Composer/Musician Reacts to Gojira - THE ART OF DYING (REACTION!!!)

Bryan reacts to and talks about his thoughts on THE ART OF DYING
ORIGINAL VIDEO: • THE ART OF DYING
Rush - Xanadu (GDrive link) - drive.google.com/open?id=1LqP...
Patreon: www.patreon.com/criticalreactions
Twitter: critreactions

[@_Digishade_]

"I've never heard of this Gojira band before." Ah, I remember those days. We call them "the dark times."

[@OHBJJ9634]

Facts

[@709mash]

100%

[@TheGringuish12]

From Mars To Sirius literally saved my ass from depression in 2010 when I was a very upset teenager

[@jungkookievbts]

@@TheGringuish12 Me too dude Wish i found Metal earlier and The gods Gojira themselves.

[@mane101970]

@@TheGringuish12 same bro, hope you're a bit better now

[@martinhedman4978]

No one's gonna comment the fact that he's wearing a super-mario shirt while giving cred to the drummer? Hah!

[@NathansWargames]

doubt he even connected both

[@DanielGutschik]

Mario Duplantier does not skip leg day! 🤘

[@Conundrums._]

@@DanielGutschik leg day? What’s that? Sounds like a normal day for mario

[@onelight1734]

Even better, Vadrum plays to Super Mario with a much more impressive drum beat. Brian gives tons of drum cred to this basic 16th note blasting that any first year drummer is capable of. Then he listens to Opeth and doesn't even recognize the amazing abilities of Martin Axenrot.

[@jurassicpark4711]

Fun fact the band did not use a metronome while recording this album to give it a more live and raw feel so it really makes you think how good the drummer and the rest of the band are.

[@catlord69]

how do you know that ? that sounds impossible, wow

[@mpk6664]

@@catlord69 They've said that they didn't use one. They haven't used a metronome until recently.

[@mohdazmin0417]

The metronome use them.

[@yeahnahm8632]

I mean Mario is a living metronome so they don’t need one

[@gj4312]

They are fucking insane

[@davidrevell614]

Keep plugging away with these guys. It took me a few listens to get used to his vocals but after listening to a few different songs Gojira became possibly my favorite band. Check out Flying Whales for a second go.

[@MrRigas]

Flying Whales is a masterpiece

[@VexChoccyMilk]

@@MrRigas Love that whole album tbh.

[@Raimazuki]

Flying Whales must be next one

[@seriouscasualgamer9580]

All the way, this song is just amazing, it is still my number one best intro of all

[@malfuy9558]

Exactly

[@DeathStrikeVirus]

Gojira is a very heavy band. Some of their more accessible work is from their last album, "Magma".

[@TheSamuraiApocalypse]

I wouldn't suggest Magma. I was a little turned off by them when that came out, and I picked it up on CD format. It was all I heard, and I didn't give their older stuff a chance. I did appreciate the unique sound they had, but I wrote it off as semi-generic. When I finally decided to go back and give them another listen 3 years ago with The Way of All Flesh my thoughts completely flipped about them. It was one of the best things I decided to do with a Sunday evening. I was blown away by their musicianship and unique brand of groove/death metal with incredibly well written lyrics and music. It re-contextualized how I viewed Magma. It's such a departure from their old music. It may come in at number 4 of how I rank their albums, but being a metal musician/songwriter myself I completely understand and appreciate the evolution in their music. They've given me the fuel to learn drums and write lyrics on top of the guitar stuff I've worked on for years. I'd recommend A Sight To Behold as an entry level song, because The Way of All Flesh is some of their best work. I'd still consider a lot of those tracks accessible to potential newcomers seeking this band.

[@luckyhippy4898]

In his case i would say he should listen to magma

[@cmillivol98]

TheSamuraiApocalypse I do understand where you’re coming from with that, but Magma was what got me to actually give them a chance and now they’re probably my favorite modern band, older stuff included. It depends on what you’re used to listening to beforehand I would say.

[@Eccentricjuices]

After listening to their earlier material which I prefer more. Magma is a solid release, great songs of course and a tribute to the Duplantier Brothers mother. So I highly respect the album. Just not a personal favorite.

[@gj4312]

@@TheSamuraiApocalypse from mars to sirius is probably the best intro album. Magma is an incredible one though. Cleaner vocals could be easier to get in to for someone new to metal and stranded tends to be the one that hooks people because of its unique opening riff and extremly smooth chord progression that just flows into itself beautifully. Such a simple and effective song. That or shooting star.

