I think the build up is just fine. It takes a while to establish the surreal feeling in songs. Around the 5 minute mark, it got loud too fast, almost like a shrill. It wasn't pleasant even if the intent is to make it more dramatic.

I wish it had more tension before the final resolve and I think that's why some people will say it dragged on for a while.

Very nice! Sounds very much like a soundtrack song! The drums in the beginning flow nicely with the beginning horns. It sort of breaks from a too happy atmosphere, and it keeps a little bit more interest and wonder to the song. Did you happen to put it in a film of any sort? Just curious XD

I think that your instrument quality is fairly good. I think it could be a little more realistic, particularly the drums in the beginning. It may just need a little reverb on them though and it would be fine. I also think you may have made the drums either too loud, or too high pitched for the song. Not sure which one it is to be honest, but I'm sure if you were to play around with it, you would be able to fix it.

You definitely have some nice builds to the piece. I'm not sure if this was for a film, and you scored it specifically, but if not, I think that it builds a but too much and goes no where for a very long time. Of course that's only if it's NOT for a specific film. Unfortunately it only builds up to a certain point of intensity. It could go so much further!

Also, the song does sound very good and very clean, and it never feels empty at all which is awesome. But it never really is completely full. I'm not sure if you know what I mean by that. But it is never missing anything, but at the same time, I feel as if there could be something added. It doesn't need this missing element all of the time, but only at some points. Maybe it needs more bass? I'm not sure, I would experiment it if you have a desire to fix it up anymore.

The instrumentation is awesome. Very good job on that. The greatest part about this is the piece tells an amazing story. Which is clearly the strongest point of this piece. And I think that could be the toughest part about writing soundtrack songs, but you conquered that which is great. I never feel as if I am not interested in the piece, which I think beats any music quality flaw or anything.

But this really is a great song. Fantastic work.

Also, it would be great if you could listen to and review my song "Stranded" any feedback would be great!

4/5 stars
5/5 rating, Awesome work man

The beginning of an epic journey. I would pay you to compose the whole Skyrim soundtrack, seriously. You have the right talent to compose beautifully immersive scenarios, painting a whole world of sounds and tremendous organic acoustics.

Just listen to the fine melodies you've crafted. From the rich strings to the maelstrom of brass, to the delicacy of flutes and the pounding drums. You should just be very proud of what you've done and achieved since the first time you've stepped on the marshes of Newgrounds.

Sometimes you find flowers emanating an ethereal scent, sometimes you don't. This is definitely one of those rare flowers.
KKS