Matt Garstka "Gordian Naught"

Full transcription of the album is available on my website:
matt-garstka.myshopify.com
Cymbals from Left to Right:
10” Meinl Jazz Splash
14” Meinl Equilibrium Hats
18” Meinl Extra thin Jazz Crash
10”/8” Meinl Temporal Stack II
18” Meinl Extra Thin Hammered Crash
22” Meinl Equilibrium Ride
20” Meinl Equilibrium China
10”/10” Meinl Temporal Stack I
16”/18” Meinl Fat Stack
18” Meinl Foundry Crash

[@JA-io8nx]

I thought I'd try to play this on drums but then I decided to try something much easier like quantum physics

[@_mccarter]

Facts 😂

[@Blake-st6ri]

Yeah, really!! 😂😂

[@vanntooot]

I was trying to learn one of their songs and got frustrated so I decided to take a break called med school

[@laurensdegroote8970]

Seeing as mankind's current grip on quantum physics seems understandable for a relatively large amount of university students and some of the smarter laymen, what Garstka is doing is genuinely harder than quantum physics.

[@salbausone]

I think I learned calculus trying to play this

[@davidwagner5583]

When I watch Matt drum I feel like I don’t even play the same instrument😂

[@QuietSnake-xs5vx]

Took the words right out of my mouth

[@LordBacchus777]

This. Not a way to describe it that's more accurate than this.

[@jleffel6969]

Put the trombone down

[@de-ja-vu]

good one

[@franklepo7192]

🤣🤣🤣 #metoo

[@MateusAsato]

Insane. Big fan, Matt!

[@drummusician]

Thank you brother! I am a big fan of you too! Amazing sound

[@andreaurelianotomaz1184]

COLLAB PLEASE!!!!

[@luqmanr]

now kith

[@Notafanofisreal]

@@drummusician Holy hell would I love to see you two play together. Please make that happen. I would be so stoked.

[@thetremoloco4801]

Wow when a great comments on another it’s like the gods are talking :)

[@YGODYX]

beginner's luck

[@tdrum21]

That stack splash groove is dope round 1:45 🔥

[@GregoryJamesMusic502]

It really is, I had a moment the first time I saw that haha

[@jaymraider6607]

Took the words out of my mouth. I have not seen this done before.

[@imvengeance666]

Yooo I was tripping too lol

[@donut_pudding2420]

Yeah, so good, it took me back to Death's "Symbolic" song where Hoglan is doing double rides.

[@coreyw5981]

I almost couldn't believe it was real haha

[@Onamorata]

This shit RIDICULOUS. I say this with complete confidence… matt Is one of the best drummers in the world. I cannot believe what I see and hear. It’s just next next next level stuff

[@johncena123298]

Totally agree 💯💯💯 o

[@TheGrassimo]

Hes like Eminem of rap for drums.

[@pathaleyguitar9763]

@@TheGrassimo lol wtf type of compliment is this??

[@Onamorata]

@@TheGrassimo well considering he was white boy doing gospel chop videos… for sure haha

[@davidpaz4119]

Agreed...after hearing his work with Casimir Liberski, I knew he would eventually get to GOAT status. I know that's pretty subjective, but I think he will be a serious contender to top a lot of people's lists.

[@KenOfNeth]

2:20-2:32 literally makes me shed a tear of joy and amazement.

[@MrDarkstar620]

There's nothing like a Jazz background for any musician. :)

[@Paphatten]

Exactly that section stood out to me as a drummer on this track ... damn that is stank, so smooth Matt!

[@senorsmile]

Seriously the best part of the song.

[@biodigitaljazz1]

As hyperbole as you sound I 100% agree. This section stood out to me on the first listen.

[@eatingtrees9077]

Honestly one of the most amazing things I've seen on drums. They way its all loose feeling, but he pays in perfect unison with that bit of guitar that comes in, and then that crazy fast hi-hat/ride thing. I hope I can someday play that cleanly.

[@tonyjavirod]

4:29 that’s the most relaxed blast beat ever

[@puddin432123]

Is this the first blast beat in an AAL song? I don't remember them having any before.

