Discovering POLYPHIA for the 1st time, I'll never play the guitar again | 'Playing God' REACTION!

[@DrewFortune97]

New Camera Lens, we fucking with it?😏

[@ecw11]

Looking good papi

[@aydindagdeviren101]

very much so :)

[@NathanielSolaceTV]

do you have a video on all your production gear?

[@DrewFortune97]

@@NathanielSolaceTV Nope, possibly down the line! I’m not finished adding just yet🙏🏻

[@Dragonfly9307]

Is there a way to get backlighting on for your album showcase? I think a rainbow for Polaris and a pulsing white for Altered State would look really cool.

[@direnova6284]

You mentioned Tim's hair. I showed my mate the unplugged version of this song and he's a hairdresser and he was looking at that haircut like we look at his playing lol, he was so impressed.

[@davidsinnett9207]

Tim is a whole Vibe !!

[@Big_Human]

LOL

[@DammDamian]

He looks exactly like a anime bad ass Character

[@cgafken]

So Polyphia started out as basically a metalcore band with lots of “shred” guitar, then they started to get more electronic vibes on “Renaissance” which added to the atmosphere of their songs. On their EP, The Most Hated, they started to really incorporate trap/hip-hop style drums which I’ll admit took me some time to get used to because it was a precursor for what was to come next… Then they released the first single “G.O.A.T.” for their 2018 album, New Levels New Devils”. That was the song that made me realize what they were really aiming for, using the guitar/bass/drum formula to make trap rap/pop songs that groove but also incorporate great musicianship. GOAT is basically a song where each member gets to freestyle a verse in rap but its really a solo on their instruments. I would recommend checking out in order “Inspire” then “Champagne” then “Euphoria” then “40oz” then “GOAT” then “Yas” then “So Strange” That will show you their musical progress.

[@CoreySlone78]

I would definitely 2nd this comment and how much they have matured in their song writing from a composing and song structure aspect. I do actually miss the trap element to it, I personally feel like it gave their songs more flavor and character. To me Playing God was a phenomenal piece of music, but I wasn't vibing with it as much.

[@yeti4269]

@@CoreySlone78 The last minute is what pulled me into Playing God.

[@fabiansanchez7203]

People are just rediscovering jazz now

[@zackmash851]

love this comment. the "in order" part is absolutely on point. i pretty much fell in love with them because of euphoria, 40oz, and GOAT in that order. just make sure you start tacking on "Look But Dont Touch" and this tune to the end to ensure people are getting the full feel

[@marianovall3778]

This is accurate AF, just to put something else, the last album goes back in almost every thing they do, Reverie for exaple sounds a lot like their first albums

[@deftonesmetallica]

The instruments speak for themselves personally I don't think they need vocals or lyrics because they are a genre of their own

[@darkblossom01]

true, i think we need to set Polyphia as a genre now. a mixed of flamenco, jazz, hip hop... Tim, Scott and Clay are really badass.

[@thatbeybladeguy]

As I say Tim Henson plays the guitar like a voice

[@jase88rose]

Unprocessed is also pretty damn technical

[@tommysk8r94]

Yeah I like them but the singers vocals are annoying to me personally

[@mandarin0rangez]

As someone who doesn’t understand the technical stuff behind music, this is my favorite song right now and I don’t want any vocals because it feels as honest and raw as breathing just the way it is

[@cindiwindi]

the bossa nova slaps in the beginning and the way it is intricated throughout is chefs kiss, it floats through like butterflies but so perfectly placed. perfection

[@pedropessoa2246]

They have "Look But Don't Touch", which comes with a vocal featuring (can't remember his name right now) The song is PRETTY cool and it's heavier than 75% of their work (and btw the music video is SOOOOO funny) I think you should check it out

[@kylereece1979]

The debut album from Animals as Leaders is over a decade old. It is still to me the most action packed, imaginative, exciting attack of fretboard firepower in this genre. It is ripped to the tits with soaring melodies and titanic sized Meshuggah grooves. Everything often explodes and expands with captivating excitement, then theres lush, chilled vibes like this track here. Jaysus lad, "Inemorata". THAT is a superb combo of technique and explosive riff orientated storytelling that leads to a cinematic sized finale.

[@nickwait5260]

In terms of the vocalist thing - I felt the same when I first started listening to Polyphia. I was sort of bored to a degree outside of the amazing instrumental... but now after going back and listening to some slightly older stuff and then coming back to the new I kind of like them having no vocalist. I think that makes them stand out oddly enough. I am a little biased because I really enjoy instrumental work but honestly I think the vocals for Polyphia are the catchy tunes you end up whistling in the shower or when you're making breakfast.

