ValveDriver

Eyedye, how ya doin?

Thanks for taking the time to listen, and comment, too. I'm glad you liked it enough to do so.
Pert 1 is here: https://www.looperman.com/tracks/detail/184039#comments if you want to check it out. It's a bit different than this one. Part 3 is in production now, so it should be up relatively soon.

Thanks again. I appreciate it!

Skol!
V.

Ed, Hello!

Well, I guess it's official. I did just fine on the mixing. I imagine that if anyone would notice any problems, it would be you.

"Best metal I`ve heard on the Loop Aaron or a lot of other places as far as that goes"

That's a hell of a compliment, my friend! I don't take it lightly! Especially since it's not your preferred genre.

I thank you, sir, for the kindness and support!

take care.
Aaron

Thank you! (He said, a year late.)

Nicetones. How are you?

Thanks for stopping by! I'm glad you liked this. It's really the only one I have like it...for now.

Thanks again for the kind words.

Take care.
V.

Danke, How are you my friend?

Dave Lombardo has always been one of my favorites!
Coincidentally enough, the moody pads in the background actually are female vocals. I just kept them lower in the mix to not take away from the guitars.

I'm glad you liked this one, bud. I'll be putting up one more from the series soon.

Take care, mister.
Aaron.

Orlando, hello!

Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you liked this one. I still have one more in the series, so stay tuned!

Thanks again, friend.

Take care.
Aaron

Nodog, how are you?

Thanks for the compliment. Especially considering it's not your preferred genre.

Thanks again.

Take care.
V.

A bitch, another honest reply. Awesome!

"So, the vocal sample does little for me..."

Yeah. It's not for everyone. But for the context of the song, it works for me. I had originally had the main body of the song finished before I had a title for it. Then as I was sitting there listening to it to figure out where to go from that point, I had the idea to put some witch vox in it. After all the work I had to do to get it listenable, I wasn't about to toss it out. There was plenty of EQ'ing. The original girl's S's were ear piercing and required a delicate mix.

" So, while sounding 100% authentic, nothing really sets it apart so far. "

I'll take it. Considering this is my first completed actual metal tune that I liked enough to expose, I'll take it. I'll worry about setting them apart after I get the full hang of just doing it.

"Again: I'd say the drums are a bit pushed back and I'm not sure I can hear the kick."

"I can't notice that much bass. "

I don't know, man. Maybe it's whatever speakers you're using to listen. I could probably boost the kicks a little, but after checking against 3 of the 5 systems I usually use, I could hear them just fine. I actually had to pull them back just a little. Maybe I went too far?
The bass is there, loud and clear. I can hear that just fine too. I'm afraid to boost that any more at all. It will start clipping and ducking. I wonder if it's because it follows so closely to the gietar riffs. I tried EQ'ing the Thunderfiddle and the Fauxtars in a way that there wasn't a gap in frequencies.
I'll see what others have to say about those issues. If it's a common thing, I'll go in and readjust some stuff. I still have a little room to play with the kicks. I may just boost them anyhow.

" It comes across as lots of brutality but not much melody"

That may just be from my years of listening to more brutal death metal than melodic. It wasn't until about 5 years ago that I really started leaning that way. Before it was just straight up Cannibal Corpse, Skinless, Dying Fetus, etc. Bands that just sound like butchery. I'm still trying to get the hang of melodic. Not just in my metal, but all my tracks. It's a good challenge.

Let me know what your metal friends think. Knowing metal heads, I'd venture to guess they won't like it, simply because it's not "pure". Even if they like it, they won't like it. No metal can be brutal if it was made on a computer, ya know?

Laters
V bitch

I should have known it was the Tool cover. But, I had forgotten about that one. I don't know why I did, though. I actually love that version. I like the way they completely transformed it into something different without losing the essence of the original. This one is actually responsible for my wanting to do a cover of Sweet Dreams. Which I did, but not anywhere near executed as well. Maybe I'll try that one again.

Maybe not. I'm already 2 tracks behind in the Overmyth set, not to mention finding something for The Bastards. I have a general idea of a track for that one, but I've been having trouble finding the connection between idea and fruition. Getting the foundation to sound like it does in my head has proven to be slightly misaligned.

From Valvehalla to just South Of Evan,
Skol!

Steve, how ya doing?

The spaghetti western thing was totally unintentional, but once it was pointed out, I liked it, and ran with it.

Ah yes. The angsty nineties Seattle sound. One of my favorite genres. Not only because I plunged head first into music during the nineties, but because Seattle is just a couple hours from here, and I was heavily exposed to it. So, much like I said in my reply to Evan, I'm sure the influence bled in.
Sabbath has been one of my favorites ever since I was about 5 years old. there were 4 songs from back then that I credit as the door way to my love for metal. Iron Man, Another Brick In the Wall pt.2, Tom Sawyer, and Black Dog. Whenever I heard them on the radio, I would stop what I was doing and just listen.