[@catlord69]

16:35 I hear this from a lot of people who dont listen to metal and I have to disagree from my own point of view (as a metalhead). I dont listen to metal to be full of energy or because I need to hype myself up. Its often calming for me and I feel a certain level of understanding when I hear this kind of songs. I know it sounds weird and that might be only my way of listening to metal, but I see it this way. Neither I disagree that it helps some people to stay hyped and have some motivation in gym (I also heard that many times, too)

[@wstone2010]

Same dude its just vibes

[@philip863]

This is actually the only regular way(not only) I listen to metal.

[@josiahmontiel5663]

And on top of that Metal musicians are some of the best instrument players on the planet.

[@oskr1996]

Honestly yes, well put. For me it's comfort music, I feel comfortable with the heaviness and they talk about things I care about. And these guys in particular are awfully talented so yeah it easily becomes your favorite music

[@shapeshifter7676]

"Pushing a ton of air" What you think he is, a whale?

[@Amarus]

Shape Shifter hehe

[@Mitwadus]

Shape Shifter I can see the Whales!

[@bgcwlive8752]

A flying whale

[@edgaru4324]

You mean WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALES

[@aleksiblomqvist1612]

@@edgaru4324 NOW I CAN SEE THE WHAAAAAAAAALLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS

[@gmr3156]

Mario Duplantier is probably the best metal drummer right now.

[@ankomoramora7844]

¿Thomas Haake?

[@rao1087]

Elliot hoffman?

[@zmk9058]

Lars?!?! Lol

[@drock55551]

@@zmk9058 definitely Lars!!!

[@gmr3156]

@@drock55551 Everybody hates on Lars but his style was perfect for the music they were playing.

[@pasza_dem]

Gojira is one of the greatest band of this century:) Groove and Death metal combined in extreme and tasteful mix! Best sellers songs to react: Heaviest matter of the universe. Flying Whales Toxic Garbage Island Love L'Enfant sauvage. Born in winter Shooting star Silvera Best sounding live recording Polandrock live 2018.

[@ChuckBeefOG]

Global Warming

[@VicSellsPeace]

Gift if Guilt is by far one of their best

[@kennyrgb2700]

They killed it at Hellfest 2013

[@pasza_dem]

@@kennyrgb2700 totally, but quality of sound engineering on Polandrock, is worth live album release.

[@deathmetal0073]

Backbone.

[@sovex9331]

The more you listen to them the quicker you realize they're actually one of the best bands out there. They have their own unique sound while every song feels different if you get what i mean.

[@shambhukarki7178]

Dotaaa

[@pyramidvince2855]

This is true

[@toughy9450]

This was certainly a jump into the deep end. Maybe try Flying Whales or The Gift of Guilt (studio versions) for something calmer. They also have more accessible heavy stuff too, such as Heaviest Matter of the Universe or Vacuity.

[@johannes4218]

You have an interesting understanding of calm and accessible

[@billybobtexas]

Toughy Ocean Planet

[@gnarkilleptic4871]

I hate when people recommend Art of Dying for an into to Gojira.

[@xMRxZEROx]

@@gnarkilleptic4871 Agreed. At least lube that shit up and ease in. Don't scare em off. 😂

[@joni2622]

Low lands is calm too

[@thoronthol1175]

The true magic of Gojira - what made me grow to love the vocal style - is their lyrical genius. It is worth your time to dissect their content as you react to each song. Everything else follows... the odd feel of the signature aligns with the subject matter. This is a meditation on comprehending our own mortality (as well as the fact that we kill to live), and some of the dissonance in the music is reflective of this. The groove of the outro could be taken as acceptance of our unavoidable passage.

[@CriticalReactions]

I do wish I could get a better appreciation for the lyrics in these reactions but there are so many things going on that it doesn't feel fair to give the vocals so much more attention then the music. It feels a bit like cheating but I might start doing reactions with the lyrics present. Though I'd have to figure out a format that doesn't detract from the music -- like I wouldn't want the lyrics pulled up while the song is playing since it will probably distract me from the music.

