Shiverwar's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[[Forbidden Chozo Artifacts]]

Hey, glad to see you're still alive, man! How've ya been?

As for the track itself, I like how it's essentially a slower-and-yet-somehow-more-foreboding version of the original track. Must be because of the Metroid-esque sounds. Those tracks always did have an ambience of suspense to them. I don't really have much to complain about this mix, other than it could be a taaaaad louder, but that's more of a personal nitpick than it is a proper critical area. I'd love to hear more from you!

MeisterMach5 responds:

It's been a nuts time, not gonna lie! Haven't been able to focus as much on my musical hobbies, but I'm always itching to mess around on FL Studio. The mastering on this track is pretty bad, not gonna lie. It was a struggle to figure out what should be the focus of the track, and I never was able to really settle on one specific thing. Hence why everything sort of blends together, nothing really taking the spotlight (with maybe the exception of the Prime samples). As I'm typing this I'm working on arranging Crimson Dead, with a particular emphasis on my new VST Plugins, so I'm pretty excited for that!

[mantle of blue]

There's depression and sorrow in this, yes, but like other reviewers, I can sense an underlying hope, or a desire for things to improve in condition, as if you're awaiting the day that things turn around for the better, whilst being forced to endure the suffering you're in. The emotions come out rather well, and as much as it sucks that it's from a place of sorrow, it's a sorrowful beauty that emanates from this piece.

Troisnyx responds:

You know my circumstances well, Shiverwar. I didn't feel the hope when recording this. I suspect that the hope comes from the subconscious. Or another source outside of me. Or both 🤔

Regardless, it is here and trying to tell me something which you also understand about me — that I should indeed await the turning of the tide.

Thank you for your kindness, both on this track and elsewhere. ❤️

[Archangel]

Bruh. This is some bomb-ass stuff, mate. It's just intense enough to convey that sense of battle, but not too intense as to overshadow all of the other subtleties going in through the track. Looks like I have some catching up to do.

AceMantra responds:

Hey, thanks! I know you do some great stuff as well. Maybe we should collab sometime.

[Tír na hÓige]

Twenty seconds in, and I'm grinning ear to ear, man! The fact that you based this off of Tír na nÓg is, in and of itself, an awesome touch, but the overall tune is, as one would expect, fucking rad and melodic as hell! No wonder it got frontpaged back in March!

DanJohansen responds:

Hey man! Glad you dig it, yeah I dig celtic folklore and music style, so I just had to! haha

[Fah Noh Sah]

Oddly enough, I don't imagine this being in Skyrim. I imagine it being in Dragon's Dogma. It sounds right up its alley, and I'll be DAMNED if this isn't fucking rad! As usual, Dan, you knock it right out of the goddamn ballpark with this one. Everything seems to mesh well together, and the vocals add another level of atmosphere that metal songs should have! The mix of classical and metal seems to really be your edge, and what a sharp edge it is! One thing I've noticed, though, is that your tracks all seem to have some sort of Celtic or Gaelic feel to them in parts, or overall. I noticed this more with "Edge of the Sword", but even more with "Aes Sídhe". Very, very nice touch. So far, I can't find anything to complain about at all!

DanJohansen responds:

Nah I don't find that odd at all man! I didn't have Skyrim in mind when I made it :) And skyrim don't have a lot of Celtic vibes etc etc. I was actually more subtly inspired by the shouts in God of War OST's than Skyrim if anything. Glad you dig the tune man! I really love Celtic vibes, def not done exploring that territory :)

[Her Hope ft. Troisnyx (Can You See The Clouds Divide)]

I must rebut what InstaSkillz said. This is indeed metal, just not in a style we're all used to. That being said, this bit was very, very well done, and with stems by the glorious Troisnyx, no less! However, I must say that, in terms of personal taste, this isn't quite perfect. It's not the notes or anything like that, but rather the way the sounds meld. For some reason, to me, they just don't seem completely... pleasant to the ear to me. Don't get me wrong, it's only minor in this case, but it is noticeable for me. I can't really describe it. Oh well, that minor point aside, this is still very, very well done. You and Trois should do a collaboration or two together.

ADR3-N responds:

Hey! Thanks for the review. Yeah, I see what you're saying. I'm still getting used to new plugins and mixing/mastering in general. Most of what I work with is free and terrible. Glad you liked!

[The Voyage]

Dan Johansen, Khairul Razikin, Jon Santiago in one tune? Dude, stop. I might have a heart attack because I can't handle this much awesome.

Seriously, though, this shit's awesome as hell! Collaborations like this need to happen more often!

DanJohansen responds:

Yeah I want to collab more for sure! Glad you dig it man :D

[Hear Lies]

It seems like you and a few others are the ONLY ones who do the screaming vocals in a way I can actually stand! I think part of it is because you mix it with actual melodic singing as opposed to doing the screaming through the entire song. The vibe I get from you is similar to that of Killswitch Engage and Stone Sour, honestly, both of whom I fucking LOVE. You've got this down to a science, it seems, and I'm glad you're still kicking ass and chewing bubble gum.

...But you seem to be all out of gum.

Bad-Man-Incorporated responds:

Wow man, those are incredible comparisons! Much appreciated. haha, These songs are fun. Not science. lol haha.

This song, has actually made it into my other bands' line up - with a female singer. She fucking slays this tune.

Glad you dig it. I'd like to upload her version soon too. Love your thoughts on that one, when we get it!

[Krewella: We Are One (BurgeraX Remix) [Dubstep]]

Okay, coming from Bad-Man-Incorporated, I kind of expected metal, not dubstep. Dubstep isn't even that well-enjoyed by me. You managed to be an exception, however. This was both beautiful and powerful. For someone who doesn't even like dubstep that much, I've got to say you know damn well what you're doing! You made something I dislike and turned it into something I find myself moving to, and that's not very easy to do! You've got some mad talent, mate! Perhaps I can learn a thing or two from you!

EruptionMusic responds:

Thank you, im glad you like it enough to motivate you :)

[Godvine]

I remember listening to some of your stuff from way back when, and you were fucking badass back then. It's awesome to see that THAT badassness has improved at least tenfold since those days! Your vocal style, while it does sound a tad... gruff, I guess? While it sounds that way, it's in such a way that it makes your singing so easy to listen to, as opposed to the constant screaming and growling I tend to hear on NG these days. I mean, it's good to use that style, but it's best to use it sparingly, in my opinion. Aside from the vocals, the guitars, drums, bass, everything grabs the listener by the balls and says "You know you love me." As one such listener, I must agree with that sentiment! This is kickass, man! Is there any chance I could use your stuff for some videos on YouTube? I have a small channel and I try to use music I download for free for them. Proper credits are given in the description, and I do make sure to give links to where people can listen to and acquire these songs, if available.

Bad-Man-Incorporated responds:

not sure how I missed this review! Sorry for the delay in response! Of course, use whatever, just give credit. :)

Also, this song is in my bands songlist and is sung by a female vocalist. She makes this her own for sure!

Thanks for taking the time to listen and review. Super sorry again, for the delayed response. :(