Machine Head "IMPERIUM" - Drum Play-through by Matt Alston

After a long time coming...I'm finally able to start recording play-throughs in my studio!!
Songs are played/recorded in ONE continuous take
That means there are:
- NO Cuts/Drop-ins
- NO Replacements/Samples (all drum audio is LIVE from the Drum Mics)
- Only basic EQ/Compression/Reverbs used!
....If it's not 'perfect'....that’s just real life!
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I'M PROUD TO ENDORSE:
➤YAMAHA Drums & Hardware
www.yamaha.com / ‪@YamahaDrumsEurope‬
➤ZILDJIAN Cymbals
www.zildjian.com / ‪@ZildjianCompany‬
➤Vater Drumsticks - 1A Woodtip Nude Series (w/Custom Print).
www.vater.com / ‪@VaterPercussionUSA‬
➤sE Electronics - Microphones
www.seelectroni... / ‪@seelectronicstv‬
➤Cympad - Chromatic Series (White).
www.cympad.com / ‪@Cympad‬
➤MusicNomad Care
www.musicnomadc... / ‪@MusicNomadCare‬
➤JH Audio
www.jhaudio.com / ‪@JHAudioOfficial‬
➤SnareWeight - www.snareweigh...
➤FatCables - www.fatcables.com
➤JK Drumsystems - www.jkdrumsyst...​
➤-SkyGel Damper Pads - www.boxoftrix.de​
➤Kylla Custom Rockwear - www.kyllacusto...​
➤Hyraw Clothing - www.hyraw.com​
➤Archetype Clothing - www.archetype-...
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➤Band: Machine Head - ‪@machinehead‬
Song: Imperium.
Album: Through The Ashes Of Empires
➤WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO HERE: • Machine Head - Imperium
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➤Drum Overdub Audio: Recorded/Edited/Mixed by M.Alston.
➤Backing Track: "Imperium" - Machine Head (‪@NuclearBlastRecords‬)
➤All Footage Recorded & Edited by M.Alston.
➤Intro Sequence by Rob Cisneros
www.robmcisnero...​
➤Instagram - / matt.alston​
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Song copyright owned by respective owners, no infringement intended.

[@detachedloop1004]

This is THE machine head song for me. People always mention stuff from burn my eyes but everytime I think of Machine head I think of Imperium. That massive wall of sound the moment Rob goes "hear me now!!!!!" Feels like an overloaded train with brakes failed tearing through everything and majority of it has to do with the drums for this section. The heaviest MH song for me!

[@user-go5em9jn5m]

Just saw MH two nights in a row - they were amazing. Matt is a brilliant drummer - such a great set. And yes “hear me now !!” as the OPENING song - OMFG

[@floridianthrasher5426]

Saw machine head with Dave and Phil on catharsis in 2018 And machine head with you in Huntsville back in 2020, great shows each time

[@MattAlston]

Right on! Thank you dude🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@tomasfrkal6362]

Hi, I have to say that I´m fan of Dave McClain´s work during his time in MH, I really like his drumming, feel, creativity. And I also like the drum parts of this song, very creative. But you are such a good, precise, clean and technical drummer,...very good job :)

[@MattAlston]

Thanks man, I really appreciate it! I grew up listening to MH & Dave, so doing justice to the songs & Dave’s playing is an absolute priority! 👊🏼

[@kittywampusdrums4963]

Yea Matt is fantastic

[@metfan4l]

5:00 ooh love that part, nicely played!

[@MattAlston]

😝🤘🏻 so do I! Thanks man!!

[@Virvum_Juggernaut]

In a word ... “effortless”. Such a pro Matt and your Zildjians sound killer. Great drum track.

[@MattAlston]

Thank you!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@scottbond1681]

TY just incredible

[@MattAlston]

🙏🏻🙏🏻Thank you dude!

[@Graylegs]

My favourite MH song. I really love that Dave starts the skank beat section by riding the crash. Super execution from you, awesome work!

[@MattAlston]

Thank you!🙌🏻 ‘skank beat’ section…🤣🤣 never heard of that before..but I like it!

[@scribblesdoodles]

Powerhouse of a drummer…can still feel the bass drum thumping after the Dundee happy hour 😂

[@MattAlston]

🤣🤘🏻

[@HarambeKojima]

Absolutely brilliant. One of my all time favorite tracks of Machine Head. Outstanding work. You get a subscribe.