[@lanhikari4930]

Personally I’ll never understand most peoples “need” for music to have vocals. To me vocals is what makes music boring usually because the music itself becomes something only to compliment the vocals which isn’t always the best. Now don’t get me wrong vocals in itself isn’t bad at all but whenever I see people who don’t like music without lyrics it just baffles me

[@nickwait5260]

@@lanhikari4930 I guess one angle might be that vocals can convey the most emotion out of any instrument in a band and therefore it can feel like its missing in some cases. Vocals are almost always present in a song and so people get used to them being there and notice the difference it makes when they're not.

[@orranq5804]

Their last album (New levels new devils) has had an unmeasured impact on the instrumental guitar scene, critically acclaimed and the reason they are where they are, I'd start there and work back 🇮🇪

[@nurplepain3636]

Seeing Polyphia this summer! Def check out G.O.A.T. and O.D. by them as well, couple of their most popular tunes. If you are digging the instrumental vibe, Intervals is pretty sick too.

[@MonarchsBrody]

I’ll be out there too! August!

[@larchego4938]

I got tickets for their show in Seattle, super excited!

[@juicebocs574]

They never disappoint!

[@babadook1283]

I got tickets for Indy bro! It's gonna be great 👍

[@MonarchsBrody]

LOVE INTERVALS

[@JordanLavigneVineofLifeAlchemy]

I'd say the new Animals as Leaders is beyond this in a purely technical way...but Tim's just got them vibesss

[@forevertaken8955]

Technically AAL put pure chops on the track but often times it’s showy and technical for the sake of being so and that’s what makes them more of a musicians band to me. The way Tim puts the vibes in there is so cool. Def have to agree with you though, tosin is amazing along with the others from aal

[@delbomb3131]

Polyphia is about as technical as it gets for short format 4/4. In that same narrow focus (tho very different) sokoninaru gets in there. Otherwise to get more technical you gotta dive into math or jazz fusion

[@Misbeliefz]

@Dragon Ball fans can't read , not an issue for instrumental bands without a vocalist.

[@Misbeliefz]

@Dragon Ball fans can't read , it isn't an issue for them bscause songs are pieces of music with vocals and they don't have vocalists. They're not writing songs.

[@blerp6675]

Nahhh

[@alisue4426]

I loved their Reinssance album. Saw them live a few years ago and the moshing was silly ridiculous. They encrouaged it but I was confused how people would mosh to this 😂. But they can really groove it out. Crush, Euphoria, and GOAT are good ones

[@darkogregec7503]

They are ALL very talented.

[@phistoroboto8419]

Unprocessed is another super technical band and they have done tracks with Tim and their bassist Clay. Unprocessed also has killer vocals.

[@Алексей-т1м6н]

Check them Animals as Leaders if u wanna more tech

[@Cvillain626]

I love how Clay's just like "Yea I only play 10 notes in this song but I'm gonna fuckin play the shit out of em" xD

[@bighova09]

Hahahahahaha I was sittin here thinking why weren't you watching the video too 🤣

[@MilkIsNotAGenre]

Such groove. And I agree on Unprocessed, really young technical band, they also have a featuring song with Polyphia

[@EclecticInstinct]

Great reaction. Love the commentary.

[@truly_I_say]

Tim Henson's has successfully transitioned into the cool anime dude that pushes his glasses up and the girls faint.

[@thatnhoxiu]

6:06, im not sure if they're more technical, but Ichika Nito has his own band named "Dios".

[@SuperXD44]

3:41 the thing on the fret board you meant were the inlays (they're used to quickly tell on which fret you are) and these ones are called tree of life inlays

[@scubastevertx]

Tims are called tree of death. Yes really.

[@SuperXD44]

@scubastevertx yeah. Not only that, his guitar is called death and his nylon one is called Tod which is german for death

[@roflmaoen1]

the only sentient being cooler that Tim Henson existing at this point in time is the nylon acoustic guitar in between his hands

[@-Infinite92-]

I think most people would agree a couple other more technical bands are Animals As Leaders, and Archspire. Archspire is probably not your style, but they're the fastest, most technical, most extreme, while still being catchy and accessible. They're technical death metal, also they have a solid sense of humor along with their skill, almost skin to classical music at times.

