Did Polyphia Out-GOAT Steve Vai?

[@armara70]

"If this doesn't win a Grammy, I wouldn't be surprised" 😂 Thanks Herman, I needed that.

[@kyleheron38]

I’m not gonna lie, he had me in the first half 😂

[@bugsbugsbugsbugsbugsbugsbugs]

i read this before i watched the whole video i was very mislead! lol i thought he was gonna say it wasnt worth one but i was wrong lmao polyphia fcking rocks bro its crazy

[@Gawillamon]

But it SHOULD! 😁

[@psychederik]

cracked me up

[@donniebuster5200]

I knew someone was gonna comment on that. Love Herman so much.

[@murtagh1994]

When are we getting a Herman ft. Polyphia song? We need that !

[@KCAauto]

Fact

[@quincy5022]

Fact

[@NORCLA]

Fact

[@ahri6621]

frfr

[@wrxboi80]

💯 we FUCKING NEED THAT

[@lPanicSinisterl]

Hearing Herman, someone who not only plays, but is also entrenched and an active figure in guitar culture, talk about how big this is for guitar music really does put it into perspective how important this collaboration is.

[@omegacanon]

Herman takes such a humble approach to music in general and in meme culture that is really refreshing

[@harveygitarista1600]

I like the idea of being an active figure in guitar culture.

[@swbaker8]

Steve Vai was my first concert back in 1998. This video blew my mind in the same way. Love this collab.

[@bdragon254]

Agreed. Yes I love Polyphia for all of the things Herman mentioned.. but taking into consideration the godlike history of Herman and Steve it kind of forces a skeptic to take another look.

[@mattgough8401]

You know you've made it when Vai is collabing with you. Herman is a treasure

[@27needles1]

Lol. Money talks. Polyphia's label had to pay Steve a LOT for this to happen. If not this definitely wouldn't happen.

[@mark2220]

@@27needles1 Famous musicians don't do anything for anyone that isn't lead by a huge wad of cash.. unless it's for their own mother lol. The fact that he agreed is what they're referring to!

[@internetcitizen3224]

@@27needles1 money is also indicate "you've made it" sir

[@Kyrelel]

When you collab with Polyphia, you know your brand is dying.

[@Maki-fi8gn]

biased pleb @@Kyrelel

[@joegauvin2981]

i'm 60 years old and hearing this group just now and it blows my mind seeing how they play it's fucking amazing. I love hearing instruments played to their fullest.

[@BackpackGringo]

Welcome to the club ;)

[@Kratos_TM]

I'm in my twenties, and this band is the first one in my life to reveal to me how precise and skilled people can be at the guitar, it's amazing

[@justinbird2605]

My brother 🤘

[@redbeardthepink4809]

I'm pretty sure Steve's solo just detoxed my whole body. Like yeah Polyphia is super fast and impressive, but Steve just played one of the most fluid, technical, expressive solos I've ever seen, and the whole time he looks like he's playing in a bouncy house at a really lit birthday party. Legend.

[@jonathanguevara807]

Your comments pretty legend bro 😂

[@BrandonChaunceyOfficial]

Herman Li sees them sitting him in the chair as "humbling him" Which I actually thought it was passive aggressive at first. But ACTUALLY, watching it from Herman's perspective, I actually got to see how sweet it was of them to put him on the throne

[@redbeardthepink4809]

@@BrandonChaunceyOfficial yeah I saw the chair as more of a throne thing. They put each guy in it when it was his turn to cut loose.

[@Marino4L]

Dude, Vai made love to that guitar

[@mfnm000]

Right! It took me back too.🤯

[@delman623]

As a HongKonger myself, It's glad to see Herman still counting in cantonese.

[@NickGodzilla]

一二三四五六七 多勞多得

[@martyn9457]

What's Cantonese?

[@Tobias-rj3kq]

@@martyn9457 Cantonese is a "version" of Chinese, it's what's spoken in Hong Kong.

[@martyn9457]

@@Tobias-rj3kq nice! Thanks for the info bro

[@SantomPh]

@@Tobias-rj3kq it's a different language compared to the "main" language used in China , called Mandarin. It originated in an area of China that wasn't always part of China (or the powerful center) so the spoken grammar and vocabulary is completely different. Written Cantonese is 99% like Mandarin though so in written form all Chinese people can understand it The languages are so different someone who knows Mandarin but not Cantonese will sound lost when hearing it. As Cantonese is a southern language a lot of communities overseas speak Cantonese including Malaysian Chinese and a large part of Vancouver Chinese and UK Chinese communities. Herman is from HK so Cantonese is his mother tongue.

[@NonnyStrikes]

12:33 favorite part of the whole song. It's like saying "here he is ladies and gentlemen, STEVE VAI, then BAM. Demonstrates how much appreciation he has for them, and they have for him. Just utterly amazing! So much so I had to comment twice ha!

