JustShawn's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Legacy of Wizards]

There's always SOMETHING to be had in your music anymore Dan...
Just decided to come lurk back here and see whats all new since I got the PC back up and running...and what do I see on my feed...THIS!
Sooo chaotically SOOTHING to my ears!
Perhaps its time for the dreaded 0-2-5 (coughs) Wrong on purpose (coughs) set? LMAO!

Where's my beer at...?

DanJohansen responds:

Epic ass review man, always dig reading what you write haha, *throws a six pack of beer your way* Rock on!!

[Take To The Skies [SKYLINE EP]]

Very well done!
I’m not a big fan of DnB music, but this was outstanding!

[Chronno Trigger Intro (MetalCover)]

The Rifts, The Shredding, The Leads, and the fact that I am now forced to break out the ole consoles JUST TO PLAY CT! DAMN YOU! :-D
I really can't shell out anything that could improve on such a piece of glory. There wouldn't really be a point in doing so...but!...perhaps, eliminating the ending silence...to create that "perfect" loop that we hear in VG title screens ;-)
THAT! Would be my only gripe with this piece good sir!
\m/
Don't you dare stop shreddin'

[Cosmic Fire (Metal)]

Ahhhh….
I can feel the power behind this piece over my headset...such hype, such pulsating energy, such drive.
The original is for sure felt in this bad boy, and the addition at 2:39 is VERY welcomed! I feel some of the melody was heavily influenced by FF7 in some odd way...or is that just me?

DanJohansen responds:

Glad you enjoyed both this and the original man! It was a blast making it into a metal version. :D
I wasn't particularly inspired by FF VII for this, but then again, FF VII is my second fave game of all time and I think Nobuo is the king of composers, so he inspires me all the time, so could be something in there.

[Cosmic Fire]

Marvelous! Why upon searching your "Dumpload", never came across this? This isn't something that should be hidden from the wonderful world of VGM lovers. THIS! Belongs on the front page, regardless of it's age! Just seen you post a metal rendition of this piece, and decided to come have a listen...figured since you're an artist that I follow...I woulda seen this piece WAYYY before hand.

Lets just say that everything sits perfectly for the VMG mix/mash-up. Really takes me back to 16-bit gaming, and that brings back MANY memories. Every play Dynamite Headyy on the sega? This gives a crispier rendition to the type of music that game offered, and that earned you 5 starts instantly. I read a few of the other reviews, and while the points they make are valid, they don't exactly sit well with a VGM track. VGM music doesn't need to be perfect when its custom, or when it's an original piece!

Love the upbeat, love the melody, and for sure as hell love the nostalgia it brings me.
To-Date, your talents have far exceeded this work and I'd love to see more of this come out of you! Please, check your inbox. I have an interesting piece you might enjoy taking a crack at in terms of a unique rendition/twist on. Trust me, it's literally RIGHT up your alley :-)

[under the stars tonight]

Not...what I expected out of you.

While creative, not what I am used to hearing. Its...un-nerving.
I'm remaining neutral in my rating and commentary at this time. Decent work regardless John.

johnfn responds:

unnerving? >:P

[B7 - The Bitch Is Back]

Instant slap in the face, screams DOOM all over the place.
Then there's always RETRO gamer that has to come along and say that they can hear other games in the melody...you know me, and know how I write my reviews... (malicious grin)

SO...I hear FF7 fight themes, doom, megaman, SUPRISINGLY!...Chrono Trigger, and a few other 8 bit games tossed in there, like say...castlevania…(takes out his whip) SUP!...?

I love this piece man, you are literally EVERYWHERE with it and that is JUST what this community needs, pieces to keep them wanting, yearning, needing, craving, and coming back to YOU and a buncha others for their slice of GLORIOUSNESS! I swear, more and more you push out stuff like this, I am certain you're gonna end up being signed bro...(4:50 - 5:02 - Bloody Malth theme from Ninja Gaiden! KNEW IT! lmao)...and trust me, I know a few people's in the "bizz" who can get you some air time and live play if you ever get the gonads to Step to the plate my friend! 6:00 - 6:29 -Stage 4-2 Ninja Gaiden AGAIN! LMAO!

Bro...Its either me, or its just you and the sheer creativity you have that make me HEAR these things...
You have and will maintain my respect and admiration good sir!

[Valiant Blade]

*chin scratch*
As a retro gamer...I detect the final level of Contra in the intro and in various segments of this piece. Your lead is on point, the drums are a smidge weak but that's acceptable.
The lovely melody suits an RPG "overworld cruising" theme. Question is, what type of RPG? *shrug*

Now...let's see, might be a good challenge for you...how about you undertake a unique take on a retro platform's game? Look into Dragon Spirit, and rise to the challenge? I know NG has a thing against revisions as of late, but with proper credit and all that, nothing can be said.
I'd love to hear your take of a few of that game's tracks, as it's got such a hype to it as does majority of your music dan. Like you, Burn7 has a unique style, and your styles mesh well with specific genre's of retro games.

*pokes with the inspiration stick*
Something to think about it.

DanJohansen responds:

Glad you enjoyed it man! Not really interested in doing covers to be honest :D I did a lot of them in the past, but lost all interest in doing them now.

[ToN - Struggle Of The Midnight]

So let me get this straight...You're starting to doubt your work?
You DO realize that this suits your style of music to the T right? The darkness is the beat and the grungy style not to mention, the Super Mario World theme you can detect in your track (gotta listen closely and you'll hear it) screams Inspired Melody.

Sure, the mesh is all over the place and nothing is set into stone, but the melody is on point...while your lead overpowers everything and the Piano is on high, it's YOU.
This! IS! BURN7!

*coughs*
Knock off the doubting yourself before I slap you with some raw trout...lmao
4/5 all around broski

[Machine Heart Mission]

Bout time we hear something YOUR STYLE reach our ears! The tingly goodness this brings to my ears fills me with sheer delight!

Whats to critique? Nothing! The mastery is epic, everything blends, lead is strong, drums fit, hi’s sit well, and everything else just meshed together nicely!

Although, your secondary guitar could use a slight volume boost, id say 10% in certain areas. But then again...thats just me.

EDIT: Come back to this piece just for the hell of it, and to listen to it's ear tingling goodness and was wondering...WHY the download was disabled, then it slapped me in the face. An entire album was produced and this was a sampler towards said album.

To be perfectly honest, this snarplet would appease the masses if freely available. Upon reading my split second review, I would have to say that I was pretty much spot on.
Try listening to this piece through some gamer headphones, through iPhone/Droid, and then through a stereo surround!

Lets just say my neighbors made a Noise Complaint at 430pm (Troll Face)
Muhahahah!

BERSERKYD responds:

Amazing review !! Can't tell how much I appreciate this kind of message. You Rock man ! Thanks a lot !