" I also feel the soul of our Neanderthal ancestors battling the cold and Grey glaciers for a morsel of food"

It's cool that you said this. This is the first part of three "Overmyth" tracks. It's supposed to be like the beginning of a darkness that comes over early man. Parts 2 and 3 are still in the works. I'm kind of jumping back and forth between them. Hopefully part two is finished first. You know, chronology and all.

Growing up in the plains of the midwest america, I not only knew, but am related to a lot of farmers. I don't think they would be such assholes if it weren't for the bankers. So, I can jump on board with the being angry at bankers, but farmers hold a spot in my heart, and bloodline.

"Anti-industrial" elaborate on that. I'd really like to know how you came to this.

I'm glad you liked this one. There is a select handful of people here that I always look forward to hearing feedback from while I'm making tracks. You, sir, are one of them.

Take care up there.
Aaron.

What's happnin' Mr. E.?
I'm doing ok. Things are a bit still at the moment, but tha's better than a decline. Right?

"Opening swells reminds me of "The Creature Lives"

Now that you mention it, it does. It would make sense. They are one of my top tier favorite bands. Not as much as Floyd, but they're up there.

" Distortion kicking in makes me think of "No Quarter".

Are you thinking the Crowbar cover, or the original Zep version? I honestly don't hear it. Either way, I've always liked that song. I know it's blasphemous in some circles, but I like Crowbar's version better.

" there is a bit of high end I would take out of the distortion"

Yeah. It might be a little too sizzly. I was trying to go for a razors edge on a sledgehammer sound. I may have just added too much high end.

Things are getting wellerer, I guess. Just very, very slowly.

Take care, my friend.
Aaron.

"You're not getting drunk at work, are you? Sounds like a bad idea when there are heavy valves that need driving. Drunk driving!"

There have been plenty of times that I wished I could be drunk at work. Just to deal with some of the other people there. But, yeah. drinking on that job could end up with several dead people by the end of the shift.

"I think it's a lot easier to make interesting minimal music if you have vocals. Without them, I always feel I need to do more with the instrumentation to keep things interesting."

Yes. This exactly. I can listen to minimal music and be completely into it. But, if I were to make something along the same lines, I get bored as hell listening to it. Maybe I'll try another one after the Overmyth set.

Later Overcomplicator

Orlando! How are you?

That's some pretty high praise, my friend. I thank you for that!

I think you may be right about it being one of my best yet. I really like the way this one turned out. Which is a good thing. This is the first track of the Overmyth Trilogy. It would have sucked if I didn't like it!

I'm glad the ValveDriver calling card sound is still present. I was afraid it may have gotten lost in the lack of synths.

Again, sir, I thank you for your kind words!

Skol!
Aaron

Thank you.

Yes. This is all virtual software. The guitar, the drums, the Bass guitar and the synths.

Take care.
V.

Dave, I do believe this is the first time you've ever commented on my work. And to come in with such a positive and encouraging one. For that, I thank you sincerely.

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I know you're an old-school kind of guy, so for you to be so accepting of a totally new school method, means that much more.

Thanks again, man.

Skol.
Aaron.

Hey, Ed!

I think you just gave me my next silent challenge. To rock so hard it makes hair grow back! I better get started right now, too! I've noticed a fairly steady decline in my own over the last few years.
I'm glad you liked this one. Like I told Neo, having guys, (or gals, there just haven't been any if those yet), that play live guitars compliment my work is very encouraging. I'm hoping that in the next couple years things in life will settle down enough for me to start learning the real deal.
Thanks, Ed!

Skol, my friend!
V.

I did actually think of "Phallic Gonad", but I was going to save that one for later. If you had a dick, and two dick shaped testicles, I could call you Triple-Dick McGee.

So, going back to re-read my response, I noticed enough typing errors to lead myself to believe I could have been drunk when typing it. I guess I should probably refrain from trying to rush in a reply while in the rain on a short smoke break at work. It's not pretty.

"If you and/or Mr E can ever get round to putting at least something up for Slupergroup collaboration, "

I went back through my old starts, and honestly there was nothing that stood out as anything that would be a good basis for the next sluper track. I've got a couple ideas for one brewing that still need to come to a little more clarity before I can connect them and send them your way. But, rest assured, I haven't given up.

"But maybe you can use a MIDI controller in the shape of a battleaxe or scythe. That would be rather cool.
"

Do I hear a B.C. Rich endorsement in the near future? The B.C. Rih Midi Hammer?