[@R1F12]

Bro that part gives me chills every time

[@nikko6263]

I love this song. They start little in living room on sofa like teenager, sad sound. They grow up in a studio They grow up in a Factory They finish on the roof, with the final boss. It's an evolution to the top of the guitar's World.

[@the22000kyle]

I was thinking the same thing, and their sound evolved and matured since the first level as well. I also noticed that the band became closer from the bottom to the top and at the end they were back to back immediately beside one another. Crazy good production.

[@improvingguitarist1595]

where's the studio?

[@nikko6263]

@@improvingguitarist1595 when they are four together, is like a work in studio.

[@1satisfiedmind]

Great observation, I like it!

[@ChesterT89]

I was thinking about that evolution as well, coupled with the progression of who’s sitting on the ‘throne’, it really hammers home the concept of the song moving up in levels of intensity/mastery

[@elfboy676]

What I have always loved about Polyphia is that they leave room for each other to shine in their own way and they have a lot of influences from several different music genres. It feels like it is easy to work any of their collaborations in because they are willing to take different genres and put a Polyphia spin to it while also allowing the other people room to breathe and work their own magic. I'm honestly blown away more and more every album that they make. I can't wait to catch them live.

[@jjoao32]

The track is fire, but the aesthetics is simply amazing, the story line without vocals. Notice how they put Tim on the chair, then Scottie and finally the reveal of Steve, it's such a homage. Also the levels, it's like each section they go up a floor until they reach the rooftop and who rules there ? Steve. Brilliant production, this whole MV, the track, the concept, pure masterpiece!!!! Amazing Herman being so humble as usual.

[@prateeksharma496]

Very good comment. Loved your POV.

[@crazed1x]

I like how it starts during the day and then the sun is going down at the end

[@simonsayz3925]

oh shit you are right, didnt even realise it that way !

[@jjoao32]

@@crazed1x Tim already said it was just a happy coincidence but it looks great, that scene with the trumpet as the sun sets. Also they didn’t shoot it in the same order, the last scene to shoot was the intro in the white room into the late hours in the night, check out polyphia’s channel, they had a 1 hour call with Steve and discussed the video, inspirations, etc. The hour just breezes by listening to them

[@wisastra]

@@jjoao32 dont forget about the trumpet which ends the war between them

[@inflatablewolfie]

I love how Polyphia sounds like Polyphia without always sounding the same. It's always unique sounds that bring back to this awesome group of people doing awesome music. This isn't music for the popular crowd. There's deep emotion in this whole arrangement.

[@CyclesAreSingularities]

I disagree that this isn't for the popular crowd, because their songs are really catchy and have very nice melodies. overall i think it's pretty popy, but obviously much more advanced writing and playing. and their arrangements are insane, they know how to take you on a journey and make you remember each and every single note. and it's because they come back to a basic progression or melody every time and built these insane riffs from that. but because it's so grounded in that way it really achieves that magic in my opinion

[@emcalvert8738]

They are super friggin talented

[@pestydesperado8771]

@@CyclesAreSingularities I really think the only thing that takes away mainstream appeal is the fact that they're instrumental.

[@mgall3844]

"without always sounding the same" - unfortunately I think it is starting to sound a bit samey. Impressive as they are, they need to evolve after this album...

[@inflatablewolfie]

@@mgall3844 hardly...

[@KodyMurray]

I'd love to hear a Polyphia feature on a Dragonforce song or Herman on a Polyphia song!!

[@icedelvin]

And see Herman react on that song. LOL

[@beerussama6180]

True ✨

[@predateur70]

Tim already went on Herman's twitch stream for a jam session. Making a band collab is not so farfetched

[@SantomPh]

I want to see Herman and Sam try to play a Polyphia style song. Harder than it looks

[@CorvoErudito]

Up

[@EnginAtik]

I hear flamenco, classic rock, symphonic rock and a lot of other things not just fast random notes. They have the whole package. They will survive their supersonic ascent to fame.

[@Tatted-ne7tu]

I was raised on Vai and through my kids have been exposed to Polyphia. I would have never paired Vai with Polyphia but hearing it makes sense. I think they sent Steve a track to do something with and Steve realized playing something slower and looser would compliment the busy and tight guitar work of the foundational track. It worked well because this track has a massive amount of playing, notes, sub Melodie’s and still all very flowing and intertwining like vines. Well done.

[@Shiftto5thGear]

well said

[@ricksmusicworld711]

And I think you all know it but just are scared to say it.

[@Tatted-ne7tu]

Lol, don’t say it…

[@jacobcorpus4915]

dang. right on the nose.

[@darthbango1999]

I read in Guitar World that they cut up his contribution and edited it down to something he didn't even recognize... But in the end he was cool with it bc that's how these kids work these days.

[@josephkirkpatrick345]

It's an unhuman talent to be able to play the guitar like that and not make a face while playing.....I love it.

[@commandercaptain4664]

I'd be making my O-face like it was stuck there.

