat things going on, but the synth is very weak, and the full throttle of this piece is a plod compared to something like "The Extreme". What's worse is that the full throttle only comes up every now and then, the rest of the piece being a bit of a bore.

"Kefka" on the other hand gets moving quickly, and is one of the most personality infused villain themes in the series. The music depicts a manic playfulness with a sinister undertone. It also takes no time to get going. From bar one, although the piece hasn't hit full stride, it has me intrigued. With "Messenger of Ruin", it's not until the rocking starts that I get interested. I have to put the vote forward for this bad boy.

[Totz]

"Kefka" is easily one of my favourite character themes ever. Shroud gave a perfectly good explanation of why it is so good. "Messenger of Ruin" is no weakling, but when it's fighting against "Kefka," it is bound to lose.

Vote "Kefka."

[Don]

Vote: Kefka
Why?: Kefka is a piece that catches my attention immediately. It sounds like it could be played in a circus which definitely fits his outfit at the very least. I also like how it's incorporated very successfully into Dancing Mad, but this topic isn't about that song.

[Dark Cloud]

What is up with Final Fantasy VI is this contest? It is getting everyone's votes, including mine! Although I do like 'Ruin,' Kefka is so much better.

[Jared]

'Kefka', totally. Ruin rocks, but Kefka just plain wins. Its catchy, playful, yet freakishly evil in its craziness at the same time. Wonderful theme, perfect match to a perfect character.

[jampot]

Kefka is a delightfully camp tribute to the character, but I just find Messenger of Ruin that much more interesting to listen to. Despite Kefka's 'Sorceror's Apprentice'-like intro...
Those organ chords, with the suspensions and all. I'm sucker for the sort of rock theme that kicks in after a dramatic introduction...

[Dave]

"Kefka" pretty much swung me into voting for it as well. Oftentimes I find it repetitive, but it truly beats "Messenger of Ruin" hands down. It's great to see it going through to the next round. <3

[Dave]

The results are in:

Kefka (FFVI) 70.59 % (24)
Messenger of Ruin (FFIX) 29.41 % (10)

Go go go, Kefka!

[TheShroud13]

Boy howdy Nick.