Diabolo-ical's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[March of the damned]

Here's what I think

You reviewed my "The Holy War" song, so I thought I'd give you my opinion on one of your tunes.

This is a little repetetive, but only because you're sticking with the same instruments. Also, I noticed that by using several spiccato chords (cellos, aren't they?) in a row, it's easy to notice that these are recorded samples, because you keep hearing the same recordings... what I mean is, it sounds slightly unrealistic.

Also, I noticed you used some kind of tremolo string instrument along with the spiccato chords. Personally I don't think it fits in too well.

But, other than these very minor things I noticed, this is a GREAT COMPOSITION, and beats my The Holy War song by far. The brass instruments sound especially amazing. I wanted to ask you a question, though... the drums you used don't sound like Timpani to me. What are they? And if they aren't part of the Edirol Orchestral VSTi, where did you get 'em? Thanks!

XGM-Zeth responds:

Well, First off, I shall comment the cons of this song.

I agree with the tremolo strings kinda sucking, but i didnt think about it at the time, as i just felt like making stuff.

And for the timpani, This is indeed the Edirol Orchestral, but you must always remember the settings of the reverb can be very useful for instruments sounding different, even if its the same.

The brass as well, all part of the Edirol.

This was before i even got alot of soundfonts that i could use and i suggest you listen to my "The promise is given" if you want to hear something alot of people actually like better than this song.

-Zeth-

[Peaceful Sleep]

Yeah...

Good harmonies/chords, good song altogether. DesTroy_Kid is right, though. This song belongs in Runescape!

But, it is a little repetetive... a trap most artists fall into, including myself. It would be great if you used more realistic instruments. I don't know what program you use, but I'd grab some VST effects and instruments to play around with. They're much better than regular .WAV or .AIFF samples (but not for drums! VSTs aren't all that great for Drumloops or hits).

Good work, in all.

Petwoip responds:

Thanks for the review! I've never played Runescape so I don't know if it belongs or not. I use a program called MusiGenesis, a very simplistic music maker. I think other music making softwares such as Fruity Loops and Reason are waaaaay too confusing for me, so I stick with this. The software doesn't have the greatest instruments or sound quality but I like it. Im happy you liked it :)

[First Level]

THIS IS DECENT

I like it a lot! The only thing I'd comment on is: the beat has quite a lot of bass/treble, and the bassline that comes in is too quiet. The synthy melody is too prominent.

I'm sure some volume adjustments would solve this prob, or maybe EQ'ing the lower the high frequencies on the synth?

But really, that is hardly noticable. I'll be downloading a copy ^.^ If I was to comment on what I really like about this song... it'd have to be the awesome beat - the snare sound is especially awesome. And the harmonies used are perfect, IMO. This is how techno should be! Out with the terrible dance music and in with this kind of stuff!

[Psybot - Highland wind's]

In three words, I LIKE IT!

Aye, aye! *tries to type a scottish accent* BAGPEEPS ARR FRUM SCOOTLAND LADDIE! But that isn't the point, I LOVE this loop, I think I must have listened to it about 7/8 times now. The "bagpipes" do sort of sound like bagpipes, and they definately sound cool. The beat couldn't be better either.

[Death To be True]

I'll be blunt...

I -hate- trance. This song is alright, most especially for a newbie artist. Personally I'd work on variation, length and more instruments.

But as for Lord-Steel's review... what a fool. Nobody just becomes a great music artist straight away, and that goes for everything.

Ok, so there is a lot to work on, but "Lord-Steel" is just one heck of a moron. I presume you upload your songs to NG for opinions and constructive criticism, just like I do, since it helps you know exactly what you're improving. Lord-Steel's review is FAR FROM constructive criticism; it's just a load of rubbish. You should always ignore people like that!

Heitoki responds:

Thank you for actually realizing what these songs are here for. I want to get better, i just need time. Anyways.. thanks for your review. I hope to here from you again in the future ^^

[My First Orchestra]

It's....

It's better than the first track I ever made on the PC. You've definately got the right idea - plenty of variation, but I'm pretty sure this is all MIDI. MIDI is good for practice in my opinion.

But when you're ready to make something with realistic-sounding instruments, you might want to get a better program such as Making Waves, Ableton Live, Reason, or even Logic (I'm presuming you aren't using any of these at the moment!)

Just to polish my review off though, you're definately headed in the right direction here. It seems to me that most artists who make music with a computer for the first time throw together some loops to form a songm with a program such as EJay.

[Grieve]

My turn...

Ok, you reviewed my "The Holy Song" so I decided to return the favour :)

...this song DEFINATELY sets the mood. Some very grievous chords/harmonies in this one. I'd love to hear it in the intro of an epic film, like LOTR.

Having said that.... -all- of your work is great. A few weeks back, I actually reviewed a few of "DarkLordOblivion"'s songs, and heard the one he stole from you. I can't stress how much I hate his guts! But back to the point, I really like this stuff, and I've been on your site more than a few times now.

Just to summarise it all: GREAT WORK, keep it up!

Edgen responds:

:) thanks for the input. Grieve is my softer/darker side of life. Those tracks from the heart usually mean the most to people. Its special to me and I'm glad it sparked you to return a review. all the best, /justin

[Misc. Keyboard]

Wellllllll

....it's alright, I liked it at first. But the strings don't go well for me. I would have preffered pure piano. Also, I couldn't pick up a rythym from this. I think you were trying to play it too "naturally" or whatever :)

[Intravenous Catheter]

Ehhhhm,

Bit repetetive, but I like it. Sounds like a very professional track. It would be an excellent tune for the credits of a film... or a flash...!

p-j-hansen responds:

Thanks a lot!

[The Matrix DNB]

GRRRRRRRRRRRR

Am I the only person here who can spell properly? Yes? Well that's not the point, the point is this song is *NOT* stolen. Techno_King is right. It is a remix (although a genuine remix would use samples from the original track). Anyone who thinks JD stole the original AND SPED IT UP IS THICK. And I mean Buttersux mostly when I say that. "weird... a person like u
with all platin and diamonds g2 steal a song..."

DUHHHHHH he has all those Platinums and Diamonds BECAUSE he is an excellent magician, and obviously knows how to use Reason very well indeed. If he can make a whole bunch of decent songs, then why wouldn't he be able to re-make the Spybreak track from scratch?

'nuff said.