[@danielbeaird6264]

Steve Vai and his "zzzzshooooo wa ah ah ah ah" was just absolutely epic... makes me wonder if he wrote that to fill the break or if polyphia made the break just to highlight it 🤔

[@coffeedudeguy]

It’s like they say, the silent bits are very much as important as the playing bits

[@danielbeaird6264]

@@coffeedudeguy That guys a scammer fyi... hes pretty stupid cause this is like the 3rd time he's commented to me the exact same thing😒

[@rylanszudy6707]

That was the first time i heard a guitar reach its Climax.

[@danielbeaird6264]

@@rylanszudy6707 🥴😂🤣😂🤣

[@Marino4L]

@@rylanszudy6707 it wasn’t just the guitar that climaxed.

[@BraceDeville]

Polyphia is more than just a collection of amazingly talented musicians. They are super creative and next level arrangement/production monsters. I really love that Herman called out Scott being given some room to shine in this cut. Would love to see them get a Grammy Herman!

[@theninjaminx9704]

I love Steve Vai and saw him live in London this year. As a guitarist, he is one of my hero's (started in the '80s!) Been watching lots of reactions to this track and have to say it's also converted me into a Polyphia fan too. Now I'm adding Tim and Scottie to my hero library too!! Nice to hear something different from the young and old generation together. Thanks for the reaction Herman

[@clgr1323]

maybe you still havent heard about Ichika nito or marcin. Two more young monsters that could be deserving a spot in your library

[@teeple1877]

Can’t wait to see Steve next month in Montana! Will be my first time!

[@teeple1877]

@@clgr1323 Ichika is great.. Can’t get into Marcin much myself. Not really my style. Not saying he’s not a great player tho.

[@robertsmith16286]

I too am now a Polyphia fan. But Steve Vai will always be the goat. That’s just this guitarists opinion.

[@poojackson8626]

@@clgr1323 dont forget jason richardson! Him and luke holland tear it up

[@Raddland]

Definitely agree. This feels like an evolution in modern guitar. That shot of the three of them playing back to back is truly a unique sound, and it felt as much like a passing of the torch as it did an honor to the past. Gives ya the chills.

[@user-ml4ly7ho8b]

🅗🅔🅨 ☝️🅨🅞🅤'🅥🅔 🅦🅞🅝 🅐 🅟🅡🅘🅩🅔 🎉

[@gsleazy1975]

😭👏👏👏👏👏🤘🤯🤘🤧👏👏👏👏👏👏✨

[@gdh5cy]

I love the breathing room that Polyphia gave Steve during his solo. They had plenty of empty space during that section and it really helped.

[@456yukon]

polyphia doesn't make >2:40 song for no reason lol

[@CptShiba]

they're masters of leaving space

[@imherenow8]

Hell yeah dude, best elevator music ever

[@chetbiddlecom6016]

Herman, your break down of this music and video is beyond par! As a top-notch guitarist, your fire for others who play guitar is truly inspiring.

[@arkadiusz5491]

And Tim Just released his signature with Ibanez 1 h ago bringing a classic nylon electric back to life What a treat Well done Ibanez

[@killer070911]

Yeah crazy

[@MarkyMark8484]

Herman is a guitar legend. Watching him paying homage to the new generation is really good to see. Polyphia is only going to get better. I love Steve's playing style. Always have. He makes the guitar cry and sing. Not necessarily a fast shredder, but his style I love.

[@FilinMXr]

I think their recent releases prove that Polyphia can still innovate and evolve their sound. They released four songs so far and all of them are, in my opinion, vastly different in style and approaches.

[@danumis_]

The best part is that they are open to change. This album so far has shown that.

[@Luke-ih1oc]

They're all fucking bangers

[@strad1973]

JESUS, THANK YOU! Everyone saying "Polyphia stuff all sounds the same" man, I just couldn't agree less. I am so hyped to get this album!

[@JordanBlue1]

They have to keep changing because Unprocessed keeps trying to emulate them.

[@ylemscalamity]

They Suck super bad. I literally can’t even listen to one song from them without being annoyed but it is just my opinion

[@venomhammer9592]

Sonically Polyphia don’t really float my boat but I can definitely appreciate their technical ability. Their style is very percussive and Steve Vai adds a completely different and more melodic element which is definitely welcome. It’s great to see a legend still showing the youngsters how it’s done, and I’m sure Steve learned something from them too. Great stuff.

[@jimmywest8939]

I honestly feel like as a musician/band, one of the worst things someone can say about you is that you sound like someone else...the originality is what made me want to start seeing more of polyphia. I havent heard any other musician or band with that sound and its incredible

[@chrisking6695]

I just can’t get into them. There’s no anger behind the music. No drive. I’m feeling absolutely zero listening to their songs. It’s so weird. Obviously they’re insanely skilled and technical. I’d say they’re virtuosos. I’m looking up to them as a guitarist. But their music conveys nothing to me.

[@richiedollabillz]

@@chrisking6695 I guess it depends what you look for in music. I get different things from different artists, doesn't need to be angry or driven to enjoy it, unless of course that's what you need from your music

[@DreidMusicalX]

I hear a lot of other styles already done before in their music. Its spliced and diced and makes it a bit different.

