Did Polyphia Out-GOAT Steve Vai?

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‪@HermanLi‬ analysis of ‪@Polyphia‬ x ‪@SteveVaiHimself‬ collaboration!
Is this the greatest guitar collab ever?
VOD recorded live on / hermanli
DragonForce is a Grammy nominated platinum selling metal band. For over 20 years, DragonForce have toured around the world and shared the stage with many amazing bands including Iron Maiden, Metallica, Megadeth, Helloween, Sabaton, Nightwish, Powerwolf, Amon Amarth, Hammerfall, Amaranthe, Blind Guardian, Stratovarius, Avenged Sevenfold, Five Finger Death Punch, Rhapsody and many more bands on Nuclear Blast Records, Napalm Records.
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[@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.

[@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.🤯

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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...

[@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

[@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.

[@robertsmith262]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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. 🤘🏻

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@belxinfiltration1076]

12:33 this moment gave me goosebumps

[@user-ml4ly7ho8b]

🅗🅔🅨 ☝️🅨🅞🅤'🅥🅔 🅦🅞🅝 🅐 🅟🅡🅘🅩🅔 🎉….

[@darthfredius470]

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

[@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

[@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

[@connormccaskill]

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

[@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!

[@pauljenkins68]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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]

🅗🅔🅨 ☝️🅨🅞🅤'🅥🅔 🅦🅞🅝 🅐 🅟🅡🅘🅩🅔 🎉…….

[@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.

[@nickkeegan3513]

Now we need a Polyphia and Herman Li collab!

[@1y4nu]

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

[@Romefreak]

You can tell Steve Vai had so much fun with this song.

[@jeremybowden3134]

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

[@MikeLambert-Photography]

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

[@Ryutix]

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

[@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 🎉

[@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 😆

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@MontyMorala]

wonderful breakdown! Keep it up man! Thanks!

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@Sybex82]

Very nice to see indeed 👌🏾

[@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😍

[@al3xj]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@brokehorizon6375]

I feel like on the roof, the way they were playing, they were bowing to Steve

[@favray]

It was a passing of the torch, they humbly accepted steve’s gift

[@ricerockit]

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

[@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!

[@arbitraryhubris]

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

[@laotzu1111]

Thanks for stepping out of the usual and making this video, I really enjoyed it 😊

[@bulletsforteeth5029]

Too my ears, Polyphia sounds like what a pair of slap bassists would sound like on lead guitar.

[@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

[@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.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Sir Herman you absolutely nailed your review on the Vai Polyphia collaboration, This was FIRE!

[@TurdFurgeson898]

This is one of the best music/music video commentary videos I've ever watched. I truly enjoyed your input on this song/video. Def subbed!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@rogersjgregory]

I love that they let Steve shine, and yet it all fits together beautifully. No egos here at all.

[@haven_art]

Herman Li is an American treasure

[@slippythefrog]

Saw you live at my very first concert. You were jumping on a trampoline while shredding. Always been my inspiration. Thanks for your amazing personality and guitar skills. Both have inspired who I am.

[@AlexUrielLag]

No one can ever outGOAT Steve Vai, no one comes close, but they are definitely holding the torch and bringing it forward for newer generations which is awesome !

[@Phallica-js7ht]

Herman, you need to collab with these guys.

[@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.

[@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

[@redbeardthepink4809]

Ok, right off the bat, the bit about "I know his Chinese mom wishes he picked up a calculator or stethoscope instead of a guitar" had me on the ground 🤣

[@PbPomper]

The thing about Steve is, everything is so incredibly controlled, meticulate and intentional. Every bend and vibrato is EXACTLY how he intents it. He's an expression machine.

[@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!

[@jxc]

Yes, Herman. Get on that Grammy wagon! This song is the ultimate guitart colab!

[@blerp6675]

I just love that herman li has a channel man, I never knew I wanted this guys opinion but I love him

[@bishoppschickenbiscuits8850]

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

[@LucianoBargmann]

Damn on the shoes HL! I was impressed since the beginning, and you nailed on your comments! cheers from BR

[@BuLogsTV]

I like how Steve starts at the video. Sitting on a chair for a King! It's like Polyphia is presenting themselves to be "Knighted" by the King.

[@JERO11]

“This is it…Being yourself. Not everyone can be themselves.” This hits home 😢

[@LeonardoPaolini]

The fire blasting on Tosin music video made my day...

[@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!

[@alessioatta762]

Awesome reaction and awesome video, great job herman

[@phoenixarise5486]

Herman Li thank you so much for introducing me to Polyphia! I love Dragonforce and now I have another opportunity to enjoy something new. Steve Vai rocks and together with Polyphia just adds such a delicious flavor to the music. Such a legendary song!

[@drossano9794]

Man what a great reaction showing your personal/professional experience, a true opinion from a pro guitarist. Very cool to hear this take!

[@Metalstr8jacket]

Much love brother!!!

[@BrianFromTN123]

Listening to Polyphia is like watching someone solve math problems on a chalkboard.

[@samuelgarcia1973]

Awesome, congratulations Herman Lee!

[@user-ml4ly7ho8b]

🅗🅔🅨 ☝️🅨🅞🅤'🅥🅔 🅦🅞🅝 🅐 🅟🅡🅘🅩🅔 🎉

[@jamesonwaltz7246]

truly incredible music will never win grammys or make it to the RRHoF. I mean it took Dream Theater how long to be in grammys? how long did it take for Rush to be in HoF? The industry is biased on sales and popularity, not quality.

[@SpicyTortilla69]

This is extremely popular though, especially for instrumental

[@cooliestguy45]

I think that Polyphias fans are some of the most hardcore fanbase and buy a lot of merch which converts into good sales. It also helps that Polyphia merch is sick as fuck.

[@cgdigitalpainting1194]

It's the first time I've seen a metal band play with wool sweaters! The class!

[@darknid158]

Really love Herman’s view and opinions throughout the video. He’s cut throat but in a good way, he says it how it SHOULD be. His opinions are opinions but he speaks major facts and that’s what makes him stand out. No more sugar coating but we can still do it respectfully.

[@egj1975]

The talent of these four and then put Vai in the mix... that is just so amazing to see and hear.