Alex Rudinger - THE ZENITH PASSAGE - "Algorithmic Salvation"

Been wanting to cover this song for a minute! "Algorithmic Salvation" by The Zenith Passage.
If you're not familiar with TZP, here's a quick history. I first heard of them back when I was still in The Faceless (early-ish to mid 2010's). It was started by Justin McKinney, & it was fairly clear that he drew a lot of inspiration from The Faceless. I remember him coming around to some of our practices in LA, actually - that's when I first met him (this was well before he was actually in The Faceless, though).
Anyway - long story short, not too much later I resigned from The Faceless (as did almost everyone). The next iteration of Faceless-members would include Justin McKinney, so I'd image TZP was put on the back-burner for awhile. Somewhere in there, Justin must've met/befriended other ex-Faceless members, & when he eventually/also resigned from The Faceless, some of those earlier ex-Faceless members started working on TZP with him. Those new Zenith members include original Faceless vocalist Derek Rydquist, & bass player Brandon Giffin.
In other words: Most of the band is comprised of people that've all played in The Faceless at one point in time (Lol!). To me, TZP is kind of like... an extension of that sound/band. Sort of a continuation of what could've been. Naturally, I think it's hella sick, & really wanted to cover this song since I first heard it.
& if you'd like to check out more of the band, this track is from their latest album, 'Datalysium', released via Metalblade Records earlier this year. I'll put some links below!
AppleMusic:
apple.co/474NeGT
Spotify:
spoti.fi/3slW7ge
For the record: I'm not personally involved as a member of TZP. I can see how, being that I'm also an ex-Faceless member, & am covering one of their tunes, one might think that. So just wanted to clarify. LOL. I just think they're sick. PLUS, while I wasn't in The Faceless at the same time as literally ANY of the ex-Faceless members that're now in The Zenith Passage (LOL), I do sorta know them, too. Mainly, Brandon Giffin, who I did a whole tour with (when he & I both played for Evan Brewer's solo project in the mid 2010's). Derek I never really got to know as well, but I did play a show with him - way back on whatever Summer Slaughter tour I did with The Faceless... the current vocalist (at the time) had to leave temporarily for a wedding, so Derek flew out & filled in for that gig. Was a rad gig, too (Dallas / Fort Worth, TX, I think!). But yeah, anyway: I'm not a member of the band, just think it's sick, & wanted to support THE HOMIES by doing a cover! The drums on the latest Zenith album are actually programmed.
And SPEAKING of that: Some of the drum parts Justin programmed were definitely a bit... inhuman/awkward. Now, personally, I sort of enjoy this challenge. LOL. I had to figure out a way to play certain things, & the best way I could think to do this was to add an old / discontinued #TAMA Cobra Clutch to my setup. Mentioning here because, frankly, you can hardly see it. I switch it from closed to open during the pause at 2:28, then vice versa at 3:02. But I'm planning to make a little video about this SPECIFICALLY, addressing more detail, that I'll post on instagram in the next week or so! Stay tuned for that!
So, yeah. This was a fun (& challenging!) tune. Felt good to do some TECH stuff, too. & yes, I setup the big ol' double bass kit. How could I not?! 😉🤣
KIT SPECS!
TAMA STAR Maple
10x6.5
12x7
14x11
16x13
20x16 (x2)
14x6.5 Bell Brass Re-Issue
#MEINL Cymbals (from left to right, if sitting behind the kit)
18" Pure Alloy China
18" Classics Custom Dual Crash
15" Byzance Traditional Medium Hi-Hats
12" Classics Custom Dual Trash Splash
10" Classics Custom Dual Splash
14" Byzance Traditional Medium Hi-Hats
19" Classics Custom Dual Crash
18" Classics Dark Heavy China
22" Byzance Heavy Hammered Ride
#EVANS Drumheads
Toms - Clear G2's (batter), Clear G1's (reso)
Snare - Coated Heavyweight (batter), Snare Side 300 (reso)
Kick - Clear EQ4's (batter), Smooth White EQ4 w/ port (reso)
& as per usual, video mix was done by Declan White (thanks dude!). The kick is a blend of natural mic's & trigger / sample from my 2Box. Pretty sure Declan also blended a kick out sample (I only did 2x kick-in mic's whilst using the 2x kicks - b/c of limited inputs atm).
Please feel free to follow me on your desired social network(s)!
/ alexrudinger
/ alexrudingerofficial
/ rudirudinger
/ alexrudinger
www.gumroad.co...
www.threads.ne...
www.AlexRuding...
New podcast episodes are coming soon! I finally have a game-plan for that. So stay tuned on that front, too!
My Podcast -
Spotify: spoti.fi/3t5j9n1
Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/RantsAnd...
As always, thanks for watching & stay tuned for more!

