First Time Hearing VoicePlay - NOTHING ELSE MATTERS ( Metal Vocalist Reaction )

[@dennispekkala5151]

Well you may as well go down the Voiceplay rabbit hole. Check out GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY - Geoff Castellucci.

[@Gael4ce]

The beat boxer is Layne Stein, he’s also classically trained on the violin and he does a good number of VoicePlay’s arrangements. (This one was done by the bass singer, Geoff Castellucci). Layne also co-owns a production studio where many of VoicePlay’s videos are filmed. What else you wanna know? 😁 I know I’m seeing other Patreons in these comments *insert secret handshake here*, we can probably answer the basic questions. And some not-so-basic as well. You said how you’d like to see them live. I have. Let me tell you, it’ll give you religion. It’ll make you believe in God just to have someone to thank. I had only discovered them a few months prior to the show - I went largely just to see how much they could pull off live. The answer is “all of that”, minus some obvious special effects. What you hear in these vids is pretty much what you’re going to get at a concert. Yes, Geoff does sound like that. Yes, those subharmonics happen. Yes, Layne keeps the ornate beats going for a whole freakin’ show, yes, Eli and J hit those highs and do those crazy runs. This was before Cesar was with them - I haven’t seen him perform live. But given their level of “get it right”, I have every confidence that he’d be dead solid on stage as well. Here’s a thing I didn’t think about going into their show, and I’d bet you haven’t considered either. Ya know how when you’re at some loud rock concert and when the bass guitar is sounding all fat and round it will make your ribs vibrate? You’ve been to metal shows…you’ve had to have experienced that. Well…those guitars have nothing on Geoff. Not only does he do it to ya too, I’d swear I felt my whole skeleton vibrate on some notes. That was just a whole new level of “feeling the music”. 😂

[@Gael4ce]

PS: As others have mentioned, they also covered “Dream On” by Aerosmith. I believe you want to hear that one. Trust me. 😉

[@johndandrea8034]

Eli could be front man for any metal band….His range is incredible and he has such grit when he belts.

[@jackyfriedman1963]

Eli was with a couple different rock bands before joining Voiceplay. He is considered a Rock Tenor.

[@thisismetoday7423]

It made me laugh when you said they tend toward the harder stuff because of how much Disney they have covered 😂 They are so versatile!!

[@Broomrider1492]

This is Geoffs' arrangement and everyone is loving it.

[@musiclovingnurse2802]

Voiceplay “Warriors!” “Warriors!” “Warriors!” Violayne beatboxes while playing the violin and J. None also gets a bit of string action playing the violin briefly!!! Another headbanger!! And I should know since I grew up during the “Hairband/Headbanger” era!!! Rock on!!

[@ericturner7824]

Check out their covers of Dream On, and Carry On My Wayward Son......and Geoff's Solo channel....>^^

[@shilohauraable]

Layne plays Classical Violin! Id love a collaboration that included Layne, Kevin & Lindsay Sterling! Wow! 💕

[@joeysmith5086]

Absolutely yes!

[@DTA-Music]

VioLayne strikes again! XD If you haven't seen their cover of Hoist the Colours, it's a must-watch!

[@suzybailey5501]

Geoffs arrangement of this was inspired! With amazing vocals, not to mention the 'vioLayne' section, I feel like Geoff took us on quite the rollercoaster ride of beautiful harmonies and wonderfully smooth transitions! Great reaction, thank you! 🙂👍

[@Cordelia53]

This song is sooo amazing, it has broken everyone. VioLayne broke us all even more. Geoff blew me awy with this arrangement. Loved your reaction!

[@liisaara7242]

YES. Thank you for jumping on this, I was so excited to see what you thought and I'm so glad that you enjoyed it. Highly recommend Warriors and Dream On for you, bonus if done back-to-back for the visuals.

[@nightthornkvala94132]

If you want to hear Geoff Castellucci hit some really low notes check out his own youtube channel. Some of the numbers there are Big Bad John, Ghost Riders in the Sky, Way Down (an Elvis Presley cover), and The Rains of Castamere from Game of Thrones. He has a video for Far Over The Misty Mountains Cold from The Hobbit; also check out the same song done by Peter Hollens feat. Tim Foust (of Home Free) called Misty Mountains.

[@tuzori18sage]

Wow, I had no idea Layne played the violin!!!! I need more of that!

