CONTORTIONIST Composer Reaction Monochrome Pensive

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Somthing else I wanted to mention is how this track truly evokes such theater of the mind. With the ethereal production and the fact that they allow time for a pattern to "soak in" is part of the magic - AWWWRIGHT!!

[@nickreimer8269]

Well said Geebz! I hope someday you have the time to soak in the album as a whole as this closing track just finally gives you a sense of hope during the climax after such an ethereal, visceral, emotion evoking journey

[@1984Musicforever]

This album is about Mike the lead singer losing a friend. When you listen to the album and focus on the lyrics it really is something special and amazing they crafted for us all.

[@t3hgir]

This album was inspired by vocalist Michael Lessard's friend passing away due to drugs and mental health issues. Totally feel that vibe throughout the album compared to their other work.

[@Hellion6325]

I believe that friend's mother passed away, which caused him to spiral into drugs "Language" is about all that too

[@monkeyatschool99]

Listening with this in mind conjures up some H2O in my eye. Deep sound

[@t3hgir]

@@Hellion6325 yeah I guess Language was more of a positive outlook on his friends life and Clairvoyant was the actual grieving process...

[@Philosopat]

Those two albums language and clairvoyant are phenomenal and cathartic.

[@Hellion6325]

@@t3hgir I think Mike said Language is about the mother/son relationship (Mother Sun / Mother, Son) I believe Clairvoyant is about Mike's reaction to the loss. As you said, the grieving process

[@1987lildrummer]

This song loops perfectly back into Monochrome (Passive) making repeat listens to this album seamless, a very nice touch considering it's all about the spiral of life

[@TheVashnessItself99]

I actually haven't listened to it loop, that's really interesting

[@Philosopat]

It really does. I sobbed listening to this ep on loop flying back from Indiana when I lost my grandmother, my mother's last living parent.

[@anthonychilds8193]

I'm glad you pointed this out. I came to this video a year after it was posted and was just about to mention the beginning and ending forming the bond but then realized someone (if not many others) had to have already mentioned it.

[@ttngeo7494]

Bravo to whomever suggested this. A perfect track of theirs for Geebz to dissect

[@jordanbenson2980]

This entire album is stunning. They are incredible live. Very captivating.

[@fractallusion7121]

I'm so excited to hear Exoplanet and Language live. Guaranteed to be an amazing show!

[@HardwareG33k]

@@fractallusion7121 wait where and when are they playing? Haven't heard of this!

[@fractallusion7121]

@@HardwareG33k unfortunately the tour is over now, and I wasn't able to go 😢

[@HardwareG33k]

@@fractallusion7121 ah what a shame!

[@anders4052]

I get goosebumps every time I hear this song. The Contortionist cannot miss. This is a rewarding rabbit hole to fall down, should you want to.

[@DEAFXROBOT]

These guys have been hidden for like 7 months then last week announce a new tour with Rivers of Nihil. If you check out the VIP package it says you get to listen to 2 new songs from an upcoming album. cannot wait.

[@SuperGuitardude33]

Man that is some good news to hear. Saw the tour announced and I am so excited! I'm newer to their music (started listening when Language was new), but can easily say they're in my top 5 bands.

[@leftieluci2292]

unfortunately that latest EP felt like generic dad rock, not really looking forward to their new material

[@henrikswanstrom9218]

Man I just want a new album, been like 5 years. Would like some spacey exoplanet vibes and melodic riffs again but probably not happening

[@TheRealWanderingMan]

Both albums with Michael Lessard had two themes respectively, Language represents life, and Clairvoyant is death.

[@VulgrDisplay]

This band's transition from heavy as balls being drags into a black hole to ethereal ambience is so weird haha.