[@nicolasmejiao.2272]

@@puddin432123 Inamorata off the 1st album. Cannot recall another one 🤷‍♂

[@headbangercani]

@@puddin432123 in the song To lead you to an overwhelming question (His second album) appears blast beats.

[@BradsGonnaPlay]

Not trying to detract from your comment too much but blast beats aren’t crazy hard after a few months of good practice. That being said, Matt plays that part (and the whole song) like a well oiled machine.

[@vaishnavplays203]

@@puddin432123 Its the second one.

[@Strellock]

Matt"s a messy painter but an incredible drummer! 😁

[@notsure1969]

Fucking lol!

[@davidbonar5190]

good that he isn't the jackson pollock of drums :D

[@vaishnavplays203]

haha

[@stedmanhalliday]

someone called this look "fruity pebbles in milk" cause of the white shoes and I haven't stopped thinking about it for days

[@drewl5221]

Definitely making happy trees out of them drums though

[@davidash5364]

I’d be afraid to know how many times I’ve watched this video so far.

[@FabioUtzig]

The guy keeps improving, at this pace he soon won't need his painting side hustle anymore!

[@Racerdew]

Loving these painting jokes 😆

[@Marta1Buck]

@@Racerdew where does it come from?

[@Racerdew]

@@Marta1Buck Just that Matt always wears these bright multicolor outfits, it looks as if he could work as a painter

[@TemporallyChallenged]

This is so stupidly good I literally felt tears well up in my eyes at some parts. I'm not even kidding. Matt Garstka is and always will be emblematic of what it means to immerse oneself in - and become masterful of, a particular craft. I've learned so much more than just drum-related stuff from this guy, if I'm honest. May we all aspire to respect and develop our creativity in such a fashion.

[@molon_labe_4420]

Thank you Matt, what a master of your craft. Can’t wait for the full album!

[@drewjonespdx]

sometimes when I see such things as this, I cant help but burst out in laughter and glee. made and expressed by a human.

[@marioherrerosiles727]

Never ending evolution of the Garstka, I’m happy to be a witness.

[@Genghis_Sean_]

This is shaping up to be my favorite since Weightless. Its a little darker and heavier than the past 2 releases

[@CamB00drummer4LYF]

all those singles on the right foot are CLEAN. and the stack work is just next level. SHEESH. Go Matt!

[@lhardingham9014]

My jaw is dropping so far it's digging itself into the ground. This may be the best drum video on KZbin. Matt has me bopping my head while also hearing every little detail. His technicality and skill is insane.

[@dgomez6778]

you can't even headband properly to this

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Lol Thomas lang would eat this guy for breakfast

[@bear458ziif-s]

@@dcmastermindfirst9418 this is one of their easier songs and you're also forgetting that this is music. they could be more technical but it wouldn't make for good songs. thomas is a great drummer but it's technical for the sake of being technical.

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

@@bear458ziif-s So? Lang is still an objectively superior drummer than Garska.

[@bear458ziif-s]

​@@dcmastermindfirst9418 no, it is not objective because this is music. the sole intent of music and drumming is not to be technical. there is a difference between a showcase and something that's more of a human expression. you can play complex rhythms and patterns but if the music doesn't speak to you then none of that matters.

[@ericsolis8691]

One of the most easy going, approachable, and humble human beings out in music folks! M.G. is the guy!!!

[@time2k12]

That "crawling through sludge" when the main part comes around slightly slower around 3:28 is a nice touch you all did...some umph!! Can't wait til this album drops, addicted to all 3 tracks so far!!

[@badoocee1967]

Always a pleasure to listen and learn. Thanks Matt.🤙

[@kubbe2170]

The blast beat detail is so great! the song have a lot of great feelings.

[@CarlosGonzalezIV]

This HAS to be HANDS DOWN the absolute best drum play through of any song to date on YT.

[@de-ja-vu]

He has other equally amazing works ...