I get what you mean about attempting a particular sound, or genre, and then having it shift. I do that all the time. Not only in my music, but my artwork as well. I have come to accept that I can NOT do cartoon/animation style. My brain just gets too deep and intricate for anything minimal. I will start a basic cartoon thing, then the next thing I know, It's fully shaded, textured and nothing close to what I intended. But, such is art. A living thing that dictates it's own existence. I'm just here to channel it to our existence.

I look forward to hearing what the final hip-hop and whatnot track finally ends up as.

Laters.

Ps. Speaking of Mr. E, I haven't seen him around much.

3iad, I'm honored to be your first Fav. Keep digging around on the site, there are some phenomenal musicians here worthy of your Fave's.

Thank you.
V.

Hey, man. What's up?
Thanks for giving a listen. I'm glad you liked it. If you ever feel like going into detail about what you liked, feel free. Truth be told, a lot of the music I make is geared toward people who partake in the greenery. But, with my life being where it is these days, I'm unable to do so myself. So any chance I get to have feedback from those who can, I greatly appreciate it.

Skol.
V.

Crypt, Hello.

Thanks, man! I'm glad you liked this one. Based on your description of the image you got, I'm guessing you're probably a fellow Fallot fan. May the steel be with you!

Skol.
V.

Neo, how ya doin' brother?

I didn't really shoot for the spaghetti wedtern sound, but now that you mention it, it totally is! Works for me!

I'm glad you liked the chord changes and leads. Those were a couple of things I wasn't 100% confident with. Especially the leads. I'm really more of a rythym guy, so I tend to feel like my leads are severely kacking. Nit only in content, but structure as well. So hearing from a guitar man that I'm doing alright is encouraging. Thanjs fir that, man!
Yes. This is entirely done with Shreddage. Around the time I first got it, I saw a comment here in a forum post that someone else made, saying that the virtual guitars are good for back up, or accents, but can never be used for a complete track. I took that as a silent challenge. Honestly, though, I'm still not fully satisfied, so expect more where I've pushed myself even harder.
Funny thing is, about the triplet cadence...I didn't even realize I was doing it, so again, more encouraging words that I'm doing something right!

Hey, man, you take care, and thanks again for the positive feedback. It's truly appreciated.

Skol!
Aaron

Word sideways, Phallic Nomad

Yes, this title is a reject. I really liked it, and I'm kind if glad it was rejected.

I had originally used a more melidic organy intro, but in the end, I liked the sustained droning thing. It feels a little more hypnotic and capturing to me.

1:04. Kind of a preview of what's to come. An unofficial opening of the door, if you will.

2:08 I wasn't intentionally going for thin percussion, but like you said, it has a 70's-ish thing, so I just let it ride.

2:29 I'm glad to hear the lead worked. Leads are my least comfortable thing ti attempt. Being mire of a rythym guy, they often times feel to calculated and forced to me.

The bends are used with a reconfigured midi controller and painstakingly drawn in manually within the piano roll.

3:55 I've always loved the tom heavy breakdowns that Ufomammut and Yob use. It always makes for a good break while keeping the energy moving. It seemed like a good spot to put in some psychedellic guitfiddlin.

5:20 the low chugging seemed like a good way to start rebuilding the transition from the calmer break into the more intense final section.

6:14 In the first part of the track I had the left guitar track playing an octave lower than the right. In the second half, I had the right playing the same lower octave to give a little heavier feel. The overall track really isn't that heavy, like you said. But to the masses who aren't or haven't been exposed to a lot of what we have been, it us. I mean, most people think Metalluxa is heavy. But we know better, right?

I'll wear the trophy on a big gold chain around my neck as inspiration for my next track. It's a bluegrass/gangster rap hybrid. Should be a real banger.

I'll head over and give your track a listen right now.

Cheers.

Orlando, Hello!

First of all, thank you for checking this one out. I know it's not exactly your kind of music, so it means a lot that you did.

There is definitely more to come. Some will be like this one, some will be straight up heavy metal, and there's even a few that I don't know what the hell you'd call it. Just....Valvedriver.

Take care, my friend. I hope life is treating you well.
Aaron.

Spiv, how ya doin' man?

Thanks for taking the time to comment. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.

" Did you think that this was too slow, or too fast for typical industrial?"

I thought it was too fast. If I remember correctly, most industrial is usually about 120-130 bpm. This is running at 140. So, it's not a lot faster, but faster than typical.
You make a good point about meatalheads and their preferences towards industrial. I know I tend to lean more towards the Ministry, Skinny Puppy, KMFDM, side. usually that with more guitars than synths.

You also made a very good point about everything fighting for the same octave. I was going for heavy and relentless, but after going back, it could definitely use a little more in the higher range.

"...and I hope to hear more."
There is definitely more in store. I've been on a block for about a year. I've started a lot of tracks, but got nowhere with them. But it seems as if the block is, at the very least, temporarily lifted.

It was good to hear from you again, mister.

Take care.
Aaron.