Nice, very nice indeed.
As one of the other reviews mentioned, I don't think this is trance. Perhaps classical rock would be a better fit.
And now for my scathing review:
Piano-
The song starts off with a nice piano melody, but nothing new or ground-breaking. Pretty standard "lonely hero" stuff. But the choice to use a minimal selection of instruments makes the piano work, It means that it HAS to be the one carrying the rythm.
For example, the song is often down to only drums and piano, a combination that usually brings about utter boredom with a less skilled artist. But it is never boring, on the contrary, I find these moments to be the most singularly sorrowful and moving of the song. The piano not only keeps the rythm, it BECOMES the rythm.
The lead and anchor all at once, a very tight rope to walk, but carried off here in style.
Bass/Synth-
Very solid.
It is more intricate than a lot of three-note basslines I often hear, but it really has to be more noticeable because of the lack of instruments.
It lends good support to the piano for most of the song, but I believe it it is most effective when it is NOT there, it makes you focus much more on the piano and the pure bliss that are the drums.
Nicely EQ-ed also, but I'll come to that later.
All-in-all, I think this is a worthy additon to the song, helping to further convey the proper mood.
Drums-
So how do you critique perfection again? I've just woken my brother with my enthusiastic finger-druming on the keyboard, and even his angry-bear-out-of-hibernation look can't wipe the silly grin off my face.
Again, because of the lack of instruments, the drums are allowed more freedom to become part of the FLOW of the song, instead of simply serving as the basic building blocks as is the norm.
Never too complicated, or too basic, they delightfully trip their way through a most wonderful piece.
FX-
They do their job, rising, falling, perhaps a wind echo sound here and there. Worked very tastefully, and once again in keeping with the mood of the song.
EQ-ing
Hopefully it shows?
It is the whole reason the whole song works!
While most apparent on the drums (echoing one moment, muted the next), it is the one factor that brings everything together.
The softening of the bass in particular was a key factor, always right with the piano, but complimenting, never competing.
Without it, the effect of the song would be lessened greatly. It gives out the song a sense of sorrow and desperation that just wouldn't be there with all the hard edges left intact.
A "masterful" job.
(sorry, I couldn't resist ;)
Summery-
All things considered, a very professional piece made unique by a sparse, but well mixed use of instruments, and some truely excellent drumming.
Should do well in the contest, I'll be rooting for it!
-Pants