[@firstnamesurname6550]

Well, listen to grab what you like from that ... and departure to another place .... Maybe, begin by Polyphia's sources .... Víctor Wooten, Ichika Mo and Tossin Abasin would bring a wide perspective ... If you want to grab something from the "Recent Guitar Genius" .... Check: Mateo Mancuso .... he is in another level.... in heaven, with Guthrie Govan at his left ...

[@firstnamesurname6550]

@@chrisking6695 Too much "cerebral" and "quantized" ... Lacks of Spontaneous Real Time Expression

[@maxjovi591]

It feels like a piece from classical music when we watch the music vid. There are 3 Mov pictured in Ego Death music vid; White Unknown Space, The Doom in Dungeon (Somewhere in between rooftoop & lower floor), & Free Skyhigh (on the roof top), and there Mr. Steve Vai and Polyphia was playing this masterpiece with windy air. Magnifico, magical!

[@RonoMorph]

When you talked about how Polyphia shows how they play in their music video's, that is actually such a good point, and a big reason why I'm such a fan of the band. It's awesome to see, their video's are inspiring and cool!

[@FlynnTaggart23]

Yeah but... I bet they sell a heap more song tabs when you cant work out how to play the song so easy from the music video. Maybe i'm just a cynical SOB? either way they deserve what they have...

[@crazy.scorpio]

Agreed, that part really stood out to me, like wow. GREAT point...he is right

[@GenesysRider23]

@@FlynnTaggart23 I think you’re absolutely right in the sense that you’re cynical. Their music/playing is so complex, it’s almost impossible to learn their songs solely from watching.

[@basebintv]

A huge props has to go to who ever produced and mixed this! People often forget what a huge role the producer/mixer plays in a production with this specific sound. From the super tight drum tones to his percussive guitar riffs! Would love to see how this was brought to life

[@gab_gallard]

Zack Cervini mixed the record. Production was made by the Polyphia guys themselves.

[@adamushu]

The recent Evanescence album is a good reminder of how important mixing is, oof. One of those things thats hard to notice unless its jarringly poor, and thus usually thankless.

[@LeeJCander]

I actually love this. I’m a guitarist and they’re amazing but I have to say, that drummer and that bassist are perfect!

[@zzzzzz1039]

Bassist gets a 8 second solo in a song thats basically all guitar solos Hes underutilized in this band.

[@LeeJCander]

@@zzzzzz1039 he is perhaps in terms of virtuosity. But just his tone alone is soo soo juicy!

[@matthiashejlskov5008]

@@zzzzzz1039 he's doing fantastic work in this band. The clays aren't always front and center like the guitars, but they lay the foundation that allows the guitars to shine. And they're so incredibly tight and work so well together it's sometimes hard to differentiate between bass guitar and bass drum. The band wouldn't work as well with a lesser bassist. And I don't get the impression that the band is "run" by Tim. I get the impression that they all work together to make their vision, and I feel like if he wanted more solos he would get them. He had a Great one in GOAT.

[@usuallyclueless4477]

@@LeeJCander The bassist (Clay Gober) has a compilation video on KZbin of him playing some of his work. Do check it out. His tone is always juicy.

[@Wargasm54]

Same. I made a similar statement. I’m a guitarist and generally focus on the guitarists. But that bassist drives the hell out of this song. Top notch. Drummer is no slouch either. Excellent group of musicians.

[@anibass-kun8707]

10:56 the way he fix his sitting position. Got some respect!!

[@thefourthwritedjentleman3643]

Lol 😂 yep Herman was like ok - let’s just listen and watch a little closer

[@psionic6126]

So true Herman. This is a very special moment for guitarworld! I had tears in my eyes. It's like the Fresko from Michelangelo, when they touch their hands. I felt the same way for Steve touching Ployphias hands.

[@angryasianjim]

Glad I’m not the only one who got misty eyed. Amazing

[@thejinn99]

Not only do you have the chops to give us context on Polyphia, you're an Asian American like me who can give the people additional depth on Tim and the "Asian parent" culture us all Asian-American "Asian-Westerner/East-West" perspective. I think this is important for people like me who really doesn't know about music or bands, and for other people who may not know about Asian culture.

[@Shmicah1235]

I love that they essentially have 3 parallel acts in the song. Each section is signalled by a drop in energy that then rises again, each wave growing bigger until that final climax at the end. At the beginning you have a gentle melodic opening followed by a very technical and percussive riff, and then it builds into that triplet melody section before dropping the pace right back down into another melodic section (but this time with the stakes raised with the distorted tone). This drop of energy and addition of distortion signifies the end of the first act. Now that the distortion is here you'll notice that the same progression in energy and form takes place. First a very open and melodic part which is then followed up by a technical percussive thumping part, and then after that we get the energy to rise again with a solo that bleeds into the same triplet melody that punctuated the last section of the first third of the song. This part even has the exact same lick to close it out as the first time it occurs, but just with distortion and extra flare. At this point they've made the second act of the song a reflection of the first in it's progression of energy and in the parallel melodic lines they employ. Then at the very end we get an absolute explosion of energy approaching. It starts incredibly soft just like the first two acts, but this time Steve just makes it cry and build this soulful energy behind it. After an insane whammy trick the band gets into it and it's a nonstop avalanche of rising momentum until the song hits it's apex and ends with an epic resting melody carried by a trumpet. Just an absolute masterpiece. The entire song is you riding this massive approaching wave of epic proportion. A very fitting song fo the most legendary guitarist of the old guard to pass the keys to the new.

