Behind (Inside) the Red Mist
Demon Diary
A great villain deserves their own theme song, and I wanted that so badly for Krynshar. I envisioned releasing this song in a special Krynsharverse, and none could be better than Demon Diary, which focuses entirely on Krynshar.
It was a LONG journey to achieve the final result, INSIDE THE RED MIST.
I had never produced or directed a song in my life; everything I know, I learned through trial and error, often wasting money in the process. In total, it cost me $2,220 to create this song, and I could have saved a considerable amount if I had taken the right direction from the start. Future songs I produce will probably cost less because of this experience.
Before I dive into the whole process behind this track, check out these behind-the-scenes videos and see how many people were involved in this project. I mean, that's just the final team—there were even more people involved earlier on!
VOCAL
VIOLIN
He did all the different violins in the song.
GUITAR
DRUMS
PIANO
And the electronic sounds were crafted by the pianist and drummer.
Lyrics
First, I wanted to define the perspective the song would be sung from. The story of Demon Diary, for which this track was created, is told from Krynshar's perspective.
So, it made sense that Krynshar himself would sing the song, rather than an omniscient narrator singing about him. Since Krynshar is the one singing, he needed someone to sing to—and I decided that audience would be his prey.
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I aimed for clever lyrics, with no filler rhymes. I wanted certain lines to carry meaning, while others focused on evoking desire and/or deepening Krynshar's personality and abilities.
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Although the lyrics are applicable to my multiverse as a whole, I wanted every line to tie directly into Demon Diary Chapter 1—either explicitly, implicitly, or woven into the context of the scenes, even if not mentioned outright.
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The song's lyrics evolved many times as I wrote the story, eventually reaching the final version.
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Quote
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“THIS PLACE IS SO BLAND, IT NEEDS A TOUCH OF RED”
This opening quote from Krynshar was chosen to set the tone for the song, showcasing his humor right from the start.
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Verse 1
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“WITH A PREDATOR'S GAZE, I SILENTLY SPY”
This line depicts scenes where Krynshar is stalking his prey.
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“A PERVERTED SMILE, A LUST IN YOUR EYE”
This line highlights the traits he focuses on when observing his prey, indirectly revealing why he chose them: individuals consumed by lust and perversion.
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“I’VE COME FOR YOU TONIGHT, TO PLAY A TWISTED GAME”
This line depicts Krynshar beginning to confront his prey. In Demon Diary Chapter 1, the "game" is literal—Krynshar initiates a game with his prey. However, for Krynshar, every hunt is a twisted game.
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“YOU'LL LEARN TO KNOW ME WELL, YOU'LL REMEMBER WHO TO BLAME”
The first part reflects how Krynshar’s prey always learns something about him during the hunt. In Demon Diary Chapter 1, this is taken even further, as Krynshar explicitly teaches his prey about himself. I designed this part of the story to serve as an indirect lesson for the readers, breaking the fourth wall.​
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The second part of the line appears directly in Demon Diary Chapter 1 but also applies universally across the Krynsharverse. It’s another fourth-wall break, addressing both Krynshar’s prey, who will never forget who to blame for their fate, and the song’s listeners, who will remember who created the “shocking” works of art they’re experiencing.
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Chorus
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The chorus is about Krynshar explaining his abilities, what they allow him to do, and the fate of those who fall under their grasp.
“REVEAL YOURSELF TONIGHT, YOUR FATE BELONGS TO ME”
Krynshar uncovers the emotions of his prey, exposing truths they cannot hide. By interpreting their deepest desires and darkest fears, he gains the upper hand, deciding their fate.
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“INSIDE THE RED MIST, IMPOSSIBLE TO FLEE”
Once someone enters the Red Mist, escape is no longer an option. The mist is Krynshar's realm, where all victims are at his mercy.
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“YOU ARE MINE TO CONTROL, TO TWIST, AND TO MOLD”
Within the mist, Krynshar manipulates the bodies of his prey, reshaping them to his will.
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“IN MY DEMONIC GRASP, YOUR STORY UNFOLDS”
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The fourth line of the chorus, specifically "YOUR STORY UNFOLDS," breaks the fourth wall, as it serves both as a metaphor for the victims and for the story itself, where the events are portrayed.
Having an explanation about Krynshar links back to "YOU'LL LEARN TO KNOW ME WELL" from the first verse, which came earlier.
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Verse 2
This verse delves deeper into Krynshar's abilities and the terrifying experience of his victims.
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“I FEEL YOUR DESIRES, I KNOW ALL YOUR FEARS”
The transition is smooth, continuing to showcase Krynshar's mastery of his prey's emotions.
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“IN MY GRASP THEY’LL BLOOM, DROWN IN YOUR TEARS”
When captured, the victims see their desires and fears brought to life in a horrifying and intense way, leading them to despair.