[@fractallusion7121]

They're at their best when they combine the two, I think. i.e. Oscillator lol

[@MaxB-nv2lp]

intrinsic imo is my favorite because its just on the transition point into the ambient stuff, whike still having the heavy disgusting insanity from exoplanet, along with brilliant harmony tieing everything together, ex. Causality

[@Budood1]

Listening to Contortionist on a long drive is superb

[@caseyveatch335]

It's amazing how radio has been an obstacle for years on what we've listened to. This would never make it there and it's a shame. So glad the internet turned me onto this amazing band.

[@NHPaintballer]

Haven’t even finished the video but man I smiled so big when I saw that smirk when I know you caught that little bass lick at 8:38, honestly, it’s so small but man it gets me every time, this band will send you on such an amazing journey! The best part about that fill is that on Monochrome (Passive), it’s the same segment, but the fill isn’t there. All the more reason you need to go through this entire album *hint hint haha

[@MJ-vd8bj]

And now you need to check out their first two albums to see how this band has progressed. I recommend Flourish and Geocentric Confusion.

[@fractallusion7121]

Exoplanet and Intrinsic are both phenomenal albums. I do love The Contortionist's more recent chill sound, but man they could really bring some beautiful brutality. I hope they tap into that with their next album.

[@Birdseed99]

@@fractallusion7121 John Carpenter (Exoplanet/Intrinsic) has a secondary project called Prismatic with one of the Baca brothers! They just recently released an EP called Subversion. Check out Nova Bomb, its basically like old Contortionist never left!

[@fractallusion7121]

@@Birdseed99 no way! I can't believe I didn't know about Prismatic. I'll definitely check it out, thanks! 🤘

[@lordsorceron]

Move past the djent Era of TC. They are so much more!

[@Birdseed99]

Exoplanet and Intrinsic are so much more than the “djent” phase of The Contortionist. Language and Clairvoyant are good but nobody has been able to touch the first two.

[@unkletravelingmatt]

Their track "The Parable (Rediscovered)"... stripped down but still mind-blowing... I'm still here, Geebz 🤙

[@bredding1203]

Oh yeah, my fav of the rediscovered tracks! Soooooooooo GD good

[@Feel777]

This band... and this song in particular... goosebumps every time.

[@Banker1221]

Do more of The Contortionist!!! 'Geocentric Confusion' or 'Vessel'

[@darkstar8196]

Their first two albums are my favorite

[@Banker1221]

@@darkstar8196 me as well, my friend!

[@MJ-vd8bj]

Intrinsic is criminally underrated, so many bangers

[@t3hgir]

@@MJ-vd8bj shame about the production, sounds like everything is covered in wet towels

[@metalboy27]

Geocentric Confusion is still my favorite TC song of all time. Sucks that they don't really play it live much anymore.

[@HaveADankDay]

Their version of Smashing Pumpkin’s “1979” off this EP is absolutely amazing as well! Something I think you’d enjoy!

[@saughs]

I’m still here 👍 Ever since learning the meaning behind the album, someone started coming around cutting onions whenever I listen to this song…usually gets a couple tears out of me.

[@nickreimer8269]

It's just not that easy, when all that's left is just all your bones *commence tears*

[@CarabinaWY]

I always think about my relatives that left this world. This song gets me nostalgic, and I love it

[@ckokomo808]

It destroys me 😭

[@nickreimer8269]

Top 25 song for me all time. Incredibly perfect ending to an album

[@static_motion]

One of my favourite songs of theirs, and they're one of my favourite bands. I highly recommend listening to either "Thrive" or "The Parable" from their "Language" album. Incredible musicianship on display.

[@chunktaa]

The drummer and the guitar player are brothers! So awesome.

[@Koivisto147]

Finally... the prophecy is fulfilled...

[@drummerz6071]

I was lucky to see the The Contortionist the other night in Seattle! They played both Language and Exoplanet sets. awwright!

[@CharliReef]

13:12 is the loudest moment of silence I've ever heard. The more I listen to this song the more I end up finding myself tearing up

[@Swollen_Goat]

This album is flawless start to finish.