[@gustavomugica83]

Wow!!! Hands down to your HUGE, HUGE, analysis! Congratulations, man! That's it! The song and the videoclip are simply a masterpiece!

[@kyleheaser351boombaby]

One of the sickest transitions I've ever heard at 12:32 . My jaw dropped and I had to rewind to hear it again. So unbelievably awesome 🤘

[@woolfel]

I love seeing polyphia evolved and changed over the years. If they stay together and grow together, I will keep listening to their music and see where they go. Growing up in the 80's there weren't any famous chinese guitarist in the US. I'm so glad there's Herman and Tim for my kids generation. Thanks herman!

[@simonsayz3925]

dont mean this as an insult or anything but were there any? could you shoot me some names so i can educate myself?

[@woolfel]

@@simonsayz3925 not to my knowledge. In the 80's the big chinese or japanese face on TV or movies was george takei on star trek and james hong. Definitely no famous guitarist in the US that I could see. The only famous chinese musician in the US was Yoyo Ma. In japan there were great jazz musicians, but they weren't known in the US.

[@Wargasm54]

In the 80’s there were a few Japanese shredders that were popular in the USA. Hideto Matsumoto and definitely Akira Takasaki from Loudness 🤘🏻

[@woolfel]

@@Wargasm54 I grew up in LA area and never heard of them in the 80s. The local music scene around santa monica wash pretty much dominated by hair rock and shredders from guitar institute. I knew a few guitarists that graduated from guitar institute. Too bad I didn't hear of those two in the 80's

[@Wargasm54]

@@woolfel surprised you never heard of the band “Loudness” . Akira is phenomenal. I used to buy most of my music at import record stores back in the 80’s. It’s not like you could walk into K-Mart back in the day and buy a Dark Angel or Kreator album. I even got my first exposure to Metallica from a demo tape I bought. I was into a lot of thrash. But my hair metal buddies turned me onto Loudness. And because I played guitar I really liked Akira. Times are different now. Lots of killer Asian guitarists. I remember traveling through the Philippines and Korea back in the 80’s. Unbelievable guitar players in nightclubs I went to. But thanks to KZbin you can definitely find some badass Chinese guitar players these days. 🤘🏻

[@jdw9]

Polyphia and specifically Tim Henson are honestly what inspired me to finally learn how to play the guitar. I've been a classical musician for years but the pure musicianship from Polyphia made me want to become a part of the world they live in

[@Papaj2024]

Can we just talk about Scott for a moment? I feel like this was his big breakout moment! His part is my favorite part of the song and was able to give him his moment to remind people, it’s not just all Tim. Every member in this band is the GOAT!

[@imherenow8]

Can we not?

[@Invertedworldx]

Fk yah all of them are the GoAT

[@imherenow8]

@@Invertedworldx best elevator music ever bruh

[@Invertedworldx]

@@imherenow8 lol uh well I think people wouldn't want to leave the elevator so might be bad for elevator music lol

[@Muziclark]

Most of polyphia songs I've heard, Scotts part are what i've been wanting for to play.

[@belxinfiltration1076]

12:33 this moment gave me goosebumps

[@user-ml4ly7ho8b]

🅗🅔🅨 ☝️🅨🅞🅤'🅥🅔 🅦🅞🅝 🅐 🅟🅡🅘🅩🅔 🎉….

[@darthfredius470]

Same. Best part of the song. Steve's the GOAT.

[@slaterbater1988]

Oh. And I'm always amazed how little the rest of the band is talked about. Yes they are a very guitar forward band, of course. But the way the bass and drums follow each other with their crazy frolicking is amazing to me as well. They are both incredibly talented too. Every video I'm just waiting for homeboy to come in on the drums. I love his style

[@Fluggerblah]

hes so in the pocket its insane. what i would do to be half as good

[@moonbyul873]

Man, I love Herman Li. I wouldn't say I'm a Dragon Force Fan, as it's just not my particular style, but there's just something so fucking chill and amazing about hearing Herman Li talk about guitars and music. He is 100% a guitar nerd, and that makes me happier than any band or genre ever could. I love Polyphia, I love Vai, and I most definitely love Herman Li.

[@joesutinen7705]

You're reaction validated my feelings exactly. As a kid I had stacks and stacks of Guitar World magazines with Vai on the covers and in recent years Polyphia is that next generation of shredders. This collab and music video tied the whole thing together as the next generation paying homage to the foundation that players like Vai built. Whole thing just gives me chills.

