Matt Garstka "Conflict Cartography " Animals as Leaders

Full album transcription is available at matt-garstka.myshopify.com
Filmed by Ivan Chopik
Engineered and mixed by Francesco Cameli

[@Chunks-me4jf]

Mattronome Goatska

[@mattdrewdrums]

Lmao that's gold

[@anthonyreynoso7275]

Brilliant!

[@patricklacerdas]

Hahahaha awesome

[@Sarvagya4]

What a horrible joke. Made me laugh.

[@paradiddle5150]

This comment is legendary 🙌

[@zeusthedrumlord547]

We take for granted how much he loves instructing. Many players of this magnitude would just upload these and not offer lessons of any kind but he transcribes *every* note he’s ever played in this band.

[@daedalus_20v]

"Giving it away" is the sign of someone who's a legit master at their craft. Us mere mortals feel like "giving it away" is just "giving up your secrets," because we feel like we're "competing" with each other (and to be fair, some of us are). But Matt really has nothing to lose and everything to gain here. It's more nuanced than this, but at the most basic level, transcription is practice. It's more "seat time" on the drums, more thinking about playing, more visualizing. At a higher level, he's leaving an artistic legacy to be studied and analyzed for years. At the highest level, he's promoting good technique and artistry and pushing and inspiring others who will follow to make better music.

[@zeusthedrumlord547]

@@daedalus_20v agreed, it’s awesome how the best player I’ve ever seen isn’t one who just makes people want to quit with how good he is - because he encourages people to try it themselves by making lessons and transcriptions available, as well as just being a generally down to earth seeming guy. I’m sure it helps that from my outside perspective, guys in bands like AAL seem to be the perfect level of “famous” where they’re revered as legends by their fans, but it’s a generally niche audience so you can still live your life without getting bogged down by it. Everyone handles it differently I’m sure, but I’d bet that helps with still caring about helping your audience succeed. We also can’t act like he doesn’t profit from it, lol. But even still, it feels like most great players can’t be bothered to do that.

[@caedenbreneman]

I would not be the drummer I am today if he didn’t educate how he does. I’m definitely not aiming to be a copycat of Matt, but man is his playing style just so over-the-walls insane with so much information. I’ve learned so much about drums just from studying his playing. Please keep educating Matt, you’re an inspiration to so many.

[@daedalus_20v]

@@zeusthedrumlord547 He makes money from it, sure, but even masters gotta eat lol! Put another way, I certainly don't think he's doing it to "get rich" (not that that's what you were implying, of course). For real though I _want_ artists like Matt, Tosin, Javier, Ichika, Tim, etc. to be so financially stable and comfortable they don't even think about it and can just focus 100% on their craft. I'm in a different creative industry (film), but financial anxiety makes it _real_ hard to maintain that "vibe" sometimes.

[@Turcomichael]

Well said! We are fortunate that he is as passionate about teaching as he is as playing. His material will be appreciated and used long into the future.

[@patrickprotzman2407]

How can someone not only write, but memorize and perform such an intricate piece of mathematical, rhythmic art? Unparalleled talent.

[@SupraLugia]

This was such a perfect opening to the album

[@jayped5276]

Yea I couldn’t agree more, this is an epic opener and really an eye into the album as a whole. Such crisp sound and amazing musicianship displayed.

[@vicentebenitez2448]

It’s perfect it was meant to be number 1 on the album

[@anthonygrado97]

yes!and to me it gave some great context to monomyth. transition was smooth

[@time2k12]

It really is!

[@christianwilliamson9752]

Agreed

[@dylanseymour7298]

As a guitar player it’s easy to get enamored by Tosin and Javier’s playing when listening to AAL, but Matt’s sheer mastery of his instrument truly amazes me. There’s so many nuances and small details in his playing that I can’t even begin to comprehend what exactly is going on or the level of difficulty. All I do know is it is AWESOME to watch lol

[@andrewheartsu]

I'm glad YOU recognize that as a guitar player. I'm a drummer of 25+ years and sometimes my guitarists wouldn't understand the complexities of drumming. Translation from guitars to drums is way different.