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“NO ESCAPE FROM MY CLUTCH, NO HOPE TO DEFY”
No matter how much they try, escaping Krynshar is impossible. He always tracks his targets, and their capture is inevitable.
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“YOU WILL DANCE TO MY TUNE, UNDER A BLOOD-RED SKY”
This line depicts Krynshar's complete physical control over his victims, forcing them to "dance" as puppets inside the Red Mist.
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The word “TUNE” reflects not just his will as an absolute master but also his demonic laughter that echoes as he enjoys their suffering.
The scene connects directly to chapter 1 of Demon Diary, where Krynshar forces a victim to dance in an absurd and humiliating manner under a sky tinged blood-red by the Red Mist.
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This line also breaks the fourth wall, because we’re actually listening to a song, with such a good instrumental that it makes you want to dance, even if it's just nodding your head, tapping your feet, or moving your hands or fingers while you listen. So, indirectly, Krynshar is controlling you, making you do what he wants without you even realizing it.
Did it work on you? Let me know! Hahahah!
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Rap
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I was so excited for this part! This rap is fast but packed with information—so many lines with layered meanings delivered in such a short time!
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“MY ART MUST SHOCK”
This phrase at the beginning of the rap is a quote originally created for promotional material for Madness Paint. That Krynsharverse is perfect for directly incorporating this quote, as it focuses on a more “literal” and “direct” form of art.
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The quote has a double meaning:
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For Krynshar, every transformation he performs on his “prey” is a form of art. He has an artistic vein that he explores through these hunts.​​
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These transformations are always bizarre, designed to shock both the prey—amplifying their fears—and any onlookers, as Krynshar also enjoys unsettling others.
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This quote also breaks the fourth wall, serving me as Eduardo, the artist behind Krynshar. My works are literal “art” designed to shock viewers. They’re provocative, portraying fetishes that might be considered strange or obscene.
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For me, it’s empowering — a statement that says: “These fetishes exist, and I will represent them in my art, no matter how obscene they may seem to you.”
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Because of its significance, I really wanted this quote in the song.
It also appears indirectly in Demon Diary Chapter 1, during a scene where Krynshar asks the prey’s friends if they’re shocked by his “artwork.” And, of course, they are.
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“HAUNT ALL YOUR NAUGHTY DREAMS”
In the stories, this refers to people who fall unconscious after witnessing Krynshar's powers.
In Chapter 1 of Demon Diary, this line is indirectly referenced near the end of the church scene, where Krynshar wishes “naughty dreams” upon someone he’s just knocked out. Later in the story, Krynshar comments that this person is being haunted in their dreams by what they saw before passing out—one of Krynshar’s transformative “artworks.”
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This phrase also breaks the fourth wall, addressing you, the “naughty people” who fantasize about my creations.
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“I MOLD YOUR BODY, LET ME HEAR YOUR SCREAMS”
This highlights Krynshar’s sadistic side—he relishes the screams of his prey as he reshapes their bodies.
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“FEEL THE PULSE OF FEAR, AS IT RUNS THROUGH YOUR VEINS”
This describes Krynshar’s efforts to heighten the fear of his victims.
It’s depicted in many scenes throughout Chapter 1, especially when Krynshar feels and comments on the pulse of his first prey while controlling their body.
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“IN THIS TWISTED GAME, I'M HOLDING THE REINS”
This refers to Krynshar’s hunts, where he always maintains control.
In a more direct sense, it nods to the “game” Krynshar proposes to his prey in Chapter 1.
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“YOUR THOUGHTS ARE MY PUPPETS, YOUR WILL IS MY TOY”
A reflection of Krynshar’s ability to control his prey and toy with them.
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“IN THE DARK OF THE MIST, YOU ARE MINE TO ENJOY”
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This line refers to scenes where Krynshar revels in tormenting his prey, now enveloped by the densest, darkest parts of the Red Mist.
This concept is subtly explained in Chapter 1 of Demon Diary, during the capture of Krynshar's first victim. In this scene, the Red Mist partially obscures the light from nearby streetlamps, plunging those within it into darkness, followed by Krynshar delighting in his prey's suffering.
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“PERVERTED THOUGHTS TEASE ME, NOW THERE’S NO WAY OUT”
This describes what attracts Krynshar to his prey. If someone near him has perverted thoughts, they may provoke him, and when that happens, they become his next target.
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“YOU ARE LOST IN THIS GAME, STUCK TO SCREAM AND SHOUT”
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In the game that is Krynshar's hunt, the prey can run in any direction: outside the Red Mist, there is no safe haven to escape to, and inside the Red Mist, they are trapped in an illusion of infinity, being drawn deeper into the mist every time they approach an exit. They are ensnared within the fog, left with nothing but the despair of screaming.
