Levels

In a standard rock band, the levels of each instrument should be within a certain range as to highlight specific parts. Drums should be loud but not clashing with vocals, since vocals need to be the main focus to allow listeners to easily follow a main melody. The kick and snare should stand out the most to keep the beat strong and clear. After this, the lead guitar should follow in dynamics. Depending on when the lead guitar needs to feature, it should be either at the same level as vocals or below slightly. Throughout a solo it should be of equal importance as to when vocals are sung. Bass, rhythm guitar and keys are dependant on context but are generally quieter than the above parts.

The preferred sound differs between different genres, though.

Alter of Self is a metal song, it differs greatly from the standard rock format. It sounds like the guitar is mostly louder than the vocals. The drums feel like they’re close to the same volume as the vocals but not clashing.

Something like lo-fi would be the complete opposite of this, with guitar or ukulele being close to but below vocals and drums and percussion being below that.