[@Kmac2021]

AOTY for sure

[@Combaticus87]

AGREED!!! I cant stop listening to it lol

[@iDrunkRS]

Agreed with Kmac, this album is all over the place in a good way. Sounds like what The Faceless would have evolved in to had they continued with all their members from Planetary Duality.

[@KabezaHueka]

​@@iDrunkRSone of the reasons why it won't be AOTY

[@captainhodge298]

​@@KabezaHuekalol. What do you mean? 🤣🤣🤣😊

[@KabezaHueka]

@@captainhodge298 TZP drink a lot of The Faceless, i enjoyed the whole album, but i couldn't stop thinking about the Faceless. 🤷

[@dman6521]

Amazing cover, amazing album.

[@Jaap-Relou]

This album is sooooo insanely good. This has Plenatary duality written all over it 🤟🏼 old singer of the Faceless as well. Owwww yes baby 🤟🏼

[@DeFFicationISgolD]

and the bass player too!

[@Jaap-Relou]

@@DeFFicationISgolD nice, didn’t know that 🤟🏼

[@lucasbrucas9632]

lets be honest, if you're in the tech death scene and you haven't played in the constantly rotating cast of The Faceless, what are you doing lol

[@Jaap-Relou]

@@lucasbrucas9632 😅

[@Space6Ghost6Killa6]

Dude, first time I heard this band all I could think was… “this reminds me of the Faceless..”

[@felipeandresbuguenopereira7760]

Didn't know that i need this drum cover, until now, totally nailed it!!

[@TheBadSpoon]

Sometimes I think Alex might really just be a machine lol

[@felipeandresbuguenopereira7760]

@@TheBadSpoon what if the next cover is "Lexicontagion"? It would be awesome

[@SirUncleCid]

omg this cover saved my life, bless. didnt know I needed it, omg thank you

[@BurnTheNuance]

​@@SirUncleCid Having a stroke there little buddy?

[@solonek]

My favourite drummer covering my favourite band. Day cannot be better!

[@LowEnd_tesla]

Alex I’ve been watching you for over a decade. And you never disappoint. Your a goddamn machine and deserve way more credit for the drummer you are.

[@NeCoruption]

Machine is literally the word I used to describe him, 3 hours after I was finally able to pull my jaw off the venue floor

[@ChretienMartinez]

Dude I thought you were their fucking drummer until I saw the comments talking about a cover!!? Bro mad props, I fucking love the way you play. Subscribed

[@duesexistat5016]

Even as a drummer I didn’t appreciate the drums enough. Zenith is just one of those bands that a whole song hits you and you don’t think about the parts. Thanks for this!

[@psruhan]

A piece like this deserves so much more recognition.

[@mpzi]

WHHHAAAAATTTTTT u keep doing you man. Amazing drummer, timing & thoughtfulness

[@sludgeband]

absolute madness.... a MASTER drummer !!!!

[@tangentdark]

Just unbelievable

[@danny90323754]

This cover was insanely good! The control with every hit, it really takes a lifetime to drum this speed with such precision. Seriously almost cried, not because i could never play this as clean and precise as he did, but it’s just so beautiful to see so much talent and years of devotion in less then 4 minutes. Great drumming dude! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@jackinthebox1817]

Of course you can play it this smooth. Its all comes to practice and dedication.

[@Nefville]

That is a really unique sound. As always I'm late to the game but I guess I'm here now. Have to check more of this band out. PS this is jazzy as hell, and the precision it would take to play this scares me. Not a chance in this world.

[@trossbossinit]

Absolutely nailed it.

[@RockstarMusicSchoolOfficial]

This is the most incredible thing I will see all month and it's Feb 7th

[@legitreviews1]

Beautiful, really.

[@Shane-zo4mg]

You did this song justice 100% The recording is immaculate as much as your playing

[@Sonam-bu1bn]

Truly amazing... Those are really gard to play

[@johnfletcher-fh2lo]

The slow syncopated section on the ride was just beautiful 🤌🏻

[@revvvwhackofficial]

i was thinking the SAME THING

[@poncianoPlay]

i'm looping this one for some days now

[@grimzkul]

This made me so happy. Just incredible drumming!