[@ryukan250]

Settle down, there's plenty of other crazy shit out there

[@justbrowsing5279]

Couldn't agree more.

[@justbrowsing5279]

@@de-ja-vu No doubt, but this one takes the cake.

[@Carriesaglock]

Nope

[@OccamsBeard]

I like the fill at 4:10, the only part of the whole song I could actually play 😂 love the track, can't wait for the album!

[@caboose39134]

It's even more insane if you double check the official track! Gartska actualy does some CRAZY micro rhythmic shit. He's purposefully ahead of the pocket but hes tempo is slower, and he hits the "ee-ah-one' like...bang on. Super sick.

[@bijikedelai]

with the last release i always wonder "man, how they're gonna top this one out?" and boy Matt is deliver again with the new one. The new album is gonna be crazy

[@johnkenn1608]

Watching your playthroughs is 100% the best way to listen to all of your music. Keep it goin' my brotha!

[@AB-pe5nl]

At 1:42, this part is beyond sick. Great work at making every other drummer hate themselves lol! You duh GOAT!

[@brianburke46]

Beyond sick is an understatement

[@myoozek]

I learned today that youtube now has a feature that shows you the most replayed part of a video. I learned this because I skimmed back to 1:40 and then saw that it was the most replayed part of the video. It's like watching Neo and Mr Smith go at it but slowed down so us peasant humans can comprehend. I bet Matt hears the world at 240fps.

[@AB-pe5nl]

@@myoozek LMAO, beautiful descriptions. But ayyyyy that must mean I got good taste.

[@detonationcruster]

The more I watch this the more I love it. That end is heavy AF.

[@mellindrums]

This song really showcases those new stacks you have. Can't wait of the album!

[@GabrielGuevaraDrums]

What an absolute beast. Pure display of power and coordination, finesse and dynamics.

[@Nefville]

How in gods name was I not subscribed to this channel? Matt is a master of the backbeat. And this music speaks to me, I must know more...

[@infinithree6969]

Recommended by a guitarist friend of mine... ...man... I can watch and listen from this guy the whole day 🥰🥰🥰

[@chrisgore8597]

Matt Beefstka kills it again, amazing performance and composition! Looking forward to the new album!

[@SchreiberDrums]

Oh good morning, me. 🤯 Ready for bed again already after this. See ya March 30th in Denver. 🤘 I'll be the short fella, near the front, with a hwite t-shirt signed by "Mett Golstks", keeping a clear view of the bongos, standing still and staring like Alan counting cards in The Hangover.

[@itsdatboi340]

These are exactly the kind of drum videos i wanted to see as a kid. Clear shots of the most important elements from each section make understanding a method so much easier, literally seeing how the kit setup makes different styles flow. I love it

[@thesquillyexperience9442]

some of those fills and cymbal combos had me mind blown. some of the craziest stuff

[@walpurgisnacht9234]

I swear to unholy fuck...this dude is the best drummer I've ever seen. Matt you have truly innovated this instrument. I watch your videos, and immediately want to practice. Hope I can shake your hand one day.

[@El...Presidente]

Matt. Dude really. You’re a monster brother. Highest of respects for your drumming mastery. 🤘🏼

[@loganrosenthal4568]

I love drummers that humble everyone else with every second of their playing, and Matt is definitely top 3

[@Skvffed]

I can't believe my eyes. This is Godlike. The amount of skill needed to be able to play this properly is just insane. This entire track is disgusting and your kit sounds phenomenal just to top it off. Thank you for melting my mind, dude.

[@riledup8377]

Saw you live at the skyway theatre on may 15th. Don't know if you remember, but the solo you played during on impulse ingrained itself on my memory. I was in the front row directly in front of tosin, but staring at you playing the whole time. Thanks for inspiring me and making "the perfect pair" of sticks!

[@johnhowetv]

I've been breathing air for 30 years and I still can't do that as well as Matt drums damn

[@UndoingRuin08]

just remember dude, you must exhale at times so that you can also inhale at times, but not at the same time

[@Post-Alone]

So glad I found this dude 🤘

[@Tyler-hq5lm]

Matt, you might be the most talented drummer to ever live on planet Earth.

