Razia's Shadow: A Musical
Encyclopedia
Razia's Shadow: A Musical is an album from Forgive Durden
released on October 28, 2008. It is a musical
featuring members of popular bands such as Panic! at the Disco
, Say Anything
, The Matches
, mewithoutYou
, Portugal. The Man
, The Hush Sound
, The Dear Hunter
, and Gatsbys American Dream
among others. The album was released by Fueled by Ramen
.
The album was conceived by Thomas Dutton and co-written by his brother Paul. The album also features Rudy Gajadhar of Gatsbys American Dream
on drums.
The full album was released for streaming on the band's website on October 24, 2008, and was subsequently leaked via torrents that same day.
At this point, Dutton decided the album would be released under the Forgive Durden moniker and enlisted the help of his brother Paul, a music composition major who was still in school at the time. The brothers would collaborate on weekends while Paul was still in school, with Thomas writing and demoing their ideas during the week. Thomas drew much influence from musical films such as Moulin Rouge
, Newsies
, and many of Disney's animated musical films such as Aladdin.
Recording began in October 2007 with Rudy Gajadhar recording drums. Due to budget limitations, Thomas elected to primarily use software for the orchestral parts rather than hiring musicians. More than half of the guest vocalists were recorded in person, while the remainder of the vocalists were sent electronic files with Thomas singing their parts. The vocalists then recorded their parts and returned them electronically.
Recording was finished in July 2008. The album artwork was created by Blaine Fontana
. In addition to the standard version, a deluxe version of the album will also be available. It includes the album in a DVD
-sized case with a copy of the full script and artwork.
O the Scientist creates the world in which He will live with His angels. The Narrator explains that His two purest cherubs are Ahrima and Nidria, who both believe in love and hope. The Narrator explains that Ahrima is very frustrated at the thought that his skills are being misused and ignored, but Nidria is there to calm his frustration.
"The Missing Piece" (featuring Lizzie Huffman):
Although still frustrated that O the Scientist does not appreciate his unique skills, Ahrima confesses his love to Nidria, who tells him she has fallen in love with him too. She alone can soothe Ahrima's ire at O's failure to notice him. Nonetheless, Ahrima goes to O the Scientist to complain about not being able to show his gift. O dismisses him with a few words.
"Life Is Looking Up":
Ahrima dreams of the day O and the other angels will realize how he can change the world and all the compliments they will give him. He creates the Lamps, both to show his skill and as a monument of his love to Nidria. The people of the world adore the lamps, but only see the glory of O the Scientist instead of Ahrima. Discouraged and angry, Ahrima retreats to the darkness.
"The Spider and the Lamps" (featuring Max Bemis):
Barayas the Spider lands on Ahrima's shoulder in the darkness and, through flattery and trickery, gets Ahrima to destroy the lamps and bring them to him. Ahrima's rage and destruction terrify the gathered crowd, and Toba the Tura is sent to hold Ahrima responsible.
"Toba the Tura" (featuring Chris Conley):
Toba the Tura opens Ahrima's eyes and shows him the ashes of what was the world he helped to create. Ahrima apologizes, but Toba the Tura all the same banishes Ahrima to live in the ashes while the rest of the angels travel to a better place. Ahrima calls out to O the Scientist, "Oh, what have I done, please make me your son!" while Toba sings of Ahrima's betrayal. Ahrima's family builds a wall to separate themselves from him and the darkness he has created.
"The Oracle" (featuring Danny Stevens):
The Oracle and the angels tell Ahrima about a prophecy that says one day will come two people whose love (and one's sacrifice) will be so strong to reunite the Dark and the Light as one.
"A Hundred Year, Minute-Long Intermission" (featuring Danny Stevens): 100 years past between The Dark and The Light.
