... Roman can be found here!

[Unlisted] Hiver Reports 3

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Sun, 18 May 2025 21:27:00 +0000

Bonsoir fellow Laurants.

It's been a while since my last report.

Sadly this time I had to update you on an unfortunate issue.

A person made a claim against our DVD/BD entry page, accusing us of infringement copyrighted of Japanese anime owned by Crunchyroll LLC.

Witch we obviously don't have anything to do, and this person is just massively reporting people, apparently specially attacking Etsy stores of artist making fan merchandise.

Nevertheless, due to this situation, the page was removed from public view. We have just updated it and removed the links to Nyatorrents. As a result, we had to take extra steps by making you download a document containing the link. We apologize for the inconvenience.

We want to remember everybody that the objetive of this site is build a place that would collect and share the history of Sound Horizon and its contents. We know some of this content its hard to be obtained to some places and the only way to know you want to invest in it, is first knowing what it is about. We invite you to try to buy the material if is possible for you and help the band in any way you can.

✥ In another news we had been working on the Iberia Records but for personal reason we are taking out time. We hope that you can enjoy Roman Records in the meantime.

Please stay safe and 『B・e・c・o・m・e・H・a・p・p・y』(☪￣3￣✥)╭~♥

✥✥ Update: 2025/05/20
They strike again and claimed a copyrighted for a hentai manga on Marchen mangas?!?!

This person bots are malfunctioning or Marchen is more spicy than you think.

Roman [Records]

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:40:00 +0000

It's time to find Roman...
(Bonjour, this is Hiver reporting that this [Records] took so much time and dedication. Please take your time read it and enjoy it, and feel free to share it, I worked extra hard on this one (☪￣3￣✥)╭~♥)

Roman - 5th Story CD was released on November 22, 2006. Was the 3rd Mayor Album, the 5th Story CD and 5th Horizon.

Was the 1st concept album under Sound Horizon's "Second Phase" system. Aramary left the group and was replaced by 7 singers and 14 voice actors. Also, this was the first album where Revo himself sang.

The album contains 11 songs. Also 2 bonus [hidden] tracks could be obtained from a website. And another bonus track from a privilige in a shop.

The release had two versions: A Regular Edition and Limited Edition First Press.

Benefits:

The "Roman" First Press Limited Edition came with a copy of the "Roman Perfect Guide Book".

(Here you can look at it. Needs some translation. Here Kaido's TL for Yokoyan interview & Revo's note.)

Also the Limited Edition came with a special edition box and an original-style handkerchief featuring a hidden code message.

Handkerchief & Paper sheet

This was limited to 20,000 copies for the first-press limited edition. The regular edition included a paper sheet with the same content.

The rest of the benefit depending of which store you bought the copy:

Tower Records: ”Revo Special Remix CD” Anecdote of 5th story "Another Roman" for those who pre-order by October 15th at Tower Records nationwide. Contains 1 song (5 minutes 46 seconds) which is a remix of the song 朝と夜の物語 (Asa to Yoru no Monogatari, The Story of Morning and Night) with slightly different lyrics.
TSUTAYA: "Another Roman" booklet drawn by Yokoyan with it's lyrics.
Toranoana: "ROMAN Digest CD version Revo" for those who pre-order the CD at Toranoana. Contains 1 song (14 minutes 23 seconds) which is a compilation of all the songs from the 5th Story CD Roman, including the bonus tracks truemessage and yaneuraroman.
Yamagiwa: Original postcard. → (No records of this benefit)
Gamers: Original autographed colored paper.

"Can a roman be found there...?"
Magmani: Original jacket bromide. → (No records of this benefit)
Animate: Alternate Cover jacket.

Hidden Tracks:

On the last page of the lyrics book, at the bottom of the credits for staff, a special website called "Message" was linked: "http://www.kingrecords.co.jp/soundhorizon/roman/".

This was the first hidden tracks behinds a website riddle. You can still do it on this website now.

The riddle had an 11 character limit answer. And only two answers/tracks ("truemessage" and "yaneuraroman") were obtained by entering different combinations of the Roman passwords (Will explain in more details how the Roman Code Passwords work in "Extra Notes").

truemessage.mp3 (Le vrai message): The password to obtain it was "Shiawasenionarinasai" (しあわせにおなりなさい). This track is the same as the track "The 11-Lettered Message" but the coded portion sung as 『La la la la la…La la la la la la...』by Maman in the original is replaced with the actual message 『L・i・v・e・H・a・p・p・i・l・y』 (しあわせにおなりなさい), the singer sings the actual message here.(https://cnt.kingrecords.co.jp/soundhorizon/roman/dl/truemessage.mp3)

yaneuraroman.mp3 (Attic Story): The password to obtain it was "oriawaseshininasaina" (おりあわせしになさいな). Due to this track being revealed through hints in "The Sage of Twilight", it is commonly assumed that the narrator of this track is the Sage himself. (https://cnt.kingrecords.co.jp/soundhorizon/roman/dl/yaneuraroman.mp3)

Events & Lives:

The [Concert Tour 2006-2007 "Roman ~The Story That Connects Us ~"] was held five times:

Tokyo performance on November 26, 2006 (Sunday) at Tokyo Nakano Sun Plaza.
Aichi performance on December 5, 2006 (Tuesday) at Zepp Nagoya in Nagoya.
Osaka performance December 6, 2006 (Wednesday) at Osaka·Namba Hatch.
Additional performance in Osaka January 6, 2007 (Saturday) at the Art Hall of the Osaka Welfare and Welfare Pension Center in Osaka.
Additional performance in Tokyo on January 8, 2007 (Monday/Holiday) at the Tokyo Employees' Pension Hall in Tokyo.

(Pictures taken from google. Specifically: http://blog.livedoor.jp/)
Participants:

Vocal & Voice Actors: Hiver Laurant, KAORI, YUUKI, REMI, RIKKI, Jimang and Ike Nelson.
Musicians: Guitars: Shingo Saito "Jake"; Bass: Jun Hasegawa; Drums: Kenichi Fujimoto; Keyboards: Kyoko Osako; Percussions: Naomi Ishikawa; 1st Violin: Kyoko Ishigame; 2nd Violin: Riyoko Matsui; Viola: Maki Fukumoto; Cello: Maiko Sato
Manipulator: Manabu Saka

(Some of the Live goods)

Click to enlarge the picture

Invitation to the Coronation Ceremony

Click to enlarge the picture

The [Christmas 【 Special Event 】] was held on December 24, 2006 at B1 "Stage One" in Tower Records Shibuya store in Tokyo.

Participants: Revo , KAORI , YUUKI , REMI and Jimang.

By purchasing the LE or RE of "Roman" at TOWER RECORDSs from November 21st to December 11th, 2006 you receive a special return-postcard to apply to go to this event.

It was a mini event that lasted just under an hour. The first song was "The Endia & The Knights", followed by "The Sage at Dusk," "The Story of Morning and Night," and "Yield" chorus.
The ["Roman ~The Story That Connects Us ~" DVD Screening] was a free screening that you apply by sending a return-postcard. It was held:

March 21, 2007: Sendai Civic Hall Small Hall
April 7, 2007: Kyoto Educational and Cultural Center
April 8, 2007: Fukuoka IMS Hall
April 14, 2007: Green Hall, Chofu City, Tokyo
April 21, 2007: Nagoya Ikebukuro Gas Hall

Participants: Hiver Laurant and Savant.

The event activity was: A free screening of the "DVD: Sound Horizon Concert Tour 2006-2007 "Roman ~ The Story That Connects Us ~"" with MC interludes.

Click to enlarge the picture

Upon entering a B5 size DVD flyer was given.

"Is there a story there...."

Goods: The same goods from the Roman live tour and the online shop goods were being sold. The new event merchandise was a cellphone strap, the design of the cellphone was the same from the Roman Live tour, but the design of the backing card had been altered (the backing card for the Live was the black sword from Shonen...).

(Left: backing for the Roman live tour. Right: backing for the Screening of the Roman DVD)

According to Revo's blog during this time Revo "was" visiting Rouen, France so he send Savant and Hiver in his place and asked Hiver to give him reports of the events. This exchange was in the form of letters. These letters were originally confidential but were made public by a certain individual and got published in the form of diaries and multiple hidden web pages. (More info in the "Extra Notes")
In the future, a large number of plots and allusions came from this series, including the grand Live set "マーベラス超宇宙" (Marvelous Microcosmos), which would be performed at every live show, have numerous related merchandise, and be officially included in the 9th Story CD, among others

DVD & PV: Promotional Video:

Promotional Video: 「見えざる腕」, "Miezaru ude", (The Invisible Arm).
DVD: Sound Horizon Concert Tour 2006-2007 "Roman ~ The Story That Connects Us ~" released on April 25, 2007 by KING RECORDS.

The DVD includes the performance from the January 8, 2007. Additionally, the music video for the songs 「見えざる腕」, "Miezaru ude", (The Invisible Arm) and 「終端の王と異世界の騎士」, "Shuutan no Ou to Isekai no Kishi", (The King of End and the Knights from Other Worlds) are also included.

The DVD was released in two versions: the RE and the First press LE. The First press LE features special packaging and includes a 48-page concert photo book, a "Sound Horizon Kingdom Passport", and other special enclosed bonuses. It also includes a "NG (Not Good) Footage Collection" that is not found in the regular edition.

Store Benefits:

Tower Records: Another Box "Night Color".
TSUTAYA RECORDS: Another box "Morning Color".
Toranoana: Passport cover
Magmani: Bromide (photographic portrait). → (No records of this benefit)
Melon Books: Postcard. → (No records of this benefit)
Yamagiwa: Postcard. → (No records of this benefit)

Mangas & Novels:

Manga: On April 19, 2007, the comic adaptation of "Roman" began to be serialized in the May issue of the comic magazine "ULTRA JUMP". Written by Yukimaru Katsura (桂遊生丸) who had previously done the Ark manga adaptation, in that publication there was an interview "Revo × Yukimaru Katsura ROMAN Talk" referring to their upcoming collaboration, this Roman adaptation (Link to read the full scans of the interview. Translation still needed).

Later in 2008, the Volume 1 was released and in 2009 the volume 2.

When it was released as volumes, the order of chapters and pictures were adjusted, and some of the content is different from the serialized version.

Hiver introduction - Differences Magazine and Tankoubon

On December 1, 2015 the volumes were reprinted, and a electronic version was release on the same day. For the re-release, the title of the first chapter was changed from "The Story of Morning and Night" (朝と夜の物語) to "Flame" (焔), and "The Story of Morning and Night" was added at the very end of the book.

Benefits:

Magazine Toranoana Bonus: "ULTRA JUMP" May 2008

Illustration Card signed by Yukimaru Katsura and Revo. A postcard-sized, illustrated by Yukimaru Katsura, featuring a new artwork specifically created for this bonus.

Volume 1 Toranoana Bonus:

Illustration Card signed by Yukimaru Katsura and Revo. A postcard-sized, illustrated by Yukimaru Katsura, featuring a new artwork specifically created for this bonus.

It can be combined with the illustration card from the May 2008 "ULTRA JUMP" issue to form a single artwork.

Volume 2 Toranoana Bonus:

Illustration Card signed by Yukimaru Katsura and Revo. A postcard-sized, illustrated by Yukimaru Katsura, featuring a new artwork specifically created for this bonus.

When the manga was announced an special website was launched on June 19, 2007 with an animation and music loading page.
You can visit the website here

There you could find a Story introduction, a link to read the first chapter online free trial, a character introduction, and part of an interview/dialogue with Revo × Yukimaru Katsura unpublished on the magazine.

Translation still needed

Where they talk a bit about the "The Tale of Morning and Night" chapter and "The Wine of Joy and Sorrow" chapter.

A New special page opened on December, 2015. For the reprinted version. There you could find a Story introduction, a link to read the first chapter online free trial and a character introduction.