[@SimonAlexanders]

Such a daaamn good band

[@EthanRadell]

this song hits like a truck emotionally after listening to the whole album. Its stunning. I always forget how intense this album is until I listen again and it sticks with me for weeks

[@trowabarton222]

I love this album. I think Intrinsic is still my favorite album from them but this one is still great. The Center is probably my favorite song.

[@deliriumcb5959]

Such a sad album. Beautiful stuff.

[@bluunttrauma3762]

Thanks for doing a video on the contortionist. I saw them open up for faceless and BTBAM probably about 10 years ago, have loved them ever since

[@ТРС-б1р]

Contortionist are awesome

[@Cornchps827]

Finally the contortionist! It’s about time man

[@bl0odm1st7]

They do a really great Smashing Pumpkins cover of 1979

[@RollinThunder45100]

Copy pasting until it happens because too lazy to write new comment every time lmao I’ll die on this hill lol, you gotta check out The Dear Hunter sometime. Tracks I’d suggest are “The Bitter Suite I & II: Meeting Ms. Leading/Through the Dime,” “Is There Anybody Here?” and “Ring 3 - Luxury.” Cheers Geebz love the videos keep It up. Once you check them out a Slow Burn Sesh of something of their’s would be to die for. Love your videos and the takes you have on all this music ❤️

[@MitchInTheBox]

Thank you Geebz, great analysis of this beautiful song

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Thanks for listening

[@bredding1203]

This song gives me the ol ‘chicken skin’ more and more every listen. So much real emotion in the vox and lyrics and the way the haunting music slow burns into this epic finale to close out the album. 😎🔥 Great breakdown per usual Geebz!!

[@CALL0US.]

You would love... Absolve, return to earth, language:intuition, parable (rediscovered edition), 1979, flourish . Been waiting for u to cover them 🤙🏽

[@kevinschotte2106]

A) THE CONTORTIONIST is absolutely phenomenal! B) I am still here!!! C) Richard Dreyfuss? D) Same storytelling! 🤘🥳

[@davebaritot]

this album is a fantastic and powerful listen all the way through. it's worth checking out in more depth. also....i'm still here.

[@JaySay]

30 seconds into this song, and I'm already hooked. These guys are like the best representations of a lot of my favorite bands. I enjoy heavier stuff, but I really just love to sit down and be brought along a musical journey like I'm floating down a calm river. Awesome stuff, thanks for the vid, Geebz! Keep on rocking!

[@tylerpd52]

I've been waiting for more of The Contortionist! keep it going

[@Panda_SMM]

this is a band that I think would be a great fit for a spotlight slow burn session one of these days, thanks for giving this band another listen :^)

[@tristanedwards7302]

Love this song. I used to live long distance to my girlfriend in Netherlands while she was back in Denmark for 1.5 years, and I'd come visit her every 3-4 weeks. Whenever my flight was taking off to go back, I'd listen to this song to calm my soul. Always have had a bad fear of flying

[@banehog]

This was a good'n. Out of curiosity - you never talk about time signatures, is this a conscious choice on your part, or are you just not into that type of thing? The 5/4 signature really influences the vibe of the song, in my opinion of course.

[@gordo2149]

Cheers Geebz - first time hearing The Contortionist and I was very taken by the ambience. Have a good one!

[@erickmunguia2343]

I beg you listen to this album (Clairvoyant) in full in one go, it's a beautiful experience and the best intro into The Contortionist in my opinion.

[@kylenash7746]

I forget I'm watching a video when they start playing.

[@Philosopat]

That album sir is an absolute masterpiece and I don't say that without foundation. I have that vinyl. It's a perfectly structured composition from track 1 to this track, the final on the album. This song made me weep when it really hit me what he was explaining. So so cathartic.

[@Philosopat]

I'm also very glad they are from Indianapolis.

[@BreathingInBinary]

Damn, I love this album so much. Had no idea it was inspired by the events and death of Michael's friend. Glad I read the comments on this one.