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude, I appreciate it!👊🏼

[@HarambeKojima]

@@MattAlston No, thank you. There are a lot of really amazing drummers out there and I love them too. You, you have something I can't put into words that makes you a perfect fit for this. Clean, concise, and surgical. I wish you all the success, ever. Hope to see more of your over the next few millenia. 😎

[@Michael_Michaels]

I never though this song was so complex, drumming-wise! Excellent work!

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@paulc.527]

Thank you for creating these videos!!!! While I love seeing you live, being able to watch your skill without the other bandmates present is a true gift. It highlights your skills as a drummer and as a musician. Stuttgart was amazing, Reading was incredible and I can't wait to see you on your upcoming tour!!!!

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude! I really appreciate it!🤘🏻

[@geertkrows1148]

Awesome dude. Tight as a tiger

[@MattAlston]

Haha thank you bro!🤣👊🏼

[@austinrc8458]

Yeww 🙌 killed it legend 🤘🏼🤘🏼 everything sounds so good, the kit, cymbals, mics 🎤 really delivered the goods 👌🏼

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@Da_Porkchop_Xpress]

Awesome, Matt. Merry Christmas to you and yours

[@MattAlston]

Thank you! And a Happy Christmas to you and yours!🍺🍺

[@kittywampusdrums4963]

YES

[@MattAlston]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@rafaelnaito5019]

I'm from Brazil, great job.

[@MattAlston]

Obrigardo!!🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@osssshhh12]

One of my favourite songs to drum to. Great take.

[@MattAlston]

Oh yeah! It’s a lot of fun to play, isn’t it!!🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@chrisworland7754]

The best possible person to have sit behind the kit for MH. You are phenomenal

[@MattAlston]

That’s really kind of you dude!👊🏼 thanks!

[@Sinnamon_Heart]

What beast. I love Dave. And you slayed this 🤘 thank you

[@MattAlston]

Thank you! I appreciate it!! I love Dave & his playing too - such legendary songs!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@nelldogcf]

Not sure what's more polished, your drumming or your cymbals. Incredible playthrough, looking forward to seeing more.

[@MattAlston]

🤣🤣🤣 well, gotta keep my Zildjian’s looking sexy!! And yeah, there will be more playthroughs coming soon!

[@icewizzard666]

Wow! That was awesome, one of my fav MH songs, you made it look effortless and loved the tone of the drums! Nice one!

[@MattAlston]

Thank you man, I appreciate it!🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@MemoRiosDrummer]

That”s one of my fav @machinhead tracks ever great performance Matt 🤟🏽

[@irrsinnrainer]

This was the song that introduced me to Machine Head back in my teenage years. I grew up with Dave on drums for MH and saw them live when they were supporting Metallica back in 2009. You did him justice! Amazing drumming, so clean and on point. Also your kit sounds fantastic and I love the sound of your right hand side HiHat.

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude, that means a lot!! And that’s exactly what I’m going for, to do these legendary songs justice!!👊🏼

[@andrewgunnerdrums8889]

This one in my opinion is a milestone in modern metal

[@erdisahin5657]

so smooth. i wish i can play tgis song like you do

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude!👊🏼

[@maro10ssrs]

Excellent drumming! love those Zildjian's.

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude!🤘🏻🤘🏻 I love my Zildjian’s too!!

[@maro10ssrs]

@@MattAlston your welcome. You nailed it on Imperium. Keep kicking ass man! 👍

[@jerrylitchfield4111]

Mr Matt, I also want to add I love this drumset to. I love all the stuff you're doing in this video. It takes tremendous talent to do all the rolls you're doing and everything else without missing a beat. I love this and very well done.

[@MattAlston]

You’re too kind dude!👊🏼👊🏼 thank you!

[@zcustomcarnesi]

Great job Matt . The cymbals sound great too 😁

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude!! And hell yeah they do!! I’m so thankful to be in the Zildjian Family!👊🏼

[@j.r.90001]

This is the way to do play through videos! I want to hear the real drum sounds and the player's touch!

[@MattAlston]

That was my plan! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@B4kes]

Fkn Nailed it Bro!!! Keep up the good work!

[@MattAlston]

Thank you!!🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@gazelson4545]

That was fantastic.

[@iaingammie1799]

Great take mate. You need to do more of these. See you next year in Dundee!

[@MattAlston]

Thanks dude! Yeah, that’s my plan - I’m gonna start going through the back catalogue! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@strange_horse_art]

I am the 1000!!!!! You kill it!!!!