The page is down but can be visit by Waybackmachine here
The August 2007 issue of ULTRA JUMP (released on July 19, 2007) featured also the Revo × Yukimaru Katsura Dialogue about Roman and a special interview about the soon-to-be-released Iberia of the Holy War (Seisen no Iberia).

Link to read the full scans of the interview. Translation still needed

At the same time, the special webpage for the Roman manga was updated with unpublished portions of the dialogue and a short video message from Revo. You can watch the video here.
During the Ultra Jump serialization, a lottery was held based on a reader survey, and one of the prize options was an illustrated plate featuring the three main characters.
The back covers of the two volumes can be combined to form a complete picture.
The obi (book jacket) of the first edition of the manga volume featured a message from Revo, and the obi of the second volume featured a message from Revo and also an illustration of Revo drawn by Yokoyan. In the reprinted editions, the obi content was changed to promote the Moira manga..
An autograph session with Yukimaru Katsura (桂遊生丸) was held on May 5, 2008, for Volume 1 and on January 25, 2009, for Volume 2. Each signing event was limited to 100 participants, with entry tickets distributed at designated Toranoana stores. Customers who purchased the respective manga volume at the store could opt to participate. Tickets were available on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to one ticket per person. The signature was restricted to the manga volume, with each person allowed one signature only.

Novel: During the extension of the 10th anniversary of Sound Horizon's commercial debut, "Roman" was adapted into the novel "Your Story Revolving around a Winter’s Morning and a Holy Night". Jumonji Ao and Hidari are responsible for the novel adaptation and illustration respectively. The first volume was released on February 3, 2016, and the second volume was released on July 2, 2016.

Benefits:

Store benefit for Vol. 1:

Animate: Clear file.
TSUTAYA: Newly Written Short Story: "In His Voice".
Toranoana: Special Signed Illustration Card.
Melonbooks: Special bookmark.

Store benefits for Vol. 2:

Gamers: Photo Print (Bromide).
Toranoana: Replica Signed Illustration Card.
Melonbooks: Special bookmark.
TSUTAYA: Newly Written Short Story: "25 Meters Away".

Store benefit buying combined Vol, 1 & 2:

Animate: Upper and Lower Volume Storage Box. Gifted when both volumes are purchased simultaneously or consecutively.
Melonbooks: Upper and Lower Volume Storage Sleeve Case

Twitter Retweet Giveaway:

@kadokawasneaker: In celebration of the future launch for the novel "Roman," on November 22, 2015: One retweeter was selected to receive a framed illustration signed by Ao Jūmonji and Hidari.
November 22 is the anniversary of the release for the album "Roman," and the tweet included the tag #Roman9thAnniversary.
@kadokawasneaker: In celebration of the novel’s release on February 3, 2016: Two retweeters were selected to receive a framed illustration signed by Ao Jūmonji and Hidari.
@S_Horizon_info: On June 27, 2016 to commemorate the release of the second volume of Roman on July 2. Ten winners will be selected by lottery from those who retweet this post to receive a replica of an original illustration by Sakura Kinoshita (who draw the manga "Elysion - A Story Around Two Paradises) with signatures from both the illustrator and Revo.

The obi (book wrap) of the first volume features a message from Akio Otsuka, a voice actor who participated in the Roman album doing narrations for the 1st, 3rd and 5th track, while the obi of the second volume includes a message from Revo.
The novel's special webpage was launched on December 2, 2015 with a proper revamp on January 29, 2016.

The page is down but can be visit by Waybackmachine here
The artist for the novel Hidari (@lleftt) shared a drawing promoting the Vol 1 of Roman Novel on twitter.

Here is the tweet

Extras Notes:

Both Roman's secret tracks were also included in the 2nd disk "Secret Story CD" from 『Chronology』, released on April 13, 2012.
Roman Code & Passwords:
In the lyrics on the booklet, certain letters are replaced with numbers. Each song replace a different letter with one number. The replaced numbers, in order from track 1 to 11, are 『0302, 0101, 1001, 0304, 0502, 0105, 0501, 0902, 0501, 0301, 0102』. Witch it's the same as the numbers on "The 11-Lettered Message" lyrics.

The code table is hidden on the back cover's backside (accessible by removing the CD plate case).

The first part of the number represents the columns and the last part represents the rows. For example, 0302 becomes 'し' in the 3rd column of the 2nd row. If you arrange the messages in this order, it comes out as follows. “しあわせにおなりなさい” (Become Happy).

However, you can place these messages in a different order. According to the narration in the song "The Sage of Twilight" (黄昏の賢者), "When the 'windmill' keeps spinning... the 'horizon' shall know the fifth story", the sequence of codes given there is 『0105 0902 0101 1001 0304 0302 0502 0501 0301 0102 0501』 this comes out: “おりあわせしになさいな” (Accept Death).

The Handkerchief message:

Using the same code to decipher the message is:
あなたのたびはまだこれからです
Your journey is just beginning.
うれしいこともかなしいこともたくさんあるでしょう
You will encounter many joyful and sorrowful moments.
し・あ・わ・せ・に・お・な・り・な・さ・い
Please become happy.
このはんかちがわたしのかわりにあなたとともにあります
This handkerchief will take my place and stay with you.
さあ…なみだをふいてーー
Now… dry your tearsーー
These number sequences are later used in other works as well.
"冬の伝言" (Winter's Message):
It's considered a response to "11文字の伝言" (The 11-Lettered Message) by Hiver. It was first performed during the encore of the additional performance of the 6th Story Concert "Moira". During the encore, Hiver Laurant appeared, promoting the "Roman" manga, the Laurant brand, and more, while also debuting this song. This song is a live only song so far.

Picture from the 5th Anniversary Movie “Across the Horizon” DVD
Bonus tracks connections: The bonus track "true message" (真実の伝言) melody at the end transitions to "The Story of Morning and Night" (朝と夜の物語), as the message said "Live Happily", just as in "The 11-Lettered Message" it loops back to Hiver searching for a Roman were he lives.

However, in the track "The Roman in the Attic" (屋根裏物語), which corresponds to the message "Accept Death", the opening melody of this track is identical to that of "The Story of Morning and Night" (朝と夜の物語), but it incorporates wind sound effects representing the spinning of a windmill like it mentions in "Savant of Twilight", which are absent from "The Story of Morning and Night". It also features the melody of "The Girl in the Attic" (屋根裏の少女) from ‹Pico Magic Reloaded› and it makes references to lyrics from that song and "The Flower Within the Cage" (檻の中の花) from the same album.

In "The Roman in the Attic", Michelle Malebranche, a character from the "attic series", awaits the birth of Hiver. After this, it transitions directly into "The Story of Morning and Night ~Another Roman Mix~", the first press limited edition bonus. The ending of "The Roman in the Attic" is exactly the same of the starting to "Another Roman". Also you can heard Michele laughs on "Another Roman".

If the story continues with the "True Message" it repeatedly loops back to "The Story of Morning and Night." However, if it branches to "The Roman in the Attic", in Another Roman, the song doesn't transitions to other song as Hiver becomes "The corpse of a man" and the dolls "The broken dolls".

This branching has led to interpretations of the story as having either multiple endings or a bad ending. The tracks "true message," "The Story of Morning and Night," "The Roman in the Attic," and "Another Roman" each connect in such a way that, according to the narrative, Hiver Laurant, after hearing the Message of 11 Characters, becomes confused by Michele’s sudden appearance. This results in him endlessly wandering the same world, ultimately decaying with the dolls in a tragic conclusion. To emphasize this we have Hiver’s line "Who is lying...?" .

However, in the 3rd Territorial Expansion concert, the reply to "true message" was performed as "Winter's Message", in which Hiver expresses gratitude for the feelings of his mother, who sought to bring him into existence. This addition is far removed from despair, embodying a rather joyous conclusion. However, the problem arises when, just as everything seems resolved, Michelle abruptly reappears at the last second saying "Go on... and be born, Hiver!", and "The Girl in the Attic" comes next. This has led many to speculate whether it is, in fact, a bad ending disguised as a happy one.
In November 6, 2007 the casting members for the 5th story CD "Roman" was announced on the oficial website. And instead of the name of Revo showing up there was the name of the character he would play as if they were separated identities. This is a tradition that started from this point, of Revo not being displayed as part of the casting and he acting like they aren't the same person.
The Oficial website was renewed to display a flash animated Roman top banner on November 22, 2006.
PicoRoman: On November 26, 2007, Revo uploaded the song "PicoRoman", a commemorative song for the release of "Roman", on his personal website.

It was an 8bit version of the Roman melody.

Listen to Picoroman
In the booklet the pages have holes in shapes of a moon, letting you see a word from the page behind it, this word foreshadows what song it's coming next.

At the end of each track, there is an epilogue chanted by the twin dolls: "Is there a story there...". If you take them out individually and sort them in the order of the songs prompted by "Savant of Twilight", then the music box in the background can form the main theme of "The Story of Morning and Night".

Is there a story there... Roman Music box re-order

Hiver-Revo correspondence:
During the period of the DVD screening Revo "send Hiver Laurant in his place to traveled around Japan since Revo was visiting Rouen, France at the moment" and they exchanged correspondence about reportings of the events. At the same time the Aprils Fool shenanigan on the blog happen. This story happen inside the blog and multiple hidden web pages. During this period a lot of references and allusions to future releases are revealed, like the mention of Moira Horizon and the 9th Horizon being related to "Mysterious Super-Universe" witch later become the "Marvelous Microcosmos". At the same time strange stuff happens to Revo and Hiver.

To read the complete interactions go to this file: "Hiver & Revo correspondence & April fools time travel"
That's a big file, please take your time and enjoy it, but for a TLDR of it here is a resume:

Hiver embarks on his mission to unite Laurants through Roman. At every stop, he connects fans through songs, chants of "Yeah!". Hiver's reports humorously detail local delicacies, cultural encounters, and the rising "YeahWave!" that brings fans together. Yet, cracks in the expedition begin to show. Hiver reveals signs of physical wear as his temporary body starts to falter, hinting at a deeper fragility. In Tokyo, Hiver undergoes a magical punishment from Madame Laurant, transforming him into the white cat "Launyan." Despite these trials, he pushes forward, fueled by his love for Laurants and the Roman.

Judah Laurant of the Mobile Kingdom Communication Bureau uncovers anomalies that suggest the kingdom is caught in a web of temporal distortion. Judah’s experiments with time travel lead to paradoxes, including a fateful encounter with his future self.

Meanwhile, Revo becomes increasingly haunted by strange occurrences: Plates in his attic mysteriously shatter with a sweet fragrance. His left and right hands exhibit "strange feelings," as if manipulated by unseen forces. His messages to Hiver are frequently disrupted, devolving into nonsensical symbols.

As the journey continues, Hiver’s reports grow more somber. He reveals that his body is reaching its limits, but he remains determined to complete his mission. In Nagoya, the final leg of the expedition, Hiver musters the last of his strength to deliver one final report. Hiver disappears, leaving behind only his correspondence and the echoes of his devotion to the Laurants. His temporary body disintegrates, consumed by the effort of carrying the flames of Roman.

Revo’s reaction is a mix of sorrow, resolve, and mystery. He acknowledges Hiver’s absence as a profound loss, mourning the disappearance of one of the kingdom’s brightest flames. Yet, he assures the Laurants that Hiver’s legacy will endure, woven into the fabric of Roman. Revo cryptically writes of Hiver’s ultimate sacrifice as opening the "door of destiny," a symbol of the eternal connection between Laurants. Though Hiver has vanished, his spirit lives on in the hearts of Laurants. Revo continues to guide his kingdom, weaving Roman into the lives of all who take part.

Revo's strange occurrences are connected to the success of the "Cage Trilogy," as Revo is supposed to be in Rouen, France, which is the same location where that story is taking place.

Lyrics translations taken from Flower Assato website
After Revo leave King Records the website for the code to unlocking the hidden tracks got down. And only after many years for Sound Horizon Anniversary they made the links functional again. During that time the message display on the website was this.