[@thoronthol1175]

Critical Reactions Great point, especially if your main focus is the music itself. Some people spend a few minutes after the song delving into the lyrics, but it might not fit with your vision of your channel. Gojira in particular is an organism, however, and the individual parts don’t always hold up to other conventional standards - other than Mario these are not necessarily virtuoso performers - but the sum of the parts is greater than most bands on the planet. For example, you rarely hear anything resembling a solo in their work (they exist, but are rare). I believe that’s by design, it’s their ethic. They are one, a single mighty beast. So the reason I’m bringing it to your attention is to put some of the music into context... the instruments, production, voice, and lyrics are indivisible. To miss the lyrics is to miss part of Gojira. Thanks for engaging in a conversation brother :) I just subscribed, by the way.

[@CriticalReactions]

@@thoronthol1175 Awesome, thanks for the sub. And that's some excellent insight into the band and their ethos. Gojira isn't the first band that I've glossed over the lyrics on where they played a large role and I'm so glad that I have excellent viewers (like yourself) that point these songs out to me and allow me to better engage with the music on my own time. But I do regret not getting to do it on camera. I think pulling up lyrics after the song is a great idea and something that I'll experiment with as this channel continues to mature.

[@thoronthol1175]

Critical Reaction, Awesome, I’ll keep watching!

[@TheSamuraiApocalypse]

@@thoronthol1175 I can feel you share the same exact love I feel for this band, and I agree with most of the things you excellently articulated about Gojira. However, I would consider the other performances aside from Mario's to be virtuosic. I don't know if you're a guitarist or musician in any capacity, but having played for many years with loads of guitar riffing/soloing under my belt I found myself very impressed by the technicality involved in executing some of their riffs. A lot of it does come easy, but some took quite a bit of extra time to work out. The bridge in Vacuity still gives me trouble. It's just a flurry of straight triplets. It's difficult to sustain up to tempo beginning each triplet with a down stroke. I have to switch to uptsrokes every other beat just to give my hand a rest. All this technicality aside, they are incredibly tight musicians. They never play to a click track. They really are just that good.

[@Vicariously...I]

Gojira is one of my favorite bands and I love "The Art of Dying", but I hate when people recommend it as a first song for people to listen to. "Born in Winter", "Silvera", "Stranded", or almost any other song would be much more appropriate to ease people into their sound.

[@jericoejones7376]

alright who told this man to listen to this particular gojira song on his first go round? lmao. could have eased him in.

[@user-no3fv4xm4r]

Saku

[@-Zer0Dark-]

I mean, it was the first Gojira song I ever heard years ago. I fell in love instantly. 🤘

[@Dazyhead]

i first got in with Love. Shit got me started on trying to find heavier and heavier sound

[@MrBaronCabron]

This is one of the easier songs from them to get into. Very mainstream appeal.

[@KenoxProductions]

Funny, because I didn't like Gojira when I first heard them, but this is the song that made me finally love Gojira. Now they're one of my favorites.

[@mceldeml133]

Thanks for doing Gojira, give Stranded, Flying Whales, or Silvera a listen! A little more melodic. You will be hooked.

[@jimmybobbytaco1872]

Riddlesostrong literally the worst songs they made

[@mceldeml133]

HMM. I don't think Gojira has a bad song or even a worst song. Its really a matter of opinion on what you like. He wanted something more melodic so that is what I recommended. Worst to you doesn't mean worst to everyone.

[@nomindseye]

@@jimmybobbytaco1872 No.

[@Mellyouttaphase]

Stranded is so underrated. I end up listening to it on repeat for days when I bump into it on shuffle mode.

[@arridexerandco]

"'The Art Of Dying' by Gojira cycles from 4 /4 to 2/4 to 21/16 (grouped 5+5+5+3+3) and repeats this pattern during the intro and beginning of the song."

[@luukderuijter1332]

Actually its 5+5+5+3+3+3+5+5+5+3+3

[@lucasmsoto]

@@luukderuijter1332 That'it. You can count it as 45/4

[@hugolafhugolaf]

@@lucasmsoto I prefer 90/8. Sounds easier.

