HELP! Entombed Death/HC HM-2 & amp sims

[Crabmeat]

OK!! Here’s hoping someone can help!

Basically I’ve working on a death, punk, HC, grind project with the infamous Swedish Sunlight Studios sound in mind (ala Black Breath, Nails, Disfear, Trap Them, Rotten Sound, etc.) and I would love some feedback on guitar tone, EQ, mix etc. as I’ve reached a point where I can’t seem to progress much further.
I’ve scoured this (awesome) forum and pretty much everywhere else on the net where people are vying for this sound and done the best I can considering my noobesque technical limitations and know-how. I’ve spent A LOT of time on trying to get this down and I’m frustrated.

The catch? I’m using amp sim VSTs (seems my neighbours are not Dismember fans!) for the most part but I AM going through a real MIJ Boss HM-2 (the essential ingredient!).

Here’s a track I’m working on for people to rip apart! As reference I’ve actually recorded the first 15 seconds of Entombed’s “Drowned” intro for me (and you) to kind of compare before my song starts properly. It’s got a bit of everything I’m after stylistically for this project (Hardcore thrashing, chugs and a slow, black metalesque break) so it’s pretty comprehensive as far as the kind of music I’m looking to make. No vocals yet (that’s another story for another month!)

http://www.mediafire.com/?fjedft6e441ylap (big ol wav)
or
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24343732/CTTK (Mix 4).mp3


If anyone’s interested, I’d love fresh ears. I’m not after release quality. Just something I can show around and maybe be a little proud of!
Thanks in advance to anyone!!!
Grind on!!

Chain/software info:
DAW – Cubase
Guitars – Charvel late 80’s (great for thrash!!) - 3 tracks (1 full left with HM-2> Guitar Rig (slightly crunchy clean tone), 1 full right with HM-2> Guitar Rig (slightly different amp/cab setting but usually same exact audio file as Left git), 1 guitar straight down the middle through Guitar Rig (no HM-2, more standard chuggy sound). A little EQ on all
* also there’s an extra non-HM-2 guitar for melody augments during the black metal bits)
Bass – Aria Pro II Integra > Boss HM-2 > Line 6 Gearbox
Drums – EZ Drummer (Meatalheads)
Master Strip – Izotope Ozone with a little loudness (not brickwalled!), a little EQ

PS - Yes, I've tried EQ matcing software (voxengo) but not happy with the results

 

[Crabmeat]

BUMP (and grind)

Anyone??

 

[FloridaRolf]

The high end / the cymbals sound super weird, sounds like you put a +20db high shelf on them, and I can't really hear what's going on in the mix because of that.
There's also definately too much compression on the cymbals, just give it a lot more breath!
But the little bits I managed to hear sound good so far

 

[DanLights]

The guitar tone seems to be pretty good, there might a bit too much bass rumble in the mix, and I think your biggest problem is the drums, they kinda suck and sound way too mechanical IMO

 

[Crabmeat]

Thank you both for your feedback!

FloridaRolf - Yeah, definately a bit "blech" with the drums.
I've taken the compressor off the cymbals and tightened the snare and kick a bit.
Taken out some highs overall as well. I hope this cleans it up a bit but I still feel I'm hitting my head against a brickwall.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24343732/CTTK (Mix 6).mp3

Dan Lights - Agreed, I need to work on humanizing the drums a bit more. I've done some already here but yeah, needs more work. I've actually used Toontrack midi libraries (Library of the Extreme I and II for most of this with obviously some edits and programming but tried not to stray too far from intended tempos and levels). I suppose I should upgrade to Superior at some point! Also, I'm quiet fond of the bass rumble (hmmmm.... brutal truthy)
Por cierto, asi que Venezolano en españa? Yo madrileño en Australia!


Any further pointers, people?