1. Jaws of Stone
   Wassup Thunder
2. The Cave of Destiny
   TheVideoGamer
3. High Upon the Rocky Mountain, In the Electric Jungle Green. . .
   TheVodouQueen

Hunger of the Serpent: Lovely harps and an overall slightly oriental or eastern feel quality the piece. The bass is perhaps a bit too mellow to be heard on smaller speakers, but whatever. Just a really good rendition.

The Cave of Destiny: I have a slight tip for you here. On the reverb tails try adding a LPF pre reverb to better control how much reverb you hear, it makes it easier to get a smoother reverb sound :) I think the kick is perhaps a bit too low in overall volume, and the main leads in the first section when it is more full on are pushed too far back in the mix. I really feel that they should be more upfront. I think if you're going for more dark & brooding I would be a little less inclined to use much in the higher frequenices and keeping the track open that way. Instead I'd focus mainly on keeping the mids open and be very cautious about where to add air in the mix. Doesn't take away from the rendition though.

Jaws of Stone: Aight, big ol' classic detuned synth bass with some interesting perc work. Then roll into some almost euro-ish type synth work. Interesting and eclectic sound choice too. I think overall the biggest thing in this mix is that the bass loses pretty much all of its upper frequency definition when the track gets more full on. Sounds like a classic case of un-intentional masking going on, but further the actual low end of the bass just disappears in mono...be careful with stereo widening ;) For the trumpets though, I want to hear those just come roaring through as it stands they're a bit subdued in nature and only playing a supporting role. To that end you don't really have any one instrument coming through besides the bass as the main element. That last bit though was pretty legit if I may so.

High Upon the Rocky Mountain, In the Electric Jungle Green...: Okay, so some nature sounds. There is an inconsistency with the space that the bird chirps and stream sound have though. Kind of a super heavily distorted garage kick going on. I did like the noise riser into the sonar (try adding a big algorithmic reverb after it ;) ). I am not sure how the chords you chose are supposed to work. I am hearing quite a bit of dissonance in the voicings. Maybe that is just me though. Oh now I see! You brought Metroid in. Nevermind on my previous comment then. Well, sorta half ignore it. There really needs to be a better blending of the sources. The main thing here I think is to pay more attention to the relative intervals in one source, and try to bring that structure to the other. Now, I'm going to be honest this is supposed to be of Golden Sun not really Metroid. You can blend if you want as is what Wassup Thunder did. I hear more Golden Age than I do Metroid. In fact I heard some Metroid influence throughout rather than most of the track really be Metroid rather than Golden Sun.

1. The Cave of Destiny
   TheVideoGamer
2. Jaws of Stone
   Wassup Thunder
3. Not so Terra Firma
   APZX

APZX: I like the lurking intensity of the synths in the beginning, and the beat that comes in is excellent. I don't know about "too menacing", I dig it all. That long, drawn-out fall was sweet,

TheVideoGamer: Excellent cavernous atmosphere, the the first part feels like I'm hearing the song echoing down the tunnels from the source. It comes alive quite nicely, while still maintaining that mighty fine reverb. The drumkit sounds the closest, nice effect. Sweet synths, choirs, it's all good.

Wassup T.: Quit exploiting my bias for Metroid music XD I love the electric/chemical fire this piece is, thrumming and flowing with energy punctuated by the fine exotic stuff. I never woulda thought to mix Gaia Rock with Lower Norfair, but it is solid. I think there were a few parts where it got a tad too busy, but you mixed 'em good.

TheVodouQueen: I like the style, makes for something that I'm not sure if I need to meditate or dance to. I get some decided tribal vibes from the piece. I'm afraid that most of the Brinstar parts don't sound like they are in the same key, making it offsetting. Though I'm sure if you could reconcile the keys, it would make for a real cool crossover. The percussion work is real thrilling though, you did some great stuff here.

1. High Upon the Rocky Mountain, In the Electric Jungle Green. . .
   TheVodouQueen
2. The Cave of Destiny
   TheVideoGamer
3. Not so Terra Firma
   APZX

AZPX - Liked the feeling of this song.

TheVideoGamer - Nice bells in the background.