"Sorry...
Now that it is closed..."
Happy New Yeah: Is the merger of Happy New Year and "Yeah". The original meme came from the Internet. People often heard the "Pierre" in "The Story of Morning and Night" as "Yeah". This was also mentioned in the French lecture at the performance in Osaka on December 3, 2006. Later on Revo's blog on new year's day, December 31, 2006 he suggested to do a New Year countdown doing the "良く似た A Happy New Yeah!".

A a few days after on the blog he released the audio, which was the beginning of "The Story of Morning and Night", singing "良く似た A Happy New Yeah!" (A very similar Happy New Yeah!) and some extra lines.

Listen to Happy New Yeah

Later during the concert in Osaka on January 6, 2007 they sang "良く似た A Happy New Yeah!" when doing the "The Story of Morning and Night" song.

According to Revo's interview with "Anican R music (vol.2) N19" in 2007. Revo created the 5th Story under the concept of "Roman." First of all, "Roman" in French means "story." When received by Japanese audiences, it’s thought of in a broader sense, encompassing nuances like "romance" (as written in katakana). And he wanted each singer to interpret a character.

Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007. Full translation still needed
Revo mentioned in the interview in the "Revo & Yuki Kajiura Dream Port 2008 Memorial", published by Anikan on July 10, 2008, that during the production of Roman for external reasons he didn't had enough time, so to make the process easier he worked in a song at a time as a stand alone instead to try to connect all songs as a whole single story in one album like how he is planning for Moira.

Link to read the full scans of the Memorial interview. Translation still needed
According to Revo's online interview with "Anime-Exite" on November, 2006. The 11 songs are not entirely separate stories. Each one contains elements that could connect to another song, and the album itself is constructed to loop endlessly with these interconnections. Even the artwork in the booklet expresses this, weaving a narrative of repetition between morning and night. He also mentions he made connections to previous works.

Revo's online interview with Anime-Exite, 2006. Translation still needed
In the magazine QuickJapan vol.73 release on August, 2007 translated by Defade. Revo made a comment on individual albums. He mentions that many fans request a similar work, but he believes Roman has layers that can be appreciated even after years of listening. He doesn't feel the need to repeat the same subject.

Revo’s comments on individual albums from QuickJapan vol.73
From the 1st Roman concert, Sound Horizon was upgraded from a territory to a kingdom, and the lord became the king. And it also started to classified all the places they haven't perform yet as "foreign countries" until they were reached in a "territorial expansion expedition". Roman is also where the term Laurant was solidified as a name for Sound Horizon fans. It represents individuals with different stories, just like the characters in the album.
The melody that flows out during the "Coronation Ceremony" performance at the beginning of the concert/DVD later was know to be the main theme of the 6th Story CD " Moira ".
Animate released a campaign. Commercial debut 10th anniversary "Sound Horizon" old works market. During the campaign period (October 27 to November 30, 2014) you culd get a free Cover Size Sticker when you purchase some of the SH releases up to May 2012 at animate. There were four stickers options: "Elysion ~Paradise Fantasy Story Suite~", "Roman", "Moira", and "Märchen"
“Sound Horizon” x “Color Collection”: Starting in November 17, 2016 a collection of mini figure of 180 characters from Sound Horizon was released. The 1st set had a figure of Hortense, the 2nd set had Hiver, and the 3rd set had Violette. They are approximately 4 cm. In some store by preordering the 3 sets a tote bag came with them.
Various Merchandising:

Pin badge/Can badge: available in Gachapon machines during the live events & Sound Horizon Cafe.
A set of two scrunchies with Hortense and Violette motifs. Available for a limited time on the Official Web Shop.
Jewelry Pouch Hortense or Violette version. Available as one of the goods for the [First Territory Revival Expedition] from July to September, 2011 and also in the Web Shop. It was 2,000 yen.
Roman Drop Candy Can Set. Hiver Can (Soda Flavor), Violette Can (Grape Flavor) & Hortense Can (Muscat Flavor). Available in the Web Shop in 2012. It was 1,800 yen.
Roman cushion. Available in the Web Shop in 2012. It was 5,500 yen.
Roman Tumbler. Available in the Web Shop in 2012. It was 2,000 yen.
Hortense & Violette Pullip dolls were first displayed exclusively at the Pullip Doll 10th Anniversary Exhibition, held at Parco Museum from February 22 to March 11, 2013. However, due to popular demand (1961 people), it was decided to release them publicly through pre-orders. It was 22,000 yens each.
Screen cleaner featuring Hortense and Violette. Available from Sound Horizon Cafe featuring “Nein”, specifically "A Flame Never Extinguished by Tears", around 2015/10/19~2016/01/12 .
Sound Horizon Kingdom "Royal Hortensia Fragrance" & "Royal Violet Fragrance". Available in the Web Shop limited product section in October, 2015. It was 9,400 yens each.
Roman shoes a MAYLA x Sound Horizon collaboration to celebrate the 20th anniversary, release in July, 2024. Inspired in Violette, Hiver & Hortense.

Sanhora Lab: On August 26, 2020 the second research theme, 5th Story CD "Roman" as part of the Sound Horizon Around 15th Anniversary release. In which three writers who are familiar with SH (Akihiro Tomita, Sayawaka, and Koji Shimizu) are researching and explaining SH as lab researchers. You can watch the official video here.
Some of the concept they talk about:
Does Roman truly exist there?
Roman is a melodious and emotional album that stands out for its accessibility while retaining Sound Horizon’s signature complexity. Though filled with dark and tragic stories, it also carries a profound sense of love, making it one of the most beloved works among fans.
This album is significant as the first where Revo himself sang, attracting many new listeners. At the heart of its narrative is Hiver Laurant, a character whose existence is symbolized by the unfolding album cover—half-hidden when closed and fully revealed when opened. Alongside him, two dolls emphasize the album’s sense of mystery.
A key theme in Roman is the interplay between life and death, a recurring motif in Sound Horizon’s works. However, rather than leading toward death, Roman questions whether there is a place where Hiver can be born, giving it a unique focus on life.
Musically, Roman blends pop-like melodies with deep storytelling. While easy to listen to, it contains layers of meaning that set it apart from previous albums like Elysion. It acknowledges sorrow but also offers words that encourage perseverance, making it a work that resonates deeply with listeners.
Another defining feature of Roman is its use of multiple vocalists, enhancing its theatrical and narrative-driven nature. Rather than functioning like a typical rock album, it feels closer to a soundtrack or musical, further distinguishing Sound Horizon’s style.
Ultimately, Roman serves as an introduction to Sound Horizon’s storytelling albums, capturing the beauty of its melodies, the depth of its themes, and the unique way its narratives unfold.
Re:Master Project: This album, along with 10 others, was remastered on August 26, 2020 for the Sound Horizon's 15th Anniversary. It came with a postcard draw by Yokoyan.

Elysion - Paradise Fantasy Story Suite - [Records]

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 04:50:00 +0000

The doors of Paradise open...

Elysion ~Paradise Fantasy Story Suite~ was released on April 14, 2005. Was the first Story CD after their major debut with Bellwood Records.

The album contains 11 songs, but there are a total of 45 tracks on the CD.

The album came with a booklet and the system sound effects included in the CD as a bonus.

Benefits:

Depending of which store you bought it:

Toranoana: "Welcome to Rakuen Chart". A single foldout page with a quiz to determine which character you will connect to at the end through a series of YES/NO questions. There were some different paths that went to the same result.

The results are: The energetic [Yield type], the ferocious [Sacrifice type], the naturally born [SH type], the shy [Baroque type], the innocent [Ark type], and the dreamy [StarDust type].
Animate: "Message card". A card with a music score written on the back.
Melonbooks: a postcard draw by Yokoyan.
Others stores: Stikers of the cover

Extras:

Tracks 12 to 43 are each 5 seconds of silent audio.
Track 44 serves as a bonus track being 48 seconds long, containing the conversation between Abyss and El when he returns home before he dies.
Track 45 is 7 seconds of silent audio.

Elysion computer sound effects collection

Start sound effect. (DTStart.wav): "I... will never boot up a desktop again in my life..."
Shutdown sound effect. (DTEnd.wav): "Come... let's turn off the desktop. And return to paradise, dearest brother..."
Empty the recycling bin sound effect. (Gomibako.wav): "Still, I want to empty the Recycling Bin..."
Email sound effects. (Mail.wav): "You got virus spam emails... why? Tell me... why? Answer me!"
System error sound effect. (Error.wav): "Dear Lord, I have committed an error."

Events & Lives:

The [ "Elysion ～Paradise Fantasy Story Suite～" release commemorative event] was held at Toranoana Nº1 Store in Akihabara, Tokyo on April 17, 2005. With a capacity of 100 people (80 seated). And at the "YAMAGIWA SOFT" store in Akihabara on April 22, 2005. With a capacity of 150 people.
Participants: Revo , Aramary , Shingo "Jake" Saito , Shigeru Tamura. At the end, each fan who attended the event was handed a colored paper signed by Revo and Aramary.

The event activity was:

Broadcast of エルの楽園［→side:E→］PV (El's Paradise［→side:E→］ PV)
A talk session. According to reports, Revo didn't talk much. (*In past reports it seems that Revo wasn't good at speaking on public or was nervous about it, but when he starts to speak, it seems to go on for a long time.)
The Revo session: Revo guitar playing and singing with Aramary. Revo played "The Beast of The Endness" from Levianthan Image Album
They play "《Ark》- Acoustic Version -". Revealed for the first time. With a slightly slower tempo.
Q&A session "Ask Your Lordship". The questions from the questionnaires distributed at the entrance to the event and collected before the performance.

Click to enlarge the picture

Sound Horizon Live in Amlux in Ikebukuro, Tokyo on April 29, 2005. Amlux is an exhibition and sales hall for Toyota vehicles, and the general public can enter. It was Sound Horizon's first official live, with about 300 viewers.
There were goods sold on the venue: Pin badge; Pendant; Leather lighter case; Leather cellphone strap; Sticker. Also the CD's were being sold: Elysion ~Prelude to Paradise~ and Elysion ~Paradise Fantasy Story Suite~ with a first-come, first-served basis of one sticker each (total of two) + signed colored paper or CD store POP was included.

Some of the Live goods

The live performance began with Jimang dressed as Abyss (though there was no mask), narrating the story. [Welcome to the wasteland of time!]. Each song was introduced by Jimang with a red lighting in scene.

In "The Tragedy of Ballad the Poet" at the end of the song there was the sound of bells, metal sounds, hammering sounds and a small scream at the end.
During "StarDust": Aramary walked through the audience in the middle, went to the back to get the rose bouquet, and then walked through the audience back to the stage.

The talk session:
Click to enlarge the picture

At the end, they sang "Ark - acoustic version-" with slow tempo, Aramary introduced the performers again. Jimang/Abyss shows up last, holding a flute and starting the "The Pied Piper and the Parade" and leading the members out of stage.

Before completely leaving they announced: [The parade never ends, from Amlux to Nakano ZERO! If you are ready to betray the setting sun, follow me to Paradise Parade!], referring the [ Elysion ~Welcome to Paradise Parade~ ] live that will be held at Nakano ZERO.
The [ Elysion ~Welcome to Paradise Parade~ ] performance was held at the Nakano ZERO Hall in Tokyo on July 24, 2005. At the end of the show, it was announced that an additional performance would be held on October 19, 2005.
During "StarDust" 1st performance Aramary stabs him with a knife. During the 2nd performance Aramary added a gun to her right hand and performed the shooting.
During "El's Paradise [- side A -]" 1st performance El is talking with a bird, during the 2nd performance they changed it to a fairy (puppeteered by Screaming Mad Geroge).
The re-arrangement of "The World of Rein" to "Jimang's World [→ side:J →]" was revealed as an encore song for the first time."