[@Sembazuru]

I don't mind lacking a vocalist, but that might be my musical upbringing. My father didn't really enjoy much music written after the 1800's so I was brought up with symphonies, chamber music, opera etc. In high school and through college when I started exploring more music I was really into European instrumentalists (Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, Jean Michele Jarre, etc). I enjoy music with vocalists (I'm a member of a local amateur chorus), as well as purely instrumentalist music. But that is the great thing about music. There is so much diversity that there is something there for everyone. I cast no shade at you preferring music with vocalists. I recently discovered Polyphia (by way of Moyun's Guzheng cover of Playing God) and after listening to many of their songs I find my self humming this one a day later. I find the subject in this song to be such an ear worm.

[@ecw11]

Broooooooo. Polyphia is your new favorite band. You gotta do Euphoria next

[@TheRokkis]

The new album will be out when it will be out. We've been waiting for couple of years now, but I think they didn't want to release it during covid because couldn't tour. Maybe it's out later this year, maybe not. We'll just have to wait. But it will be worth the wait.

[@PrincesaLunez]

Subscribed because your cute as heckkk and have good tasteeee, win-win! I clicked the video for the reaction , then I saw your face and was like "Handsome Harry Potter!!!" haha

[@codygiron7814]

You want technical with vocals……………DIRTY LOOPS! Start with "Work Shit Out" and then go nuts with the rest of their catalog stretching back to, I believe, 2011. You can thank me later ;-)

[@crowwithinternetservice]

What a coincidence I was just searching for reactions to this specific song

[@Seissmo]

Flames 🔥

[@vojtasatran2657]

New Levels New Devils album reaction??

[@christianmenard3233]

Came for the song, stayed for the TesseracT posters. cheers!

[@EnkiSvohden]

If you want vocals in a Polyphia song, simply watch "Look, but Don't Touch." It's a wild ride of a video... lol

[@delbomb3131]

The best polyphia with vocals song imo is babymetal brand new day. I think her voice works great with their guitar style.

[@totalityismentality7472]

Who needs lyrics when you have godly guitars

[@nonexistent944]

6:00 there is ichika nito and tosin abasi who's technically skilled like these guys. Check them out.

[@89msanchez420]

Great new song!!!

[@antx24]

they sell the tabs on their website.

[@sammythesamm]

Dude listen to Void of Vision last EP!!!! They have this techno electronic metal sound, like Northlane but with his own style.

[@tomstarks6372]

Go whatch the unplugged version. Him alone. Sick.

[@the_mayorofabuja4709]

Hey Bro. Noticed you asked for a track with vocals and I haven't seen anyone mention any yet. I'm a little late but check out ABC - Polyphia ft Sophia Black. This has vocals

[@Frogmilk]

Love your reactions, my only suggestion is maybe bump up the volume of the song whenever you talk. We tryna jam the song with you

[@betweentheair]

Should watch Tim Henson play it unplugged in 1 take. Bananas

[@RustyGonzo]

First Fragment, Ophidian I, or Archspire are about as tech as it gets for mainstream-ish death metal right now imo, but as others have mentioned already Animals as Leaders is the most tech you'll find in a similar vein to Polyphia (instrumental, vibe-y). CHON and Plini are good choices too, though more vibe-y and a bit less tech focused.

[@rybo0072]

Polyphia just makes me feel like im wearing a gucci suit even tho I barely have a tenner in the bank 😎😅

[@juttaman25]

G.O.A.T……. is still mind blowing to me. All these years on. Take a 🎧

[@Houdm]

I knew I wasn’t the only one who thought his hair looks dope lol

[@wildebest8939]

So Strange by Polyphia features a vocalist

[@stringsofgrace5591]

Playing God remains me of the likes Paco de Lucia, Al de Meolla

[@gabesyverson6246]

My friend’s brother knows the guys in Polyphia and I’ve only heard that they are some of the nicest guys in the scene.

[@skinnyc8239]

Def check out plini super technical and unique

[@manillasmuisek212]

Animals as leaders are freaking amazing too, both Polyphia and Animals as leaders have kinda the same vives, or not same but sure similar

[@YourAtheistNeighbor]

Animals as Leaders is equally as technical

[@crispinmcsticks]

I’ve got the tabs, they’re fucking mental lmao. Ain’t no way I’m gonna be able to properly play it this lifetime.

[@jensamensas]

Would love to hear your reaction to Dirty loops “Follow the light”. Super technical but in a different way and with an incredible vocalist. Check it out

[@ICanHasMyUsername]

Camera, top notch. As far as tehchnical bands. Animals As Leaders are the only ones that can really compare. Then come the really complicated tech-metal bands, which are pretty hard to listen to, like Archspire, and the such. Try the song Abandoned by Unprocessed. Not at the same level, but quite ''techie.''

