It has been nearly three years since the release of the debut, self-titled Shadowforge EP. While the original was a great first album for the new project, I quickly realized after its release that there were a lot of mixing flaws present that took away from the intended sound. Lots of “mud” was still present in the final mixes, and elements that were meant to stand out just weren’t. The volume levels were really quiet compared to the universal standard, and overall it just didn’t sound very powerful.

I’m happy to announce that I’ve been working on-and-off on a remaster for Shadowforge, and it’s at the stage where I just need to fine-tune it and add some finishing touches. SHADOWFORGE – REFORGED will definitely be available before the end of the year.

I’ve never simply remastered one of my previous albums before – though I have completely re-recorded a couple, like with Reawakening and Winter’s Dominion’s 5th Anniversary Edition. While this will be a remaster at its core, there are several added changes to really make the songs pop. I use virtual instruments for everything in my recordings, so I was able to go back into the old files and change a lot in ways that fall outside the scope of a traditional remaster. I’ve compiled a small list so you’ll know what to look out for.

• All songs have had their volume increased appropriately.
• Tempo of all songs increased by 2-6 BPM for better pacing.
• Guitar tones have been changed to be consistent and uniform throughout the album. EQ’d the “noise” out of the amp sims. Changed many rhythm guitar sections from minor triads to power chords for more effect.
• Some synth sounds have been changed to different patches, while others have been mixed to fit in better.
• Most background keys have had their pitch increased by 1-2 octaves for a better contrast with other instruments.
• Vocal recordings have been re-recorded entirely as the originals were practically unsalvageable. Mixes are completely new as well.
• Drums have been upgraded to a much higher-quality drumkit. Also swapped out some grooves and fills for more variety.
• Basslines are almost all new all-around. No more boring tremolo picking on a single note.
• Several more “accents” have been added on to other instrument tracks where appropriate. This includes adding bass, drums, guitars, and synths where there weren’t any before, and changing up some riffs and synth passages.

I’ll announce the release date once I’m 100% satisfied with the new mixes. It will be soon, so stay on the lookout!

@cortland.runyon.m

A complete remastering of my debut Shadowforge EP is nearing completion, including redone vocal lines. Stay timed for more details! #metal #metaltiktok #indieartist #melodicdeathtmetal

♬ original sound – Cortland Runyon Music