Elysion Live Pamphlet

The shop was the same as the previous event but added a T-shirt and a silver ring. No CD were sold. But a pamphlet was issued with a message from Revo: "SH, who has been weaving stories to be heard, took on the challenge of acting out stories to be shown through collaboration with the genius Mr. Mad George. Please forget for a moment the performance on the CD and the interpretation based on it. Welcome to the upcoming Horizon Parade!"

Some of the Live goods
The [ "Elysion ~Welcome to Paradise Parade~" DVD premiere ] event was held in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka on January 7, 8, 9, 18, and 19, 2006, to commemorate the release of the live DVD.

The event activity was:
- DVD screening premier
- Fantasy band mini event (Revo, Jimangu, Saito "Jake" Shingo, Shigeru Tamura)
- Elysion special talk with Revo and Screaming Mad George. And one day two special guests: former Yokohama Ginbae guitarist, Johnny and current Bellwoods Records producer Masato Asanuma.
During this event they sang "The World of Revo". The 1st day Revo forgot most of the lyrics and hum most parts. By the 3rd day he learned the lyrics. They changed some lyrics: ``In the lord's hand is a black accordion.`` '' a dog with black and silver fur that brings good luck, roars...'' and Jake who has dog-ears ``Woof!''. Also ``The sinner is in Revo's eyes~''.
They also play "The day I shot down my lover -Jimang Ver.-" and "Holy War and the Reaper" also Revo played some songs that didn't belong to Sound Horizon, like for example an instrumental song from Howl’s Moving Castle on accordion and "過ぎ去りし永遠の日々" by Coba (Yasuhiro Kobayashi) also on accordion.

They gave a flyer with the lyrics to "El's picture book [The Pied Piper and the Parade]" to sing along. One of the days they tricked spectators and instead they gave an illustration of Abyss with the V sign, the drawing was made by Revo saying [“What a pity...”].

Click to enlarge the picture

DVD & PV:

Promotional Video: "El's Paradise［→side:E→］"
According to Revo: "It's a video work rather than our promotional video."' Apparently, SFX (special effects) artist Screaming Mad George was "enthusiastic to participate." he created the MV and he continued by taking charge of overall directing during the live performance. Was also in charge of digital video art, mask and doll production. Revo and him met while working on Leviathan.
DVD: "Elysion ~Welcome to the Paradise Parade~" release on March 7, 2006 by Bellwood Records. It was No. 2 on Oricon's daily DVD sales chart on its release day and No. 2 on its weekly DVD sales chart on its release week. Was the first DVD release by Sound Horizon. It has recordings of both days of the live.

Originally 2 versions were released: RE and LE. Among the First LE came with 3 different color covers (Black, White, Red), a Photobook (48 pages), and included a DVD with "El's Paradise［→side:E→］PV", "Making of the PV" and "Making of the Live".

Notes: The order of the tracks in the video/live does not match the album order.

Benefits:

Toranoana: Special protection cover case & Illustration card

Illustration card
Animate: Cover box with Yokoyan ilustration (The box its transparent and has a portrait of El in the front).
Yamagiwa: "Masked man" T-shirts

Mangas & Novels:

Ark: A comic interpretation of Ark by Yukimaru Katsura was release on November 18, 2006 the 1st chapter in Shueisha's monthly magazine "ULTRA JUMP.

It also had an interview "Revo × Yukimaru Katsura ROMAN Talk". And the 2nd chapter was released December 19, 2006.

Link to read the full scans of the interview. Translation still needed

On December 19, 2015, when the Moira manga started to serialize, in addition to it, they released a bonus comic of Ark in the form of a booklet. The old interview wasn't included on it.
Elysion ~ A story that revolves around two paradises~, a manga adaptation draw by Sakura Kinoshita and written by Ao Jyumonji. Published in Monthly ASUKA from April 24, 2015 to May 24, 2016. Later serialized in two volumes in October 26, 2015, and May 26, 2016 respectively.

Benefits:

Magazine Supplement Special: “Elysion: A Story Around Two Paradises” Sheet
Magazine Recruitment Special:

Cover illustration “Elysion: A Story Around Two Paradises” Book Car (Abyss & El)
Cover illustration “Elysion: A Story Around Two Paradises” Book Car (Lafrenze & Orpheus)
Autograph colored paper featuring Revo and Sakura Kinoshita.

Single volume special edition 1:

Melonbooks: newly drawn illustration card
WonderGOO: Lafrenze and Orpheus Illustration Postcard
Toranoana: "The Witch and Lafrenze" Chapter 1 double-page illustration card
Animate: Limited set "Draft Album". Includes an unreleased draft booklet. The cover is a new picture drawn by Sakura Kinoshita.

Single volume special edition 2:

Toranoana: illustration card of Abyss girls
WonderGOO: postcard of El
Melonbooks: special illustration card
Animate: Limited set clear file

Twitter Retweet Giveaway on May 25, 2016: 10 reposters will be randomly selected to receive a copy of the original painting signed by the illustrator and Revo.

Elysion ~ A story that revolves around two paradises~, a novel written by Ao Jyumonji and illustrated by Hidari. Published by KADOKAWA. Released Vol 1 on February 14, 2015 and Vol 2 on June 27, 2015.

Benefits:

Volume 1:

TSUTAYA: Autographed illustration card (Side: ABYSS)
Toranoana: Autographed illustration card (Side: ELYSION)
Animated: Limite set Cover Style CD Case

Volume 2:

Animate: Storage box
TSUTAYA: Newly Written Short Story "Elysion The Little Ark of Two Seats That Reached the Stardust
Toranoana: Illustration card with autograph (Abyss girls)
Animate: Limited set Hanging picture

Animate Special Event book market points exchange: You can exchange 5 points for a button badge with an image of "Elysion: A Tale of Two Paradises".
Twitter Retweet Giveaway on June 27, 2015: 2 reposters will be randomly selected to receive a framed illustration autographed by Ao Jyumonji and Hidari.

Extras Notes:

The release it's all composed of two sides Elysion and ABYSS, from the appearance packaging, lyrics pages, disc design to the album content. While reading the booklet is all composed from the front and back as the two sides. Being the odd-numbered pieces Elysion side and the even-numbered the ABYSS side. You need to flip upside down the booklet to read one side or the other. The side of the album was changed from "Elysion ～Paradise Fantasy Story Suite～" to "ABYSS ～Hell Fantasy Story Suite～.
The order of track lyrics display in the booklet reading the "Elysion ～Paradise Fantasy Story Suite～" side: Tracklist→01→Staff List→03→10→05→08→07→06→09→04→11→02→Tracklist. And when reading the "ABYSS ～Hell Fantasy Story Suite～ side: Tracklist→02→11→04→09→06→07→08→05→10→03→Staff List→01→Tracklist.
The initials for the tracks "Ark," "Baroque," "Yeild," "Sacrifice," and "StarDust" are combined to form "ABYSS". But the colors doesn't match the girls colors: "Ark" represented with violet, "Baroque" with blue, "Sacrifice" with orange, "StarDust" with red except for "Yeild" that is green. The colors show for the girls in the cover match the colors show in "ABYSS" and "Elysion" if you look at them starting from the last word and reading backwards or if you read "Elysion ～Paradise Fantasy Story Suite～" side Tracklist→01→Staff List→03→10→05→08→07→06→09→04→11→02→Tracklist since this order is the backwards order for ABYSS since its being flipped 180º.
The even-numbered tracks (The ABYSS tracks) all have a quotation at the beginning “Perhaps she...is my Elys...” with a music box playing. If you put all of them together and arranging them in the tracklist order, the music box melody in the background can form the prelude melody of "El's Paradise [- side E -]".

Listen to Abyss music box arrange

Listen to side E intro
Bonus tracks: The words Ark, Baroque, Yield, Sacrifice, and Stardust, have a total of 32 letters. Likewise, there are 32 silent tracks, from numbers 12 to 43. ABYSS has a total of five letters/characters, and each bonus track has 5 seconds of silence. The final silence, track 45 is 7 seconds long, so is the number of letters in ELYSION is 7, and there are 7 songs called “El’s~” in the album. In connection with the last line of bonus track 44 "The Fourth Horizon— Its true name is...", it is more likely to mean the word ELYSION being that its follow by track 45, rather than the seven songs trapped in the loop.
Revo commented that when acting for the Promotional Video: "El's Paradise［→side:E→］", the most difficult part was ``playing dead'' and ``Staying still in the same outfit.' ' "My body hurt because of that."
According to Revo's interview with "Anican R music (vol.2) N19" in 2007 translated by Moko-chan. Revo felt the style used previously was more like a drama CD, and wasn't the best to keep up for most of the audience. He also put a lot of thought into the structure the CD, from order of the tracks, design of the album, he used the whole CD as an art form.

Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007
In the magazine QuickJapan vol.73 release on August, 2007 translated by Defade. Revo made a comment on individual albums. Revo emphasizes that going major didn’t change his creative approach and he prioritizes staying true to his vision over industry constraints.

Revo’s comments on individual albums from QuickJapan vol.73
Aramary leaving Sound Horizon: Shortly after the release of the DVD recording the 4th Elysion concert. Screenings for the DVD were held over several days, but Aramary never showed up. About a year after Sound Horizon made its major debut, Aramary left the group. First, the agency 'Rap Products' declared a new system called 'Second Period' and announced the live tour list without Aramary. And a few days later, Revo announced Aramary's withdrawal through his personal website, and Aramary also expressed his position on withdrawal through her personal website, confirming the withdrawal. Although Aramary left the group, 'another Aramary' did not join as the main vocalist. This is because Sound Horizon has changed into a form that fits the saying, ‘It can take on any arrangement.’ Therefore, several vocalists and narrators freely participated in each project, and Revo himself began participating as a vocalist.
(This story deserves a more full explanation to be told in another time)
In 2012 King Records released the First LE DVD live under the name Encore.Press.Version.
In launching this product, there was no prior contact or confirmation with Revo or the actual record company from Bellwood Records and King Records. Revo felt it will betray the fans who purchased the product as a "first limited edition" when it was released in 2006. And requested that sales be stopped because it goes against his intentions. King Records did not got a respond to the request to stop sales, and only removed the DVD bonus "Girls' Portrait Photo Album" that was originally announced on the special website called Sound Horizon's Archives.

Revo's comments on the website.

This DVD was then finally released on July 25, 2012.

This black cover was different from the previous LE black cover
Animate released a campaign. Commercial debut 10th anniversary "Sound Horizon" old works market. During the campaign period (October 27 to November 30, 2014) you culd get a free Cover Size Sticker when you purchase some of the SH releases up to May 2012 at animate. There were four stickers options: "Elysion ~Paradise Fantasy Story Suite~", "Roman", "Moira", and "Märchen"
“Sound Horizon” x “Color Collection”: Starting in November 17, 2016 a colection of mini figure of 180 characters from Sound Horizon was released. The 1st set had a figure of El, and the 3rd set had an Abyss one. They are approximately 4 cm. In some store by preordering the 3 sets a tote bag came with them.
Re:Master Project: This album, along with 10 others, was remastered on July 29, 2020 for the Sound Horizon's 15th Anniversary. It came with a postcard draw by Yokoyan.

Postcard that came with the release

Elysion - Prelude to Paradise - [Records]

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Thu, 04 May 2023 02:43:00 +0000

It's time to fall into Paradise...

Elysion ~ Prelude to Paradise ~ was released on October 27, 2004. Was the first album after their major debut with Bellwood Records. This work was created for new listeners who are not familiar with Sound Horizon style and it was made for the purpose of being easy to understand.

It was composed of a collection of popular songs from albums released before debut + pre-release versions of two songs, which will be included in the forthcoming album.

The album came only with a booklet, no other extra on this time.

Benefits:

A sticker of the cover art by Yokoyan.

Promotional Stuff:

An A2 Promotional Poster.

Now, music has opened the door to the fantasy know as stories...