TheVodouQueen - Liking the drumwork and other stuff in the background

WassupThunder - Good use of the second source.

Souperion - Nice calm version of the source

1. Not so Terra Firma
   APZX
2. The Cave of Destiny
   TheVideoGamer
3. High Upon the Rocky Mountain, In the Electric Jungle Green. . .
   TheVodouQueen

Cool tunes everyone. Don't have time for indepth feedback this round, sorry.

1. The Cave of Destiny
   TheVideoGamer
2. Not so Terra Firma
   APZX
3. Jaws of Stone
   Wassup Thunder

. . . :)

----

1) 'The Cave of Destiny' - TheVideoGamer

* Honestly, picking between you and APZX was hard for me, because your sounds--while not identical--are very similar, and so is the intent a little bit. Both are Electronica-stylings and both start out in almost the same fashion. I think the only thing that won me over a little bit more with yours is because the beginning was a bit smoother, and the drumworks were a bit tighter and more integrated with the synth and choir...

* This was seriously like picking between smooth peanut butter and chunky peanut butter...both just as delicious and good, but dependent on how I'm feeling one day to the next--on which one I like more. Maybe your song just hit me differently in this moment, (because I'm pretty sure I had APZX first like a day ago, after a bit of flip-flopping). Guess it's a smooth-vibe day for me, today...

* At any rate, fantastic work. Wish I didn't have to pin a 1st thru 3rd place title on people's work, because I find the variations fascinating and having their own merits despite the other competition, but hey ho. :)

2) 'Not So Terra Firma' - APZX

* You really did turn the source into something more deep and foreboding. I like it.

* Wasn't a huge fan of the whiny synth that started off the melody at the beginning, but when it fused with the other instruments it sounded a lot better. I'm also unsure on the bongo / perc-hits that bounce between the speakers. I like the bounce and I like that they're there, but I'm unsure if they should've been as prominent in the piece as they were. I don't know if it was their volume or attack presence, but personally I think it would've sounded a bit better if they were a bit more integrated into your soundscape. ATM, they stand separate from it--to me, anyways.

* I actually really liked this more Dark EDM / Psytrance take on the source. All the instruments except those I mentioned really lent to the fearful atmosphere, and the spooky sustains and arps keeps one on their toes and their hair standing on end. Great job. :)

3) 'Jaws of Stone' - Wassup Thunder

* Ooo, the pulsing bass is a nice touch. And yes, this source really (for some weird reason) mirrors the aesthetic, tempo and vibe of some Super Metroid songs. I'm fond of the attempt, TBH, and I can really hear the pairing of Lower Norfair and Gaia's Rock playing off each other nicely.

* Sadly, there were several niggles with the song for me. I think the composition itself and how it goes is great, and you did well not to let your secondary source overtake the primary too much. But there were spots (like in the beginning) where Norfair's Rock sound almost...masked?...the bansuri and other Indian-styled instruments. I think I wished they just popped more, either as much as Norfair's instrumentation or louder than it. They seemed weaker in sound and flair, and got pushed to the background a few times (e.g. @ 3:30), and the only time they could blossom out was when Norfair was on its quieter moments. Also, the dichotomy between the two are quite staunch and obvious. I am guessing that was purposeful, but for me, the song was acting more as a matched pair rather than a melded piece. Having the two sources running side-by-side didn't sound bad, at all, I just wish they meshed a bit better in the long-run.

* Very, very cool song though. I liked it a lot. :)

--BONUS--

+ 'Hunger of the Serpent' - Souperion

* Love the string and choral-filled beginning. This song really went well with the Chinese motif, especially with the main melody being on the flute.

* The electric guitars threw me for an unexpected loop, but in a good way. Guess you took a page from Wassup's book this time around. It was a nice added touch, and I was glad it didn't overwhelm or take away from the Asian aesthetic. It kind of reminded me of something called Mongolian Metal, and a band called The HU--who take traditional Asian and some Middle Eastern instruments and combine them with orchestral string and heavy metal. ...If only the choir you used were Mongolian / Tuvan throat-singers...lol.