[@beradbro]

KZbin lofi and put it on 2x speed, it is intense.

[@villagewolf999]

Definitely check out We came as Romans ft. Brand of sacrifice- Darkbloom reimagined. It's right up your alley

[@zooly132]

Love your videos and reviews. I understand the comment about vocals but to me vocals are another instrument that other people pay too much attention too when that attention should be focused on the instruments. It's the same thing when reactions react to the lyrics instead of the music for metal. Both are important but they are different components of the music being heard. Either way, keep doing what you are doing!!

[@jmlopez5260]

Cheers from Chile! Have you experienced The Parable (rediscovered) by The Contortionist? I’ve been following your journey on progressive music and I’m sure that it will blow your mind mate!… You’re welcome in advance ;) P.S. If you can do it with some inspiring help you’re up for a treat (and a trip!)

[@l5tmeno]

You should definitely react to GOAT and OD by Polyphia and I also recommend checking out Blood Moon by Tim

[@CoolCatDoingAKickflip]

3:15 Everyone is cooler than Tim Henson since he's so hot.

[@mattthompson5908]

You should check out jason richardson and Luke hollands new song called p00mbachu. It's nuts

[@radityakazuto]

In your minds, Polyphia without vocals is boring, but in the minds of the average metal musician, this is surprising and little weird at the same time (because Polyphia has not used vocals in music for a long time) because his new album uses vocals a lot (namely the songs "ABC", "Memento Mori ", "Bloodbath", "Chimera")

[@Biggs6677]

VOCALS?!

[@JeremyHodges]

Check out Animals as Leaders and Ichika Nito.

[@worduser899]

"Who's cooler than Tim Henson?". Pick a random person off the street. But, he's a phenomenal guitarist.

[@benwilkes7897]

Check out Berried Alive

[@JDoors]

Just poppin' in to say I don't get the "need" for vocals (I've heard this from a few reactors). Plenty of spectacular bands have released spectacular instrumental tracks, sometimes as separate tracks, sometimes as extended intros, outros or solos, that are worth playing by themselves. You asked if others felt as you do, and some have said they do, but I can't even fathom why. Why would an instrumental somehow be less than a track with vocals. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@Houdm]

If you want to check out another guy on the same level as Tim or as I think better than Tim then check out “Ichika Nito”

[@napukapu]

polyphia ivory

[@Penguin_Tree]

"He's the only one cool enough to pull off that hair" a common lesbian cut

[@erikengstrom4004]

Listen to Dirty Loops, Work shit out. 3 extremly technical and musicaly guys.

[@maxplay6563]

Even tho i get this is very technical, i think Animals as Leaders could compete

[@Max-kw2hp]

5 seconds into the song - 'it looks like there no lyrics'😂 Yes song construction is always singing with first beat. You can say you listened to it before recording reaction. It's not cardinal sin. Dishonesty on the other hand is not cool.

[@Absolut187]

If you need singers to enjoy this music, than you don't understand what the guitarists are doing.

[@chevybeatz]

Vocals would muddy it up

[@Batnano]

also classic kid that needs to have lyrics to enjoy music, so sad

[@indraneelphukan5906]

NAH MAN. NAHHHH. Vocals? Its like putting pineapple on pizza. You dont put pineapple on a polyphia song. Period.

[@DrewFortune97]

🤣🤣🤣

[@enaidealukal4105]

This song sounds nothing like a backing track (lol). Have u ever even heard a backing track before? This is probably a user error, a problem on your end...

[@guang-wen]

You said you were impressed by the whole band, but clearly not enough to even look up the other three members’ names so you can address them in the video?

[@lanhikari4930]

I will never understand how anyone needs vocals when it comes to music like this. I will always take instrumental music over one with lyrics. Once you add lyrics to a song it just cheapens it and makes it way less interesting

[@analogkid5618]

it's cool that you interject with comments, but you should pause the video. You're missing important stuff. With Polyphia, every second counts.

[@cheeher3212]

I thumbs down until you decided to watch the MV. LOL

[@MonarchsBrody]

Is it just me or did your channel just take the hell off

[@Santafe4115]

Was kinda weird for the song to play in the intro and throughout the monologue...like its a reaction that we havent heard yet. Sorta ruins the format

[@renussubedi2157]

Henrik linder is cooler.

[@buckfuttler2877]

These dudes write songs that sound like opening themes for Beverly Hills 90210 type shows. Fantastic musicians, terrible songs.