[@Tritoness]

I discovered them about 3 years ago, never really was into metal and the screaming. But Gojira needs a couple of listens, and it just gets better and better. Now you will listen to the more mainstream songs, like the heaviest matter of the universe, stranded and flying whales. Like everyone else i started with those. They're good songs but they have so much better in reserve, trust me. Their first album terra incognita, probably their heaviest is an absolute gem, very Pantera-ish. The following songs are my favourites, but they need a coupe of listens. 1.Remembrance (watch "the link alive" version, it's insane) 2.clone studio version has the most epic breakdown you'll ever hear. 3.Blow me away you also very solid. 4.Gift of guilt at brixton, another brilliant song and the list goes on and. I'd suggest to go with the gift of guilt next, and once ready, go see the heavier stuff, (remembrance (the link live) and clone. It strange, because i really didn't like the Art of dying the first time. Shame though you didn't watch this song live at Vieilles Charrues, it's even better than the studio recording. cheers!

[@TransparentBarriers]

In "extreme" metal, this singer is really easy listening. I mean, no. It is just that he use a lot of different styles of singing. In live, it is not that perfect of course, but he do really well (depends really of the tour). Back from the days, he was not that good, sometimes he is kind of bad, but now, most of the time it's more than Okay.

[@guitarandgames1386]

Honestly my favorite song is deliverance

[@MaquinitaVEVO]

The vocals are indeed an acquired taste, when my friend first presented me this band i just didn't get it, the difference being that i didn't really get the instrumentals either, it took me a year of just seeing the name of the band everywhere on the internet with me thinking i didn't like it just to get into them again and falling in love with their music

[@colintaylor9368]

I think that only goes for some songs, Ive pulled quite a few people into metal with songs like Silvera, Stranded, or even The Gift of Guilt

[@rustyneedles3743]

cool story bro

[@hutch2210]

This was definitely a huge jump into the deep side of this band. This song needs a few listens to grasp the whole thing. Starting with some of their more popular songs would have been a better choice for a first time listen. But respect for choosing this one cus it's one of my favourites.

[@swingonthespiral]

Idk this is the song that got me into them tbh.

[@bigred1554]

This is one of my favourite songs by a mile, but I wasn't sure about it when I first listened to it lol

[@noises4978]

this is pretty much their most popular song

[@mikaelnuutila6370]

React to Wintersun: Sons of winter and stars (live rehearsal at sonic pump studios). Amazing finnish melodic deathmetal/powermetal/folk metal band. All the members are incredibly talented musicians

[@SOADExPeRt1297]

Never had heard of this band, thanks for the suggestion

[@loud6037]

Those rehearsal sessions blew me away when I first heard them.

[@artofdying5710]

You have to be a "special person" to listen to this on the way to the grocery store. I recommend circular headbanging as you drive. Hail \m/

[@MattTakesPhotos]

I must be "special" 😜

[@ayarikiyo2178]

@@MattTakesPhotos I was just about to say the same haha.

[@DowntunedDevil]

The circular method is the absolute best way to headbang while driving. Hail \m/

[@kubamarciniak6234]

Cringe

[@HectorHernandez-tg2tx]

I listen to gojira in mall and stores 🙃

[@lilplaguedoctor5557]

If you want another Gojira song, I recommend Born In Winter. That song is POWERFUL.

[@stephenhowes6586]

Friendly Neighborhood Plague Doctor probably my favorite song of theirs!

[@BlankRami]

We Gojira fans knew your reaction before watching the video. B) These French boys make good Noise !

[@flexius7769]

where dragons dwell hellfest 2013 whenever you're ready, great drumming...

[@alanpetrarca238]

Well damn and here I was in my somewhat drunken stupor thinking this video was from like 8 years ago. I was perusing your channel for the next Gojira vid, in which you inevitably come to the light haha... In all seriousness though, props to you for saying something real instead of pandering to an audience man. As others were saying, this was definitely big waves to jump into. My very first exposure to Gojira was flying whales but I just couldn't get into it. I was like 15 and hadn't gotten into metal yet (I did love the intro though). A few years later after acquiring more of a metal taste, I came upon their song vacuity and got hooked and gradually delved in from there. There are a plethora of great suggestions in the comments. It's really cool to me that so many people are sharing their passion for a band in such a amiable and courteous fashion. Also, the ending portion was kind of a bonus piece. The calmed down part for the last minute or so in particular. If you reverse it, it is a sort of backmasking ode to another track on the album called esoteric surgery, only played in what I guess is more of a distorted acoustic sounding tone(?). I am really musically illiterate. Most of the stuff off of the Magma album is a bit more accessible while the farther back in Gojira's catalog you go, the more the focus seems to propagate towards technicality in the form of mind bending riffs and insane drumming patterns at the cost of accessibility to some audiences.