"The Exit" (featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco, Dan Young of This Providence):
Adakias is prince of the Dark, along with his elder brother Pallis (Brendon Urie). Despite his life of privilege, he longs for a world and life like in the stories he has heard. Sangara, his butler, and the townsfolk ostracize him and insist he be more like Pallis. He, however, feels that his destiny might be outside his kingdom and may in turn fulfill the prophecy, which is now disregarded as fiction. Tired of his brother's attitude, Pallis says that, if Adakias leaves, he will hunt him down and make him suffer the consequences. While Adakias tries to convince him that his feelings could be tied to his destiny, Pallis asserts that it will lead him to destruction. Adakias leaves, despite his brother's objections. The Narrator then tells of Adakias in the city of Light, where disguised as a citizen he sees Princess Anhura (Greta Salpeter), who is Adakias' spiritual twin: just as sad and dissatisfied with her world.
"It's True Love" (featuring Greta Salpeter):
Adakias and Princess Anhura confess their love for each other, sharing their feeling of being destined for something bigger. Adakias doesn't tell Princess Anhura that he comes from the Dark, afraid that this might scare her and make her run away from him. Deciding to marry, Adakias and Princess Anhura go to her father, so that Adakias can ask him for his daughter's hand.
"Meet the King" (featuring Greta Salpeter and Nic Newsham):
Even though Adakias tells the King he loves Princess Anhura and is not interested in his throne or jewels, King Malka forbids the marriage, afraid Adakias might rob him. In addition, King Malka senses a darkness in Adakias. Denied approval, Adakias and Princess Anhura decide to marry in secret, but suddenly Anhura starts to feel nauseous and weak. Adakias knows why she is ill: it is his presence, the Dark in him affecting Anhura's body. Still keeping his true self secret, he seeks out a specialist on the other side of the levee.
"Holy the Sea" (featuring John Gourley and Kris Ayana):
Adakias and Anhura encounter the Bawaba Brothers, who can see that Adakias is descended from a boy who destroyed part of the world, splitting the world into the Light and the Dark. Adakias understands this is the prophecy he has heard about and is now sure he is the one who will fulfill it. The Bawaba Brothers tell them to beware of people who act friendly but who really are wicked. Adakias and Anhura leave the Bawaba Brothers and finally meet with Doctor Dumaya, who, although cordial, arouses an unidentifiable suspicion in the lovers.
"Doctor Doctor" (featuring Shawn Harris):
Doctor Dumaya concludes that Anhura's illness will kill her if a cure is not found. The Doctor, however, admits that he can heal Anhura, but only if he can keep her forever for his pleasure. Anhura refuses, but Adakias convinces her that it is the only way she can be cured. Doctor Dumaya then administers a potion that heals her. Suddenly, Pallis, having tracked Adakias' every movement, bursts through the door and challenges Adakias to prove his love for the Princess.
"The End and the Beginning" (featuring Greta Salpeter and Brendon Urie):
Resolved to force Adakias back to his old life, Pallis reveals to the Princess that Adakias is from the Dark. Adakias explains to Anhura that he wanted to tell her and that this new information should not change their love. Pallis, furious that the revelation has not affected their love, lunges at Anhura with a dagger. Adakias, however, trying to protect the Princess, is stabbed. Pallis immediately regrets his actions and repents for not seeing his brother as the chosen one to fulfill the prophecy. Adakias, before dying, forgives him and tells Pallis and Anhura that his gift to them is to "Live for your love everyday." The story complete, the Narrator tells how the mountain disappears and the two halves of the world finally reunite. He ends his narration telling who is listening to pass on the story to other people and to never stop believing in love and hope.
Forgive Durden
Forgive Durden is an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington, who got their name from the novel Fight Club. They are signed to Fueled By Ramen...
released on October 28, 2008. It is a musical
Musical theatre
Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. The emotional content of the piece – humor, pathos, love, anger – as well as the story itself, is communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an...
featuring members of popular bands such as Panic! at the Disco
Panic! at the Disco
Panic! at the Disco is an American alternative rock duo, formed in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2005. Since its split, the band's line-up includes Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith . Former members Ryan Ross and Jon Walker left the group in 2009...