[@OriginalPuro]

There is song, but it's the instruments singing. PS: Tim Henson is almost the coolest person, but he has gone too far with the androgenous look, even fake lashes and such in the past. If he grows up and becomes a man then he's the coolest.

[@JCDenton303]

yikes! have a sit down and think before your next video mate that was absolute nonsense!

[@KingArthur7777xbox]

Tim Henson is popular on social media which is what most reactors see and just think he’s the feature but in terms of skill both Tim and Scott Lepage (the other lead guitarist) are equals in terms of their proficiency. Also worth noting the two Clays, Clay Aeschlimann on drums and Clay Gober on Bass are absolute monsters at their instruments and their parts. This song in particular was inspired by the fans. Tim Henson did a few videos reacting to fans covering their super popular song called GOAT (check it out if haven’t yet it’s awesome) and when Tim saw the fans covering GOAT on acoustic guitar he said he wants lessons from him and then proceeded to play this on nylon strings with Scott Lepage following suit. Also after about a minute and a half into the song “Playing God”, there’s a genre switch into bossanova. Overall, no they don’t have a vocalist, occasionally on some tracks they will feature some other artist that might do vocals but as a band they are instrumental progressive rock band. All of them are masters at their instruments and due to Tim’s unique look and his engagement on social media, the masses recognize him the most over the others. Social media engagement is obviously not a metric of skill on guitar so don’t confuse that as him being better than the rest. They all compliment each other musically and elevate each other to the apex of the prog rock scene. Tim incorporates a lot of hip hop and trap into their songs and even their most popular song GOAT is primarily inspired by a Jaden Smith song. A few other tracks of theirs that really highlight their skill would be probably OD, Goose, and their entire “New Levels, New Devils” album is a testament to their evolution in skill in music as a band. Hope you enjoyed it, mostly Polyphia is a musician’s band showcasing the upper limits of what a musician can achieve. For the casual listener some require lyrics which is fine but Polyphia isn’t that kind of band. Check out the other tracks they are incredible.

[@BrendanZanitCoen]

The most technical band that’s 100% grounded in melody.

[@MerlinWizzzz]

bro your mix iS SOOOO CLEEEEEEAN, the way your voice sits in the video behind the music brings more attention to the song's details, haven't heard this kind of audio mix from many other youtubers! Edit: also like that you listened toi the song a few times to get a good feel for it and digest it a bit!

[@DrewFortune97]

Thank you bro! Means a lot, I’ve worked countless hours to try get the audio right so it’s so nice to see someone appreciate it❤️❤️

[@t3hi84n2g]

Drew: "Who is cooler than Tim Henson?" Scott Lepage 3 seconds later: ******

[@ZedsDeadBaby117]

as much as tim henson is the main writer of these songs what always stands out to me is how fucking dirt nasty scotts tone is. in goat when they first go into the evil church and scott gets his feature some of the gnarly chords he plays are what stands out to me after listening to that song a hundred times

[@disintegratesintobinary655]

"Who''s cooler than Tim Henson?" -> pans to Scott LOL

[@_dot_]

For me Polyphia do a great job capturing your attention even without vocals. Yeah, they have great technique but the reason why I listen to them all the time is their melodic quality and variety and the way they keep introducing new elements without being overwhelming

[@MrNickoOD]

animals as leaders is polyphia, minus the trap, plus more metal. the woven web is my fav from them but their latest album is DEFINITELY WORTH THE LISTEN, as they just dropped it 1 or 2 months ago

[@XRROW_]

You must be deaf if you think Animals As Leaders is anything remotely similar to Polyphia.

[@dirty6593]

@Dragon Ball fans can't read yeah he literally said it was metal

[@TundraCH]

About time you listened to some instrumental prog like this LOL. As I stated in a previous video comment section this is one of my favorite genre's to listen to. New Polyphia is very much influenced by hip hop, jazz fusion, math rock, and a host other genre's, Tim Henson is one of my favorite guitarists as well haha. Old Polyphia I might like even more than new, not as hip hop influenced, but the lead work is incredible, it's really pretty hard to describe their older sound on album Renaissance backward, just more of an overtly prog rock sound if anything I'd say, Nightmare is a must listen track. For more like this, check out Covet (similar a bit to Polyphia but much more soothing and relaxing overall), Intervals (more of a djenty sound, the one I think you'll like the most), Plini (the guitarist with some of the best guitar articulution I've ever heard, his old stuff is more djent influenced, his new stuff is more jazz fusion influenced). Don't wanna overwhelm with lots so that should be enough... for now lol.