[@evancoles]

Very cool that you are so supportive of the next generation instead of being like "oh! Guitar isn't what it used to be. The kids don't understand." It makes an impact on a lot of people when the guitar god of last generation says positive things about the new guitar gods.

[@simonsayz3925]

to be honest it doesnt have to be like this. you just need bands / artists who stay true to themself even when the old guard says they dont like it. it was like that and always will be. herman agreeing and loving this only shows how open minded he is.

[@Wargasm54]

To be honest, I’m 56 and any time the younger generation does anything to bring guitars to the forefront of music I’m happy. I’m an old school metal head and never balked at nu-metal, deathcore, metal core, industrial metal, symphonic metal, prog metal….blah blah blah. I don’t care about what people call it and I don’t see the need to sub categorize guitar driven rock or metal. If it’s badass, it’s badass. From Pantera to Polyphia. I’m just glad to see younger kids pick up the guitar and do their own thing with it. It’s cool as fuck. And really, that’s what it’s all about. You got to have people that come along and do something different to keep it interesting. Like Eddie did in my time and like Hendrix did before him. It takes an incredible amount of work and dedication to play like these guys. And for that, I salute them! 🤘🏻

[@evancoles]

@@Wargasm54 This is the right way to think about it imo. I agree.

[@Wargasm54]

@MOBsta Imaging bro, put down the bubbler.

[@TheDonkeyFLOPPER]

It’s really crazy to me how polyphia has just launched themselves in to orbit. I remember seeing them years ago with chon and being blown away. They are literally putting instrumental music on the map in modern music and are so talented that they can collab with artists across multiple genres and touch base with so many cultures. The endorsements they can land and the tours they are eventually gonna be invited on is limitless. I personally don’t think modern guitarists get recognition because people think they’ll never hold a candle to the guys that came before them. But there is literally so many great musicians out there and Polyphia is breaking down the door for them. Seriously a generational collection of minds and talent

[@user-ml4ly7ho8b]

🅗🅔🅨 ☝️🅨🅞🅤'🅥🅔 🅦🅞🅝 🅐 🅟🅡🅘🅩🅔 🎉

[@Revenchist6]

Tearful pride as SV first enters with that signature sound. If Herman did a collab with Polyphia too I would probably die 😅🤞🏻

[@frozenyeti6561]

He probably would tbf. I hope he would anyway

[@pauljenkins68]

Scott and Tim joined Steve at the final song in Dallas and killed it, so fun to watch!

[@jeffspidle2495]

Dang it Herman, you missed a/ the reaction to the awesome ending of the video! All around greatness and a great reaction from you. You spoke truth! Can't wait for your next video

[@connormccaskill]

Such a great reaction and I totally agree with everything! So excited for the future

[@michaelwashe7614]

I've been thinking this album will be grammy material more and more as each tune drops. This song sealed it for me. Interesting to hear you say the same.

[@Takato]

Nah, they'll probably give the grammy to Megadeth, because they don't listen to metal, they just pick the most famous name in the list.

[@jordandayman1356]

​@@Takato the only thing metal about this band is their gear choices. I'm not a polyphia fan or anything like that but I know fusion when I hear it. This is really more of a modern fusion of math rock, some edm and hip hop grooves and a healthy dumping of jazz. I honestly think jazz would be the right category at the Grammy's.

[@pthibault630]

@@Takato This wouldn't even fit in a metal category. I haven't considered Polyphia to be metal for quite some time. They're like a rock/pop/hip hop/r&b/jazz instrumental fusion.

[@emmanuelleibniz7654]

Steve Vai brings a lot of emotion in this track and it creates a contrast between the new generation which brings a different kind of energy with their new technics.

[@norpriest521]

Nah it's like "passing the torch" moment for me 😆

[@johnb3948]

Never heard of these guys until today. I've watched half their videos and this particular song 5x. Ridiculously good

[@user-ml4ly7ho8b]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉

[@Jeffrey_Tyler]

I think Tim's going to be big in the pop/hip hop/rap world very soon. If you watch his behind the music type videos he does where he breaks down how he produces the songs you'll see that he has a VERY unique ear for those types of music and I think people are going to see that and hear Polyphia and catch on real quick that he's not just some random dude.

[@RPGManoWar]

Oh you can see that also with ABC. I think guitar led pop is going to blow tf up and Polyphia will be the hottest collab you could get

[@johnnysp1]

I don't think anyone's shocked that Steve Vai was able to mesh with this future generation of guitar wizards. I can't think of a more capable 80's / 90's guitar virtuoso to pull this off! Well done boys... WELL DONE!!

[@edugarciaa]

It's really the ego death, when the young in the peak of guitar breakthrough put the old king back on the throne. Humbly showing his greatness.

