Feature: Michael Goldberg Decodes “Dorian's Dance (Midnight Metal Remix)”
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Dorian's Dance (Midnight Metal Remix)?"
The piano-led Dorian motif felt like it wanted more weight. I kept that theme and rebuilt the piece for baritone guitars, bass, metal drums, and featured violin. Bringing in Rich Gray (guitar/bass) and Fabio Alessandrini (drums)—both of Annihilator—added power without losing the melody. Credit as well to co-composer/mentor Misha Stefanuk, whose input shaped the harmonic frame.
How did you approach the arrangement and composition of the music for this remix?
Rich took an orchestral version of Dorian I had previously made and tempo-mapped the odd-meter passages (4/4 ↔ 7/8) and anchored the rhythm first with guitars and bass and Fabio added the needed percussion. Peter Voronov’s violin voiced around the motif and the organ/synth layers helped to widen the field.
What impact do you hope "Dorian's Dance (Midnight Metal Remix)" will have on your audience?
Immediate physical response and replay value—heavy impact with clear melody. It’s aimed at metal listeners and at fans of instrumental, gothic, and prog playlists. But gives a nod to classical inspirations like Brahms and Beethoven. And hopefully Sam’s beautiful graphics give it that added hook.
How do you translate your inspirations into musical ideas and compositions?
First of all, it is hard to describe the composing process. There is a lot of work involved, but in the end I feel like the pieces come through me with there always being a component that was not planned but ever so needed in the end. Overall, orchestrate parts to serve the motif, then subtract anything that doesn’t help the theme. I think the real success of Dorian Metal is how it brings so many different voices together into a harmonic whole.
How do you collaborate with performers and ensembles to bring your compositions to life? How important is communication in these collaborations?
Communication is key. I share tempo maps, MIDI/score, and reference stems up front, plus tone targets and role notes and discuss the overall feel of the piece. I leave room for player decisions—especially Rich’s phrasing, Fabio’s drum voicings, and Peter’s lines—then iterate quickly with focused feedback. Luca handles the final mix/master to keep everything tight and focused.
Collaborators:
• Misha Stefanuk — Co-composer / keys · stefanuk.com
• Peter Voronov — Violin · petervoronov.com
• Rich Gray — Guitar & Bass · graymatteraudio.com
• Fabio Alessandrini — Drums · Instagram @f.alessandrini
• Sam Scott Thorne — Vocals / Graphic Design · sstvocalcoach@gmail.com
• Luca Zara — Mixing & Mastering · lucazaramusic@gmail.com