[@minxy6121]

Gojira is most definitely my favorite band of all time. Funny story, I hated these guys when I first listened to them. I gave them a second listen when the band was receiving non-stop praise and I wanted to understand them some more. Couple of years later, they're my absolute favorite band. It just took me a few listens. I recommend The Gift of Guilt next. If you can, watch them live. They're INFAMOUS for their powerful, energetic live performances. Keep it up tho man.

[@garrettb4783]

Yeah same here i was getting into metal at the time took me a bit to get hooked onto em same with bands like tool and etc

[@authoro]

Same dude

[@omkarbharambe8673]

Gojira's Magma, Low lands, Gift of guilt, Global warming, Shooting star, Stranded, Where dragons dwell, Silvera, L'enfant sauvage, are pretty melodic. Clone, Toxic garbage island, Heaviest matter of the universe, remembrance, Love are the heavy songs with odd time signatures

[@ecksluss]

Good recommendations. I just got to the end where he said the song being non stop in your face wasn't totally his cup of tea, but those I think would satisfy that problem for him

[@omkarbharambe8673]

@Hitesh Gujarathi I may have missed a few.

[@Araxeus]

You missed my favorite song by them: The Way Of All Flesh

[@ChuckBeefOG]

Finally a Global Warming rec. the Live Studio recording video on YT is sick.

[@apotatofarmer2871]

"What the hell are they doing" is one my favorite reactions I've seen from someone listening to gojira for the first time

[@wpf312]

“Where they going with this?” 😂

[@u.v.s.5583]

They are going HEAVY with this.

[@GreenEyedCrow97]

If you are interested, Gojira has a bunch of song that are, I guess you could say on the softer/slower side. I would suggest you check out Global Warming: the studio live version, Born in Winter, The Shooting Star or World to Come. Can't wait to see more of your videos, keep up the great work

[@TopSetUK]

Global Warming (live studio version) is an excellent shout. A fantastic mix of soft and hard, with technical ability shown off by every band member throughout.

[@bousculade1035]

Don't recommend The Shooting Star if you want someone to listen to the band more.

[@noises4978]

those songs all suck

[@CrushingSerpents]

Bro, this was my intro to Gojira. Love it, thanks for sharing. God bless.

[@arnbjorntv7647]

I discovered you with this react and i'm glad i did ! I'm a huge Gojira fan and always wanted to watch the react of a true musician on that song so thanks a lot for that =)

[@vildonfire]

The live version of this was what made me fall in love with gojira. I LOVE how they build up the song and i get goosebumps ALL OVER when the chorus starts. But if you want some more calmer things i'd say stranded, silvera, the cell, pray

[@chrisanderson4044]

“Doesn’t sounds like a sustainable vocal style” lol this dude has been doing this for decades and he’s one of the greatest living metal voices with us today. Interesting video anyways.

[@willhaul5581]

LOL that's funny and true this guy is afraid of metal apparently

[@Amarus]

Really enjoyed your reaction, as a self-taught composer in training (aren’t we all? Haha) I enjoy all your videos because I feel I can learn a lot about what my fav artists (such as Gojira) do on some of my fav songs (such as the art of dying) to make them as “magical” as they are, for lack of a better term, lol Definitely keep doing what you’re doing man, just gained a new sub, and a new member of notification squad!

[@menschfreund]

Kind of cool of KZbin to recommend me a relatively small channel. Really liked your reaction/review!

[@Koospa]

The kind of reaction video I like: a unique and well informed take on a piece of media. The part where you explained what they're doing with 4/4 answered one question I had myself, since sometimes their drums really confuse me. A similar trick is done by Meshuggah, they play odd time signatures with kick drums and the cymbals play 4/4.

[@ossisuomalainen]

If im not mistaken that would be called polyrythm, playing at 2 or even 3 different tempos. Haake does that all the time

[@aleksiblomqvist1612]

gojira is just fucking awsome... every song is so different in its own way. havent found a band like gojira in a while!

[@maximilianlindner6673]

Listen to Between The Buried And Me - Extromophile Elite. A great Progressive Metal Band! Also very talented musicians. The song has a ton of different styles and odd time signatures.

[@SubwaySweden]

One of the few newer bands I listened to and liked so much I added them to my daily metal needs .... there where the magic words "I am interested to hear more from them".... Explosia is my recommendation, that song is a masterpiece.

