Suspended-3rd-Chord's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[§haded in Blood (Bad Man Inc)]

I wish I was this badass

Such a great track! This could be used in a movie with three guys riding Harleys with long beards and leather jackets riding down a highway, then busting into a building, firing machine guns at their enemies, working there way through unflinching and expresionless.

anyway, I absolutely love the main riff, interesting construction, its not a generic chugging riff at all. I love how it starts off as the palm muting part and then turns into an interesting arpeggio. The lead guitar has some pretty sweet harmonization and soloing. I like the tapping sections followed by the tremelo picking, very well executed and utilized- not overly fast, sloppy, boringl. A lot of the solo guitarists from what I've heard on here at NG just try to play as fast possible and as much as possible to try and show off, which I usually cant respect as much. so its really nice that you included the slower parts in your solo and then worked into the more intense bits. ditto for the drum parts, i like the triplets on the ride cymbals.

your production is also crisp as fook, real nice distortion tones and clear, authentic sounding drums. the lead should be made more distinctive IMO, i would have panned it a little more to the left or right and then added a touch of reverb. but really good EQ to make everything sound fresh- what guitars and effects do you use for your production if you dont mind saying?

Yeaaaa!!!!!!!

Bad-Man-Incorporated responds:

Thank you very much for the in depth review. I agree with the leads not standing out. haha.

I've been really working on my lead playing, as I have no real prowess really, when it comes to soloing. I play pretty much the same scale all over. My main reasons for wanting to learn more leads are...Variation, and Metaljonus. haha.
IT was suggested by a good friend,(DarKsidE) that I learn some more scales. He's right,
and Metaljonus : http://metaljonus.newgrounds.com/ is the best friggin shredder I've ever heard, I look there quite often for inspiration to keep practicing. (thanks Jon) haha. And I don't even think he is showing off. I'd like to see it though.

I read an interview with Randy Rhodes once, that pretty much said: "if you are a good rhythm player, practice rhythm. If you are better on the leads, practice leads, as one type of player will always be able to find another..then, you make music together" Or some shit like that. I've pretty much lived by that...practicing my rhythm more than leads. However, this is 2008. If you can't multi task, then you can't keep up. I ain't that old yet. haha.

Anyways, glad you found the recording nice and clear. I'm still searching for a good bonecrunching tone, but this is satisfying for the moment.

My guitar, is an old ass beast. 1984 profile. Mint though, and I'm running through a pod 2.0. These were basically just some stock settings. So I'll be uploading lots of experimental crap. haha.

Thanks again for the cool review and support, man! Sorry for the huge story.

[Rig - Reverb Project]

Nice 1

I wish I had classes that were cool like this =/

Rig responds:

You can still make a soundwalk, man - go for it! :)

[Porno Music]

ohhh yeahhh

porno music indeed ;)

I like your ideas in here, but its on the repetive side and doesn't change enough through the course of the track (you might have well just made it a loop).

So a pretty good, groovy bass riff. You probably could have changed the bass riff more, or brought the guitar in sooner. I like the slick muted riff, and you give a nice touch with that sick wah riff coming in adding to your idea. Drumbeat is pretty sweet and fitting too, I like the use of the shakers(and how they feel sexy in the speakers) and minimal kick and snare interactions. Dynamics make the drum loop sound pretty dynamic, and in general this track was mixed professionally.

But once the wah guitar comes in, its pretty much the same repeting themes for the remaining portion of the track. Also the ending is off, you're either ending on a note out of key or a note that's just urging to go down/up a step or two to finish on a more resolving sound.

So drums in general could be changed up more, maybe include tom rolls during every other transition, and a jazzy rhythm on a ride cymbal would give it a nice porno touch. To make a fuller sound, maybe through some subtle distorted power chords on the background just for a simple catchy rhythm. And where's the lead, pentatonic guitar solo with lots of bending licks? :P

So pretty tight track, just could use more variation IMO (or make it shorter)

[Chasing Blue Stars]

Original product here folks

This is a pretty sick, intensive track right here. I'm really digging the underheard of synths (did you make em yourself?) and the nice samples to make a really nice overall mix. The basskick is loud and pumping, while still having a nice sharp texture. I like those panned percussion in the intro, and cool samples throughout the rest of the track.

I like the bassy saw and the nice catchy melodies, that filtered/gated thingy (I dont know what its called) or whatever that synth is that starts around 1:29, and how you use a good variety of instruments to keep this interesting, and well variated yet similar themes throughout. The interlude at 2:20ish reverbed interlude was nice, and I like the trancey synthstring pads and how you morph too different sounds, very glad you included this part in here. Panned percussion around 4:10ish is cool again, and a nice epic last two minutes to finish the track-definetly had my head bobbin. This would be great in a laser/futuristic shootout center or something along those lines.

I dont think there's really any necessary additions or altercations that need to made on this track. One point that didnt really catch my attention was the intro; it felt a bit empty and lacking some interesting introduction element. The first synth melody was weak by itself, maybe a nice echoing sine in the background would be a good fit, or maybe change the constant 4/4 kick (like on the 7th bar, include a kick in between both original beats) too add some spice. and just to go overboad, maybe a lead solo synth somewhere along the lines in here with just a bassline and drums going- but they may not be typical of trance.