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“YOUR SIMPLE MIND, I EASILY SPIKE”
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This refers to Krynshar belittling the intelligence of his prey whenever he has the chance, making them seem foolish or simply highlighting how inferior their intellect is compared to a being as clever as he is.
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“BITCH AND STUPID, JUST HOW I LIKE”
This line reflects what Krynshar enjoys in his prey. It’s directly referenced in Chapter 1 of Demon Diary.
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Verse 3
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The third verse represents the final moments and aftermath of the hunt.
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“OBEY MY COMMAND, SURRENDER YOUR WILL”
Krynshar’s captured prey have no choice but to obey his commands. Even if they resist, he forces them to comply, as their will is completely subdued.
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“YOU WILL BE WHATEVER I WANT, IT'S MY SKILL”
A direct explanation of his core ability.
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“WITH A TOUCH OF MY MIST, YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED”
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Touched by the Red Mist, you’ll inevitably be engulfed by its dense areas, and your destiny will belong to Krynshar.
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“AS DARKNESS FALLS, YOUR TRUE SELF REVEALED”
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This refers to the moment when the Red Mist completes the transformation of Krynshar's prey. As the mist disperses, the "darkness" lifts, unveiling the prey's transformation—shaped by their desires—revealing them as a submissive who secretly craves humiliation.
With this line, the hunt concludes, and so do the song's lyrics.​
Instrumental and Melody
After writing the lyrics, it was time to develop the melody and instrumental… Actually, the lyrics weren’t exactly like this at that moment, but I could already work on the instrumental based on what they were, what mattered most was the concept and structure.
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Developing the instrumental and melody was almost a simultaneous process, as I wanted the instrumental to interact with the rhythm created so the lyrics could be sung. I wanted an instrumental that referenced both the classic and modern, since Krynshar has been through various eras and has continued to update himself—he’s thousands of years old and still adapts to destroy cell phones and cover certain areas to block phone signals!
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I chose to merge classical music with pop music into one, and... I’m biased here... they are two of my favorite music genres, so this concept fit perfectly with my musical taste.
I love a violin played alongside electronics. I love a rap sung between verses of a pop song… Even though the rap came after a few edits to the lyrics, it was added to replace an extra verse in the song.
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I created the base using tips from tools on the internet and then edited them, applied a bunch of effects, and “remixed” them using Adobe Audition to create a demo good enough to send to the professional musicians who would play the instruments.
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The demo wasn’t quite the way I wanted it yet, but I was confident that if I directed the musicians well, I would get there. After all, I’m really good at directing people... At least, that’s what I thought until I heard the first versions from all the musicians together. That’s when I realized I had a lot to learn about directing music—it’s much more complex.
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It took several versions and re-recordings to get to the final result. Listen to a piece of one of the first versions:
The piano and drums weren’t in the rhythm I wanted. The violins used initially weren’t real, they were digital, made by the same musician who played the piano, and I hated how they sounded. For someone who’s a fan of the violin, these digital ones were unacceptable. The guitar in the chorus was misaligned with the rest of the instrumental. The electronic beats weren’t what I envisioned, and the ones in Verse 1 were faster than they should have been for the slower melody I imagined for that part.
Everything was wrong, so far from the fantasy I had created in my mind.
I watched videos online about music to learn how to communicate better with musicians and studied a few things. I hired a violinist, then I gave up on that first violinist and hired another one. The drummer also knew how to play the piano, so I asked him to try, and I ended up being disappointed and went back to the other pianist.
After more versions/attempts and a lot of chaos, we finally arrived at this version, where I was finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel:
The violins were already incredible. The overall rhythm was almost right. The piano and guitar were heading in the right direction. The instruments were working together. The drums were good, but the sound of the cymbals added made the chorus and instrumental solo sound almost Christmassy, so we had to replace the cymbal base with another sound.
Overall, the song was sounding too friendly, almost as if the lyrics were about something cute, which was clashing with the concept of the song, which goes in the opposite direction.
After many attempts over MONTHS, we finally arrived at the satisfactory result that you already know:
All the instruments sound fantastic and work together seamlessly in rhythm. The song matches the melody I envisioned and no longer feels Christmassy or overly sweet.
I’m incredibly proud of how this instrumental turned out!
VOCAL
I didn’t wait for the instrumental to be fully finished before starting the search for a vocalist. As soon as I had a decent enough instrumental demo, I hired someone to begin working on the vocals. This was partly to save time but mostly because I was incredibly excited to hear how it would sound.
