The inspiration for this track comes from the book "Coldheart Canyon" by Clive Barker.
In this book there's an elaborate description of an illustration found in an ancient monastery. This illustration is painted on tiles, covering an entire room. It represents the surrounding landscape (medieaval Romania), but in a twisted and bizarre way. "A nobleman rides in this place, condemned by the Queen of Hell to hunt forever - or until he entraps her son."
The track begins as you enter this room and start to find out that this illustration is slowly changing into another reality...
For those unfamiliar with this book and/or Clive Barker: take a look at some illustrations of Dante's inferno by Dore or explore the paintings of Bosch while listening. I think these images capture the mood of this track as well.
The track changes themes often, this is on purpose. Different scene, another theme... I'll try to improve the structure in a future update (this is w.i.p.) and work a bit more (lengthen) on some ideas.
On a mastering / mixing note: I don't have monitors (yet) and I'm still figuring out how to properly use fx plugins. Since I've no mixing background whatsoever I'll be doing some research soon; in the meantime - helpfull suggestions are welcome.
Still interested? Here goes: http://mmdejonge.madtracker.net/devilscountry.mp3
Cheers,
Mike
[soundtrack / dark fantasy] The Devil's Country
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- KVRist
- 476 posts since 20 Mar, 2004 from Netherlands
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- something special
- 8630 posts since 16 Mar, 2002 from Birmingham, Alabama
As a composition, I think you did a fine job with such a complex idea. Interesting throughout.
Mixwise, it seems to need some help, but I'm no expert at that. I'm definately still learning, too.
but good work!
Mixwise, it seems to need some help, but I'm no expert at that. I'm definately still learning, too.
but good work!
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- KVRist
- 252 posts since 19 Apr, 2004 from bordering on reality
My first associations in regards with this track are with the music of the Final Fantasy and Eternal Darkness video games. Though your song is quite different. I like the changes that are in your song, they give it a sense of movement. Movement as in that indeed the environment which you are in changes and you see this happening right before your eyes.
If this were my track I would be tempted to take more time to develop each separate theme you’ve put in this music. But I think that would ruin the energy that is in your composition.
* I think the "kloink" at ±0:23 could have some more depth, maybe a reverb.
* The sound of the galloping horse through the water is a bit too sharp in my ears. as are the high notes that come after it.
* The harp(?) ±2:27 is a bit soft and sounds very shallow. Personally I would think it should be a tad louder and have way more depth. A reverb might do the trick but you may have to find a different sound to begin with.
* the transition of the female vocals from one note to the next does not always sound all that natural. I don't know maybe a glide will solve that problem otherwise you may want to have a moment of silence (=no female vocals) between those notes so it sounds more natural. In other words don’t have those notes connected or find a another note that flows over more smoothly.
* The bells at ±3:27 with the male vocals are a bit soft, maybe increase their volume a bit or pan them somewhat more opposite of the male vocals.
On a whole I think your mix as it is lacks a bit of bass. I can hear a lot of high things of which some are just too high & sharp but there is hardly any audible bass. Also I think that you should put a lot of time and effort in editing the individual sounds of the interments you use in your song. Currently a lot of them sound cheap, shallow and plastic and I think your composition deserves rich, deep, alive-sounding sounds! I have no mixing / mastering background or experience what so ever so this just what I think and what I think I hear. J
Anyway, I like your composition and I hope you will get to make it sound very good. Good luck to you!
If this were my track I would be tempted to take more time to develop each separate theme you’ve put in this music. But I think that would ruin the energy that is in your composition.
* I think the "kloink" at ±0:23 could have some more depth, maybe a reverb.
* The sound of the galloping horse through the water is a bit too sharp in my ears. as are the high notes that come after it.
* The harp(?) ±2:27 is a bit soft and sounds very shallow. Personally I would think it should be a tad louder and have way more depth. A reverb might do the trick but you may have to find a different sound to begin with.