So, I'm not fan of trancebut I definetly appreciate when I hear a refreshing, new track like this one- I really can't find anything wrong with it. perfectly crafted synths with interesting effects and filters with suitable blended samples, excellent mastering work, and a decent overall composition. Good job!

Imn responds:

I used Sytrus and Vanguard mostly to produce the synths in the song.

As with almost any song you'll find, it is never perfect, and you will always have your idea on what would make it better. A lot of the trance I have listened to has a long and slow intro, and this is mostly because it's easier for DJs to get a non-stop mix going with smooth transitions. I can understand what your ideas are, and they may very well have been nice augmentations. There was so much more I wanted to do with the track, but I did not want to get carried away, so I set a deadline.

I'm glad you enjoyed the track. Thank you very much for this great review, it is much appreciated!

[Operation: Evolution]

Just my 2 cents...

Personally I dont like these types of styles, and I dont really this track to be honest- except for the guitar synth solos. I CTRL + F'd the term "preset" last 11 pages of reviews to see if anybody was gonna rag on you for using sytrus presets and factory FL dance samples, but couldnt find anything-and I'm glad. I think you did a great job at utilizing all the presets and making an outstanding overall track. Its more interesting when an artist makes their own synths- but who cares in this case. If you can rind a right place to use them the finishing sound is only what matters.

You did such a great job with the melodical content in here, some nice pulsating saw synths, lighthening fast arpeggios, emotional strings, and a decent drum beat (kick could more oompf and the clap could be increased IMO)... I really like the inverted maj7 chord you use as the main melody-and its obvious that you put so much time into programming the guitar to make it sound real powerful and sharp- and it has such a melody that gets better and better. I like when it pans from air to air, and you program it to make it sound like its realistically sliding, hammeriing on/pulling off, and those hooverish slides like in the interlude track.

A+ track.

[Rage of the Champions]

Geez dude!

well, after leaving some thoughts on your latest track, I've got pretty much the same words! Awesome! Great distinguishable themes! I can see some evil monarchy sitting atop in their lofty castles, as the champions break through their elite defense, as they come crashing through the castle to easily overthrow the malicious man at the throne, and restore power to a corrupted kingdom which was once a flourishing place in society.

I am always amazed by your crazy drum work, but you do an equally magnificent job of creating hair-raising melodies. You opened with something very epic (I will sound redundant when reviewing your tracks-because epic is a talent that is pretty much given with you) striking melody taht works perfectly as an attention. Combined with the strings, and then bring you the pumping, amazing percussion with a wide array of battle instruments. Then I like how you bring back the main melodical themes lightly with the strings, and then maintain the same level of epicness with the heavy brass hits...

Great job with everything else...there was just one point I personally wasn't too fond of, that chord at 1:05. It sounds like it has a right note to transition back into a resolving chord, but it just doesnt sound very smooth, for whatever reason. it might just me, I wish I could say theoretically why.

nonetheless, sick as hell track dude!!! keep up the A+ work as always!

[_-={The Deads Witness}=-_]

Excellence. Nothing less.

I really like your subtle, soft, not massive, yet grand sounding composition in your latest track. It creates a vision exactly like you described in your description.

The opening strings are real nice, with some great tom/bass drum section with an excellent use of dynamics to capture the perfect feel. (is this stormdrum?) Drums were well composed with their battle-esque rhtyhms to retain a nice battle atomsphere. Especially like the triplets in transitions. The strings and brass progression is of exceptional quality, containing a mainly upbeat theme but utilizing some chords to retain some sense of seriousness, as the battles ahead will not be no easy walk. The choir/yells add a very nice touch indeed.

Flute soloing is great as well, very peaceful melody indeed, slow and simple to be a rememberable theme yet not too distracting from the rest of the mix.

I like how there's a small relaxing section that starts at 1:24, and how you lower the volume on all the instruments to make for a truly soothing interlude. And then you raise the volumes at the end of this section (and transitioning into around 1:20ish) with some heart pounding drums. I like the windchimes-adds a vibe of happiness, and how the drums perfectly work there way back into the mix as a cluster of sound developing more into definable instruments. So some really great stuff up to 4:02..I just want to point out that I like the choir mixed into here! and the conclusion is another damn great part, which mirror the intro but with more power to make a dramatic finish to such a truly epic track.

Loads of intensity, visual imagery, authentic, professional sound, I could definetly see this in a Hollywood theme!!!

MaestroRage responds:

This was not storm drum but a patch in East West RA, African drums! There was simply no other substitute to their log drums. There is a mix of other percussions found in EW Orchestra, but largely from RA.

If I recall correctly, this is actually the very first project I used shouts in. It added a burst of energy, a vibe of unbridled anger which just had me planning for more. The first rendition had them at every other measure, but thankfully I got over my fascination with them and erased a good deal of it out. Otherwise it would have been sorely overused and as a consequence damaged the song.