[@inigolm1863]

Would love an album reaction, it is a MASTERPIECE

[@JKDVIPER]

Hi, from my perspective, I’m a self taught guitar n drum person. All creativity. I really resonate with your choice of language. It’s like bringing different wavelengths together in etherial work. Becoming a vibe master. 😂❤I find his switch beats amazing. Sometimes the drummer stresses me out trying to follow him. That new guitar lead WAVY THING 😂❤😎😛💥sounds different. Different is good. Oops. It was a keyboard. 😂16:48 that ending. 😉🤛I really enjoyed that. Different. 🙏😎💯

[@cloudrise]

I'm still here! What an amazing album this was. Such a nice surprise today, Geebz!

[@NewYorkMetalShows]

Easily my favorite track off this album and a fun one to dissect. A perfect way to end a magnificent album.

[@joeschmoe303]

Hey Geebz, you still gotta make your way back to Trivium, "Shogun" (the song) specifically, fits right in with the channel.

[@meray1010]

Oh hell yeah. I didn't even consider you covering this band but you picked a great song

[@XViTNg]

Really cool choice geeebz! Can you do CONVERGE - HEAVEN IN HER ARMS. It is on one of the most universally loved and best hardcore albums ever made. And the production is really unique Especially for an album from 2001

[@ckokomo808]

That was a great point around 9:30. Each member is playing their own repetitive cluster of notes which then makes a larger cluster of notes as the entire band together. This then changes and moves as the individual’s change their notes. I guess you can call that music in genera but I think these guys do that tremendously well.

[@Charles_Schwab_Ova_Here]

Love your genuine and insightful reactions, man. If you ever get the time, I’d love to see your reaction to the band Deafheaven. Personally I’d recommend their song Vertigo-very intense and has a great sense of composition and development.

[@HzizsVynryn]

Love your Contortionist breakdowns!

[@MaximusA444]

Glad you’re recovering my friend. You’re the best, keep rocking 👊🏻

[@bornindissonance]

This is a pleasant surprise!

[@indigoiozzi]

This whole album is beautiful. Also it's worth pointing out that this is a concept album, so this last song is a culmination of everything, and it does have callbacks to the previous songs (they do this through the whole album). I really suggest checking any other song from this album since they are all beautiful, but I particularly recommend Return to Earth, or the title track (Clairvoyant) for a heavier sound. Also, still here!

[@SudoFuser]

He did Return to Earth a good while back! Also, if Geebz ever does any full album listens on here, Clairvoyant should be near the top of the list because of what you mentioned with spiraling back on itself and calling back to previous motifs. Plus, he could totally sink his teeth into the engineering choices throughout.

[@indigoiozzi]

@@SudoFuser oh nice! And I totally agree!

[@Philosopat]

@@SudoFuser he might cry lol

[@accretioncleansing]

Where was I when you called home 🥺

[@nsjohn130]

Anything off their best album Intrinsic is amazing, check that one out.

[@TheKevinthec]

The thing I love about this channel the most is how it always feels like Im taking these songs and bands that I've known for years and sharing it with a close friend. But your open mind and passion for music makes for a truly exciting experience, more so than any of my friends. I love coming here on the regular, revisiting these songs, hearing a professionals opinion and learning more about the subtle nuances of the art. Its always nice to come in and listen to music with someone who has the knowledge to dive deeper into these tracks. You're a legend Geebz, with a clear passion for the art and a willingness to explore deeper. Its an honor to be a fan

[@warofages13]

Great choice geebz! Love this song!

[@TheErazar]

Glad to see Contortionist here again, love their last two albums

[@DownSouthTCG]

Also want to add that this band puts on an absolutely amazing live performance

[@emfie1]

This album and song have been one of my favorites since they came out. I always found the theme and story behind it moving, but after losing my own mother this song has been really hard to listen to without getting emotional.