* the transition of the female vocals from one note to the next does not always sound all that natural. I don't know maybe a glide will solve that problem otherwise you may want to have a moment of silence (=no female vocals) between those notes so it sounds more natural. In other words don’t have those notes connected or find a another note that flows over more smoothly.
* The bells at ±3:27 with the male vocals are a bit soft, maybe increase their volume a bit or pan them somewhat more opposite of the male vocals.
On a whole I think your mix as it is lacks a bit of bass. I can hear a lot of high things of which some are just too high & sharp but there is hardly any audible bass. Also I think that you should put a lot of time and effort in editing the individual sounds of the interments you use in your song. Currently a lot of them sound cheap, shallow and plastic and I think your composition deserves rich, deep, alive-sounding sounds! I have no mixing / mastering background or experience what so ever so this just what I think and what I think I hear. J
Anyway, I like your composition and I hope you will get to make it sound very good. Good luck to you!
~leave through a door.~
http://www.eretsua.com
http://www.eretsua.com
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- KVRist
- 34 posts since 7 Dec, 2003
Yes, it's a very nice composition.
Some of the sounds could be deeper, as could the whole mix. Maybe add some subtle low string instruments to give it more epic proportions
But it's a very nice job!
Some of the sounds could be deeper, as could the whole mix. Maybe add some subtle low string instruments to give it more epic proportions
But it's a very nice job!
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 476 posts since 20 Mar, 2004 from Netherlands
Thanks guys.
Bluedad - I forgot to comment on your "Plug the monkey", but I really liked it (it's still on my HD)!
Glad you liked this track.
Austere, I'll be using your comments in a future update - I thank you very much for your very detailed review
120mg: It's clear to me now that my (cheepy) headphones and surround system compensate the bass too much. I'll probably EQ the whole track to lift the lower sounds, there's plenty of strings in it already.
Bluedad - I forgot to comment on your "Plug the monkey", but I really liked it (it's still on my HD)!
Glad you liked this track.
Austere, I'll be using your comments in a future update - I thank you very much for your very detailed review
120mg: It's clear to me now that my (cheepy) headphones and surround system compensate the bass too much. I'll probably EQ the whole track to lift the lower sounds, there's plenty of strings in it already.
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- Banned
- 6127 posts since 1 Apr, 2004 from Et in Arcadia Ego
most ppl don't realize that Clive's a well established artist..check out his art in a book called "Illustrator"
A great compliment to his early horror work made in the same perdiod, & good possible source of inspiration if that's where you seek it.
A great compliment to his early horror work made in the same perdiod, & good possible source of inspiration if that's where you seek it.
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 476 posts since 20 Mar, 2004 from Netherlands
Thanks for the tip, I've been a fan of Clive for some time - but I didn't know of this particular book.sickle666 wrote:most ppl don't realize that Clive's a well established artist..check out his art in a book called "Illustrator".
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- KVRist
- 252 posts since 19 Apr, 2004 from bordering on reality
you're more then welcome. I'm looking forward to hearing the final version someday!Mike Almighty wrote:Austere, I'll be using your comments in a future update - I thank you very much for your very detailed review
~leave through a door.~
http://www.eretsua.com
http://www.eretsua.com
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- KVRAF
- 7672 posts since 9 Nov, 2003 from Netherlands
A greatly composed work allready of which I can only wait what you will do with it with better monitors (they make up half the song usually).
The part from 1.34 - 1.57 for instance could use more depth and lows as it sounds a bit thin right now, but like you said if that's compensated by the system you are working on now, I can't wait for the version made on a good system.
Impressive work
The part from 1.34 - 1.57 for instance could use more depth and lows as it sounds a bit thin right now, but like you said if that's compensated by the system you are working on now, I can't wait for the version made on a good system.
Impressive work
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 476 posts since 20 Mar, 2004 from Netherlands
Thanks Mystahr, you never miss out on any song now do you 