[@titansfan23]

If you haven't listened to their cover of dream on you need to 😁

[@par500dragon7]

So nice to see a reaction from someone so familiar with the song and genre, who can present their reaction in context. 'VioLayne' appears even more prominently in Warriors, a great song!

[@DravenGal]

This is my dream Voiceplay lineup. J None back with the group, and Cesar in it. Perfection.

[@ericwood9622]

This was amazing and I'm glad to see you reacting to Voiceplay but you have not even scratched the surface. You really need to check out there cover of Oogie Boogies Song from A Nightmare Before Christmas. Voiceplay is all over the place on there covers they don't just stick to one type of music and they are known as the theater kids of Acapella and you have not seen that. Also My Mother Told Me and Hoist The Colours are must see video's. Keep it up can't wait for the next one.

[@acorrado5529]

I enjoyed your reaction- thanks! Beatboxer, Layne, is amazing (he sings, raps and can beatbox while playing the violin) He is also part owner of PattyCake Productions studio, and does half of Voice Play's arrangements (I have been wanting to see a collaboration with Kevin from Pentatonix too). You really need to check out Voice Play's "Warriors" as J None also plays violin in that while Layne shreds the violin while beatboxing.

[@AkinyiMarie]

It both surprised me and didn't at the same time. Eli has a fantastic rock voice. I love Cezar's voice and Geoff....dang! Love VoicePlay, Pentatonix as well as Home Free. Thank you for this reaction!

[@dianeschluter9995]

Of the guys on stage Geoff - the bass and arranger as several people have stated. He also plays the piano in several of his solo pieces. J. None - we hope he'll be back for good in a few years, also plays the violin. Eli - has done some of thier arrangements, does all thier lighting and cgi, is an accomplished voice actor, and has some original compositions he will be putting out soon, we hope. Cesar - he's the newset member. He preforms live at other venues and has written some original music as well. Layne - in addition to the arranging, vocal percussion, and violin with VP, he also writes, arranges, and directs for pattycake studios productions, which he co-owns with TheTonyWakim who is also a Voiceplay alumni.

[@lkayh]

We all met VioLayne three years ago when Voiceplay covered Imagine Dragons’ Warriors. It’s worth checking out for a bunch of reasons-for one you’ll get to see Layne play a more extended solo (it’s the only other time he’s played for us-we need more!). For another, you’ll get a sense of how far they’ve come-they were amazing back then, but every song seems to bring something more. And I’m so glad you appreciate Eli-that man can do just about anything but opera-he can sound sweet or gritty. AND he’s one of the best actors I’ve seen. You noticed the subtle things he did here to bring the lyrics to life-and when Voiceplay goes full-out cosplay his characters are always amazing. He and J.None are known for their beautiful, clean riffs (soooo glad to see J.None back with the group even if it’s just for this and a few shorts), and Cesar is no slouch at that either, tho he stayed more in the background for this. You’re dead on about Geoff-his bass line is amazing here-always is, and this is his arrangement, so that’s another superpower of his, and Layne is a beat-boxing BEAST. I’m looking forward to more of your reactions to these guys. Did you see Pentatonix’s Star Spangled Banner? That’s got to be the best rendition I’ve seen in ages, so check that out too, if you can.

[@leerowley70]

When they tossed (literally) the violin to that guy… THUD…. Amazing! 😊

[@Gael4ce]

Little secret for you: Tossing the violin to Layne never did work out. He couldn’t catch it and the bow in any manner that looked good. So Layne threw them away instead and they reversed that few seconds of video. Looks slick AF, doesn’t it? The things you can get away with when you do the video editing yourself….😁

[@karenponchak5304]

Huldra Draco has a KZbin video of a compilation from Geoff's socials where he only has his phone microphone. #violayne strikes again.

[@ftomlin3270]

Definitely different version but absolutely beautiful and amazing!

[@mandyrosejaren]

If you watch their cover of Warriors by Imagine Dragons - it showcases a couple members able to play a couple different roles at the same time J ( who is a past member and featured here) and Layne (percussionist extraordinaire) 😊 They made it 3 years ago before Earl left and Cezar joined. Great reaction!

[@nightthornkvala94132]

No violin, but Dream On is seen as the continuation of Warriors video storyline.

[@r.d.stratford106]

I was hoping you’d react to this, and I enjoyed absolutely every second! VoicePlay really killed this cover.