[@Wildernesbear]

I'm still waiting on a reaction to any of Arch Echos stuff. 🙃

[@newdarkagenow]

Would love that .. he would love them too for sure

[@jbasti227]

He’d go crazy checking them out

[@timmyb8694]

Sure do wish they'd release thr livestreams... The livestream for The Clairvoyant destroys the album in every aspect. Sure do hope they release hard copies. If they ever do, I advise you to get it. Listening to The Clairvoyant after having access to the livestream, jst made me wanna hear the livestream more... In my mind, The Livestream to The Clairvoyant was the best thing to happen thru thr entire pandemic..

[@christophersmack6763]

Can't wait to see these guys play Language live

[@rafaeldav4864]

Very deep song, makes me fly and cry at the same time, love your reactions

[@Marteeenxurl]

This song live was L I F E C H A N G I N G

[@Mrmayhembsc]

God not heard this in a long time forgotten how good it is

[@camw621]

Theatre of the mind time: Please give Devin Townsend's 'Sprite' a listen. If memory serves, the opening vocals are performed by Frank Zappa's drummers father. I promse you, you're in for a treat.

[@MrSilentj16]

One of my favorite bands.

[@CharliReef]

I love this song but I almost can't dance to it out of respect

[@NotRKelly.]

Thank you Geebz

[@augustoreis7]

For some reason I felt here some months ago hahaha ("laugh" in portuguese). I like your videos, love a lot of songs that you listen here. Your reactions, explications e thoughts about the tecniques and everything at the music is very cool! Hugs from Brasil

[@sandorphoenix]

You touch gold.

[@deliriumofendless]

still here!! awesome!

[@brettrobertleasure]

if you notice alot of the picking patterns were somewhat inverse. it's kinda of an in/out or back/forth movement, and then you realize the first words of the song are breath, and it makes more sense. if you dig big sound, try reacting to The Life and Times, preferably something from Tragic Boogie. My favorite is 'the politics of driving'. Please?

[@BrockSmasonXOSI]

Powerful Song

[@HarbingerOfTruth1]

I will highly recommend checking out the progressive metal band Spiral Architect and probably their most well known song Insect

[@loud7070]

Wonderful breakdown of a very beautiful musical piece. Loved it!

[@adamhenton6221]

Morning Geebz. Early morning for you. Let's start the week off right 🤘🤙

[@Sunchaserofficial]

Love the reactions! Give us more Vildhjarta

[@eyeballpaul2403]

You gotta check out Beyond Creation - Omnipresent Perception Amazing musicians using an amazing range of tempos and notes all blended into Technical Death Metal.

[@adrianm7960]

Yes!

[@canibalkitten4213]

Namaste

[@mixingaband]

Saw these guys with sleepmakeswaves a few years ago. maybe review their song "Great Northern"

[@LemmyGibbler]

Check out Feedback Loop by these guys soon. Such and amazing track

[@roberto2568]

please do ARK :D its a forgotten gem imo , prog rock-metal from scandinavia, they have 2 awesome albums... I would recommend : JUST A LITTLE , HEAL THE WATERS, TORN , but the whole album burn the sun is a masterpiece !!!!

[@MJ-vd8bj]

Also please react to Black Crown Initiate!!

[@rsbdotexe]

I've been asking for some BCI since the beginning! Get on it geebs!

[@MJ-vd8bj]

@@rsbdotexe They're one of the most consistent bands I've ever heard. He can't go wrong with anything by them, but I still want to see him react to the whole Song of the Crippled Bull EP

[@dodgrblu]

I'm still here

[@devwagner4985]

Gotta do more type o negative, maybe dead again stuff?

[@Gary_M]

How about some more Beyond Creation? You've only done one of their songs.

[@andressantiagocaldassalas1904]

The Prodigy - Breathe. pleaseeee

[@puciato7540]

I know you couldnt sleep 😐

[@jordanbenson2980]

And STILL no Norma Jean. Bro. Imma keep this going. Norm Jean; Funeral Singer Safety Last