[@gerarddelafuente]

bro, i'm speechless

[@davidmilewski9070]

Instant favorite song/drum cover. Like wow dude! I’ve been hooked on your videos for two years, keep them coming. You’re a legend. When my almost two year old son is crying and I can’t make him happy i put one of your drum videos on and he calms down and watches . Every time

[@poncianoPlay]

you're so great on what you do alex! damn

[@WilliamSpencer100]

+1 for more TZP covers . Part of me wonders why you're NOT touring and playing with TZP. Fantastic playing man thank you !

[@BurnTheNuance]

It's probably a money issue. I'm willing to bet that by staying a studio drummer, he can bring in more money and avoid having to tour.

[@IIHOGZBREATHII]

I’ve watched this so many times! Man that kit sounds so good! Just crank the hell out it on headphones!

[@hpinbr]

For God's sake, is there anyone better than this guy? This is insanity... so clean, so precise. Absolutely crazy.

[@evelyneverlasting9038]

One of the best for sure. I say top 3

[@jordan.na.dzielni]

'The drums on the latest Zenith album are actually programmed.' Thank you for putting the human touch over these riffs, as it should be. You are phenomenal, but you already know that, so... Thank you, just thank you for doing this riff fest justice.

[@Goreburger.]

Incredible

[@motopolak]

Man, I have to give Justin credit. I didn’t know these drums were programmed and thought they were the creation of Matthew Paulazzo, so I was waiting forever for a proper drum cover of this song. Thanks for doing it justice! The precision is unreal!

[@zachripa4158]

Glad such a good drummer recognizes a masterpiece!

[@RuinerXL]

Having read the entire video description, I'm just here to say that it would be insanely sick if you actually joined the band. You are without a doubt THE drummer for this gig, and not that anyone would need any proof, but this video just makes it all the more obvious. Impeccable playing as always.

[@derrickbillups422]

What I hear and see is truly impressive. I can see that you have dedicated countless hours to perfecting your craft, and as a musician, there is nothing more admirable than someone who strives for perfection through hard work and determination. Perfection may be subjective, but if it's based on effort and determination, it becomes non-abstract and unambiguous. In that sense, anyone who gives their all can achieve perfection. I can hear the perfection in your music!

[@twokidsmovies]

Would love to see more songs from this album!

[@fat_mason]

It's so cool to watch you play this. I love The Zenith Passage and I bloody love you as well. Great job as always, homie.

[@cgrind3000]

So sick, love this band/album. Flawless execution

[@Ljudet_Innan]

I wouldn't ever imagine Alex covering TZP; I was just listening to Synaptic Depravation. Awesome cover man, tight!

[@stevencosta7248]

Disgusting. I love it. When I found this song I listened to it like 100 times with straight stench face

[@Desktarp89]

Bro your videos have been exploding my brain for more than half my life at this point. You never cease to amaze me. Ever.

[@ARDrummer]

One of the top 10 metal drummers of all time IMO! Awesome job Alex!

[@TupDigital]

Huge fan of both ZP and Alex. Unreal clean power and precision.

[@emergentform1188]

Alex is your hero.

[@vados_79]

Very challenging track 🔥🔥🔥 Bravo, Mr.Rudinger 👏👏👏

[@CantonMasterDrummer]

I agree, AOTY and now drum cover of the year. 🤙🏻

[@iansummers5499]

Pocket Lord... absolutely incredible 👏

[@Brunohav]

Tá louco... que monstro.

[@kyleanderson1199]

I always read the description, but was definitely reading for the gear details on how you switched from the closed to open hi-hat and back. Thanks for explaining and as always that was sick. Keep up the excellent work.

[@sonnythebeast]

Oh damn this is so weird and heavy at the same time like damn !!!!

[@robertmurphy3014]

When I fully grasped how much I liked this, it caused me physical pain.

[@cainegrandt]

legendary performance

[@andyherrmann86]

Love to see you playing two kicks ❤ ...flawless performance as well. Keep it on!

[@Sundaydrumday]

Has a good day of practice, watches this at the end of the day = I should just quit playing.

[@Michael-xk7pl]

This sounds way better than the album.

[@DriFD3S]

Alex "The Rudiment Reaper" Rüdinger! Amazing.

[@cmd_f5]

Killer cover bro, and interesting backstory in the description. Tzp put out one of the best albums of the year for sure.

[@julian.borisov]

Clockwork! Respect!

[@matteomorellato1004]

SPETTACOLARE.

[@KirkWilson86]

I'm out of breath just watching this. Bravo, Alex!

[@gabrielgomer]

Always a pleasure watching you Alex. So facinated to see ya rocking the french-finger technique with such power. One of the best to ever do it.

