peartnoy: Someone wants to review my band's new album?

peartnoy 06.29.19	I don't know why but loading the artwork didn't work. Oh well...
Beardog 07.02.19	I don't wanna review it, but I will check it out k bye (please put it on Google Play)
peartnoy 07.03.19	Good enough for me haha. It's going to be on every streaming service possible July 12th
Beardog 08.08.19	When are you guys gonna put it on Google Play? Edit: I'm stupid, it was there already
Josh D. 08.08.19	I always thought it was considered gauche to request reviews of one's own music on here. I have more shame than I thought, I guess. Anyway, who wants to review me now :)
Beardog 08.08.19	You can ask for a review as long as you're not spamming it I guess. I'll check your record Josh, although I don't think I'll review it...
Josh D. 08.08.19	I'm shaking my fist in the air.
MarsKid 08.08.19	Obviously from reading your comments around here it seems you don't mind critique, so I will be frank. While I'm not sure if I'll review this, I can at least offer a few thoughts. In terms of overall production and presentation, this was solid for an underground band. Songs were able to relatively catchy and enjoyable to listen to, for the most part, with the band's members all generally holding down their parts. The bass wasn't very engaging and he was mostly buried under the djent/chug sessions, but I suppose it's OK that he was at least SOMEWHERE. The clean vocals weren't bad, but they were only serviceable at best, having a lack of a real, commanding presence. They basically got the job done and that's that. In terms of the musicality in general, as I said, it was well done. My issue is whether this offers anything that could bring me back for repeat listens. It's not far off from the modern -core/prog-core sound and feels more like another cog in the machine rather than a unique part. Certain tracks just fall flat (ex. "White Flag"--the nu-metal-esque guitars and the gang vocals and the clean performance are all grating here) and others are simply not noteworthy. It is competent but not impressive. I understand that may be harsh but those are my true feelings. Obviously, it's hard to make music and to put it out there for the world to judge, so I respect that. I have to conclude, however, that I fail to find anything truly engaging here for the most part.
Beardog 08.08.19	I think I'll review this
peartnoy 08.09.19	@MarsKid Thanks for the big comment man. Here are my thoughts Production: Yeah we record with Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy) who records bands like The Agonist and Beyond Creation. So yeah it sounds pretty good! Bass: I don't know, I kind of flat out disagree lol. There are quite a few moments where the bass is the focus, especially compared to bands in the genre. It's quite high in the mix too. Clean vocals: I'd agree with that. I'm the one who does most of the clean vocals and I know I'm not at a level to make them a highlight yet. Originality: I don't know about that. I genuinely think we blend the more old-school metalcore with prog in a way that's not really being done in that way elsewhere. I don't think a song like Deserter really exists. If it's a good thing or a bad thing that's of course up to the listener. Also there's a conscious effort to limit breakdowns as much as possible. White Flag: I thought it was a good track to break from the more ''complex'' and serious tracks on the album. It's meant to be a bit dumb, simple and cheesy. I personally really like the grooves in it haha. Thanks for taking the time. I don't know how much this kind of music fits what you usually like, but it's all still important and appreciated. I respect the honesty even if it hurts a little bit haha
MarsKid 08.09.19	This is generally not my sort of style and I certainly respect the effort, as I said. And obviously if you're content with your work and had fun then don't let me take that away from you, just wanted to offer my perspective. And re: clean vocals, I would recommend improving your range or lowering yourself to a more comfortable plane. You can hit the notes, but they don't quite have the support behind them that would give them extra punch. Think of someone like Howard Jones--not in terms of his voice exactly since he's one of a kind--and how, whenever he sings, he commands attention. (and yeah the bass is louder than I gave it credit for, that's my b)