* Very pretty remix. Great job on it. :)

1. Jaws of Stone
   Wassup Thunder
2. High Upon the Rocky Mountain, In the Electric Jungle Green. . .
   TheVodouQueen
3. Not so Terra Firma
   APZX

After thinking long and hard i think Wassup Thunder should get the win. From the top yes?

APZX - Very lovely and deep Synth Vibes. Dark Synthwave somehow seems fitting to the source. Super nice melodies here. The atmosphere is capture here too, it's very much a nice rendition. There is a few things i've noticed, that i'm not big on, even if it doesn't really take away from the remix. First, the drums are massive, so much so, it drowns out a bit of the ambience. I would push it a bit back, just to make it breath a little. Second i don't gel with the melody at the start, i would choose a better synth, it seems a bit too loud in the mix, and a bit too piercing. The risers and swells that creep in the piece, sound amazing, i love the way it bridges the melodic ideas together. The arrangement is also seriously good, i loved that breakdown, really gave it a breath of fresh air. When it does build, it feels satisfying, and not boring in the slightest. I mean really, the only major critique i have, is to bring the drums down a bit, the rest sounds lovely. Well done!

Souperion - Very nice choir, it's a lovely way to approach the source, feels almost like an organic orchestral arrangement, and it works super well. I love with the original source, that it works in so many different styles, and still doesn't sound out of place. The eastern instrumentation also hits a sweet spot in this arrangement, because your transporting me into a different world, than the original source did. Also i love the way you've incorporated the electric guitars, it really adds a layer of intensity and texture. It doesn't stick out, it really boosts the intense flavour of the whole thing. The one thing that this needs, that i felt was lacking, is a hard thumping drum beat. Sure we have the rolls of the Taiko, and a sort of rock beat in the second half, however in this case, i feel a full on heavy power drum kit, could work wonders here. Not only does it boost the intensity, but it's a full on dynamic and stylistic shift. I mean the whole thing sounds amazing on it's own, but with the additional beat, it could really make things more magical. But the rock parts itself, don't sound out of place, and on certain re-listens, i think it's fine. It really depends on my mood, however the rest is super nice, the eastern instrumentation is amazing. Well done!

Wassup Thunder - This is not something i would expect from you, and wow i really dig it. It's super electro infused, almost like a bridge between the Eurobeat you make, and a kind of slow almost EDM track. There is the occasional acoustic instrument that makes the appearance, like a brass section, or a Japanese Koto or something. The only thing though, is that i actually think a full electronic arrangement, could work wonders here. I mean i don't hate the acoustic instruments, i love it, yet i do feel a full electronic arrangement, could really be magical. The soft and slow brooding sound is just really nicely done, the synths reminds me of synthwave in the same way as APZX does. The only other small critique, is a bit of a breakdown. You have to remember the whole source is build-up on 2 chords throughout, so it will be repetitive. That's why i'm suggesting a breakdown, into more ambience, which in some tracks you've done well. And i mean a full breakdown, into atmospheric synths, or choir. All in all though, it's still a wonderful rendition, the synths are super nice and juicy, and the mix is very beautifully done. It's very lovely approach to the source. Well done!

TheVodouQueen - I have a warm appreciation for sound effects in remixes and tracks, it really brings out the atmosphere of the source, and makes you immersed in the experience. Trap music, is oddly not the direction i was expecting, but i'm glad it subverted my expectations, i love me some originality. If i know what to expect, then that's fine, but when i'm completely taken into a different journey, it really makes it more special. I love the drum grooves, so funky, your drum work in every track you do, is always so perfectly done, it's such a beautiful groove. The arrangement is also amazing as well, you've balanced it out between intense parts, and soft moody parts i love it. The only critiques i have, and it's primarily 2, is that at the each bar you have a pause, but it's a sharp pause, all the sounds suddenly stop before you reintroduce them. Now i get the idea, but if at least a couple sounds had a bit of release, then the pauses wouldn't be so jarring. It's very aggressive cuts, that throws me off. The only other critique, and it might just be my taste, but i feel at times, it feels a little out of key. I see your trying to take the melody into a different context, but it can get a little too complex, which in turn looses the simplicity of the original. Again, i boil this down to taste preferences, because the idea in itself is super nicely done, and the drum work is fantastic, soo groovy. All in all, you've done a lovely job on the source. Well done!