[@ambrossialynn4041]

Layne plays violin in Warriors and Dream On is a must see! Love your sense of music. 🌹

[@jamiemitchell8281]

I absolutely loved your reaction, your appreciation for what they put together. Layne is the beat boxer and he and Geoff(the bass) do a lot of the arranging and production. The guy sitting between Geoff and Eli is J None, an original member who records with them when he is on leave from the navy. These guys just keep evolving and I love what they are doing. Their cover of Dream On is amazing too! Thanks for the reaction!!!

[@candilunsford2878]

I love Geoff's dragon notes, but he "only" hits E1 in this. That being said, singing the bass guitar part just adds so much depth. It's Eli who needs the kudos for his upper range and high scream in this one. And then you have VioLayne. Add in Cesar and J with amazing melodies and an iconic song, METAL song, and you get an a cappella legend. They're going to kill me this year, I just know it. If you want to see more of Layne's talent check out PattyCake Studio's page. He and former member Tony Wakim own it, and it's where most of VP's videos are done. There are original songs with PattyCake and Layne sometimes sings. Their Villain's Lair series is a blast.

[@marshayoung9387]

Actually Cesar can hit the high notes higher than Eli. Geoff & Layne have been giving him parts with extremely high notes.

[@amandarobertson1289]

I love all of them! We don’t pick favorites. We just love acapella! They are all different in their own ways but equally amazing.

[@johndeeregreen4592]

Geoff is good for singing in a typical bass solo range of D2-A3 and then either going higher or lower to keep you guessing.

[@toddreed882]

Check out their cover of “Warrior” if you like the Violin!

[@janetdw]

This is so gorgeous. Geoff maintain that bass line. J and Eli trading off lines. Cesar with that vulnerable line and non stop BGV. (The karaoke track is equally impressive). Then we got to hear Layne’s 3 modes. He doesn’t start beatboxing until they are pretty far in. He has a beautiful baritone. Then after some percussion, he transforms into Violayne -which is a thing of beauty. Then back to singing.

[@Le7emeChat]

As otjer said: check VoicePlay "Warrior" (imagine dragon) video if you want more vioLaine

[@CJ_536]

you should watch their song Warriers. It is the only other time we have seen "Violayne." :) Layne is classically trained on the violin - I think they said 11 years on Patreon. Layne and Geoff also do the arrangements (Geoff did this one) and Geoff plays the piano. They are both incredibly well-rounded musicians.

[@joannbarrow4497]

The violin solo was fantastic, but I wonder how many people caught the chord they sang right before the solo started. It was fantastic.

[@lizwildcatmunro2460]

KZbin randomly suggested this video, you have a new subscriber

[@ronsbrat525]

Great reaction to an amazingly awesome song. This is my favorite of theirs. I'm a huge fan of Voiceplay, Geoff and Pattycake Productions. Layne Stein is the beatboxer. He is one of the original members of Voiceplay along with Geoff. He has been playing violin since middle school. His nickname is "VioLayne The Carrot Lord". Or just VioLayne. Or just Carrot Lord. Geoff Castellucci has his own channel where he sings solo non Acapella. He has a bunch of awesome videos as well. Voiceplay has a bunch of videos from when they were on tour and in the Sing Off with Home Free. My recommendations on those are.... The Chicken Song. Road Trip. Elvira.

[@Aurora-cv5to]

If you were impressed by Layne's violin here (which was awesome) I can't wait to see you react to Warriors. Layne arranged it, and he plays violin throughout - while beatboxing. He also has a heartbreakingly beautiful baritone, and a gi-normous vocal range. We had to wait almost 3 years before he played violin again --- way too long. (Geoff, the bass, arranged this one). Just a word about creativity - these guys talk through an idea as a group, and then one of them adopts it - usually Geoff or Layne. Then it's theirs. Their creative decisions, their video, their everything. Increasingly, Eli (tenor with metal in his veins) is doing lights and backdrops, but it varies. They sometimes mix it up, as they did on this one: Geoff arranged and was creative director, but Layne actually edited the video. (Watch Halo to see masterful video editing by Layne - and on Geoff's channel, watch The Rains of Castemere for incredible video editing from Geoff) They think of each performance as an art piece, and it shows. Incredible craft, mastery, care, and attention to detail.

[@caitlinkavanagh3298]

Loved your reaction, thank you so much! Yes, Layne is amazing! He played the violin and beatboxed at the same time in Warriors, tried it in this cover, but they decided it wasn't the look they were going for.