, Say Anything
Say Anything (band)
Say Anything is an American indie-punk band from Los Angeles, California, fronted by Max Bemis. The band was formed in 2000 with Bemis and four of his friends. Within two years, they self-released two EPs, Junior Varsity and In Your Dreams, and the full-length Baseball: An Album by Sayanything.In...
, The Matches
The Matches
The Matches are a United States-based band formed in 1997 in Oakland, California. It currently is composed of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Shawn Harris, lead guitarist and backup vocalist Jonathan Devoto, bassist and backup vocalist Dylan Rowe, and drummer Matt Whalen...
, mewithoutYou
MewithoutYou
Me Without You, stylized as mewithoutYou and abbreviated as mwY, is an American rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The band consists of vocalist Aaron Weiss, guitarist Michael Weiss, bassist Greg Jehanian and drummer Rickie Mazzotta. MewithoutYou's music is generally dominated by...
, Portugal. The Man
Portugal. The Man
Portugal. The Man is an American psychedelic rock band based in Portland, Oregon, but originally from Wasilla, Alaska. The group released their first two albums with Fearless Records. They also released material on their own imprint Approaching AIRballoons through indie label Equal Vision Records...
, The Hush Sound
The Hush Sound
The Hush Sound was an indie quartet originating in DuPage County, Illinois, United States. Initially named "The Hush," the band later changed their name to "The Hush Sound" due to the discovery of a rapper with the same name...
, The Dear Hunter
The Dear Hunter
The Dear Hunter is an indie rock band originating in Providence, Rhode Island. It began as a side project of Casey Crescenzo, formerly of post-hardcore band The Receiving End of Sirens...
, and Gatsbys American Dream
Gatsbys American Dream
Gatsbys American Dream is a Seattle-based indie rock band. Since their founding in 2002, they have released four full-length albums and one EP. They have also appeared on several compilations with original songs and covers. Gatsbys American Dream drew their name from F...
among others. The album was released by Fueled by Ramen
Fueled by Ramen
Fueled by Ramen is an American record label which operates as a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, and is distributed by Atlantic Records. The label, founded in Gainesville, Florida, is based in New York City...
.
The album was conceived by Thomas Dutton and co-written by his brother Paul. The album also features Rudy Gajadhar of Gatsbys American Dream
Gatsbys American Dream
Gatsbys American Dream is a Seattle-based indie rock band. Since their founding in 2002, they have released four full-length albums and one EP. They have also appeared on several compilations with original songs and covers. Gatsbys American Dream drew their name from F...
on drums.
The full album was released for streaming on the band's website on October 24, 2008, and was subsequently leaked via torrents that same day.
Production
Writing for the album started in approximately January 2006, with Thomas Dutton writing and recording the first demo with then-guitarist Thomas Hunter. Dutton had originally envisioned the album as a side-project, without the involvement of drummer Andy Mannino and bassist Jesse Bauer. In the months that followed, Hunter, Mannino, and Bauer all quit the band due to personality conflicts, leaving Dutton as the sole member.At this point, Dutton decided the album would be released under the Forgive Durden moniker and enlisted the help of his brother Paul, a music composition major who was still in school at the time. The brothers would collaborate on weekends while Paul was still in school, with Thomas writing and demoing their ideas during the week. Thomas drew much influence from musical films such as Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge is a cabaret built in 1889 by Joseph Oller, who also owned the Paris Olympia. Close to Montmartre in the Paris district of Pigalle on Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement, it is marked by the red windmill on its roof. The closest métro station is Blanche.The Moulin Rouge is...
, Newsies
Newsies
Newsies is a 1992 Disney musical film starring Christian Bale, David Moscow, and Bill Pullman. Robert Duvall and Ann-Margret also appeared in supporting roles. The movie is widely claimed to have gained a cult following after its initial failure at the box office...
, and many of Disney's animated musical films such as Aladdin.
Recording began in October 2007 with Rudy Gajadhar recording drums. Due to budget limitations, Thomas elected to primarily use software for the orchestral parts rather than hiring musicians. More than half of the guest vocalists were recorded in person, while the remainder of the vocalists were sent electronic files with Thomas singing their parts. The vocalists then recorded their parts and returned them electronically.