[@AvStevieStevenJamesDrums]

Matt, I also must comment on how amazing that massive bell is on your ride sounds and cuts through, and how you so tastefully add it in. Wow, absolutely stellar drumming.

[@MattAlston]

Oh totally!! Gotta love the MegaBell ride!! There’s no other rides that come even close to how good they sound! 🤘🏻🤘🏻 And thank you!!

[@mattehellcore]

Awesome work Matt! I really enjoyed your playthrough, super duper!! I hope to see you live someday 🙂

[@MattAlston]

Thank you! Hopefully the MH/Amon Amarth tour will go ahead without any issue in 2022!!🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@jerrylitchfield4111]

Mr Matt, you always amaze me watching you play that awesome set of yours. Your playing is such an inspiration to me. You are fun to watch and your skill is through the roof! Keep rocking my friend and love your channel!

[@TheRealFredVdB]

This is my favorite drum intro ever. And you nailed it bro👌👌👌

[@MattAlston]

Thanks dude!🙌🏻

[@ScottRobertson1010]

Can't wait to hear what you bring to MH 🤘

[@MattAlston]

Thanks dude! Hopefully I’ll be able to contribute properly in the near future!🤘🏻

[@SerhanMert]

Great song from great band , very well covered, i live it

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude!🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@robveillevincent4743]

excellent

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@DarkSyntax]

THAT. WAS. EPIC. 🤘🏽🔥🤘🏽🔥🤘🏽

[@MattAlston]

Thanks man🤘🏻 I appreciate it!

[@danieleschonsberg9255]

Yeaaaah!!!! I was waiting for this!!!! Go Matt!!! 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@MattAlston]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@alanmccartney3159]

Incredible playing Matt and astounding kit!!!! Epic stuff!!

[@MattAlston]

Thanks man, I really appreciate it!🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@BobbyButterfield]

Always enjoy your play through videos Matt!! Keep up the awesome work! Hope to see ya live someday, and not just in a bar in Michigan!!

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude!! And yeah, hopefully next time there will actually be a show too!🤣👍🏻

[@BobbyButterfield]

@@MattAlston that’d be ideal. It was still awesome getting to hang!

[@desynchonosisdragon9108]

Very well done Sir

[@TinnyHidge]

Actually didn't realise how much was involved in that drum part. Nice one. Sounds great btw considering it's not been fekked about with. 🤘🙂👌

[@MattAlston]

Thanks man! And yeah, like with all of Dave’s songs…there’s a lot going on! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@eliaselias4647]

Man if that is only mic sound I'm beyond amazed. Holy shit

[@joshcochrane4382]

Drum sound is so clean. Love ya work bro

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude! That’s what I’m going for - and it’ll only get better!🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@dimitrismits213]

first song i ever listened from MH. Still my absolute favorite to this day. Bought the album and i was listening to it for the whole summer of 2003, 3-4 times per day. it shooked my music taste so hard. Great execution mate. Hope to see u in Greece at some point

[@MattAlston]

Hell yeah dude!! Thank you, I hope we can get to Greece soon!!🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@raindropcleaners]

Killed it! 🤘

[@MattAlston]

👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

[@robertward6813]

Very solid drumming and well played

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@anthonyvenedicto518]

Best replacement for Dave imo. You're doing a great job carrying the band my man.

[@PaulIsola]

Awesome take Matt! We toured with MH on this album....this how they opened the set - will always have a special place! Hope to see you round soon....keep well

[@MattAlston]

Thanks mate! Oh yeah, this song is something special for sure!! Such a raging song to start a show with!! Hope you’re doing ok man, would be good to run into at some point!🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@PaulIsola]

@@MattAlston for sure bro, will keep a look out for dates down my way ( Gibraltar/Spain ) Have a great xmas!

[@MattAlston]

@@PaulIsola absolutely dude! Let’s hope the 2022 tour is able to go ahead!! You’re always welcome, just hit me up!👊🏼

[@valueh.119]

Awesome man, smooth as silk

[@MattAlston]

Thank you!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Djcimofficial]

The song that really got me into Machine Head! Amazing cover and performance!! Also to see Seasons Wither would be amazing!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@MattAlston]

Oh absolutely! And thank you dude!! ‘Seasons’ is definitely on my to-do list!🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@Djcimofficial]

@@MattAlston you’re welcome you have a new Sub here.. keep rocking! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@richardkeenahan3803]

Killer drumming and great sounding drums

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@vasanthkumarj8245]

That just flowed like water...wow! What a terrific performance Sir! Hats off and a happy new year!!! Cheers...