Extra notes:

According to Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007 translated by Moko-chan. Revo said he would had preferred this release to be a Concept Album. And would had made a Thanatos 2nd and Lost 2nd if they didn't sign with a label.

Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007

Release commemoration event:
On November 21th the "Elysion - Prelude to Paradise -" release commemoration event was held at the stores "YAMAGIWA SOFT" and "Toranoana", in Akihabara, Tokyo.
Revo and Aramary participated, sang <The Knights of the Rose> with fans, and live performed <The Day I Shot My Lover Down> Acoustic Version for the first time.

In addition, they spent time talking, receiving questions from fans, and held a gift lottery. Also they handed out autographs and 'Knights of the Rose' badges to fans.

Reservations and Ranking:
In September 2004 after the news of the decision to make a commercial debut and the scheduled release of "Elysion - Prelude to Paradise -". It ranked first in the number of reservations on Amazon Japan pre-order list.

The album reached No. 14 on the ORICON STYLE Daily Albums Chart on the day of its release, and No. 35 on the weekly chart one week after its release.

Re:Master Project: This album, along with 10 others, was remastered on July 29, 2020 for the Sound Horizon's 15th Anniversary. It came with a postcard draw by Yokoyan.

Postcard that came with the release

Chronicle 2nd [Records]

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 05:15:00 +0000

It's time to trace history of Chronicle 2nd.

Chronicle 2nd was released on March 19, 2004. This release was a response for the request of reprinting Chronicle, as a renewal form.

The album came with a booklet, a HTML appendix containing hidden track and bonus track lyrics and system sound effects.

The album sold over 10,000 copies. Was sold first through the internet and some stores, and later at the Comic Market 66th edition in August, 2004.

Benefits:

A postcard of the cover art by Yokoyan being two version of it. The A version being Rukia and B version being Noah.

History will not tolerate alteration...
The "Knights of The Rose" poem from Luna Ballad, with a singing guide version.

Singing guide: the first paragraph contains kanji and the next paragraph is the same but only in hiragana and katakana.

Clean version of the poem

And a button badge.

A purchase bonus sticker from the Toranoana shop:

Extras:

Not numbered on the booklet and intentionally the lyrics weren't included on the booklet so they considerate as hidden track:

＜ハジマリ＞のクロニクル "<Hajimari> no Chronicle", (Chronicle of ＜Beginning＞)
＜空白＞のクロニクル "<Kuuhaku> no Chronicle", (＜Blank＞ Chronicle)

And if you open the CD on a computer the next "bonus tracks" files could be find:

雷神の右腕, "Raijin no Migi Ude", (The Thunder God’s Right Arm)
And 『Chro2』システムヴォイス集 (『Chro2』 System Voice Collection):

Windows起動音「Windowsが突然起動しやがった！」 (KAI.WAV) (Windows Starting Sound "Windows started up out of the blue!"): Big trouble, boss! Windows started up out of the blue in front of us! Now, don't lose your cool over something like Windows starting up! How disgraceful.
ゴミ箱音「つまらないネタでも宜しければ…」(SAS.WAV) (Trashbin Sound "If you don't mind a boring joke..."): I am Chronica. If you don't mind a boring joke, allow me to empty the recycle bin.
メール着信音「天地を揺るがす強大なメールじゃ！」 (KEI.WAV) (Mail Sound "The great email that shakes the earth and the skies!"): Ahh... how frightening! The great email that shakes the earth and the skies... It's coming, it's coming...!
エラー音「私は悲しい...」 (BEA.WAV) (Error Sound "I am Saddened..."): O Lucia... I am saddened...
Windows終了音「Windowsを終了させる薔薇」 (BAR.WAV) (Windows Ending Sound "A Rose Who Will Shut Down Windows"): The winter rose has withered, and a late spring has arrived. I'll take an oath here – that I'll become a rose who will shut down Windows!

HTML Extras:

Again Revo didn't got time to prepare a more complete and complex HTML.

Revo said he had planned a special web page for the date of release that you could access with the password 64892573. But my memory can't remember if that web ever existed.

Revo's note on "The Thunder God’s Right Arm" song:
This song is the origin of the Raijin series.
Since it's a fairly old song, I was hesitant to include it in the main story.
→ left arm → genealogy and I thought it would deepen the flavor.
I decided to include it as a bonus track after all.
In the HTML there was a list of the laurants that applied to get a reprint of Chronicle:
Previously, when we solicited requests for resale of the 1st Story CD "Chronicle", the following people applied. In response to that, I decided to renew and resell this time. Below, I will list them in no particular order, with titles omitted.
Thank you very much! [...[List]...]

Extra notes:

According to Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007 translated by Moko-chan. Revo said that the album was made for the fans who requested a reprint, but it end becoming something different. He added new instruments, lyrics, and even expanded the stories and made longer tracks.

Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007.

Revo's blog update:

On December 01, 2003, Revo posted on his personal blog an update of his progress in making the CD and how long and bigger was this release in comparison to his previous works.

Revo's blog 2003/12/01 entry

Later at the Official Site , Revo would said: "It's about 300% more powerful."

Chronicle 2nd Demo:

Since the Chronicle 2nd release took longer to make, in the Comic Market 65th, the "Chronicle 2nd Demo CD" (X-Fade Demo Disc) was released on December 30, 2003.

Yasrow:

Under the staff its named as Vocals and Voice "Yasrow" for several songs. This is know to be Revo, before he embodied a main characters of his own histories. The name Yasrow is a play of Revo's real name, which wont be named here.

Book pages order:

If we order the tracks according to the Volumen and Page named on the lyrics it would look like this:

And if we take in considerations the titles on the previous version of Chronicle the Cover would be "Black Chronicle" (Track 1).

Also we have the Page that fell out, "Chronicle of ＜Beginning＞" (Track 20).

Existing outside the book: "Whispers of the Book" (Track 11). And the bonus tracks: "＜Blank＞ Chronicle" and "The Thunder God’s Right Arm".

And the pages missing from the 1st Chronicle release: "[Page 457] The King of Tree Frost ~The Frozen Witch~" and "[Page 903] The Girl Doll".

Connections thought real life history:

Revo's note in the HTML: "In this work, there are many names that are the same or very similar to real people's names and place names, but please think that this work is purely fictional and has nothing to do with it directly."

Fans maps:
Taking Europe as reference, some Laurants had created maps of the places mention on this release. Here some examples:

Picture from chronica-note

Picture from 队长的捞鱼笔记

[Unlisted] Hiver Reports 2

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 17:28:00 +0000

Bonsoir fellow Laurants.
I missed the opportunity to update you on the last edits and news we work around here.

✥ We worked hard to update the blog theme to make it friendlier for mobile users. We hope you enjoy the new look and energy put into it.

✥ The other big update is what we have been working since at least the last May, the Sound Horizon Lyrics Wiki!

A project for recollection of all Sound Horizon Lyrics versions and languages in one place. So you can compare and find new meanings and interpretations of Revo's work.

We added most of the common well knows translations and versions found around on the sites. But we invite anybody to add your versions and in the language you speak. Don't let the work of Revo be stopped by barriers of language.

✥ We are still working on more [Records], the work is in progres. Hiver is just tired dealing with life and death and all of that.

Please stay safe and 『B・e・c・o・m・e・H・a・p・p・y』(☪￣3￣✥)╭~♥

Pico Magic Reloaded [Records]

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 01:34:00 +0000

It's time for reload Reloaded

Pico Magic Reloaded was released on August 17, 2003. Like the previous release this was a way of a compensation and as a reward to fans since Chronicle 2nd was originally scheduled to be released on the Comic Market 64th edition, but was still in production.

It was composed of original new songs + re-recording of previous song + versions of unfinished new songs.

The album came with a booklet, a HTML appendix containing additional songs.

Just like the previous releases it was self-production and was sold at the Comic Market 64th edition.

Benefits:

A postcard of the cover art by Yokoyan.

Extras:

Not listed on the booklet: the hidden track "Track 8", sometimes named "They just said Reloaded".
If you open the CD on a computer the next "bonus tracks" files could be find:

ぴこまりんご飴☆ (PICOR.WAV), "PikomaRingo Ame☆, (PicomApple Candy☆).

And [P.M.R.] 高速再生集 "[P.M.R.] Kousoku Saisei Collection" ([P.M.R.] High Speed Playback Collection):

高速...Reloaded (HSRELO.WAV) "" (High-speed ...Reloaded): It's a high-speed version of "...Reloaded"
檻の中の高速 (HSC.WAV) "" (High-speed Within the Cage): It's a high-speed version of "The Game Within the Cage"
高速の檻花 (HSF.WAV) "" (High-speed Flower Cage): It's a high-speed version of "The Flower in the Cage"
高速澪音 (HSREIN.WAV) "" (High-speed Rein): It's a high-speed version of "World of Rein"

HTML Extras:

Again Revo didn't got time to prepare a more complete and complex HTML.

Revo said he would later publish a supplementary web that you could access with the password 45586090. But my memory can't remember if that web ever existed.

Extra notes:

According to Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007 translated by Moko-chan. Revo said that he intended to release another album but didn't made to the deadline so he had to came up again with another pleasure CD.

Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007.
There is a mistake/misspelling in the booklet. The tittle of the 1st song is misspelled as "Reloded" instead of "Reloaded", the same mistake is carried through the whole booklet even on the track list.

And in the Obi again they repeat the mistake but "Relodede" instead of "Reloaded".

ぴこまり☆ジャンケン・リベンジ (Pikomari ☆ Rock-Paper-Scissors Revenge):
At the Comic Market 64th edition, for each purchase of the CD "Pico Magic Reloaded" you could battle against Aramary dressed as PicoMari. The winners would receive a special sound source. All indicates that this was the " ぴこまり☆の夏(仮) (Pikomari ☆ Summer (provisional))" CD. More details were mentioned in the Lost [Records].
The title might seems to have been taken from the movie "The Matrix Reloaded", that was theatrically released in Japan two months before the release of this album.
Pico Magic Revolutions:
A mysterious CD that Revo announced on April 1, 2004.... as an April Fool's joke.
The tittle would be a reference to the movie "The Matrix Revolutions".
Pico Magic Double (Provisional):
At the Comic Market 66th edition (When Chronicle 2nd was being released) a large number of rigid fans were distributed for free.

With a pixel art on the front and in the back it could be read "こまったときはあおいでください。" (If you’re in a pinch, please come here) on pixelated font.

Intended to be the 3rd Pleasure CD but since later it was announced the major debut, this CD never got to see the light of day.

The same characters can be found in another of Yokoyan drawings from his blog under the file name "picopeco". It's safe to assume that the new character could be "Peco". (This is our own interpretation)
PicomApple Candy☆:
The bonus track is Picomari trying to play a game of Shiritori (しりとり). Is a Japanese word game in which the players are required to say a word which begins with the final kana of the previous word. No distinction is made between hiragana, katakana or kanji. "Shiritori" literally means "taking the end" or "taking the rear".
There are some set of rules.
- Only nouns are permitted.
- Words may not be repeated.
- A player who plays a word ending with "N" (ん) loses the game, as no Japanese word begins with that character.
- Phrases connected by "no" (の) are permitted, but only in those cases where the phrase is sufficiently concrete to be considered a "word".
  
  Example from Japanese Tactics

In this version of the game there is another rule: ( Start with "Picomari☆" and end with "Picomari☆" )

Pico Magic [Records]

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:42:00 +0000

Buongiorno~! Hiver here~!
Time to summon the Pico Magic Pleasure CD [Records]

Pico Magic was released on May 4, 2003. As a way to give something to the supporters while waiting for new releases and since the previous releases were sold out, the 1st Pleasure CD come to life.

It was composed of original new songs + re-recordings of previous songs + versions of unfinished new songs + new songs based on the previous horizons worlds.

The album came with a booklet, a HTML appendix containing additional songs.

Just like the two previous releases it was self-production and was sold on at the M3 Spring of 2003 (11th Edition).

