New recording, Metal, but feedback welcome from everyone

[dj150888]

Hey guys, just did a couple of new recordings there, we've thrown one up on our Myspace - www.myspace.com/darkestera

The track "An Ancient Fire Burns" was recorded a few weeks ago, all feedback is welcome. I'm hoping for feedback on the whole thing, not just the bass, though bass specific feedback is welcome too. We Irish have a thick skin, so I'm totally open to honest critique.

It was recorded quite quickly on a low budget, to be released primarily as a sample CD to send to a few interested parties before we go back to record an album.

Its probably the least bass-focused of our newest songs, so I stuck with the Keep It Simple approach.

Any questions about recording equipment used or anything else you'd like to ask are welcome.

[BKBassDude]

I thought that was a pretty great song. Definitely one of the better metal tracks I've heard from off these forums.

My overall thoughts were really positive about almost everything. I generally don't care for power metal style vocals, but I think your singer does it very well, not relying on being overly shrill or theatric, which is what usually immediately turns me off. There are some questionable pitch parts, but they are small and his harmonies and overall grasp of the style more than make up for it.

Guitars and bass were solid. I wasn't blown away by any specific part, but it all together made a very listenable song.

The drums definitely stuck out to me among the instruments. Your drummer has a very unique feel, almost swinging within the metal context, somewhat like Brann from Mastodon. I really thought that even though there wasn't the typical metal drum histrionics that the drums really stood out to me. Very cool.

Most of my complaints lie with the mix, which I felt was odd. I don't know how you set the channels, but things sounded strange to me. It was like everything was slightly to the left. I can't quite explain it.

Your bass part was fine, suited the song well. I didn't care for your tone however. I thought there is a lot of room for more punch to your sound, more definition between notes. I would EQ your bass a bit to be more mid/treble heavy and focus, or maybe adjust your technique to play a bit more staccato in sections. These are just slight complaints, as I would definitely listen to this song (and your others) again. Good luck, if you ever come to New York, I'll be sure to check you guys out!

[dj150888]

Thanks for that mate......as for the mix thing.....accidentally uploaded the wrong mix and for some reason, the drums were all panned left! Fixed now though.

[dwm74]

I agree with BK's post above...that is one of the better metal songs posted here!

Just my humble opinion...I really liked the first two songs (Ancient Fire and Visions). The music has a real Iron Maiden-esque sound in both songs, which certainly appeals to me.

Maybe I'm biased, but I felt the bass could have been featured a little more prominently in the mix. And perhaps it's just the crappy computer speakers I'm listening through, but a 'cleaner' bass tone would cut through the distortion of the guitars better. But overall, two thumbs up!

[WayneS]

I like it alot too. Cant really hear the bass though.

I like the singer as well... I think he should avoid notes that are too high though. Seems like his voice loses a little on the high notes.

[foq1978]

As someone who doesn't care for metal, I think the songs are quite good and very listenable! I was not compelled to stop listening to the playlist after the first couple of songs, as I thought I would be. In fact, this is the first time I post a comment on a metal band around here.

I wish I could hear the bass better. As BKBassDude said above, more mid / treble would help a lot in that sense. It sound better during the second part of Visions of the Dawn, though.

Congratulations on the band!

[dj150888]

Thanks guys. All appreciated. I'm wondering if the bass volume/tone problems have come from our just listening to it through studio monitors and large stereo systems.....I may have to check that out.