metal tune/song arrangement opinions

[cakewalkgg]

This one is gonna have vocals, and guit leads.. just requesting opinions on structure, and tones.. thanks



added a newer mix, with some new arrangements let me know what you think.. still awaiting the solos and VOX

[Metaltyme]

I'm listening on pretty cheap-quality speakers at the moment. So, know that fwiw.

First Impression:

I love the arrangement/structure so far. It flows especially well for my tastes, and I'm really, really digging the riffage (good guitar tones too).

The drums sound good to me (did you use a sampler?).

I liked the piano part, particularly because of how it comes in (almost unexpectedly). Expression-wise though, I have to say it sounds a bit artificial, for lack of a better word...it's too perfect or something. Perhaps you could reverse-quantize/humanize a bit? It sounds a little too tight, and the velocity variation is nil (as far as I can tell). Maybe a tad of some type of subtle reverb might give it some much-needed depth (or roominess). I've had good success using convolution reverb or quality impulse responses for MIDI-fied piano. It actually comes out amazingly natural. The melody of the piano sounded awesome though, so I wouldn't change a thing in that department.

I can imagine that this song would be the type of thing I would definitely buy, in finished-product form. When you get leads and vocals thrown it, I'll be standing on ready to check that out as well. So, please post those updates when you get 'em. Nice work so far cakewalkgg.

Question: Any chance you might divulge how you got your guitar tones? I'd be quite interested in that particularly.

[cakewalkgg]

thanks for taking the time
Drums are superior 2
guitars are podxt diamondplate - ill try to post the settings. I lowpass to take the fizz off the top

you are right about the piano.. i havent given it any velocity TLC yet.
Thanks again

[willjrockstar]

I like the riffage of course. I like the guitar tones, but as good as you are i would kinda hope for better. Its really all kind of subjective though. But the most amazing part to me is, Are you programming all the drums yourself too. Where/How do you find time/energy to create all of this? Are the drums semi easy to programm.

[paul999]

The playing is great and I think metaltyme hit all the valid points. I have a bias against drum machine/pod recordings. They all start to sound the same to me. The sound is good but nothing goes the extra mile and makes me go wow. The song writing is stellar and I would love to hear this with vox etc.

Cheers

[cakewalkgg]

thanks for the feedback.. ya the drums take some time thats for sure.. Most of it is hand programmed, I have a library midi files that I rob little pieces from here and there.. but I find that with more technical music, stock midi just doesnt work very often. Its not too terribly hard to program the drums, but like restringing my guitars... the thought of sitting down at my DAW and programming drums sometimes makes me change my mind and go watch Family Guy instead..

I will have to take a closer look at the guitar tones. The podxt is the best solution for me at the moment. I record late at night (while others sleep). For now, I need to get the most out of the Pod for guit tones.. Maybe I just need to break my old habits and record dry guitar for some kind or re-amping.

[fHumble fHingaz]

I must say, this is very promising, especially since you are doing vox this time. - I'm really looking forward to the rest of the tune. Don't get me wrong, I love manic guitar playing as much as the next dude, but when it comes down to it, I'd rather listen to a tune with vocals. The flow of the song is great, & I can imagine already where the different parts will sit within this structure. The only negative thing I'd have to say is that the transition from the main part of the song to the soft piano interlude seems very abrupt... Having said that, I grant that the abruptness may make more sense when the vocals are finished. Overall, it's cookin'!

Its not too terribly hard to program the drums, but like restringing my guitars... the thought of sitting down at my DAW and programming drums sometimes makes me change my mind and go watch Family Guy instead..

...never a truer word said! Amen to that!

[Vanan]

Originally Posted by cakewalkgg

I lowpass to take the fizz off the top

Amazing the difference that makes. Just recently discovered that myself. Sometimes the tone you like jamming too, isn't always the best recording tone.

Nice stuff otherwise man. Wasn't too keen when the piano kicked in (maybe it is the quantized feel and lack of velocity variations as someone mentioned). Maybe it could have creeped in a lil more subtley with a slow volume swell when the piano kicks in. I dunno. That being said, the flow was perfect, into the guitars again! It gave me goosebumps! Awesome feel going from piano back to guitars! Can't say it enough. Awesome awesome!

[cakewalkgg]

thanks again for the feedback.. I wasnt sold on the transition into the piano, and looks like it indeed does need some attention.

[Odla]

Great songwriting man! Nice riffs, nice transitions. Very promising, this could be killer with the right vocals and leadguitars. I dig the guitar sounds and I do like the piano part (also the abrupt transition into it). I guess your perfectly capable of doing the guitarsolos yourself but my fingers are aching (do I spell this correctly?) to give it a go to, just for fun, when the vocals are done :-)


Keep on rockin'!

Aldo

Seven Day Hunt
Seven Day Hunt - a continuation of EGDON HEATH. Sort of, but not really!