[@richardbertrand9939]

They arnt new

[@SubwaySweden]

@@richardbertrand9939I wrote newer and compared to Dismember, Unleashed, Entombed, Kreator etc. I usualy listen to they are way newer ;)

[@Dechral]

dude, you're shirt is dope. Also great reaction! Thanks for sharing.

[@kuneefay]

Really enjoying your more technical break down of songs Bryan, so far as I've seen its unique to your channel. I have to recommend Architects // Hereafter (Live ARTE Concert Hellfest). The lead singer Sam is a vocal monster and the band is just as strong and concise.

[@jdwhodey]

I love it when you said, "where are they going with this" as it was about to start. Lol, I just said to myself, strap yourself in bro, it's about to take you there. I love this song and you have a new subscriber!

[@Joe27248]

I love this song and the band in general! They sometimes almost feel underrated but they are brilliant technical musicians!

[@robertmunroe9635]

The chaos of it is great when you think about the song title and whats going on. It mellows out a bit as the character beings to give into death

[@TransparentBarriers]

First time on the channel (because of gojira, i suppose). Nice reflection about the song. And about the last part of the song, it is actually like you said an intro to the next song... but in reverse. I don't know why they choose to do that. The song who follow up is "Esoteric Surgery", really heavy too, but if you play the ending of Art of Dying, you notice it is the same melody, but in arpeges (?). You can find the reverse version somewhere on youtube. Oh, and you got a new suscriber.

[@jamiesloan5902]

Wow. I love the angst, despair, and anger in his voice. He isn't just growling, or screaming. And yea, the drummer is AMAZING!!! Go get em Mario. Love this band!!!!!!

[@LauriHuu]

the "late nineties" thrash feel close to the end was a really nice way to start mellowing the song down you know, kind of "finally resting", or so. plus i started by listening to old Metallica and such as a kid so that "late nineties" sound kind of still holds a place in my heartm though i don't go out of my way anymore to only listen to those tunes.

[@felipeurrutia623]

Explosia live 2014 now man, savage

[@FinneousPJ1]

Sauvage

[@SR-yt2bc]

the art of dying chorus is fucking intense as fuck. im a dubstep drum and bass kinda guy, the moment my mate showed me gojira ( about 10 years ago) i fucking instantly loved it.

[@Nicklashellgren]

I for one love Joe’s vocals. It sounds so mechanical and metallic to me. Like a cyborg sent from the future to tear up the metal scene

[@Or_Am_I_Alpharius]

Clone and Remembrance are really great for them being in sync, it’s like they go into the Drift when they play it’s so good, even live they are flawless

[@Galvatron6801]

stranded put me on to Gojira. ever since that first time, Gojira has been my go to band next to Metallica for 2 years now. went to a Gojira concert in June 2019 and it was phenomenal, going to another this May 2020! Definitely worth every second of your time to check out this band.

[@agustincasciero]

For me it was Silvera! Found it on Spotify and decided to listen more by them.

[@cwhip2432]

I find it interesting that you believe this takes a couple of listens to enjoy. I loved them from day one. Really nice reaction video though keep it up

[@luckyhippy4898]

Its an acquired taste for most unless ur just used to metal and heavy shit

[@uurhelo]

was just here to listen to the song again

[@metrognome197]

I HIGHLY recommend a song called "When The Moment's Gone" by a band called Sikth. One of the most amazing compositions in any song I've ever heard.

[@georgerodionov5941]

First time hearing this awesome thing for me. I like how they made it heavier with all the weird rhythms. The "blast beat riff" is super enjoyable and the ending is beautiful. To me it sounds like the guitar riff backwards

[@The_Wild_Healer]

This song itself is not an everyday song and I have this album cover tattooed on my arm. Gojira has plenty of daily bops though like The Gift of Guilt, Esoteric Surgery, Clone, Love, The Heaviest Matter of the Universe, Backbone, Silvera, Stranded, Born in Winter and those are just a very minimal view of stuff you can listen to everyday. The Art of Dying, Flying Whales, Global Warming are just 3 songs that are super heavy in musical sense but also in theme and impact, so I can understand why this might be a bit much as an intro to Gojira. Also, final note to my comment. About the last 90 seconds of this song. It's the riff from the next song played slower and backwards. It's nuts if you listen to it reversed to hear the beginning of Esoteric Surgery in a beautiful atmosphere then the real one comes in and just punches your mouth off and you like it.