[@douglasshelton3482]

this is so fuggin good man. I love TZP

[@BirdmanExe]

The swing at 1:50 is NUT

[@nathanielsellin3215]

Just fantastic! Brilliant arranging, this has everything! Wonderful flash, so many chops, so well chosen. So sick!

[@montyhill3872]

I learn so much just from watching you slay the beat. Thank you

[@billbradleymusic]

Cheer's to a life of long practice. Great performance.

[@loveroflife1438]

I go practice now 😢 I love sh!t like this make you want to just get better 😅 Drums for life

[@chriscullen9642]

I didn't even need to watch it yet to give it the like. Amazing song, amazing drummer!

[@THESLOWDEATHHOOKS]

fantastic playing and I love that whole write up in the description! lol

[@ex-videocompany2742]

Damn. Not words. Thanks dude🤟🤟🤟

[@MrErikchaugen]

This is sooo awesome, Alex!!!Love the guitars on this tune, and your drumming is so spot on, with dynamics to go as well!!

[@Obdaxazongaga]

I remember the first time I heard their Cosmic Dissonance EP, my friends and I were all hooked from the very first track. I love those 'tiger growls' on Tombs of Trepidation. Fuckin sick cover, definitely AOTY

[@Gravespawn506]

Rudy smacking that snare like it owes him money haha

[@exploceangaming2946]

God man been following you since you played for the faceless. In fact we played together way back in the day lol God how freeing it must feel to be able to play like this. Definitely one of my top 3 drummers of ALL time. Keep killing it man.

[@Bultish]

BAM! Well sticked sir 🤘

[@zagadape109]

Było jedzone, Alex chyba przyjebał na masie 😉 cover oczywiscie klasa, koleś wymiata jak zwykle. Pozdro666

[@Mettle_DAD]

I really liked that slow section 🤣

[@kylecurran6747]

Saw them live in July earlier this year with Fallujah and they absolutely killed it

[@MedicinalMeditationMusic]

this is amazing, unreal job as always. been a fan, i think youre one of the best drummers of our time. really appreciate the background of the band, love the album. Gotta say, I like this version with your live drums more. Hi TZP, you are legends, album is incredible. Please continue writing music and bring us a show in Boston! - perhaps with this guy? :)

[@datnillavondizzle]

This guy is a fuggin brain surgeon!

[@RedToxy-rc7ev]

Insane

[@novantium3760]

Love all your covers man

[@johnnyphelps7591]

Bro.......so damn solid. Best video yet. Love watching these man!

[@CollinIsTall]

Been a huge fan since your Ordinance covers. Very good video, dude. 🫵🏼🤘🏼🥁

[@troyfullerton8726]

Yes!

[@lava_za]

Thank you Alex, a joy to watch. You're a drummer that actually hits the shit out of the kit unlike the new school of tech death players who handles the kit like a porcelain vase from the 7th century.

[@liliIiliIilil]

My face melted off into a puddle on the ground.

[@egcozinon]

AWEEEEESSOOOME

[@nlabbe]

That was sick!

[@Tod-yi7jv]

Holy smokes!! That was some kick ass frickin precision

[@b00mski]

Ohh that bell brass snare

[@undersoulphotography]

Dude that was freakin' wild! You blow my mind with all these hectic covers, loving it!

[@AirwavesEnglish]

OMG this is so frikkin SIIIICK!! Next-levl, Alex. 10/10 I feel like puking.

[@iDrunkRS]

This album sounds like if Facelees kept going with the same members after Planetary Duality. I fucking love it. Super snappy and tight playing with super exotic chords strewn throughout the whole thing. Just a really fresh tech death album.

[@THEDEADSULLY]

That might be due to the fact that 3 of the 4 guys in TZP have been in The Faceless. Personally I think TZP definitely has their own unique sound but I can see the similarities. Both bands have put great music out nonetheless.

[@lovecchio420]

You can say the opposite though too, I find TZP missing something that The Faceless had/has. I like them both just to be clear.

[@Jake_45]

Besides the cleans..

[@iDrunkRS]

​@@lovecchio420Keene's guitar playing has something special to it, that's what's missing.

[@pogomez]

Beautiful

[@robertredford4332]

two bass drums are cooooooool and metal looking

[@jcrm05]

I was so needing this! You're a beast!

[@pulusyo6696]

Years passing still same as always. machine alexism

[@brandonproctor3639]

Wow man, wow!

[@soilent9618]

Okay so obviously this is one the best drum performances of all time, but god DAMN do those drums good. That snare ugh. Absolutely god like.

[@Pewpadewp]

Perfect as always! Fuuuu