[@pitpride1220]

Best reaction I've seen! They are smart and driven. Super talented. I think they're going all the way. They already released a pop song with vocals. That's the final form so they can shut the naysayers up. They just have to decide how they're going to balance it all and keep it fresh. They're also very accessible, selling their tabs for cheap, playthrough videos, production and songwriting tutorials etc. They are an example of what I wanted my heroes to be when I was coming up. I wish them all the best.

[@troy6636]

💡🙏🎸 Well when I discovered POLYPHIA and never heard anything like it and fell in love with them ... and then they bring in STEVE VAI someone I have been listening to since the 80’s and 90’s from my era ... And a LEGEND .... Mind BLOWN 🤯....😂 Absolutely BRILLIANT .... Best of both WORLDS

[@empiremusicpromotions]

This song proves that perfection exists. I wouldn't change a second. The video is incredible and we need to shed a light on this director as well. Great video Herman!

[@user-ml4ly7ho8b]

🅗🅔🅨 ☝️🅨🅞🅤'🅥🅔 🅦🅞🅝 🅐 🅟🅡🅘🅩🅔 🎉…….

[@MikeLambert-Photography]

Amazing track and phenomenal video production. This to me is the change of music and sound we have been waiting for.

[@nilleftw]

If this isn't the peak of Polyphia, I don't know if my mind is ready. This song almost makes my eyes water because of how good it is.

[@iFunktion]

I simply can't argue with you, I only just discovered this band like 3 days ago, but this whole video and song is an absolute work of art, tight playing, clean looks, lets you focus on the music. One of the best things I have seen in literally years.

[@SevenGC89]

Scott's sweeping at 9:15 is so fucking clean and now I wanna throw all my guitars out because I could never play that lol. Tim and Scott are really just up on a higher level than us all haha!

[@jeremybowden3134]

I like the way Vai always without fail tells a story with his strings

[@WrongThinkMusic]

I really appreciate Herman's mature approach here. As a guitarist myself, I can't help but agree and hope that Polyphia will inspire millions of people to play music, like Steve Vai and other greats did for my generation. Let's not also discount Herman himself and Dragonforce as a whole though!

[@MisfitZim]

Take a single track from each of polyphia's albums and play them, yes there are similarities, but as you go from oldest album to the new one you hear a change or evolution of their sound. It's not 100% the same but it's great to hear the advancement of thir sound and see that they own up to it completely. Dragonforce is the same way. Nothing wrong with trying to keep a signature style or sound to your music, in fact, I only wish more bands took this idea and ran with it.

[@Arin4Life]

You're the big daddy of younger generation of guitarists. I don't really care about DragonForce tbh, but what you're doing for guitar community is just wonderful. Please keep being yourself😍

[@Ryutix]

Actually now that you mention it this is the most I've ever seen Tim move in a video

[@spikegifted]

Herman: So cool to hear you speak a bit of Cantonese, even though you were just counting the number of strings on the guitar! Great reaction, so different from how others have reacted.

[@gabepel2312]

Something I just noticed today is the chair Tim is sitting in the beginning is the same one Steve Vai is playing on when the rooftop scene pans to him. Amazing. The homage and everything to Steve Vai is subtle but there. Amazing video and masterpiece!

[@1user1010-m]

"Having your own sound, be yourself." That hits very deep.

[@ahnilatedahnilated7703]

Great reaction to an awesome song. Love their song and Steve just adds to it.

[@royrivers1213]

I like the part where Herman says "the most important thing is not doing covers .. etc, it's being yourself" In life it's the same, some people will hate you, some others will like you, but just be yourself there's no reason why trying to be someone else would be good.

[@Shadow_with_me]

Please do your guitar collection video I love your wall😍

[@nickkeegan3513]

Now we need a Polyphia and Herman Li collab!

[@adamhock8801]

I agree, this is a triumph of a collab. I love how all 3 were back to back at the end breaking off to the finishing chords. Utterly striking. You left off the end, though....stripping it all the way back down and ending with the horn really just wraps up the song perfectly. A little surprise for your ears and true to the song's title.

[@leviathansruse1085]

I think your reaction and analysis was spot on. This is a masterpiece!

[@kermitthefrayer]

The outro is soooo good I love horns!

[@frenzdoren4172]

what a meaningful reaction video Herman, I just listened every single word you said and everything makes sense meaningful where every musicians like me would take that approach to music, make ourselves music brand that people will listen and instantly recognizes our music.

[@XainesWorld]

Was waiting for you to react man! I've wanted to learn to play guitar for many years so I can play the stuff in my head. Polyphia are a big part of me finally buying a guitar a week ago

[@user-ml4ly7ho8b]

🅗🅔🅨 ☝️🅨🅞🅤'🅥🅔 🅦🅞🅝 🅐 🅟🅡🅘🅩🅔 🎉…..

[@robertpatterson3406]

I think what they did was amazing , they are a super awesome band and getting Steve to play with them was a brilliant move and it worked perfectly . An altogether great collaboration.

[@michaelwines5899]

"Hardest thing is to have your own voice." ~4:15 Amazing vocals Polyphia! Keep doing you!