[@bgcwlive8752]

The intro with the weird percussion instrument was what I heard in an interview with the frontman joe duplantier bamboo that was being smacked with something

[@martonlaszlocsernak1886]

I remember in 2016, when I came across this song. I was hesitant - I liked the beginning, but was not into stuff this heavy. And it felt off. Then, I slowly, over the course of several days, I eased myself into it at work. I was curious. I was intrigued- And then I was changed.

[@Megaman8880]

This is the video that introduced me to your channel man. I really appreciated your take on this song. Gojira has been a favorite of mine since about 2014, and this is in my top 3 favorite songs from them. You need, NEED to check out Earthside - Contemplation of the beautiful, and eventually some Deadly Circus Fire, Universe imo is DCF's best song.

[@rerelinho]

Been loving their music since the first album they have achieved great things in the genre, my favs are the first two albums, first one very creepy yet melodic and the second is very tribal...

[@felipecampos3045]

gift of guilt live is amazing as well

[@cofa4011]

My favorite band ever since i discovered them :) check their songs The Cell, and a combo of the songs From Mars and To Sirius ;) Great review mate !

[@MrKoolaidjam]

Opeth. The compositions are absolutely amazing from this band.

[@OroraMonroe]

Agree with the rest of the comments on asking him to listen to this first. I will give an ease in order, lol. Flying Whales, Oroborus, Silvera (has music video), Heaviest Matter of the Universe... after those you will join us fans, then it's open season on which entire album you want to start with and digest from there! Have fun down the rabbit hole! Oh and try to watch live performances, these guys won't disappoint!

[@zachyeet1806]

Devin Townsend. Anything off his Empath album. Or, popular recommendation Deadhead (Live at Royal Albert Hall).

[@cryaesthetic3603]

He's been singing this for like 20 years at this point probably more since before gojira and he is almost better live than he is in recordings. They did a live recording of their song global warming and it was absolutely crazy

[@88Sith88]

Joe's vocals are definitely hard to appreciate at first, but then it becomes one of your favorite metal bands really fast!

[@slumpywumpy4166]

Honestly been listening to Gojira for years and I have never once been able to wrap my head around the intro drumming to this song

[@joshuarenzema9906]

8:04 “And I like how they chose to put clean backing vocals under the guy’s screaming.” The melody you’re hearing mixed in with the scream is actually only one voice. Joe Duplantier is able to scream with melody, and it’s very impressive! “Indians” is another great example of that “melodious scream.”

[@happygilmore8321]

I know what you're talking about, but there are multiple vocal tracks. He's talking about the couple other vocal tracks you can hear under his scream

[@niennaarcturus]

Gojira is great. Omg you reacted to so many bands I like and I just met you today. Marathon mode. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@treumatic8420]

Finally some guy who can name the sounds of instruments correctly, You have my sub.

[@jw31187]

Check out Fit For An Autopsy - Your Pain Is Mine One of the best hooks with a melodic singing/screaming combination I've ever heard.

[@jordand431]

Please check out more from these guys, they’re super versatile. I think this has one of Joe’s heavier vocals. Try Oroborus, Gift of Guilt, L’enfant Sauvage, or Explosia. Really well composed/performed metal all around. Good review!

[@djohnny1337]

Everyone is reacting to Wintersun, but I would recommend another finnish band Wolfheart. Wintersun is great, but Wolfheart is just as good. It's perfect "winter metal". Routa Pt 2 is a good song to start.

[@jahjahhhh]

that last 90 second is an intro the the next track of the album! they play esoteric surgery backwards. there's a video about it on youtube

[@theitalianstallion973]

Gojira - sight to behold

[@jordanbrown8386]

Gojira is the best band i've ever listened to. Amazing how they can be so perfectly out of time but in time, at the same time. Incredible stuff

[@Yggdra666]

Mario Duplantier is one of my greatest inspirations when it comes to drumming, besides Morgan Ågren. These guys are absolute masters of their craft. If you want to listen to something really heavy I really really recommend "Fredrik Thordendal's Special Defects - Sol Niger Within". The one hour version of the Album. Fredrik the Guitarist from Meshuggah, Morgan Ågren the drummer from Mats/Morgan Band and several other musicians came together to create an absolute Masterpiece of an Experimental-Progressive Metal/Jazz Fusion Album. If you like complex music then this album is an absolute must.