[@vanntooot]

The same goes for me as a drummer. Matt's playing is on another level for us mere mortals but Tosin and Javier are up there as well. Their playing is something no one could have ever come up with, in the same vein as Hendrix or EVH being innovators of the guitar in their time.

[@HammerOfTheGods4]

Dude is a beast, nobody in prog metal is even close to matching his level

[@ivodimitrov4087]

I’m a big fan of AAL and Garstka, but listen to The Wormhole Experience. The drummer - Valerio Lucantoni is even better. Pure genius! I’ll give you an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gICzXqRpe5yff9U He is the next Donati.

[@thebuttersqiud8912]

If we're talking about technical-level here, I'd argue there's a few that could compete. Alex Rudinger with Intronaut; Luke Holland with Jason Richardson's music; Aric Improta with Night Verses; and Troy Wright and Chris Allison with Plini. I'd even throw Jay Postones in there from Tesseract. All these guys are at the top of their league though and they could all probably play each other's music backwards. I love this whole generation of drummers.

[@saulvera5469]

@@thebuttersqiud8912 trow Baard Kolstad in there too please 🙌

[@stebancarlos]

@@thebuttersqiud8912 *Chris Turner enter the chat*

[@brotato654]

@@thebuttersqiud8912 Hilarious, Luke cannot comprehend half of Matt's technique and maths. The others I can see but not Luke. Not yet at least. He had a hard time playing an old AAL back then and I can't even imagine him playing the most intricate pieces that Matt has written recently like this one.

[@davidhouck9376]

Love the hi-hat accents that start at 1:19. Didn't realize he was hitting the left drum pedal while he closes the hi-hat. Such a small detail that I wouldn't have noticed without this playthrough video!

[@TylerHNothing]

that was so cool to see. looks like he hits the hi hat with his left hand when his right foot hits so when he hits the next one on his left foot he can close it for the mute

[@Mr3ff]

First thing I did was say out loud "you son of a bitch" when I noticed that.

[@djentrification1631]

Noticed this too! Not something you see very often.

[@TheVashnessItself99]

@@djentrification1631 he does this on some fills in kascade too I think

[@dontfallyoumighthurtyourse4694]

I really dig this song. Sounds like it could be at home on The Joy of Motion as well as the new album.

[@DaniyalKhan21]

Yes! I feel that way about Gestaltzerfall too

[@sammathey1995]

Yes! This one feels kinda different than the rest, my favorite for sure

[@colinburroughs9871]

The Joy of Motion, having more of the big clean, ambient melodies in the background make for a less grating listen than the tunes where the D&B/EDM stuff is going full blast. I liked that stuff for a bit as a kid, now I'm more or less just totally turned off by it after maybe 10/15 min. Some of that is subjective, but I can't be the only listener who finds that sound to be a bit much sans the chemical alteration that is appeals to.

[@TH3R4ND0M.]

Right, same feelings

[@veenoir1991]

the sound of his kit is perfection. Every cymbal, every Tom. And goddamn that snare boiiii

[@asheshinfinite3766]

His switch to dw is paying off, melodically, of course, as he has mentioned!👌

[@cscrignaro]

Your ears are fucked. This is one of the worst recordings I've heard in a while. Just sounds like paper slaps.

[@jwdrums8948]

Definitely loving this DW kit over the Tama.

[@thatdrummeroz654]

Jesus, Matt! All I can say is thank you for sharing your time. As a Musician, you're one of the Modern Greats in our time.

[@richardrickyflores9519]

Imagine being able to just do whatever you want on drums... literally no limits. Matt is unreal and blows me away every time I see him play.

[@PaulStaggHomeFusion]

What i love about Matt's drumming is, much like Mike Portnoy, he's able to express feeling and emotion. It's not just that it's technically amazing, but it is, for lack of a better word, musical.

[@rocketlaunch321]

I'm happy to announce that I was able to perform this song!...........Okay, maybe just the first three measures.

[@Mc-zt7hm]

Just saw Animals as Leaders two nights ago. 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 Absolutely fantastic.