[@arbitraryhubris]

the percussion of the bass and drums is integral to the depth of this song. It's not just the shredding. Love this!

[@al3xj]

Great share Herman - yes, this is inspiring, an EPIC song

[@Safaridor]

I thought it was really cool how the background seemed to change with their technicality. Starting in a blank room playing on nylon, and making to new heights where the old god sits upon the throne.

[@randomdude3646]

music like theirs can reach more audiences, because they incorporate influences from other genres

[@KingDarkNova]

perfectly said

[@ChrisPage68]

You think Vai can't? He was doing thst before they were born! 😋

[@randomdude3646]

@@ChrisPage68 well Steve is the GOAT but I haven't heard him riff over a trap beat.

[@mohawk-42]

I am 100% disabled American veteran, blown up a little too many times. I have nothing but time being retired so young (34) Your content has been a good time chunk each day to be entertained, I just want to say thank you! From a bored veteran.

[@DodInTheSky]

Sorry dude, but puting your health on the line for the interest of politicians and corporations was a very dumb idea. Who would've thought.

[@bob3351]

@@DodInTheSky dud :/

[@NoahBLance]

@@DodInTheSky or for your safety? Let's not forget the reason the military serves. Immature

[@slaterbater1988]

@@DodInTheSky lol wow. What a tool.

[@DarkCrusade3]

@@DodInTheSky Immature comment spotted

[@AkamiChannel]

Ran into you Herman at the Rockabilly in Shibuya like 7 years ago and it was nice to watch your reaction here. I also think Polyphia is changing the game and changing the landscape for guitar. Motivated me to get serious about it again. Peace!

[@kyleperkins2596]

That's a very good review sir.... I love this band and the style, I tend to gravitate more towards, Marty Friedman/Steve Vai type solo techniques..."Eugeine's trick bag", or "White worm" two pieces that I like to "study"... almost wanna dub this as progressive flamenco/jazz/funk/metal....wow...that turned out longer than expected...ha....an amalgamation of different styles.... plethora of picking techniques....yah....

[@xmikaelx]

Thank you for this video, Herman! Love from Poland!

[@itsAaronx3]

You're spot on with how attention grabbing it is to see the way they demonstrate and play. Looking back to the older Polyphia days and their music videos, that's exactly what made me so intrigued and became such a huge fan!

[@livingmodern]

Steve brought this song to a whole new level with the melody and musicality and emotion proving to be the most valuable thing you could get in music today. When he came in and it ramped up with the snare rolls I got chills.

[@bishoppschickenbiscuits8850]

Although this music is much different than Pink Floyd, I really got David Gilmore vibes with that slow, soaring Vai solo. Incredible collaboration.

[@aaronhall4520]

Imagine growing up idolizing players like Steve Vei and Hermin Li like I'm sure All the polyphia guys did and now they have among other crazy things, a video here of them playing with Steve Vei and having Hermin Li critique it... That is what I call success

[@theundead1600]

I’m late to this game but yes so few stand out. Vai nearly every time I can pick it. Srv, I think I can pick out every time. But satch. Joe is so his own . Even through his years he’s changed a lot yet he sounds so unique. Even if he’s a standard rock guy he’s really unique in it. This is what turned me on to dragon force I searched for dragon born orchestra. Watched that from Europe . Then this little band popped up. I was like hmm ok and it won me. Out Vaing, Vai? Mmmm I don’t know. Vai just stayed. So they would need to stay around. Also be different on their voice. What I mean is their own style.

[@ScottD-44]

Nobody Out's Vai, Satriani Or The Like! Herman Is A Little Star-Struck I Think!

[@metalpiper]

Herman everything you said was in my head. This video is a master class in all facets of musical production. It's brilliant and I feel privileged to be able to experience this. I'm excited to see young folks moving "guitar rock" into the future. Imagine being young and having POLYPHIA as your influence.....yeah. Next NEXT level. Excellent reaction vid from a Master himself!

[@gdpgdpmusic9220]

I think what makes Herman's channel different from other "Reaction" KZbinrs, is that while most KZbinrs are always doing exaggerated facial expressions, Herman actually gives different angle of view to both music & videos So yeah, you're the best Polyphia reactors.😂

[@BMikeAD]

I still get shivers seeing Vai play. He puts so much into it it's insane.

[@qpalzmsk1986]

Steve Vai's part is still the most memorable part of the song.. GOAT is no joke.

[@ricerockit]

Outstanding analysis and reaction video! You’re approach to music is an inspiration to existing and upcoming guitarists and musicians.

[@Samkyu_Music]

I like how Herman Li's opinion with Animals As Leaders' music video shows how much of a guitar guy he is. He doesn't watch the videos for the dance, but he just wants to see how people play. I personally like Animals As Leaders' approach with their newer music videos because its super artistic. The choreography and videography really reflects and shows what you should feel towards certain parts of the song.

[@AlanWatts33]

I completely disagree, this music is about guitar playing

[@rzt430]

to me it just makes it seem all the more pretentious, but to each his own