The older recording sounds pretty great to me.
As far as composition goes, I like a little more dynamics, even in this genre; I think you need to breathe every now and then, but it could be just my preference.
The newer recording, to me, would have needed a bass guitar or bass synth. The drums sound very artificial, so I think it was going for some Pig Destroyer/Plaguebringer vibe, but those make up for the minimalism with pretty complex compositions, whereas here it was relentless all the time. Again, just my personal taste, because the recording is flawless and the mix balanced.
I knew people on this forum would have a sharp ear.
@suleiman: You're right the vocals on the newer release need more power. (There was no layering done, and they were practically all the 1st vocal take! Unfortunately had to rush the vox because I'd run out of "studio time" and too broke to pay for more)....
@ NT: Totally agree! When there's non-stop aggression that it's good to let the songs breathe once in a while for more dynamics.
Generally I like the new mix but my biggest regret is that the bass drum came out a little flat and doesn't have enough bottom end/low end.
I'm recording a new one (thru Reaper) and I have a lot more tricks up my sleeve this time around to correct things like that.
There's a huge difference between the professionally mixed song from the self-mixed one. Professional mix sounds more "in your face" and polished. Nonetheless, both songs are F'ing great!!! Kick-ass riffage. \m/ \m/
I would also have to agree the the drums on "Nergion" sound a bit artificial,
Great work!
cheers
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The first two bands I listened to and then realised were in the blackened death genre were Dissection and Naglfar, so for me that's the bar where mixes are concerned.
Your material is great and I was mentally putting more dynamics in the first tracks as I was listening. Tends to be my 'problem' too when I'm composing HM-2 death metal tracks.