Recording was finished in July 2008. The album artwork was created by Blaine Fontana
Blaine Fontana
-Biography:Fontana was born in Seattle, Washington and raised on Bainbridge Island. He began his interest in art at a young age. During his teens he commuted to two High Schools in order to study graphic design, photography, sculpture and life drawing...
. In addition to the standard version, a deluxe version of the album will also be available. It includes the album in a DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
-sized case with a copy of the full script and artwork.
Story
In an interview with Alternative Press, Thomas declined to go into great detail about the album's story, stating only that the story is split into two halves: "The first half is the creation and ultimate division of the world. The second half is the story of destined love and the world being reunited as one." The Fueled By Ramen product page describes the album as follows:Characters
The official Razia's Shadow website lists the characters with accompanying pictures. A new character was added to the site every weekday starting in mid-September until September 29, 2008. The characters are as follows:- O the Scientist – Casey CrescenzoCasey CrescenzoCasey Crescenzo is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, most notably for the bands The Dear Hunter and The Receiving End of Sirens...
(The Dear HunterThe Dear HunterThe Dear Hunter is an indie rock band originating in Providence, Rhode Island. It began as a side project of Casey Crescenzo, formerly of post-hardcore band The Receiving End of Sirens...
) - Bawaba Brothers – John Baldwin Gourley (Portugal. The ManPortugal. The ManPortugal. The Man is an American psychedelic rock band based in Portland, Oregon, but originally from Wasilla, Alaska. The group released their first two albums with Fearless Records. They also released material on their own imprint Approaching AIRballoons through indie label Equal Vision Records...
), Kris Anaya (An AngleAn AngleAn Angle was an indie rock band from Sacramento, California. At the center of this group was singer-songwriter Kris Anaya. The band was signed to Drive-Thru Records...
) - Narrator – Aaron Weiss (mewithoutYouMewithoutYouMe Without You, stylized as mewithoutYou and abbreviated as mwY, is an American rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The band consists of vocalist Aaron Weiss, guitarist Michael Weiss, bassist Greg Jehanian and drummer Rickie Mazzotta. MewithoutYou's music is generally dominated by...
) - Gargul the Oracle – Danny Stevens (The AuditionThe Audition (band)The Audition is a pop/rock band from Chicago, Illinois. The band is composed of singer Danny Stevens, drummer Ryan O'Connor, guitarists Jimmy Lopez and Timmy Klepek and bassist Joe Lussa and are based in Detroit, Michigan. The band's first release was a six track EP entitled All In Your Head...
) - Toba the Tura – Chris ConleyChris ConleyChristopher Lane Conley is an American musician and songwriter/composer, and the lead-singer/rhythm guitarist in Saves the Day...
(Saves the DaySaves the DaySaves the Day is an American rock band from Princeton, New Jersey, formed in 1994. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Conley, guitarist Arun Bali, bassist Rodrigo Palma, and drummer Claudio Rivera....
) - Sangara – Dan Young (This ProvidenceThis ProvidenceThis Providence is a four-piece Alternative Rock band from Seattle, Washington. The band consists of Dan Young , David Blaise , Gavin Phillips , and Andy Horst .-Formation and early history:...
) - Barayas the Spider – Max BemisMax BemisMax Bemis is the lead singer and primary lyricist of the band Say Anything. He is also co singer along side Chris Conley of the supergroup Two Tongues, which features members from Say Anything and Saves the Day.-The Early Years:...
(Say AnythingSay Anything (band)Say Anything is an American indie-punk band from Los Angeles, California, fronted by Max Bemis. The band was formed in 2000 with Bemis and four of his friends. Within two years, they self-released two EPs, Junior Varsity and In Your Dreams, and the full-length Baseball: An Album by Sayanything.In...