[@danielprzyojskijr.2022]

Did they have these new song down pretty well? That’s awesome, I’m seeing them 4/18

[@superQman600]

@@danielprzyojskijr.2022 yeah , they sounded really good. Practically the same as the album.

[@Mc-zt7hm]

@@danielprzyojskijr.2022 yes, for sure. It was a clinic.

[@joeearle7229]

Social media has brought so much talent to light over the years. It's incredible how many phenomenal drummers there are and now have the ability to showcase it. This said, I still haven't heard one that can dethrone Matt Garstka. This guy is in a universe of his own!

[@donikuntoro454]

I listen to this, almost every day while I'm at work!

[@NyuuPhyllo]

It's genuinely incredible how literally ALL comments here are so wholesome lel, like there's no "ah yeah he's good, but the best in the world? There are better drummers", or other "ah that's just too technical/too fast, there's no groove" kind of stuff. I'm in awe, for real. Matt seems to just bring people together in the most wholesome way ever. And no one even slightly denies he's an amazing drummer and, so it seems, an amazing person (from what I've heard at least...)

[@FrozenSparky]

Anyone that says there's no groove clearly lacks the musical intelligence to comprehend what's going on here. There's grooves on top of grooves and it's all layered in a beautiful and calculated way.

[@damiangomez8540]

​@@FrozenSparkyno joke I saw a boomer comment that on one of his posts on Instagram, he got cooked by everybody afterwards

[@damiangomez8540]

​@@FrozenSparkythe "this really good but maybe a little groove will help ya?

[@JoseCortinas]

Absolutely amazing! I do have one ongoing criticism of all of these playthroughs... we all see that cowbell... but we don't *hear* the cowbell.

[@mushymoist8813]

more... there must be more... more

[@nsldsfv1202]

Its not helping my fever

[@danmiller5881]

There's only one prescription!

[@CHABIEPORTNOY]

Matt Gartska is a testament that drumming is still evolving.

[@KirkWilson86]

My day is complete. Matt has blessed us with another of his gifts! Hail the Garstka

[@danmiller5881]

Tosin: What beats should we play here? Matt: Yes

[@time2k12]

I must listen to this song at least once a day since this album was released, completely addicted! Seeing it played is surreal, that thing at 2:11 is just wow!

[@EdTalenti]

The switch at 03:25 makes me so dang happy 🔥

[@bishopoftroy]

AAL is now like a big throbbing alien brain. Music of the future.

[@omukssbm]

Why you gotta say throbbing bruh

[@bishopoftroy]

@@omukssbm because i`m not the one with wishful thinking ;)

[@thegr8kacpi]

i love that coupling of left kick and hihat pedals, cause these barks are S O good

[@austenbreshears3028]

I could watch this all day....I know, because I did.

[@tachronjr.5680]

The change at 2:13 is awesome! Love this band and Matt’s playing is something I am in awe of everytime I see it

[@tyson80]

Those Meinl cymbals sure do compliment the D-dubs. amazing playing Matt, Love your style.

[@selfmadespace9353]

Love this song fuck yeah killer performance from one of my favorite drummers!

[@ellismanz7180]

I like where this is going, beast mode every time, and push the boundaries.

[@danielbarnes547]

Yheeow!!! Best drummer alive....

[@gabrielbessa6021]

awesomeness juice. you are my favorite drummer at the moment and i cannot think of anyone better. thanks.

[@breadnaut3087]

Matt you are a godlike machine. Meinl thank you for all the tasty flavors you give us to work with in our musical recipes.

[@epevtolser]

Absolute legend.

[@m0rx_3]

Good lord the heel-toe technique on the bass and hi-hit throughout this song is incredible. Amazing album.

[@mathewreed818]

Not trying to be negative or troll, but he’s not doing heel toe. Ankles and hips. He’s not doing double strokes in this song. Heel toe is used for doubles and hi hat splashing.

[@zeusthedrumlord547]

@@mathewreed818 dropping the whole foot with your hip then snapping with the ankle for the second hit is taught as heel toe commonly, it’s a different term for the same thing. Very few to no professionals that I’ve seen actually do “heel toe” in the sense that you’re saying because the heel hits are weak sauce. Maybe only people who use triggers but I think that’s even uncommon in that regard.