[@timothymills1351]

Matt is every bit as talented and well versed in all genres. He has the same independence abilities as Virgil but younger. Not comparing but the independence and preciseness Virgil has Matt has. Thats a non-bias opinion. Just looking at both drummers line of work and in different situations. Matt can play anything.

[@ivangalvez6568]

Glorious stack fill between min 01:39 and 01:41, the whole track is INSANE!

[@Kanchesnes]

It is amazing to write this part... it is just insane to record it that clean.

[@randyhochuli4540]

dude, you have been blowing my mind for years now. This is unreal. thanks

[@beyondbetrayal]

Production, playing, sounds, ideas. Tough to tell what's the best when they are all at this level. My brain is slightly melted and I had to watch a few times. Amazing!

[@beyondbetrayal]

1:40- 155 or so was INSANE!

[@theflymo]

I'm so relieved- Matt also buries the beater, which means it's OK for me to.

[@tetrahedrontri]

No one in music will be able to ignore Animals As Leaders for the foreseeable future, and no one will be able to deny Matt being an integral part of their sound and writing process. Fucking insane.

[@superjarri]

I'm happy that Matt decided to take a break from painting his house to record that!

[@HotQahwe]

cant wait to see yall again this spring

[@ruicarneiro1640]

Absolutely cracked.

[@BJSTIXX]

I thought i had a feeling of how he played this but after the fill at 1:39, I ate my words entirely

[@Imaddrums]

Bro I thought the SAME thing its completely different from how I imagined it LMAO bro is Literally like sweeping its so sick

[@Hotshot97]

Gartska playing can explain physics in perfect beat matching and groove distinction in intervals. Have never seen such technical play ever.

[@codycouch9994]

This new album is so incredible Matt, congratulations. It's so evident you've been working hard . I'm happy for your health and thank you for this album and the work you put in.

[@waltysalamander]

That groove at 2:18 is unreal

[@throne__]

He inspired me to quit the drums😁👍

[@JTCGuitar]

Ridic in every right way!

[@marcolee7120]

Don’t tell me this is gonn be a thing people are gonna start saying

[@AceX1337gaming]

+1 person that makes me never want to play again. 😂 that's insane, you are one of the greats!

[@jayped5276]

Already added to my Spotify playlist. Absolutely crisp sound, your kit makes me salivate excessively.

[@nehemiasgonzalez6989]

No doubt in my mind Matt is the best drummer in the world.

[@solongsidekick2]

Matt Halpern from periphery is better

[@Gamebred-Nightmare]

@@solongsidekick2 Clearly you're not a drummer hahaha

[@solongsidekick2]

@@Gamebred-Nightmare I am. For almost 20 years. Been listening to ABR and Periphery for over 10 years now too. Garstka is technical no doubt but Halpern has more ability and is more diverse/soulful and expressive at the same time. And both aren’t as good as pretty much any of the Black Dahlia Murder’s drummers when it comes to technicality and speed

[@beyondbetrayal]

​ You just here to troll then? lol. There isn't "better" in art. only different. I personally don't follow people just to post other drummers names I like more on other peoples posts. to each their own.

[@Bawls-]

@@solongsidekick2 in terms of what he's done in the genre (also considering how diverse he is in other genres), he's objectively one of the best on the world stage for drummers.

[@damianwilliams6240]

By the grace of God I randomly just picked this video

[@jamster160510]

Idk how many times I’ve come back here 🔥🔥🔥🎃

[@rsmith462]

Yeah .... I've had to watch this like 50 times over the last few days to soak it in. Good lord, Matt. Your work is just unreal, well done.

[@williamrobbs]

How is Matt not considered the best drummer on the face of this fucking earth?!

[@morbidmanmusic]

lots of reasons, actually.

[@thatdrummeroz654]

Matt, seriously man. I'm currently working on P2 of your Mastering Time Series. Can you put up your workout plan as a new lesson? You've gotten insanely strong. Absolutely badass drummer marinated in the craft!