[@MattAlston]

Thank you man! I really appreciate it!! HNY to you too!🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@gabrielgaona8570]

Awesome cover, and those toms sound amazing!!

[@MattAlston]

Thanks dude!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@easy_english44]

Impressive🤘💜🤘💜🤘💜🤘 united in metal worldwide

[@MattAlston]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@peeholio3260]

Thats ni easy task covering McClain. Hes such a criminally unnoticed drummer thats an absolute beast. The Aynsley Dunbar of metal to me. I was inteoduced to him back in 92 with the Independent album. SR. Killer album. Good job, i know that took a lot of practice. Damn sure isnt easy.

[@eviljay545]

Matt - perfect playin. Still remeber the day I heard a song for the first time and as a drummer I just wanna say it kick's ass coz it's a fun to play it💪

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude!!🙌🏻🙌🏻 and hell yeah it’s fun to play!!

[@TheMetalMag]

Reminds sepultura , great play

[@MattAlston]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@kirbdini]

It's not easy to come into a any position for any band, regardless of popularity. Great video, looking forward to hearing new material and the dynamic you will add!

[@MattAlston]

Thanks dude! I appreciate it!!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@phunjack]

😮Wow ! What a precision... Bravo !

[@MattAlston]

Thanks dude! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@DrummerJimforLife]

Awesome drumming good job!!

[@MattAlston]

Thanks man, I appreciate it!👊🏼

[@rayelliott8107]

Excellent Matt, plenty of clarity on those kick drums, lovin the triple tom set up BTW. 😎🥁🤟

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude!🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@pkj77]

Job well done

[@MattAlston]

Thank you!🤘🏻

[@jerrylitchfield4111]

Oh man, you are awesome my friend. I just ran across one of your videos and I liked it so much I subscribed to your channel. Very well done. You're playing is top notched and I love your drumsets. Keep rocking my friend, I love it!

[@MattAlston]

Thank you Jerry! Thanks for subscribing, I really appreciate it!!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@andrewyazzie8167]

Hell yeah bro awesome nice set up

[@MattAlston]

Thanks dude!👊🏼

[@rachel.en3101]

LOVE this! 🤘🖤

[@MattAlston]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@nicolatogni4996]

Welcome back! 🤘🏻 Always a joy seeing you play these songs, can't wait for more playthroughs! Happy holidays Matt!!

[@MattAlston]

Thank you! And I will be definitely doing more!! Happy Holidays to you too!!🤘🏻

[@chesterschannel6627]

I’m going to be practicing this song for a new drum cover video. I’m not the best drummer so the quick double bass part will be alittle difficult and won’t be perfect even if I’m playing on an electric kit. But I’ll still learn it and play it and make it fun for myself to play. Even if I have to make small changes

[@lnlucero]

Epic performance! Been a fan since watching you play with MH @ the Sunshine Theater in NM....rock on and happy holidays Matt! 🤘

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude, I really appreciate it! 🤘🏻🤘🏻 Happy Holidays to you too!

[@MrFEFman]

Nice work, mate. I'm a MH fan from waaaaaaaay back (I saw them supporting Slayer in 94ish in Wolverhampton Civic Hall ....like I say, waaaaaaay back). Even as a guitarist, great, tight drum track.

[@MattAlston]

Right on dude! Thanks, I appreciate it!🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@rogerduckwall4146]

I have no words brother other than AWESOME!!!!!!!🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@jhosszak1726]

FANTÁSTIC !!!🤘🏿🤘🏿GREETINGS FROM bolivia

[@wilsonmj1807]

Magnífic like always bro 🤙🤘

[@MattAlston]

Thanks dude🤘🏻

[@hectorfotopro2000]

perfecto amigo

[@MattAlston]

Thanks man!🤣🤘🏻

[@anibal_Drummer]

crush kit, brutal!

[@MattAlston]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@robertoriveros3053]

awesome job!

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude!👊🏼

[@masterjedihudak1590]

You fucking killed that! Long time fan of MH and its so well played. Your kit sounds so perfected. The fans on this UK leg are in for a treat!

[@MattAlston]

Right on! Thanks dude!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@vh6019]

What an awesome song and an awesome performance! Cheers!

[@MattAlston]

Thank you!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@freddyleal1756]

Drums sound ridiculously good, very nice!