[@jedsantos5821]

could you be talking about him bridging his left foot to hit both the left kick and the close the hi-hat at the same time? like the whole stack section starting at 1:19? if so, I agree 100%!

[@m0rx_3]

@@mathewreed818 yeah what Jed said is more what I mean, just the whole technique applied between the hi hit and left kick is incredible

[@drumsplayerdirtracer7541]

@@zeusthedrumlord547 I've never heard that. That's called "heel up" technique. Heel toe is specifically the heel-toe action that produces a double stroke in a single motion. If you think they're weak, you should look into the scores of professionals who've mastered it and see what you find. Its come a long way. Matt certainly isnt using the technique here, except for maybe a few isolated doubles. None the less, they're two entirely different techniques, applications, and references and they dont really have the same name. Heel up and heel toe are completely different.

[@jonn443]

Those Floor Toms sound FANTASTIC!!!!

[@pawz007]

Played this video on my phone with the studio album version playing on a my car stereo...all I can say is this man is a precision machine 🙇‍♂️

[@drummingninja1065]

Ever been so inspired yet defeated at the same time? - Me every time I watch him play.

[@dobbydumbledore8002]

I purchased the full transcription My mind just exploded!

[@WilmersondaSilva]

That part between 0:00 and 5:03 is insane!

[@snackpack2191]

Every song on this album is it’s own little adventure. Just love it. Stellar moves Matt

[@byrondormus898]

Less than a minute was enough to love this sick video..song and playing 🤯💥👌❤

[@jamesblack7348]

Absolutely freakin incredible... Matt is crazy off the chain drumming..

[@ashrasmun1]

I think that's my favorite song from the new album :)

[@valuablesandwich]

Thank you for being you, Matt

[@kaas347]

SO much respect to you Matt, for the discipline and commitment to the purity of the art of rhythm. You're bending the space-time continuum, it's amazing to watch.

[@gamertd4093]

His bass drum hits are so crisp at all times it’s all I can hear holy crap. The extraneous fills on top just follow the lead of how perfectly deliberate the bass is and damn it’s so satisfying

[@emptycloud2774]

This album is art.

[@VicDrums83]

He's achieved ultra instinct on the drums. Unreal.

[@danielhuang2488]

you are the best drummrer of our generation period

[@tamarockstar45]

Open hi-hat and kick drum with the same stroke of the left foot is pretty cool. Such creativity. Love it.

[@yeti4269]

One week and I get to hear this man do this live

[@2an_sound]

uhhh the hi-hat work is incredible man

[@tannerkaurudar1213]

Amazing as usual. My favorite drummer of all time

[@felixthefearless1886]

I’m thankful that I get to experience these revelations of drum mastery in real time as they are released. What a time to be alive.

[@kennethbiondikharsyntiew4329]

The more I watch the drum videos, the more I’m diggin the new album. It grows!!!

[@Gwarrar02]

His left foot with both pedals is pretty fucking amazing.

[@vat_1989]

The part from 1:19 to 1:45 is breathtaking, Matt is a beast

[@TomDrums94]

Sick! Hoping for Thoughts and Prayers, that track is insane too!

[@Iamcrago]

Bro I would cry 😂

[@Mr3ff]

It's a really moving piece. I'm sure he'll get to it and it will be breathtaking.

[@TomDrums94]

@@Iamcrago I would cry too 😂 love that track

[@TomDrums94]

@@Mr3ff yeah man hopefully, I need to see how a human can cover that song in total perfection, and the only one for sure is Mr. Perfection Garstka

[@thelobster7277]

He did a play through for every song on the album so it will be released eventually

[@nicholasvanvechten5458]

Can’t wait to see you guys live this month!!

[@hugemetalfan6664]

This song is SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! What an amazing album you guys put out!!!!!!

[@JeefMcQueef]

Hey Matt, been drumming on and off for 30 years and you are a true inspiration and a shot of pure adrenaline. I jist downloaded your transcripts and hope to one day get some one on ones. Your understanding of insane time signatures and changes is second to none.