You've broken the song down rather effectively S-3rd-C *wow your name is SO awesome in acronym format!!!*, there's not much I can add onto it, well done on ears well tuned!

Thank you for the review, i'm glad you liked it!

[{^} The gates of Heaven {^}]

Cool Experimental sound

First thought was this was a collaboration of ideas that were developed quite originally. The percussion sounds really unique, from the ethnic sounds that your friend used and the unique rhythms that don't have a continually active base. I also like how each sample has it own level of reverb and place in the speaker. The swelling bass sounds are pretty cool and a bit of spookiness, complimented by those muffled feedback noises.

I guess the main flaw in this track is that it feels overall empty- I guess emptiness can subjectively be good or bad in one context, but in my opinion this never really developed into anything big, despite having an interesting, enjoyable sound. It sounds mostly looped during the entire two and a half minutes. If you listen closely, it sounds like there may be some minor, different variations, but I would appreciate a more noticeable, drastic change in here and then create some meatiness to the track.

I guess this could use another synth or instrument that has a sharp, lead-oriented sound and really just a riff to fill a void to make this a kickass track. And then maybe add some lower and higher based percussion to develop a fuller sound too, once the track starts kickin. But for what it is, enjoyable piece here mate, certainly not too shabby for being made in just 10 minutes :P

Omninescience responds:

Thank you for the thoughtful review, you are right, this needs to be re-edited in the studio. Perhaps with new equipment I'll be getting soon, I can re-do the song all over once again, this time I will add more to the overall content for sure, hopefully I can make it more epic.

[++ Underwater Observatory ++]

1st!

trance isnt exactly my style, but I very much do like this one!

The two melodies that you open with are such a damn nice feel, so relaxing. The synths and pad that you use are a perfect choice, as they sparkle and slowly swell to correctly compliment an ocean theme.

the percussion is very nice, and once again very suitably chosen. I like those ambient and light snare that are panned on the left and ride. The harp sounds so graceful when it comes in, and plays a long, striking arpeggio. The interlude without the pads and the bassline going by itself is a good relief, and then you bring all back into perspective when you finish this track.

You always do a good job with creating you're lead melodies. The one you use here is so nice and soft, not too loud, or too overcomposed were you cant enjoy- just perfect, and I like how it bends at the end of the phrases.

still some minor "flaws" if I can say that, in this track, but nothing really major. It also seems complete for the most part, well balanced ideas and again sequenced together with finesse. With the pads in the background, the harp kinda just sifts into the atmosphere, to make a more apparent sound, I would raise the volume just a tad during that section. and maybe to mix up the drum sequences somemore, put some light, wooden ethnic percussion that pans from the left to the right during some point in the track.

Brilliant composition, some truly kickass parts!

kelwynshade responds:

Well, I guess I couldn't ask for a better 1st review if I tried.

I messed with the volume a ton because some sounds wanted to overpower the others like crazy and eventually I got everything to work out just fine.

I think my biggest problem is that when I get to working on the drums, I almost....lose interest if that makes sense. Basic beats here and there I can do, but the crazy complicated stuff that requires some good time usually causes me to quickly find something that sounds "good" then leave it at that. I do need to work on changing that.

Thanks again for the raving review. I enjoy reading all of them.

[++ Two Smoking Roses ++]

¡Es Fantastico!

quite a marvelous job and spanish-themed sound which is a refreshment to hear on NG. It does fit the RPG Sandy Town theme very nicely! The chord progression is very nice, has a nice latin touch, and sounds good with the plucked sounds you use for it. The bassline sounds brilliant too, and I like how the two rhythms play in accordance smoothly with each other. Claps are a good fit, and I like the simple but upfront beat in the later portion of the track. The brass sounds are real nice (and was what I was hoping for when I heard the intro :] ) and calm over the top, and together they just blend together with quite an exceptional sound.

it is a bit short and repetive though- but its damn nice for what it is and the 45 minutes that you worked on this for. Again, such a great creation that is quite well polished, but has the potential again to be an amazing track. some repetivness in the chord progression, like you could try changing the voices in the progression a bit more- and incoporate an authentic spanish sound by using a chord progression based from the phyrgian and the harmonic minor scale (if you know music theory). There's also room for a melody or two more in here, on a lead instrument that plays a relatively fast riff (a perfect fit would be a nylon guitar or solo trumpet player in maybe an interlude). and again, percussion is great in here and overal l sounds well-rounded, but if you were to work on more- look into including some latin based percussion such as castanets, maracas, guiros, etc. should be a great fit! and some latin based rhthyms with some triplets would be cool too-i think ive gone overboard with suggestions..

but really man, great job with developing another sweet composition. you always develop some very memorable themes. did you have three songs in the top 30 this week as well? congrats!

kelwynshade responds:

Thanks again for the wonderful review.

I suppose in the future I may turn this into something much fuller and completely remastered.

Your suggestions make perfect sense. I just became a bit lazy and grabbed a few sounds to finish it quickly, haha. Thanks again for checking out the goods.