) - Princess Anhura – Greta SalpeterGreta SalpeterGreta Morgan Salpeter is the pianist and one of the lead singers for the band The Hush Sound. While the band is on hiatus, she has started a solo project entitled Gold Motel, with an EP released and the first album released June 1, 2010...
(The Hush SoundThe Hush SoundThe Hush Sound was an indie quartet originating in DuPage County, Illinois, United States. Initially named "The Hush," the band later changed their name to "The Hush Sound" due to the discovery of a rapper with the same name...
) - Pallis – Brendon UrieBrendon UrieBrendon Boyd Urie is an American musician and the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, pianist and singer-songwriter of Panic! at the Disco. He also plays drums, bass guitar, accordion, organ, cello, violin, and trumpet.-Early life:...
(Panic! at the DiscoPanic! at the DiscoPanic! at the Disco is an American alternative rock duo, formed in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2005. Since its split, the band's line-up includes Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith . Former members Ryan Ross and Jon Walker left the group in 2009...
) - King Malka – Nic Newsham (Gatsbys American DreamGatsbys American DreamGatsbys American Dream is a Seattle-based indie rock band. Since their founding in 2002, they have released four full-length albums and one EP. They have also appeared on several compilations with original songs and covers. Gatsbys American Dream drew their name from F...
) - Doctor Dumaya – Shawn Harris (The MatchesThe MatchesThe Matches are a United States-based band formed in 1997 in Oakland, California. It currently is composed of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Shawn Harris, lead guitarist and backup vocalist Jonathan Devoto, bassist and backup vocalist Dylan Rowe, and drummer Matt Whalen...
) - Nidria – Lizzie Huffman (Man in the Blue Van)
- Adakias – Thomas Dutton (Forgive DurdenForgive DurdenForgive Durden is an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington, who got their name from the novel Fight Club. They are signed to Fueled By Ramen...
) - Ahrima – Thomas Dutton (Forgive DurdenForgive DurdenForgive Durden is an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington, who got their name from the novel Fight Club. They are signed to Fueled By Ramen...
)
Story by Song
"Genesis" (featuring Casey Crescenzo):O the Scientist creates the world in which He will live with His angels. The Narrator explains that His two purest cherubs are Ahrima and Nidria, who both believe in love and hope. The Narrator explains that Ahrima is very frustrated at the thought that his skills are being misused and ignored, but Nidria is there to calm his frustration.
"The Missing Piece" (featuring Lizzie Huffman):
Although still frustrated that O the Scientist does not appreciate his unique skills, Ahrima confesses his love to Nidria, who tells him she has fallen in love with him too. She alone can soothe Ahrima's ire at O's failure to notice him. Nonetheless, Ahrima goes to O the Scientist to complain about not being able to show his gift. O dismisses him with a few words.
"Life Is Looking Up":
Ahrima dreams of the day O and the other angels will realize how he can change the world and all the compliments they will give him. He creates the Lamps, both to show his skill and as a monument of his love to Nidria. The people of the world adore the lamps, but only see the glory of O the Scientist instead of Ahrima. Discouraged and angry, Ahrima retreats to the darkness.
"The Spider and the Lamps" (featuring Max Bemis):
Barayas the Spider lands on Ahrima's shoulder in the darkness and, through flattery and trickery, gets Ahrima to destroy the lamps and bring them to him. Ahrima's rage and destruction terrify the gathered crowd, and Toba the Tura is sent to hold Ahrima responsible.
"Toba the Tura" (featuring Chris Conley):
Toba the Tura opens Ahrima's eyes and shows him the ashes of what was the world he helped to create. Ahrima apologizes, but Toba the Tura all the same banishes Ahrima to live in the ashes while the rest of the angels travel to a better place. Ahrima calls out to O the Scientist, "Oh, what have I done, please make me your son!" while Toba sings of Ahrima's betrayal. Ahrima's family builds a wall to separate themselves from him and the darkness he has created.
"The Oracle" (featuring Danny Stevens):
The Oracle and the angels tell Ahrima about a prophecy that says one day will come two people whose love (and one's sacrifice) will be so strong to reunite the Dark and the Light as one.