[@J_Z666]

finally no triggers only the natural sound

[@cameronskye94]

Matt makes it look so easy! Perfect accompaniment to this insane style of guitar playing.

[@landonjones676]

Such and underrated, overlooked drummer. One of the greats for sure.

[@sierrrrrrrra]

Watching this makes me inspired to be alive.... such beautiful art..... thank you so much

[@lkwalden7]

Would have made for a great live opening song. Grateful to get to see them again regardless. What insane musicians.

[@BlastibatoR]

Always look and sound so tight, great job man. Love your vids, love your drumming.

[@rodriguebalian2201]

My God Matt,woooowwwwwwwww,that was dangerous,alll the best and thank you for your music and talent !

[@Notafanofisreal]

You are the best drummer alive dude. I have only ever played a drum set casually and watching you play is insane..

[@Cynthipede]

The creativity & execution are out of this world!!!

[@bracket0398]

I like watching this guy play how he does. Enough energy to get the crasiness done beautifully but in such a gentle and artful process. Haven't played since college days myself but still kinda wish I learned and played more like Matt.

[@Phenix777]

😍😍😍🔥🔥🔥Matt please give us a cymbal rundown!!!! PLEASE!!!!

[@cilionheart]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6vFpIxsja2Jrac&t

[@Phenix777]

@@cilionheart cymbals. Thank you tho

[@cilionheart]

Temporal Cymbals: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJfWe61pbb55ea8&t

[@lerrynhawke3375]

Thats the best meinl sound I've ever herd

[@nickbeattie3077]

By and far my favorite drummer. Creativity is off the charts to go with the ridiculous skill and technique!

[@msharpashotr]

YOU are one of the best musicians that has ever lived!

[@siuleopouesi5794]

Damn! Those drums sound amazing!!!!

[@TheDerpp]

Just saw you guys in Hampton last night, fucking unbelievable. I think Matt should be on an elevated platform, I was so stoked to see him annihilate that kit but he was kinda hard to see. Listening to AAL is one thing but seeing them do this flawlessly in person is fucking wild

[@damnnargles]

Matt is on another plane, he just makes the complicated look so simple. I wanted to see what he played in one particular section, I slowed it down, pressed play and thought "maybe I didn't press 0.50. Turns out I had, it was just the fact that even slowed down Matt was quick and smooth. Great video, great performance.

[@notsure1969]

The skill on display here is beyond comprehension.

[@AnthonyLETSPARTY]

such a flex with the "no edits" graphic. i love it.

[@gkrrob]

Matt Gartska is the best drummer in the world.

[@jfehr3]

My brains hurts. That was amazing.

[@juliusCR3]

My favorite cut on the album… I think. 👊

[@jakefernstrumdrums]

Absolutely ridiculous as always. One of the greatest to ever do it🙌🏻🔥❤️🐐🐐

[@trismurray]

Just fantastic.

[@sufddd]

His clothes match what he’s playing perfectly!

[@JP-Gurley]

I love this song, perfect opening to a killer album

[@chrisfranklin4061]

Matt, so sick! Another killer composition and performance. The fact that only 66k people (still a great amount!) are subscribed blows my mind.

[@ARDrummer]

Amazing stuff as always!

[@Syine]

I can feel my brain melting - this is AMAZING

[@davidreese1044]

Would have to be my favorite drummer nowdays

[@brianhostler2399]

Mushrooms and AAL is a must. Each album is an adventure. Love you guys ❤️

[@mendellee]

the slightly different pitched cymbals in 3:41-3:52 really elevates that whole section and says a lot about the care that you have for your set up and how you use it. I hope you keep exploring those nuances in the future, i expect like 6 new cymbal stacks for the next album 😁

[@fumetsudragons418]

This, ladies and gentlemen, is what Hard Work and Dedication looks and sounds like!

[@user-yk8ot2yy4u]

Amazing!!!

[@HWK4LFE76]

That song is great!!!

[@bricks9082]

I love the fact that you now play on coated heads. Beautiful...

[@icadrums]

Wow! Amazing! 🔥

[@Distinguished_Djentlemen]

The Atlanta show was so wild bro thanks for the vibes!🤟🏾🤘🏾