Advertisement on the M3 - Sound system / media mix Doujinshi Convention

Benefits:

A small sticker of the cover art by Yokoyan.

Extras:

If you open the CD on a computer the next "bonus tracks" files could be find:

呪文解明！ぴこ魔神☆ (JPM.WAV) "Jumon Kaimei! Picomajin☆" (Incantation Elucidation! Pico Genie☆): A reverse play of the song "Please! Pico Genie☆".
輪廻の逆再生 (GRIN.WAV) "Rinne no Gyakusaisei" (Reversed Playback of the Cycle of Death and Rebirth).
高速の魔法使い (HSM.WAV) "Kousoku no Mahoutsukai" (High-speed Magician): It's a high-speed version of "Magician Sarabant".
Chronicle 2nd CM (CHRO2CM.WAV): [Chronicle 2nd] trailer, 19 seconds of audio.

HTML Extras:

Revo didn't got time to prepare a more complete and complex HTML this time.

Extra notes:

According to Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007 translated by Moko-chan. Revo said that fans requested to heard the sold out songs but he didn't liked to make collections CD. So as a way of break he made a mix of the old, new and unfinish new as a "Fun CD" for the fans.

Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007.
This release is the only album where "Revo" was recorded as a singer & narrator in the booklet. In the later versions of this songs, Revo's name was deleted.
The 1st track "お愿いっ! ぴこ魔神☆" (Please! Pico Genie☆) contains a funny anecdote about Revo and Aramary . But it was recorded backwards. So you need to listen to the bonus track "呪文解明！ぴこ魔神☆" (Incantation Elucidation! Pico Genie☆), the reverse play of the song to understand it properly.

Translation from Defade
In タナトスの幻想は終わらない… (Thanatos’ Fantasies are Never-ending…) the lyrics make a reference to the upcoming release of Chronicle 2nd, that was originally scheduled to be released in the summer of that year.

Translation from Defade
Popular saying:
In "お愿いっ! ぴこ魔神☆" (Please! Pico Genie☆) the lyrics said こんなことわざを知ってますか？犬も歩けば、棒も歩く。(This is kind of sudden, but do you know of this saying? “If a dog walks, then a stick may too!”).
When the real popular saying is: 犬も歩けば棒に当たる ("If a dog walks, it hits a stick" or "If a dog also walks, it may be hit by a stick."). Which has 2 meanings:

If you act too much, you will encounter an unexpected disaster.→ How often do you get hit by someone when your dog is walking? This is an "unexpected disaster."
If you take some action, you will have unexpected luck.→ The second interpretation that changed the meaning by taking the idea of "hit = good luck" is that "if you do something, you can meet good luck." In other words, it has changed to the positive meaning of "let's take action to meet good luck."

An English proverb equivalent with the good meaning would be "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" that means if one does not take risks, one cannot achieve anything. The sentiment is that one must be willing to risk something dear to him or risk failure if one wants to reap a reward.

Mahjong Chanting:
In "お愿いっ! ぴこ魔神☆" (Please! Pico Genie☆) there are some lines that are repeated during all the song.

Translation from Defade

They are reference to mahjong terms but despite of it, is still complicated to know the true meaning.
"やっは　しゃんてん　いーぺー　じゃ　のんのん
やっは　しゃんてん　りゃんぺー　で　ろんろん"
Here some terms explained, info taken from Riichi wiki:
- しゃんてん = Shanten 「向聴」 is the number of tiles needed for reaching tenpai. It can also be viewed as the minimum number of tile draws or tile calls required to attain tenpai. (Tenpai: "ready hand" when only one more tile is needed to complete the hand.)
- いーぺー = iipei = Iipeikou 「一盃口」is a standard yaku (specific hand patterns or conditions needed in order to score a hand.) involving two identical sequences of 3 (Identical in numbers and suit).
- りゃんぺー = rianpe = Ryanpeikou 「二盃口」 is a standard yaku, consisting of two "iipeikou".
- ろんろん = ron ron = Ron 「ロン」 is a specific tile call on a discard, when the discard actually completes the hand. Also, the hand must have a valid yaku.
  Multiple ron is a case where a player's discarded tile (or a tile added to a kan) has been claimed for a win by more than one player. Most often, this involves the situation of double ron.

Interpretation:
This is our interpretation and explanation of what the chant was supposed to mean. (We thank our Mahjong friends for the help).

The terms or use of them might have been changed so it could flow with the song better. For example the term “Shanten” it’s used when it should be “Tenpai”. Since they wanted to match with the chant, they used “Shanten” without the correct prefix.

If you're in “Tenpai” you can have a one-sided wait where you're waiting on 1 specific tile to win which isn't very likely to happen à (non non)
But if you set up your hand so you can win off of one of two tiles, then you're more likely to call victory off of someone's discard à (ron ron)

Basically “non non” is just saying "it's not going to happen", which rhyme with Ron.

This is a one sided vs two sided hands. The first sentence its referring to being “Tenpei” which its unlikely to happen and said “non non”. And the next sentence to be at waiting of two options which its more probably to happen and they end calling “ron”.

Some basics of Mahjong:

Basically, a winning hand in mahjong requires 4 runs or sets and a single pair.

Simplifying it, here some examples:

If your hand has a pair, 3 runs, and you have a 3 and a 4, you have a double-sided wait because you can win off a 2 or a 5. (More likely to happen).

If you had that same hand and had instead a 1 and a 2, you could only win with a 3. And that's a single sided wait. (Less likely to happen).

Term Notes:

It is written “Shantei ii-pe” when most people would speak “iishanten”.
"Shanten" on its own doesn't mean anything. It refers to a count by which you tell how far you are away from a ready hand (1 from winning).

So "iishanten" would be 1 tile away from a Ready hand (Tenpai).
And "Ryanshanten" would be 2 tiles away from a Ready hand (Tenpai).
We think the lack of a number before "Shanten" means they're "0 Shanten".

So rather than being "Shanten", the game state they're actually want to refer to is "Tenpai". Which would be a "0 Shanten", or a ready hand.
Ron is a method of calling a winning hand. Being further away from a winning hand doesn't make sense. That’s why we believe the terms “iipei” and “ryanpei” doesn’t make much sense here. We think it had to refers to how many tiles you're waiting on.

Also you'd never shorten "Iipeiko" or "Rianpeiko".

Referring to a specific "yaku" here doesn't make sense.
It completely ignores that you can win off a self draw.
"Yahha!" It's used as an expression of excitement (Aha!, Sugoi!)

Lost [Records]

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 01:37:00 +0000

We haven't forgotten...
Its time to continue with Lost.

Lost was released on December 30, 2002. It was the 1st CD to include a male singer (Jimang). It also had the participation of Haruka Shimotsuki.

The album came with a booklet, a HTML appendix containing the song lyrics, production testimonials, additional songs, system sound effects, and a questionnaire.

Just like the two previous releases it was self-production and was sold on the Comic Market 63th edition.

Benefits:

A postcard of the cover art by Yokoyan.

Extras:

Bonus track not listed on the booklet: 忘レモノハ在リマセンカ "wasuremono arimasen ka?" (Have you forgotten anything?)
And if you open the CD on a computer the next "bonus tracks" files could be find:

LOSTCM.WAV: "Lost" promotional soundtrack
ぴこまり☆ジャンケン (PICOJ.WAV) "Picomari☆Janken" (Picomari ☆ Rock-Paper-Scissors)

And ぴこまり☆ヴォイス集 (Pikomari ☆ Voice Collection):

情熱のフラメンコ (Framenco.WAV) "Jounetsu no Flamenco" (Flamenco of passion): "Windows is loading as a passionate red rose, feeling the wind of Andalucia, Olé!"
極祕任務スパイ (Spy.WAV) "Gokuhi Ninmu Spy" (Top Secret Mission Spy): "Windows will destroys itself after completing the task, Adéu!"
電脳少女サイバー (Cyber.WAV) "Dennou Shoujo Cyber" (Cyber Computer Girl): "Hey~ It looks like Someone's sent you an Email~"
危機一髪ピンチ (Pinch.WAV) "Kiki Ippatsu Pinch" (A crisis at a critical moment): "PicoMari ☆ Crisis Error!"
それはパクリです (Pakuri.WAV) "Sore wa Pakuri desu" (That is a Rip-off): "The trash buried in the snowy field..... that's already been done before..... I know, right? ..... Tehehe ☆"

And『Lost』ピコメロ集 (Lost Pico Melody Collection):

ピコイリュージョン (PicoI.WAV) (Pico Illusion): it's an 8-bit version of "White Illusion".
ピコフラワー (PicoF.WAV) (Pico flower): it's an 8-bit version of "The Crimson Flower".

And 『Lost』高速再生集 "Lost Kousoku Saisei Collection" (Lost High Speed Playback Collection):

高速の魔法使い (HSM.wav) "Kousoku no Mahoutsukai" (High speed Magician): It's a high-speed version of "Magician Sarabant"
檻の中の高速 (HSC.wav) "Ori no Naka no Kousoku" (High speed Within the Cage): It's a high-speed version of "The Game Within the Cage"
忘レ高速モノ (HSW.wav) "Wasure Kousoku Mono" (Forgotten High Speed Things): It's a high-speed version of "Forgotten Things"

HTML Extras:

As said before it included the lyrics of all tracks (except the bonus track), as well as additional descriptions, production testimonials, and a questionnaire.

The HTML brings you to this screen.

When you click the enter it automatically download the LOSTCM.WAV file and brings you to this menu:

Additional instructions:

ぴこまり☆ジャンケン(PicoJ.wav):

ぴこまり☆ヴォイス集 (Pikomari ☆ Voice Collection): "This is a collection of voices featuring "Picomari☆"." A collection of Windows sound system. This text was under them: "It's compatible with the above system sounds. Your PC will be hijacked by "Pikomari☆"!"
『Lost』ピコメロ集 (Lost Pico Melody Collection): "This is a collection of 8-bit arrangements of songs from "Lost". There's something nostalgic about it. The arrangement is hard because it's quite limited, but the way the inner voice moves like a puzzle becomes addictive."
『Lost』高速再生集 (Lost High Speed Playback Collection): "This is a high speed playing mode of the songs from "Lost". It's interesting, so I'll add it as a bonus. It reminds me of the days when I used to dub at double speed on my cassette deck. The voice is kind like of "First Kiss"* (laughs)."

*"First Kiss" 「はじめてのチュウ」is one of the openings of the anime "Kiteretsu Daihyakka" were the voice was recorded on the same way as this tracks. You can heard it here.

Staff Comments:
It had some words from each member of the staff.

Revo (Lyrics/Composing/Arranging/Other general)
Aramary (Singer/Lines/Narrations)
Jimang (Singer/Lines/Narration)
Haruka Shimotsuki (Singer)
Yukari Shinozaki (Violin)
Yokoyan (Cover/Book design)

(Needs translation)

The questionnaire was:

How was the music? (Very bad, Not good, Normal, It's good, Very good)
How was the song? (Very bad, Not good, Normal, It's good, Very good)
How was the lyrics? (Very bad, Not good, Normal, It's good, Very good)
How was the design of the jacket, etc.? (Very bad, Not good, Normal, It's good, Very good)
What if the next work comes out? (Will not buy, May not buy, I don't know, May buy, Will buy)
How would you price this CD? (This will not be directly reflected in future prices)
Please rank each song in the collection according to your preference (multiple rankings are possible).
It's rock-paper-scissors with Pikomari☆! (Rock (Fist) / Scissors (Crab) / Paper (Hand power) )
Other comments... (Text box to complete)

The send button said: "Send while feeling the wind of Andalusia!"

Extra notes:

According to Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007 translated by Moko-chan. Revo challenged himself to write a longer song, and understood the concept of using songs to portray stories.

Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007
Revo felt the flaw in Thanatos was that the songs were too short so he worked hard to make longer songs as "Saranbande, the Magician" that is 05:30 mins.