[@bjspeck4337]

Someone told Chicago about VoicePlay doing this one. They listened and watched and invited VoicePlay to join them at their Chicago and Friends concert last Nov 17-18. When the band was setting up, one of Chicago's stage managers asked Eli where they wanted to set up the drum kit. Eli pointed at Layne and said, "That's him". I went through some of your videos and didn't see a couple that you might like: one for your Mom is VPs Phantom of the Opera, In the Air Tonight (Phil Collins), Drunken Sailor, Classical Chaos (this month's video), I Can't Make You Love Me (Bonnie Raitt), Sleeping in the Cold Below (WarFrame), Black Hole Sun (SoundGarden). Geoff's Unshaken (Red Dead Redemption), Big Iron (Marty Robbins).

[@aaroncoffman88]

Great reaction. Voiceplay killed this one. Also from what I have seen a lot of fans of A Capella have their favorite group, mine is Voiceplay, but there is a lot of respect given to other groups like Pentatonix and Home Free. All these groups have so much talent why limit yourself to just enjoying one?

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

Well said! I hate it when people try to compare the groups it’s liking just one kind of fruit. Why m compare apples, pears and grapes? ❤

[@Aurora-cv5to]

@@gilliandrysdale5306 Agreed - but - some of just don't like pears and shouldn't be knocked for that. Musical tastes vary, and that's ok.

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

@@Aurora-cv5to absolutely!

[@Ida-Christine]

I love both.

[@vulcanivy]

If you really want to focus on Geoff’s live voice; he has a TikTok channel. He also has his own KZbin channel which is not a capella. Also Kevin from Ptx gave Layne advice for how to beatbox and play violin simultaneously (for their Warriors cover).

[@bjspeck4337]

This was the first Metallica song I'd heard and it blew me away. Not at all what I was expecting but it was VoicePlay so there I was. I have heard it about 50 times now and just as mesmerized as I was the first time. I'm deep into my reactors and analysts now and doing a repeat now and then. I enjoyed your insights and very glad to have you on my list. Do check out Warriors (Imagine Dragons). It's a bit older and has Geoff, Layne, J None, Eli, and Earl (an original member from high school who left for personal reasons). Both Layne and J None do play the violin, Layne all the way through and beatboxes at the same time and J None does a few select passages. It another of my favorites. Follow it with Dream On (which Geoff calls Warrriors 2) with Geoff, Layne, Eli, Cesar and featured vocalist Omar Cardona (just was on The Voice recently). Right now J None is in the US Navy so he comes back on leave and does a feature (Friends on the Other Side was brilliant) with VP as well as some shorts and minis. While I am astounded by all the big 4 acapella groups (PTX, HF, Voctave, and VP) VoicePlay has my heart and they are just gettinng better and better.

[@christinestromberg4057]

Some say they never get used to Geoff's low notes. Maybe it's my age or just me but I am never shocked or suprised by him, but always mesmerised. :) A few people have wondered if Metallica have seen this. I'd love to see their reaction. To see more of "Violayne" and J.None also on violin check out their Warriors. :)

[@MissFroglover]

Wow! Never heard of 😯 Had gosebumps all over 😅 Thanx for bringing it to me 🙏🏻 Great reaction! 😍

[@marybrown6128]

You will find a huge crossover between Pentatonix, Home Free and Voiceplay fans, we are kind of one big acapella appreciation army! ❤no need to pick a favorite from the three groups, they are all amazing and every member of each group has amazing range and gifts. 3 great rabbit holes to go down and I’ll be here for all of them!! As a matter of fact Home Free and Pentatonix are friends and Avi was featured on a couple of their vids (you will want to check out their cover of Ring of Fire!)

[@Freakiehippy30]

If you want some “live” stuff from them, you should check out their Aca Top 10s, they have like tv themes, 80s cartoons, Disney villains heroes and sidekicks etc etc…but those are recorded live

[@marshayoung9387]

Thank you for another great reaction to Voice Play. Please please do a reaction video of Voice Plays cover " The Dragonborn Comes Skyrim " It is from the video game. The theatrical costume & setting are amazing. Also Voice Plays version of " Halo " from the Halo video game. This one hasn't any words but it's powerful. The composer of the Halo theme song said they were amazing & the best ever. As with all of Voice Plays videos don't stop the video before the credits are done. Voice Play are known as The Theater Kids of a capella.