"A Hundred Year, Minute-Long Intermission" (featuring Danny Stevens): 100 years past between The Dark and The Light.
"The Exit" (featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco, Dan Young of This Providence):
Adakias is prince of the Dark, along with his elder brother Pallis (Brendon Urie). Despite his life of privilege, he longs for a world and life like in the stories he has heard. Sangara, his butler, and the townsfolk ostracize him and insist he be more like Pallis. He, however, feels that his destiny might be outside his kingdom and may in turn fulfill the prophecy, which is now disregarded as fiction. Tired of his brother's attitude, Pallis says that, if Adakias leaves, he will hunt him down and make him suffer the consequences. While Adakias tries to convince him that his feelings could be tied to his destiny, Pallis asserts that it will lead him to destruction. Adakias leaves, despite his brother's objections. The Narrator then tells of Adakias in the city of Light, where disguised as a citizen he sees Princess Anhura (Greta Salpeter), who is Adakias' spiritual twin: just as sad and dissatisfied with her world.
"It's True Love" (featuring Greta Salpeter):
Adakias and Princess Anhura confess their love for each other, sharing their feeling of being destined for something bigger. Adakias doesn't tell Princess Anhura that he comes from the Dark, afraid that this might scare her and make her run away from him. Deciding to marry, Adakias and Princess Anhura go to her father, so that Adakias can ask him for his daughter's hand.
"Meet the King" (featuring Greta Salpeter and Nic Newsham):
Even though Adakias tells the King he loves Princess Anhura and is not interested in his throne or jewels, King Malka forbids the marriage, afraid Adakias might rob him. In addition, King Malka senses a darkness in Adakias. Denied approval, Adakias and Princess Anhura decide to marry in secret, but suddenly Anhura starts to feel nauseous and weak. Adakias knows why she is ill: it is his presence, the Dark in him affecting Anhura's body. Still keeping his true self secret, he seeks out a specialist on the other side of the levee.
"Holy the Sea" (featuring John Gourley and Kris Ayana):
Adakias and Anhura encounter the Bawaba Brothers, who can see that Adakias is descended from a boy who destroyed part of the world, splitting the world into the Light and the Dark. Adakias understands this is the prophecy he has heard about and is now sure he is the one who will fulfill it. The Bawaba Brothers tell them to beware of people who act friendly but who really are wicked. Adakias and Anhura leave the Bawaba Brothers and finally meet with Doctor Dumaya, who, although cordial, arouses an unidentifiable suspicion in the lovers.
"Doctor Doctor" (featuring Shawn Harris):
Doctor Dumaya concludes that Anhura's illness will kill her if a cure is not found. The Doctor, however, admits that he can heal Anhura, but only if he can keep her forever for his pleasure. Anhura refuses, but Adakias convinces her that it is the only way she can be cured. Doctor Dumaya then administers a potion that heals her. Suddenly, Pallis, having tracked Adakias' every movement, bursts through the door and challenges Adakias to prove his love for the Princess.
"The End and the Beginning" (featuring Greta Salpeter and Brendon Urie):
Resolved to force Adakias back to his old life, Pallis reveals to the Princess that Adakias is from the Dark. Adakias explains to Anhura that he wanted to tell her and that this new information should not change their love. Pallis, furious that the revelation has not affected their love, lunges at Anhura with a dagger. Adakias, however, trying to protect the Princess, is stabbed. Pallis immediately regrets his actions and repents for not seeing his brother as the chosen one to fulfill the prophecy. Adakias, before dying, forgives him and tells Pallis and Anhura that his gift to them is to "Live for your love everyday." The story complete, the Narrator tells how the mountain disappears and the two halves of the world finally reunite. He ends his narration telling who is listening to pass on the story to other people and to never stop believing in love and hope.
Track listing
Album personnel
- Thomas Dutton – vocals, guitar, bass, percussion, trumpet
- Paul Dutton – other instruments
- Rudy Gajadhar – drums
- Casey Bates – producer