ForgottenDawn's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Vanitae]

I think it's an interesting interpretation of Gregorian chants, befitting more a cinematic score with Gregorian elements. This is, in fact, more complex and layered than what I would expect a Gregorian chant to sound like, which is usually monodic. The melody itself is quite beautiful and solemn—I don't find the chords cheesy at all, as some stylistic choices do add some interesting colors to otherwise dare I say predictable progressions. Case in point here at 0:43 (is that a Dmaj6/9?), and 01:07 followed by a gorgeous resolution. My verdict is that there's more than meets the eye, and I think this is a good example of a track that does just enough to make the storytelling feel more endearing than you would expect.

nyxl responds:

Thanks for your comment! I agree with what you wrote, Gregorian Chant is usually monodic, but I really like pretty chords. 0:43 is Dmaj7/9 indeed and 1:07 is Gmaj7/9 into Aadd9.

[Giš Eren Giš Tir - (In The Dark Cedar Forest, Humbaba Sleeps)]

I love the chill, subdued tone of this soundscape you've created. It really does have that forest underbelly type of atmosphere to me—a kind of hidden place with its own endearing mystique and ecosystem. I quite enjoyed leaving this in the background while drawing. It made me want to explore fantasy spaces, venture into the unknown and somehow still feel safe in my own ability to change and adapt. I don't have much to share in the technical department—I don't think that it's a track lacking anywhere in particular. If anything, I do find its contemplative and laid-back nature appealing.

[Ancient And Forlorn, A Spiritless God Screams Into The Thirteenth Dimensional Void NGAIC Layer 5]

Hell yeah, now we're talking. I think that all your metal entries in this iceberg challenge so far have been pretty accurate. This reminds me of the more progressive side of death metal, like late Death and Opeth, or even Atheist, rather than the atonal mess of, say, Gorguts. But yeah, Demilich? Oh, man. That's some premium influencing right there. 👌 I would really love to hear some good vocals in this. Thank you for including a kickass solo and the obligatory solo bass ear candy near the end.

[▩harmonograph]

It bounces. It slaps. It funks. What more can you ask? I know precisely nothing about the genre except that it's a thing that exists in the universe, so my feedback is more of a first impression than any sort of analysis on the track. What I heard sounded fun to me with a certain degree of unpredictability to keep my ears engaged and interested. The funky bass line is certainly the highlight, for me; it's just really fun to listen to and I think it's also processed really well. For 1:06 there's certainly quite a lot to unpack and I think that in itself is an achievement.

xetto responds:

thanks for the kind words!

[Apartment 1987 (NGAIC LAYER 5)]

This is really cool. I don't think I've ever heard a synthwave track with such a long, cinematic intro until now. I like how it really takes its time to set the right tone and expectations for the second half. Even if the waveform ultimately spoils the track development, I kept asking myself where it's heading to, and I love that kind of anticipation. I don't have much to say on the synthwave part itself, as I think it sounds pretty good and very much in line with the genre. I was mostly engrossed by the intro and how I thought including some field recordings was a smart choice for this type of setup. I'd only be a little more careful with the mids at around 1:32 - 1:46; I think some taming would be nice here. Overall, awesome job!

CryNN responds:

I totally agree with your review. I shouldve made the automation more smooth and more flowy with the filtering. Thank you!

[Journey deep into the ijskast]

This sounds pretty authentic to me. The genre's accessibility allows for a wide variety of interpretations and stylistic approaches. For some, like in your entry, the 90's "MIDI-ness", the almost bare bone melodic and structural simplicity, and the DnD medieval fantasy vibe just adds to the charm. I, for one, love it.

SirSandman0 responds:

thanks!

[CRY.NN - ATMOSFÄR (NGAIC Layer 4)]

Despite not being my usual cup of tea, I surprised myself by actually enjoying this bit of UNCE UNCE UNCE action. The overall frantic pace reminded me of Dark Psytrance, which is probably why I could enjoy it. I really don't have a horse in the race when it comes to critiquing Techno. Mastering, atmosphere, and production are on point. The repetition is kind of "da point" and a notoriously trademark trait of the genre, even though here I'm hearing enough variety through the progression, the sound effects, and all those nuances that can be easily missed. It's some good freaking chase music! When you hear this, you just want to RUN. From what? I dunno. Just use your imagination.

[2049 AD - Home Appliances Uprising]

M O R T I S

"How many genres do you want in your track?" "Yes."
One of the most unique entries I've heard in this Layer. Just the concept of smart appliances rebelling against their owners is amusing enough on its own, then you just had to hit me with the sheer variety of the instrumentals. Really solid sound design work all the way through.

Daru925 responds:

"yes" haha^^
Thanks for listening, appreciate the kind words and feedback coming from a talented artist like you :)

[Particulate Matter]

This was one of the tracks that originally piqued my interest when checking the entries for this Layer. I think it's an intriguing take on drone music. It definitely has that suspended feel, with an airy, yet uncanny—even morbid, juxtaposition of textures. The way you manipulated orchestral samples to create this controlled dissonance is inspiring. I don't think it would sound out of place in a documentary film.

[Lament Of Dissolving Angels]

You belong to that rare breed of musicians who pour a great deal of time and effort into the presentation. You take your time writing a short story, make sure the imagery fits your vision, and all these elements then combine to conjure this haunting, almost demonic portrayal of an otherworldly realm beyond human comprehension. I do believe you are a master of apocalyptic music at hour zero—as the catastrophe unfolds. I think that's what makes your ambiances feel so vivid.