[@johndandrea8034]

Gotta check out 2cellos doing Thunderstruck……its amazing

[@ilonadever8249]

Great reaction, John! I watched this for two weeks on Patreon, and I'm enjoying reactors now - watching their heads explode! J None was their baritone, left in 2021 when he was recruited by the US Navy, he's singing with them in the Pacific Northwest. He's been back on leave and done covers with them a couple of times. You need to hear something completely different from them. Let me suggest I Can't Make You Love Me. Or, if you don't mind something from last Christmas, Christmas Don't Be Late (The Chipmunk Song). Trust me.

[@DaisyGray74]

They did an epic job, I thought. Totally different feel and I am here for it! 🔥

[@lachimiste1]

If you want to see more of Eli’s talent, you ought to watch their cover of Aerosmith’s Dream On, as well as their cover of Hoist the Colours. Those gritty belts make featured appearances in both numbers.

[@diyeverything73]

If you want something to blow your mind with the beat boxing you have to check out home free Adam Rupp drum solo its a live performance at one of their concerts and it's crazy good watch the one with him in the red flannel shirt you will be speechless

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

Geoff played keyboards and if you want to hear more violins from Voiceplay check out warriors both Layne and J None play Violins in that one 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️

[@jackyfriedman1963]

Great reaction. Just subscribed. I'm a huge Voiceplay, Geoff Castelucci and Pattycake Productions fan.

[@drkushajagadeesh6347]

I soooo wish Metallica reacts to this!

[@charlesross8708]

You really need to check out "Warrior" (Imagine Dragon) by Voice Play

[@MrPete81]

I'm with you man, this song means a lot to me and VoicePlay have not only covered it but made it their own! Something a little different it'd be cool to see you react to, by four incredible beatboxers Hiss, Alexinho, Colaps and River', is 'If Only'

[@divineirisominabo8985]

Fun fact the violayne sound was actually done by layne inhaled notes

[@tatewakinew]

I live talking will suffice - Geoff gave about 1.5h interview at The Charismatic Voice channel.

[@mmasque2052]

You mentioned James Hatfield of Metallica’s mother being an opera singer. Opera and classic music figures big in a lot of hard rock and heavy metal. Meatloaf was a operatically trained singer. So is Pat Benetar. So are several others. Heavy metal, for all the thrash and screaming, is an direct descendant of opera.

[@NateyCat]

Great reaction! Love seeing you getting traction on KZbin. -NateyCat

[@aarongiles5968]

Yea that was an awesome cover 👍 loved Ur reaction. You should check out their cover of warriors , Layne busts out the violin in that one as well 😁😁

[@susanbradley5685]

The more VP you feature, the subscribers will flock to your channel. Carry on wayward son is a good next step, but EVERY song on their playlist is amazing.

[@tassbrfoot]

You'd get a like from me for the FF VII music in the background alone! But seriously great reaction vid. Thank you, it was fun to watch!

[@horseshoe_nc]

You should really check out Geoff's cover of Black Bird. He does a wonderful job with it, and he gets pretty darn low on that one.

[@amygilley5647]

Check out the video/song "Warrior"

[@stephaniemelato9491]

Definitely check out their cover for 'warriors' by imagine dragons, both the beat boxer and the feature artist on this song (j.none former band member) play the violin on it and it truly gives the song a different dynamic.

[@mamiemartinson4649]

Now it isn't Rock, but if you love vocal runs check out Tennessee Whiskey. VioLayne is a phenom.

[@gareldmarks224]

There os A LOT of live stuff out there. Just takes a little searching. Not a song but more of a skit, check out voice play roadtrip

[@Shonski1013]

Loved your reaction! Voiceplay is beyond talented! New sub here now. Also would recommend if you love amazing and surprising vocals you should check out Dimash Kudaibergen- Stranger (at New Wave) It's a live performance that is completely surprising. If you've never heard him you are missing out.

[@LednacekZ]

actually, rock and opera have quite many similarities. not in the singing techniques, but style, mind and approach are close.

[@galadballcrusher8182]

Well, then you really need see their cover of Warriors by imagine dragons

[@LordJoe115]

During your chat/breakdown at the end, was that some remix of FF7 playing?

[@barbarakennedy2667]

Metallicapella.

[@썬-f8e]

🤣💕💜❤️😷👏🏻

[@johntsam7071]

Didnt know Christian Bale could sing