Rock/Metal, looking for input on how best to tighten this up

Really good! The main theme behind this song is straight forward, heavy and memorable. The song ended a minute ago, and the groove is still going in my head. I don't really think that there is a missing ingredient here. With the system I am listening on right now, a couple things do sound off though. I am listening on built in mac speakers, so take it for what it is worth. The bass is too much when it comes in. I get that the sense of power is what you are going for, but it is just a bit over the top. The kick and snare need some work too. They sound like they are being played underwater. The snare isn't so bad, it is mostly the kick. Do you have the option of using another sample? ...okay I just listened again and the kick is very distracting and out of place because of how it sounds. Keep in mind my speakers. The guitar also sounds really simmy. Are you going for that? It's not bad, it is just very obviously digital. Awesome solo by the way!!! I'm surprised the FTA haven't commented on this track. Those guys would like this. Great song.

the kick drum sounds like plastic wrap stretched over a coat hanger or something. theres almost no bass to it, just skin snap. I think a wider stereo image could be achieved especially in the guitar solo. the bass is a little overpowering, i do like the sound of it it's just a little too hot in the mix. the drums could almost be a little louder as well. I think some underlying rhythm guitars would add some thickness to the main riff (1:15). maybe some feedback would sound cool too. the drums could go with some more fills and stuff. how much reverb is on the drums? personally i like to go with about 666 milliseconds for best results :D i like the song though, good job A good example of wide stereo imaging can be found here. The song called "The Drains"

I, agree with, and then subsequently followed, everyone's advice. Hopefully, this is on the right track.

What drum program are you using? The bass is standing out a bit too much for this genre, I'd take it down a few dB and cut a little on the lows. I dig the riffage though. Harmony guitars are ear porn

So, here's the first mix with the vocals in it. I've been tuning it slowly using the suggestions from the thread, I imagine I'll need a pass or two more to get it done all the way right. To answer questions: I'm using a Toneport UX1 w/gearbox for both guitar and bass. I sequence individual drum samples with LMMS, then export and individually mix within reaper.

There's mix 4, hopefully these bass volumes are more in line with the genre norm. A to your Q: I monitor on headphones, comp speakers, and my car. I KNOW, IT SUCKS. I'm going to invest in some actual monitor speakers here in a short while.