Ash, it could be that you post songs for comment but hardly ever comment on things others have posted. If others did as you do, then every thread would be like this one.
Okay. In the second version, there's a lot of highs attenuated (at least in my headphones) out of the drums in the intro. It works better once everything is in play...
Nice vocal. The demolished vocal was just a bit over done. A little less demolition, or a little less mids in the eq?
The string pad is a little overwhelming. Maybe cut it back just a bit in the mix.
First mix: The drums are much better. The demolition is completely gone. Pad is better. Did I miss something? This mix sounds better than the "new version". Other than the abrupt cut off at the end, it is a very pleasant mix.
On mid-fields today...no cans!
Third mix: This is getting much better. I still think you're overdoing the destruction on the vocals when you use it...not that it's a bad thing (I agree with where you're using it), just pushed a bit too far.
I like the new intro. It works much better. Bass is solid and clear: could be louder. Highs are where they should be. The background vocals are pushing the mids and fighting for dominance during the steady rock in Zion part...couldn't make out the words well through the aahs.
No mud (to my ears) in the normal 150 and 300 ranges. Everything is identifiable and clear. No push on the vocals (2k). No bright sizzly cymbals (6k) Nice lift and air (12k).
This is a really nice song.
The first thing I noticed that the center of the mix is much louder and the edges are much softer.
The lead vocal has a lot of energy in the 2K-3K range. Needs a stronger low end.
The drums are way back in the mix.
The backing vox and the clean guitar are fighting with each other. There is just a lot of general buildup in the upper midrange.