[@MattAlston]

Thank you!🙌🏻

[@matthew1608]

Badass!! Good to see you back on a kit again🤘🤘

[@MattAlston]

Thanks dude! I know, way over due isn’t it!!🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@matthew1608]

@@MattAlston well worth the wait!!!

[@sevenman9672]

Top vid

[@MattAlston]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ZaxDrumsandGolf]

This so freakin killer Matt!!\m/!! Awesome drumming and it sounds excellent!! Nice and heavy!!\m/!! I subbed your channel as well!!

[@MattAlston]

Thank you!! I really appreciate it!!🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@sensational4646]

Dude, join Testament NOW! You kill it everytime 🤘🤘

[@MattAlston]

🤣🤣🤣thanks, but I’m super happy in the MH camp!😊🤘🏻

[@JaxDrummer]

Awesome job! You’ve got a new sub. Enjoyed your performance 😎🤟

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude! I really appreciate it!👊🏼👊🏼

[@troyyoung3087]

love ya matt

[@MattAlston]

Aww, aren’t you a charmer 😊🤘🏻

[@troyyoung3087]

@@MattAlston ha ha mean it bro...so bummed didnt see you/meet you in new zealand,thanks to fuckin covid...so mayby sometime,not had a international band here for nearly 2 years, MFHMFHMFH

[@MattAlston]

@@troyyoung3087 I hear ya dude! I really hope we can get back over to Aus/NZ as soon as possible!!

[@WillRiffmaster]

Great video to learn this song on drums. Thanks 🤘

[@MattAlston]

Thanks man!🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@Midnyte_Rage]

While this cover was on point and excellent, I gotta say that stick flip going into the outro section: *chef kiss*

[@MattAlston]

Hahahaha! Was a little lucky…🤣🤣

[@elmengh]

goosebumps @4:30 !! cant wait to see it live!! \M/ \M/

[@MattAlston]

Hell yeah! I can’t wait to play it live again!👊🏼👊🏼

[@jordankozelka7561]

The kit sounds great, but those rack toms sound MEAN. Nice job dude! I look forward to seeing/hearing more!

[@MattAlston]

Thanks dude! And yup, I plan on doing much more!!

[@789dx]

Fucking Awsome!.

[@MattAlston]

Thanks dude!🤘🏻

[@AvStevieStevenJamesDrums]

That was fucking bad ass 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@MattAlston]

Thank you!👊🏼

[@romanwrobel2770]

Did your blood pressure went up at all or you just thinking what’s for dinner ? 😂😂😂 big fan NOT playing cross handed !!! Excellent dude !!

[@MattAlston]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Well…just because I’m not flailing around unnecessarily, doesn’t mean I’m not putting the effort in! Haha! And yeah, I’m a big fan of playing open handed as much as possible! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@Goldie1977]

Big fan of the drumming Dave and Chris have done with MH. Fooking nailed it lad. True to the original but putting your own unique stamp and style on it. Well done from this miserable northerner. 😜👏👏👏🙌🤘🤘🤘

[@MattAlston]

Haha, thanks dude! I really appreciate it! And yeah - true to the original has been my priority from the start!🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@Goldie1977]

@@MattAlston props where props are due fella. I’m the type of amateur (at best) who’s steering wheeled the shit out of these drum parts for years and whilst I appreciate some drummers add their own things I’m a grump for wanting to hear what’s committed to disc 😂😂😂 I was in a Ozzy/sabbath tribute for years so I made a point of learning it note for note (apart from bills drug laden mistakes on volume 4 😜 and I also cheated and did the Igor parts for ‘symptom’) so massive respect to you for that because I would imagine numptys like me are the bain of your social media 😂😂😂😂 seriously though massive respect from this fan and wannabe drummer. 👏👏👏🤘

[@Drummermax91]

That was so good bro. Excellent work. May I ask, what are those mics on your toms? They look a little bit like a beta 56 but I don’t think it is …

[@MattAlston]

Thank you dude! 🤘🏻🤘🏻 The mics on the toms are SE V-Beat microphones; check the video description for the link to the SE Website/Channel!

[@romanwrobel2770]

Bad ass ! Not playing cross hands ! Effortless !

[@MattAlston]

Thanks man! I do love playing open handed! 😊🤘🏻

[@TheCCMorgan]

killed it! fuckin bang on dude 💪🏻

[@MattAlston]

Thanks man🤘🏻🤘🏻