[@starrycat6185]

I agree with what everyone else is saying. I would go with something like Vacuity or Oorobourus (hope I spelled that right 😂) L’enfant Sauvage is still one of my favorite songs by them, would 100% be my suggestion as a first Gojira song. Low Lands is also amazing.

[@TheThunderwesel]

Another Gojira song that is really really strong is "Where Dragons Dwell". Especially the live version from Hellfest 2013.

[@ecksluss]

I LOVE you reaction to how all over the place they are with riffs and themes, "whhhat are they doing?" lol. One of the reasons I absolutely love them. Check out their album The Link for a lot of that goodness. Death of Me off that album comes to mind.

[@austinprather4454]

Inward movement is one of those too

[@mitchellwade150]

Check out these three bands and songs: Batushka - Yekteniya 3 (black metal with gregorian chanters) Septicflesh- The Enemy of Turth (symphonic death metal utilizing the Prague symphony orchestra and choir. They also utilize various unique instruments (like didgeridoo, theremin, double reeded flute, and a children's choir. But not in this song.) (all orchestration is composed by lead guitarist Christos Antonio who has a bachelors in composition and a masters in concert music.)

[@lucaspegoretto1561]

Really liked it. Would love to see some TOOL around here

[@kilian4387]

The ending is a sample from Esoteric Surgery only played in reverse

[@goonercestlavie]

Analyse intéressante. I hope you'll react to more Gojira songs.

[@Megaman8880]

I got to hear them live, and they sound exactly the same giving a live performance.

[@munmajnebulah]

3:58 the drop

[@fug_momo3729]

I’m French and I know them since 2003 it’s my favorite band. You can hear that Jo learned to sing and scream compare to the first album. I’ve seen them playing live so many times and never got bored, spoke with them a few times. I’m happy that their talent is well recognized all over the world. Fun fact: their first record label was Mon slip (My panty in English) m.facebook.com/labelmonslip/?locale2=fr_FR

[@SandraCianciulli]

I'm French, and Gojira is my favorite band. I love it so much when people react to their pure genius

[@x_hunter00]

They have a wide array of styles and vocals. You need to listen to the next 3 albums after this to fully appreciate what they can do

[@Defensive_Wounds]

8:42 - from here onwards, listen to how much the bass guitar is holding it all together!

[@evantarracciano4211]

Hey there Critical! Congrats on the success of your channel so far - always nice to see someone with a true passion for metal getting some well-earned followers. Like many of the other folks in the comments, I’d like to offer you a few recommendations to check out, based upon your own personal taste in music combined with my own (been a metal head since birth!). First, “Where Owls Know My Name” by Rivers of Nihil. The video is a little trippy because the boys were just having fun, but it combines some incredible technicality with brutal tones and even a saxophone. Yes, you read that right. And I promise you’ll love it. Another one? “RedFog” by Orbit Culture. The sound is a mix of Gorjia and Metallica. You won’t be disappointed. Finally, “No Man is Without Fear” by Fit for an Autopsy. The band combines very deep and meaningful lyrics with a brutal and heavy tone. Deathcore at its finest. Should you be unable to find that song, “Black Mammoth” is another superb track. Wishing you all the best from Georgia and love the channel. Cheers mate.

[@mattjones6450]

@Evan Tarracciano absolutely great choices in Rivers of Nihil and FFAA! Along with Shadow of Intent, Inferi, and Lorna Shore, they are definitely my favorite modern metal bands.

[@Bilskirnir3124]

Definitely check out Vitriol some time. Crowned in Retaliation would be my pick. In my opinion it best showcases the talents of the musicians.

[@S4tanMW3]

Great video. Yes - Joe has said that this style has hurt his voice, so he is more careful nowadays. Sounds extremely good though. One of a kind.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Began as Godzilla in '96, Gajira in 2001, and hit it big in the US in 2012, a simple overnight success. Trèsbien fait, les gars

[@PZMaTTy]

This is one of the hardest songs from Gojira, you should react to The Heaviest matter of the universe (this guys are very creative, indeed it's my favorite band)

[@fredspamed7923]

Gojira are one of the most satisfying metal bands I've heard and their drummer phenomenal

[@brandodasavage5538]

I think Stranded is a good intro to Gojira.

[@jamiesloan5902]

Brando Da Savage Me too, bro. I was gonna suggest that one to him.