I like the dreamy atmosphere at the beginning and the sense of build into :15. The vocals are nice, albeit a bit over-processed in my opinion. I applaud you for taking a risk like that, but I also think some of the technical details could be developed a bit more carefully. At the beginning of many of the vocal phrases, you have a throaty “scoop” up to the note that sounds a bit exaggerated and cliche. I also think the content of the lyrics is a bit generic at times. That said, I will commend you for a rather pleasing balance between the vocals and instrumental tracks; that’s hard to get right if you’re not accustomed to working with vocals. There is an excess of reverb in the texture at times, especially in the lead-up to the climax at 1:22. Otherwise, the mix is clean and loud, though. I also think you did a good job with the structuring in this piece. You channel the energy really well here, and I especially enjoy the crisp percussion, which keeps a sense of forward momentum in an otherwise pretty drawn-out piece. I really liked the transition at 4:15. The harder-hitting elements of the texture at 4:12 foreshadowed it well, and then there was a nice juxtaposition with the light piano chords in the outro. Overall, well done yet again, CloakedSoup! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed listening to and reviewing your work throughout the competition, and I look forward to hearing more of it soon. Congratulations on your efforts, my friend! ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.75/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1.5/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.75/2
Instrumentation and sound design
1/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.5/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
.75/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
9/10

This is an official Judge Review for the Final Round of the NGADM.

This is a really nice piece. Even though it's your first time approaching lead vocals, you did a really nice job! The only thing I would watch for there is just to make sure you're not overdoing the delay - probably up until the end of the first chorus, if not before then, would have been a good point to turn it off.
In terms of the other musical aspects, this is mixed really well. I just feel like it could divert away from the more modern formula of Hollywood trailer music a bit - it sounds like something out of Godzilla: King of the Monsters, which is similar to what is being used in many Hollywood trailers.
There's only one thing otherwise that I have for a critique: don't be afraid! During the beginning you sounded so afraid while singing, but then got into it as the song went onwards. Try not to let that fear take hold of you; after all, I thought it was really good when you weren't nervous!
Overall, a really nice song that I feel had a few nitpicks, but still something I'll be potentially coming back to again. Good luck in this final round, and thank you for coming out to NGADM 2019!

This is an official NGADM '19 Review

Composition:
I've really enjoyed every work you've made this contest, and this one is no exception. One thing I love about this contest is when people take risks like singing for the first time. You did a great with the lyrics. In terms of composition, the only thing I don't really like about the voice is that a lot of phrases you fall at the end of them instead of ending the notes. Otherwise this song felt very powerful. You created a large space that felt very inspiring and it actually supported your voice pretty well.

Production and Sound Design:
The drums were great. Especially right at 3:00. The strings maybe felt like they were a little too far in the background, but the vocal was very nice and centered where it needed to be. As for the vocals, your voice works great. Good singing voice and I think it paid off well. However, for this style you need to open up the palate to make it sound like more of an open and supported voice for this. Otherwise you could hold a tune pretty well and don't really need vibrato to avoid it sounding like it's strained. I'm not sure if I like the delay that was on it, but it felt pretty decently processed. However, past this point I think it would be best to get feedback from Jacob. He's a lot more knowledgeable about vocals than I am. Aside from that, for the most part it sounds like a finished product. Maybe a little tweaking to make it sound fantastic, but even at this point nothing stops me from enjoying this a lot.

Structure:
Yeah! I really like how it progressed. Great use of energy dynamics. 2:07 is a really great moment, and the way it drops to build back up again is a really good transition. Man was I jamming out with you at 3:16. Really cool moments. It maybe felt like it was a little repetitive near the end, but it's only maybe ever so slightly; even to the point that I think it might be based on taste.

Emotion / Conclusion:
Really cool work. Like I've said I've really enjoyed each one you've made, and the risk you took in this one I think will really pay off.

Composition: 9

Production: 8

Sound Design: 9

Structure: 9

Emotion: 9.5

I really like the strings arrangement, the powerful percussion, and the post-chorus chord progression change. You successfully avoided making the song sound cheesy, which isn’t easy with this style; I think if you had access to an orchestra and vocalist, the song’s emotional appeal would be significantly higher. This is my favorite song of yours :D