Revo's interview with 'Quick Japan' No.93 in 2010.
There is a mistake/misspelling in the booklet. On the credits it reads "Haruka Shimotuki" instead of "Haruka Shimotsuki".
Picomari ☆ Rock-Paper-Scissors:
In the bonus track ぴこまり☆ジャンケン (Picomari ☆ Rock-Paper-Scissors) Picomari invites you to a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors, and tell you that if you win she will try to send you a prize.

Translation from The Revo Wiki

Even in the description of the file on the HTML as we show before they tell you the same thing. And ask you to fill the questionnaire (on the HTML) where there will be an option to play the game against PicoMari.

According to reports Aramary (PicoMari) it's a master in this game, and it's really hard to beat her, and she is know for leaving long trails of her victims after beating them.
A CD (not for sale) got send to the winners of the game in the questionnaire, there isn't much information about it. And it's actually not even know in the overseas fandom as far as I know.

The CD was called ぴこまり☆の夏(仮) (Pikomari ☆ Summer (provisional)).
It contained 5 tracks:
- 01: ぴこまり☆ジャンケン２００３ (Pikomari ☆ Rock-Paper-Scissors 2003)
- 02: ぴこまり☆ジャンケン (Pikomari ☆ Rock-Paper-Scissors)
- 03: お願い！ぴこ魔人☆ (Please! Pico Genie☆)
- 04: ぴこまりんご飴☆ (PicomApple Candy☆)
- 05: (ダブルマジック)？？？ ((Double Magic) ??? (Title unknown))
It seems that the production and shipping dates were delayed considerably for this CD.

[Details Unknown] - ぴこまり☆ジャンケン・リベンジ (Pikomari ☆ Rock-Paper-Scissors Revenge): At the Comic Market in August 2003, for each purchase of the CD "Pico Magic Reloaded" you could battle against Aramary dressed as PicoMari. The winners would receive a special sound source. All indicates that this was the same CD as the one promised for the winners of the questionnaire.
My memory is foggy but I believe only 10 people manage to beat her on the Comic Market.

UPDATE: A physical evidence of the existence of this CD show up on twitter when the user @Jun_A_sakamoto showed a picture of a personally addressed CD to a fan, signed by Picomari herself.

Picture from @Jun_A_sakamoto
Later in March of 2004, during the Comic Market 66th edition (When Chronicle 2nd was being released) a Music Box of "The Day I Shot Down my Lover" was sold. Only 200 copies of it were made.

You can heard it in this video.
At the top of the box the first lyrics of the song are written.

Translation from Defade
The note inside, it's from MBC, the people who made the music boxes. They thank you for your purchase and tell you that the music boxes were hand made one by one with the motto of making a better sound.
Later in 2006 a manga adaptation of "The Day I Shot Down my Lover" was made under the name "Silver Arrow" 白銀の矢 (Shirogane no ya) by Kenjirou Takeshita (竹下けんじろう).

Published on magazine "Abracadabra" (アブラカダブラ) October edition 2006.

After Kenjiro Takeshita romantic comedy interpretation there is an interview of Revo and Kenjiro Takeshita.

This manga never got published officially as a book but the artist put it on sale as a fanzine in 2013, you can see a preview of it on their Pixiv here.

[Unlisted] Hiver Reports

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 02:26:00 +0000

Bonsoir fellow Laurants. It's bean a while since this blog was created.
I wanted to update on what we have been working since at least March.

We have been working on the Release section, which has been on the public eyes since some time now still under the WIP seal.

This page is divided in 3 sections.

We specially putting a lot of focus on the "Revo" section.
There you can find several things that took great of time and effort to find for us. And for any other laurant who did some of this discoveries. We are putting the links to each discovery too.

Some took long digging on the Hiver lost memory archives. And some took a lot of dealing with difficult websites to work in. So we hope you enjoy the discoveries, because getting them wasn't easy.

Also for a short note, the Linked Horizon will be the section we wont be working for a long time for now. We apologies for the inconvenient, but we are sure that finding Linked Horizon music it's easier than the rest.

We are also working on more [Records], the work it's in progres. Just very slow because Hiver is very tired with all the events in the world.

Please stay safe and 『B・e・c・o・m・e・H・a・p・p・y』

Thanatos [Records]

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 05:30:00 +0000

Decided too maintain the chronological order of my memories, so is the time to remember Thanatos... Thanatos... Thanatos...

Thanatos was released on August 11, 2002. It was the first album to have lyrics and narration. The singer for the 1st era was Aramary.

The album came with a booklet, a HTML appendix containing the song lyrics, production testimonials, additional songs, system sound effects, and a questionnaire.

Just like Chronicle it was self-production and was sold on the Comic Market 62th edition.

Benefits:

A postcard of the cover art by Yokoyan.

Extras:

If you open the CD on a computer the "bonus tracks" files could be find:

PMari.WAV: Abbreviated as Picomari. Is a 8bit version of "The Broken Marionette"
GRin.WAV: Rinne no Gyakusaisei (Rewind of Reincarnation). This is the reverse version of "The Hourglass of the Cycle of Death and Rebirth".
And Thanatos System Voice Collection:

WinST.WAV: "Windows starting up is like a game of creating poems"
WinED.WAV: "Are you struggling? Are you in Pain? I'll end Windows for you"
Error.WAV: "There is an error over there"
Gomi.WAV: "The trash is buried in the snowy plains"
Mail.WAV: "Thanatos will not let the mail escape"

In the web (HTML content) automatically played on the index page the track "PRES.WAV". An audio read by Aramary.
"This CD is brought to you by Sound Horizon"

HTML Extras:

As said before it included the lyrics of all tracks (except the first song), as well as additional descriptions, production testimonials, and a questionnaire.

Sadly we don't have any copy or register of this forgotten HTML.

Additional instructions:
- ピコマリ(PMari.wav): Abbreviated as Picomari is an 8bit re-arranged version of "The Broken Marionette". The nostalgic style of the red and white machine, only use 3 harmony to try to re-arrange. There is a feeling of indulging in.

- 輪廻の逆再生 (Rinne no Gyakusaisei)(GRin.wav): This is the reverse version of "The Hourglass of the Cycle of Death and Rebirth". It seems strangely Asian. There is a feeling of "what are you talking about!" I find it very interesting.

- Thanatos System Voice Collection: Parody the world view of "Thanatos". Please use it as Windows startup sound and other system sounds. So your PC is also packaged as "Thanatos"?
Production testimonials: It had some words from each member of the staff.
Revo (Lyrics/Composing/Arranging/Performing)
Aramary (Singer/Lines/Narrations)
Yokoyan (Cover/Panel design)
(Needs translation)
The questionnaire was:

What do you think of music? (Very bad, Not good, General, It's good, Very good)
What do you think of the singing? (Very bad, Not good, General, It's good, Very good)
What do you think of the lyrics? (Very bad, Not good, I don't know, It's good, Very good)
What do you think of the cover design? (Very bad, Not good, General, It's good, Very good)
If we release the next one, what will you do? (Will not buy, May not buy, General, May buy, Will buy)

It does not matter if you are subjective, please set a price for each track (it does not matter if you exceed or dissatisfied with the CD price "1000 yen")

Each 7 tracks had a text box to set a price.
Other opinions etc... (Text box to complete)

Extra notes:

Thanatos Festival: To celebrate the sold-out of the 2nd Story CD "Thanatos", a web event was held on December 20, 21, 22, 2002.

The event was an online radio, on the personal website. Consisted of topics solicited from supporters in advance, and then Revo and Aramary would talk about them.

The title of the web radio on the 1st day was 『Thanatos Radio』, on the 2nd day 『Super Thanatos Radio』 and on the 3rd day 『Super Miracle Thanatos Radio Dynamite!!』. Each day getting bigger.
You can still heard the broadcasting on Niconico here. (Needs translation)

It started with "I can't see Thanatos", and had reports of acquisition of "Thana friend" or "A Report on How to defeat Thanatos", etc. There was a lot of strange content.

A "Thanatos" mouse pad was gifted to all the supporters that got their application selected.

Picture from @wotablue__001

According to Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007 translated by Moko-chan. Revo started to use songs with lyrics and tell a story with melodies and link them up with the words used.

Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007
Revo’s comments on individual albums from 'QuickJapan' Vol.93 release in 2010.

Revo's interview with 'QuickJapan' Vol.93 release in 2010

Chronicle [Records]

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 23:57:00 +0000

The 1st story, and probably the one that is most vague in my mind as it is on any other Laurant.
I will try to give the best to gave as much as I can recover from my memory.

As the first work sold under the name "Sound Horizon". Chronicle was release on December 30, 2001. It was a CD of pure instrumental music with some harmony, chanting and sound effects, but no lyrics. But it came with an HTML appendix containing poems, testimonials, hidden repertoires, videos, and a questionnaire.

The first time the world saw Chronicle was on the 61th edition of Comiket. The story says that Revo tried to apply to get a booth but was rejected. So his friend Yokoyan (the cover artist) shared with him his booth that he won on the lottery.
Since it was the first self-production, only about 200~300 copies were produced ~~(that's why is so hard to get)~~.

Benefits:

In the web after you filled the questionnaire about your thoughts on the CD you would get a track "SH 電波" (SH Radio wave)
There was a benefit for people who purchased by mail order: A copy of the "manga" of "The Tragedy of Ballad the Poet" by よちきん (Yochikin)
It was like a picture book containing illustrations of each scene of the song. It had 10 pages.

(Here you can see all that's available online.)

Actually there are two versions of this, a version without screen-tones that was made a few hours before Comiket and a revised version that was the bonus for mail order later.

HTML Extras:

The HTML bring you to this menu.

And going to the "lyrics" for the first track "[Introduction] Sound Horizon" you meet Cookie (the green hair character)

Cookie presents themselves as the "Navigator/Guide", they welcome you to the page and thanks you for purchasing the CD. Then tell you what the CD contains.

Hello everyone ♪Are you familiar with the "Sound Horizon" homepage?

It's Cookie, the navigator.It seems that some people are new to us,please, nice to meet you!
This time...
Thank you for purchasing the 1st Concept Story (plus) CD "Chronicle"!
This CD includes this song (Sound Horizon), 9 songs of CD-DA [Story], 2 songs of AVI movie [Vision] and 3 songs of WAV sound [Audio]
There are also messages from the staff in charge and the questionnaire for this CD.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Let’s start with the main story of [Story]...8 stories behind the unknown history.Living in their respective eras. Powerful ideas and truths.The world is in the dying new dawn.What horizon do you witness?
Then, please enjoy it until the end!

Message from staff:

The HTML content also had a special thanks to the buyers from each member of the staff and a special thanks from each member of the Staff to Revo.
Members: Revo, Yokoyan, ＴＥＭ, 葉芹 and 宮坂紀伊 .

(Needs translation)

The questionnaire was:

Select your favourite 3 tracks
What do you think of the CD pricing itself (1,500 yen)? (Very expensive, Expensive, General, Cheap, Very cheap)
How would you rate the content relative to this price? (Very good, It's good, General, Not good, Very bad)
What do you think of the music part? (Very good, It's good, General, Not good, Very bad)
What do you think of the content of Story? (Very good, It's good, General, Not good, Very bad)
What do you think of the content of Vision? (Very good, It's good, General, Not good, Very bad)
What do you think of the cover design? (Very good, It's good, General, Not good, Very bad)
What do you think of the design of [Vision]? (Very good, It's good, General, Not good, Very bad)
What do you think of the singing (chanting) part? (Very good, It's good, General, Not good, Very bad)
What do you think of the human voice (pronounced) part? (Very good, It's good, General, Not good, Very bad)
What do you think of the content of the reservation bonus? (Very good, It's good, Normal (Or don't know), Not good, Very bad)
What if the next one is released? (Will buy, May but, General, May not buy, Will not buy)
Other opinions etc... (Text box to complete)

Extra notes:

According to Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007 translated by Moko-chan. Revo got a professional to burn the CD's since he considered it was a waste of his time when he should be making music. And because of that the price for it was higher (￥1,500) from what normally people who burn the discs themselves used to sell their own CD's (￥300~500).

Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007.
Revo felt that the CD and songs were too short. And said it was pathetic selling such a short release.

Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007.

The CD wasn't even promoted on the Comiket, was just displayed on Yokoyan's table. Revo had to continue selling them personally. Which imply putting them in envelopes, making sure they wouldn't break and sending them by mail.
Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007.
According to Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007 translated by Moko-chan. Revo considers this work his own starting point and is a very important piece.

Revo's interview with 'Anikan R Music' Vol. 2 released in 2007.
Revo’s comments on individual albums from 'QuickJapan' Vol.93 release in 2010.

Revo's interview with 'Quick Japan' No.93 in 2010

Shonen wa Tsurugi wo [Records]

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 01:22:00 +0000

My memories for Shonen wa...

Announced on the oficial site on [2006/03/17] the 1st Maxi Single Release.
It was promoted in different places

And in [2006/09/21] the PV of 終端の王と異世界の騎士 ~The Endia & The Knights~ (Shuutan no Ou to Isekai no Kishi) [The King of End and the Knights from Other Worlds] was released

Originally scheduled for sale in July 2006, it was later scheduled for September 20th, and it was finally postponed to October 4th.

Finally released [2006/10/04].

This single had a song that was used on the MMORPG "Belle Isle" Opening Theme.

And another song used on the PlayStation2 RPG "Chaos Wars" Opening Theme.

The CD came with a [Regular Edition] and a [Limited Edition].

Benefits:
Shop Bonus: If you would get your copy from 虎穴 shop you would get a replacement cover: "Another Jacket".

Which came with a special note from Revo on the other side.

The LE exclusives were:

Original bookmark (One of this 3 types would be included)

And this is how it looked on the back:

An online RPG "Belle Isle" item ticket (By entering the number of this ticket you would get an original item in-game)

The item that was obtained by introducing the LE code was the [Black Sword] that appears in the lyrics of 神々が愛した楽園～Belle Isle～ (The Paradise Loved by Gods).

Belle Isle:

In the web from the game they explained that the track in question: 神々が愛した楽園～Belle Isle～ (The Paradise Loved by Gods) was based on the world view of "Belle Isle". A fantastic musical tone colors the beginning of "Belle Isle".

We will implement an opening act to experience the past. Players will go back in time and space to experience the past of Belle Isle and see the unseen enemy trapped in the darkness of history.

This feature would be release in-game:

18:00 on September 13th, an opening act based on the "The Paradise Loved by Gods" will be implemented!
Also, from 18:00 on September 20th, the original mission featuring the bard "Revo" will be implemented.

According with their website: From Revo, who travels around towns, take on the mission of spelling the story of Sound Horizon!
You had to search for music scores.

[Found on google]

Also they announced a Sound Horizon wallpaper will be released on their site.

(Sadly we don't have a copy of the original files, but here have a look of how cool they looked)

UPDATE: We found this 800x600 of the second one.

Chaos Wars:
About Chaos Wars, I honestly can't gather much of my memory from it, nothing much was said maybe?

The song used for the opening theme was of course: 終端の王と異世界の騎士 ~The Endia & The Knights~ (Shuutan no Ou to Isekai no Kishi) [The King of End and the Knights from Other Worlds]

Maybe it was just a collaboration for the opening theme only.
Which you can go see it here.

Credits are shown on the Opening as a flying paper that sticks on the screen:

Bonus tracks:
The song was listed with 3 songs online and on the booklet. But there are 2 more hidden bonus tracks.
The fourth track is only 4 seconds long, and it serves as a break of silence before track five, which is a 2:54 minutes piano solo piece of the Roman melody.

Meanwhile in the booklet after the Staff Credits there is this page making a reference to the bonus track and the future next release Roman.

※This is the roman code that translate to: B・e・c・o・m・e・H・a・p・p・y
By the time this was released, laurants had no idea what it meant.

Ido Ido [Records]

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 01:33:00 +0000

Now about Ido e Itaru Mori e Itaru Ido (More well know as Ido Ido) this are my memories:

Ido Ido was released on June 16, 2010, with 2 editions [Regular Edition] and [First Press Limited Edition].
The difference from this editions were the different cover arts, in which RE had Märchen von Friedhof with Elise doll and the LE young März with young Elizabeth von Wettin.

Also LE came with a DVD with:

『光と闇の童話』 Music Clip (Hikari to Yami no Douwa)
イドへ至る森へ至るイド【5.1ch Surround Audio Mix】(The songs of the Disk on 5.1 surround sound)

Hidden tracks:

RE had "テレーゼ、もしくはエリーゼの為に…"(For Therese, or perhaps for Elise...)
LE had "黒き死の行進" (The Progression of the Black Death)

Extra notes:

Originally when they announced (on the web) the singers/characters, there was listed Idolfried Ehrenberg who later was "corrected" as Märchen von Friedhof instead.

Benefits

The LE was sold with limited goods for the first buyers. This goods were different Postcards illustrated by Yokoyan, for each chain store.

From Animate

【七へ至るイドの肖像】- The portrait of Ido that leads to Seven

From Gamers

【汚れなき少女の肖像】- Portrait of the Pure Girl

From HMV

【少年と少女の肖像】- Portrait of the Boy and Girl

From 新星堂 (Shinseido)

【人形だった少女の肖像】- Portrait of the Girl that was a Doll

From ソフマップ (Sofmap CD shop)

【白き乙女の肖像】- Portrait of the white maiden

From Tower Records

【…へ誘うイドの肖像】- Portrait of Ido that lures one into...

From マグマニ（MAG*mani）

【過ぎ去りし母子の肖像】- Portrait of the deceased mother and child

From Melon Books

【黒き貴婦人の肖像】- Portrait of the Dark Lady

From TSUTAYA RECORDS

【少年とイドの肖像】- Portrait of the boy and Ido

From others stores

【肖像と闇の部屋】- Room of portraits and darkness

Moira [Records 2]

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 00:49:00 +0000

To finish my memories from Moira release.

The LE of the CD was sold with some limited goods for the first buyers. The benefits were different things using illustrations by Yokoyan.

From Animate

- Postcard

From Anibro Gamers

- Mouse pad

From HMV Online

- Computer wallpaper

From Comic Toranoana

- Shopping Bag

From 新星堂 (Shinseido)

- Poster

From TOWER RECORDS

- Mouse pad

From TSUTAYA RECORDS

- Clear file/Folder

From Melonbooks

- Sticker

マグマニ（MAG*mani）- Cover photo printing

Sofmap (CD shop) - Logo sticker

Other Stores

- Cover postcard

This poster was to promote the Moira DVD (Picture from Hiro_laurant)

"Destiny is cruel, but do not fear her"

And the goods that came with the LE DVD were different characters to use on the diorama (Also illustrated by Yokoyan.)

From Animate

- 離れても同じ星を見ている双子 (The Twins who are separated and yet look upon the same stars)

From Gamers

- 神話を生きた男達 (The men who lived in mythos)

From HMV

- 詩女神の娘達 (The Daughters of Harmonia, Goddess of Song)

From TOWER RECORDS

- 雷の獅子とその家臣達 (The Lion of Thunder and his Vassals)

From TSUTAYA RECORDS

- 幼き日の双子とその両親 (The Twins in their youth, and their Parents)

From Comic Toranoana

- 冥王とその従者達 (Thanatos and his Attendants)

From 新星堂 (Shinseido)

- 紫眼の狼とその部下達 (The Amethyst-eyed Wolf and his Subordinates)

From Sofmap

- ロシア人大富豪とその妻 (The Russian Millionaire and his Wife)

From マグマニ（MAG*mani)

- 高級遊女と星女神の巫女達 (The Hetaerae and the Hiereiai* (*Priestesses of the Star Goddess))

From Melonbooks

- 神話を生きた女達 (The women who lived in mythos)

From others stores

- 穴堀り人 (The Excavators)

Names translated by Cephalopodicious (☪￣3￣✥)╭~♥

Moira [Records]

noreply@blogger.com (Hiver Laurant) — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 20:00:00 +0000

My memories from Moira are vague, so I could be making mistakes, so I apologise, but this is what I remember...

Moira was release on September 3, 2008 with 2 editions [Regular Edition] and [First Press Limited Edition].
The difference from this editions were the different cover arts, in which LE was also a box with embroidery. And also a pink transparent paper to cover the Moon on "Parthenos".

Also RE had its own back art with the song list.

Hidden tracks:

Inside the CD cases there was this hidden links.

http://www.kingrecords.co.jp/soundhorizon/moira/

http://www.kingrecords.co.jp/soundhorizon/m-o-i-r-a/

On the LE, at the back in the inside CD case (The back of Thanatos eye). You need to move it in front of a light to be able to see it since it's white written on white.

On the RE, inside Thanatos staring eye.

(Both links don't work anymore since Revo leave King Records)

The first one (moira) it was a fake web with this question:

"Why did the living ones oppose to the Mother [Moira] and entered into the Hades?"

Where after 3 tries Thanatos would get mad at you.

The 2nd one (m-o-i-r-a), was the real one. And had a question on the lines of "How to fight fate"

The answer was solved since when after you get the wrong answer you get an image. And if you connected the stars of different colour from it, would form the Twin Constellation. The answer was "d-i-d-y-m-o-i" (Twin in Greek).

This is how the constellation was seen (sideways)

This is how it looked before and after you solve it 1 & 2

When you solve it you got a strange letter and the bonus track: 神の光 - Μοιρα - (The Light of God - Moira -) ▼

The letter said (Translated by Meishu):

The British archaeologist [Arthur Michel Renfrew] received a [certain lithograph] from his friend, a Russian. Here I will show you that aged lithograph---

“I have seen the night sky through the eyes of the Lord of the Netherworld (Meiou)
The stars that rest above the world dyed with death
Connect that.”

Deciphering that meaning, he was confused by hidden [questions], but he was led to and reached a single [answer]...... At length, he became involved with an archaeology society, there was a sad event, and he became involved in that [evil] as well. It is not necessarily true that all who believe will be saved. What exactly is God’s [love]? His [life] was taken away, it was thought that that truth, perhaps like [dust], had returned to embers, when, 6 years after his death, his wife [Elys] discovered in the library a single sheet memorandum......

“In my life, the short flame burned violently because, not by chance, I had a longing for ancient times. If I may borrow a word from a friend of mine, there is a ‘Roman’ there. Finally, I obtained a solution to go against fate. Even if this solution fails, I have no regrets about my life. Because, this is my ‘Story (Roman).’

I am a natural born Englishman who has not forgotten his pride in his homeland.
The intent of my solution’s reverberations will not be a hoax.
I will simply write it here, in the language I love......”

(Translation: Meishu. Edit: Drixi)

DVD live:

Was released on March 25, 2009 with a [Regular Edition] and a [First Press Limited Edition].

[RE] have 2 disks:

1st with the main concert;

2nd with the Encore:

朝と夜の運命 (Morning and night's fate)

聖戦の【JCB HALL】(Holy war [JCB HALL])

<ハジマリ>のクロニクル(それコラVer.) (Hajimari no Chronicle (Moira chorus Ver.) )

即ち…光をも逃さぬ暗黒の超重力(それコラVer.) (The Ultra Dark Gravity (Moira chorus Ver.) )

栄光の移動王国-The Glory Kingdom-

Also Revo speeches and members introductions.

[LE] have 2 disks:

1st with the main concert;

2nd with the Encore

Same content as previous but also:

冥王 -Θανατος Music clip (Meiou)

アルテミシアの楽園［Side:Elef］(Artemisia no Rakuen［Side:Elef])

星屑と運命の革紐 (The Leash of Stardust and Fafe)

Encore Memorial Digest (September 2008)

Also it came in a "Matryoshka-style" box, to build up a diorama.

Here an example from (Gray's Cage)