by

Carl Nightbeat
(Nightbeat)

The guitar sample at the beginning was used very well throughout the whole song with alot of variation. The gradual build-up increased tension and interest all the way through the song; well anticipating song with a majestic climax. The funny thing is, there are no panning effects or balance in a song of this high quality(?) However, the volume level for each channel are balanced very well. Overall, the guitar instrument was the dominant throughout the whole song (I guess I see it like a guitar concerto) because of its richness, thickness and variation. Furthermore, the instruments fitted in harmony and rhythm so well that you can just hear the music flow so smoothly without any flaws. Musically, not only is the listener able to hear talent and skill in the song but also a intense amount of expression; sad and tragic while at the same time majestic and heroic or patriotic.

Solid veteran entry, but still could have used a lot more volume difference on each note, as well as overall having loud and soft parts that would grab our attention. Panning would also have helped this song....Nothing is really wrong musically, it's just a matter of getting more out of the tracker, and getting the song to please our emotions a bit more.

Great medival feel. Snares could have been louder. So could the timpani's, or kettle drums. About 2:38 you play the timpani/kettle at too high a note, doesn't sound realistic, keep it low. This pieces needs a melody that sticks out. You have some themes scattered throughout the piece, but they don't connect. Start melody, then refer back to it. I know good melodies are hard to invent, especially the ones that get stuck in your head, but this is the kind of style that needs it. Even if you want it to tell a story, you need to identify your main character. Great ending though, and a good piece overall.

I think the guitar could be tracked better. Use volume to make it sound more interesting and 'human'. You should emphasize some notes and leave others softer. I think the arpeggios should be either faster or slower, I am not sure if it sounds like strumming or picking. Mixing could be better, I can hardly hear the lead in the intropart. I like the change you make at position 26. You seem to give the guitar a lot of room in the mix, and that's why it should be better done. Somehow, this isn't a song which would attract my attention, but it is pleasant enough listening. Fine ideas, but lacks the red line.

The key word for this song is "despite". Simply _beautiful_ guitar -- this one definitely shows some skill playing the real hunk-o'-wood. Well-handled set of reasonable samples (but that trumpet sounded a bit muted for this song in order 36). The composition is quite promising if treated well. However... I thought this song really did _not_ want to be a fantasy-genre song. (I asked it -- it didn't. It really wanted to be more like a 1980's Metallica song. It told me so. :-) ) It just didn't seem like medieval music is something that's quite natural for the composer. But despite the unfamiliarity of the subject matter, it sounds like they're very comfortable in front of a tracker and know how to coax it to life in service of art. Despite the song's occasional flaws, it has the spirit behind it to stick with you. Great effort and a little bit lackluster achievement.

Everything about this song is great. The guitarwork is expertly done: with the chords sounding realistic and the channels used perfectly. The instruments work together extremely well. The drums really fit into the song as it gathers energy. The parts of this song which I dislike are transitions, there a bit too rough, and the whole song seems to be lacking a major change in the middle. Nonetheless, an Excellent song.