The first singer I hired excelled at rapping, but when it came to singing the rest of the song, he struggled significantly with hitting the notes. To compensate, he applied so much tuning and mastering to his voice, which resulted in an overly robotic sound—something I absolutely hate, especially when it’s not intentional. After multiple failed attempts to fix this issue, I decided to move on to a second vocalist.
By the time I approached the second singer, the final version of the instrumental was ready to send over. He assured me he could sing the song after hearing the previous singer’s attempt. While he was indeed better at hitting the notes, he faced extreme difficulty when it came to rapping.
This experience shattered a misconception I had about rap—I used to think any singer with quick articulation could manage it. That’s definitely not the case, as you can hear in the second singer’s version:
He tripped over words, often slurring or mushing them together. His diction became garbled, filled with saliva sounds that made the rap feel awkward. He couldn’t maintain the flow and attempted to adopt threatening tones that sounded more silly than intimidating.
We went through nine versions as he worked hard to refine the rap and address the performance details I pointed out during revisions. Acting within the song was another area where he struggled.
After several attempts, I gave up trying to perfect his performance and just aimed to achieve a rap that worked, but he really couldn't do it. This process dragged on for four weeks before I finally decided to release him from this torment and seek a third vocalist.
This time, I was determined to choose carefully and was willing to spend significantly more money if it meant finding the right talent. I reviewed numerous candidates until I found one who had worked on Disney projects. Not only could he sing and rap, but he also had strong acting skills—everything I needed.
The difference in skill level between him and the previous singers was immense. However, working with someone so talented came with its own challenges. He developed his own vision for the project, creating a caricature of Krynshar in his mind that he couldn’t let go of. He genuinely loved this exaggerated version of the character he’d imagined.
It took four different vocal versions to get him to abandon this caricature. In an ideal world, we could have started fine-tuning his performance from that point forward, but those four versions were all we had agreed upon in our contract. Additionally, I had already exhausted the time I could afford to spend on this song.
The final vocals contain positive elements I absolutely love, but the performance still doesn’t fully align with the vision I had in my mind. Honestly, I feel a tinge of frustration about this because I truly imagined something very different. I believe that with more time (and money to convince the third singer to record additional takes), I could’ve achieved the result I truly wanted.
That said, I’m still proud of the outcome—it’s a strong result, especially considering it was my first time directing and producing a song.
"INSIDE THE RED MIST" will be available on all digital platforms soon, once I navigate through some bureaucratic processes and get approval from the distributor I hired. A few days ago, I submitted the instrumental version to the distributor, hoping it would at least be live by the time the lyric video was published. However, the process is taking far longer than I anticipated.
I’m not sure if this delay is normal for all distributors or specific to the one I chose, but the full version of the song will take even longer to be released. Stay tuned!
LYRIC VIDEO
The lyric video for INSIDE THE RED MIST was designed with many detail in mind. Some element reflects the atmosphere of the song.
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The Red Mist in the background reacts to the rhythm of the song. At the beginning (00:08), a “pulse” sound triggers the mist to shift from gently drifting to moving more aggressively, mirroring the way the Red Mist comes alive and acts in the stories.
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The animations of the lyrics are synchronized with both their meanings and the instrumental dynamics:
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Verse 1
“GAZE” expands like the focused view of a predator locking onto its prey.
“SPY” sneaks onto the screen, reflecting its stealthy nature.
“SMILE” curves into the shape of an actual smile.
“EYE” blinks in and out of view, mimicking an opening and closing eye.
“GAME” assembles like puzzle pieces and then scatters along with the rest of the on-screen text, as if the game has been reset.
Chorus
The Red Mist begins attacking Krynshar’s victims, triggered by the thunderous beat that represents its pulse.
“INSIDE THE” is literally inside “RED MIST,” which moves like a mist.
“FLEE” darts back and forth, frantically attempting to escape but failing.
“UNFOLDS” ties to the explosive beat, vanishing as if blown apart by the sound.
Verse 2
“BLOOM” emerges and grows, mimicking the process of blooming.
“DROWN IN YOUR TEARS” falls off the screen, cascading like tears.
“BLOOD-RED-SKY” appears in blood red color, with "SKY" fading as the screen is engulfed in blood-red color.
Rap Section
As the rap begins, the background shifts color in response to Krynshar’s demonic laughter.
This shift simulates Krynshar’s predator mode, where his glowing red eyes pierce through the mist to hunt his prey—a visual showcased in the Demon Diary art.
Verse 3
“AS DARKNESS FALLS” falls off the screen.
“REVEALED” appears dramatically as if being unveiled.
The Red Mist matches the instrumental's chaotic energy, swirling and "dancing" in sync with the rhythm.
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This lyric video doesn’t just complement the song; it enhances the storytelling experience, making the music and visuals an immersive extension of his narrative.​