[@pacoside1092]

Mastering Time is awesome, can't wait for part 3

[@KirkWilson86]

Who the hell can comprehend the odd time signatures that Matt and the boys write? Not me. Not me. Still, AAL is one my favorite bands and I'm in awe of the skills of those three boys

[@craigmoran893]

Glorious Metal!!! Badass playing.

[@jackmaguire1158]

There are really only a handful of drummers in the world who can play at approximately this level, and I can’t say I know of any drummer who is actually technically superior to Matt. I think he’ll be remembered as one of the GOATs. Buddy Rich, Vinnie Collaiuta level of importance.

[@zacmilne9423]

Dave Weckl

[@El...Presidente]

In prog rock I’d say you gotta give it to 1. Neil Peart, 2. Tomas Haake and Matt can easily get on 3. Matt is #1 from his generation and for sure #1 today.

[@axicon2232]

Morgan Agren

[@xibbit6322]

@@El...Presidente where does Gavin Harrison stand

[@jackmaguire1158]

@@xibbit6322 incredible, air-tight, really tasteful and creative player. But he’s not where Garstka is technically

[@patrickprotzman2407]

This song is so primitive and sacrificial sounding. Matt's performance is so sharp and barbaric! Always a treat.

[@dorfinhorg9458]

How does AAL simultaneously sound like the inside of a car engine and a primal sacrificial ceremony?

[@mperstl13]

@@dorfinhorg9458 The magic of music lies in the inability to assign one-sided feelings to it

[@SDMF71]

Two words- transcendent player. I can not wait to see this LIVE on 4-1!!!!

[@matthoffman8162]

And this is why we love Matt. And also Tosin and Javier.

[@johnmichaelwindham]

This is the 1st time I've seen him do a blast beat in AAL.. fuckin badass!

[@Profmillar]

It's been out for 2 minutes and Chris Morino has already watched it twice.

[@russbode449]

That kid is a beast too! Thought of him too when I saw this. If he’s got the paperwork, expect a cover any second now. What a daunting task!

[@BabaGhanoushMusic]

We’re witnessing Matt go from one of the greats to one of the best.

[@justbrowsing5279]

This is more like witnessing Matt sitting on his throne (see what I did there) atop the world, and casually proclaiming no one can ever come close.

[@dak1124]

Thank you for posting this so quickly ❤️

[@shantypiker41367]

Probably the only double kick drummer who has a wicked right kick foot.

[@JacobSteik]

Most pro metal drummers dominant foot is better than most cause we have to play 16ths one footed on a regular basis

[@OscarNoguerar]

Sin miedo a nada, BACK TO THE PRIMITIVE, que brutal el DOBLE BOMBOOOOOOO, DEJEN EL MIEDO BATERISTAS AROUND THE WORLD

[@lonelydriver1421]

This session is pure hypnosis

[@Hodnsacksimon]

the living drum machine at it again! man, i feel so bad yet so inspired watching you play. the technicality and creativity is just insane. fav drummer in existence, keep it up matt. we love you!

[@matthewgonano636]

i can appreciate this. There is more a melodic approach now and holding back a bit which i appreciate. it added a lot more flavor and texture to these new songs , where as past songs i found it was just technical wankery

[@ckokomo808]

I’d agree. There were a few off of madness of many that I really enjoyed melodically but most I find is technical for the sake of it…which isn’t a bad thing, but I find it similar to listening to classical music exercises. I think they’re figuring out their “song” writing skills. These past singles have been on another level as “songs” rather than simply technical display of their abilities (which, tbh I love)!

[@matthewgonano636]

@@ckokomo808 awesome I feel the same

[@sylvestercalzone1003]

I would sell my family to be able to play 2:20-2:35

[@robbledot7290]

practice more

[@subsume7904]

If you practice enough you will be able to sell your family one day

[@dragosilie9240]

This gave me a good chuckle

[@calinpetrescu]

Brilliant! Always a thrill watching you killing those drums! I can hardly wait to see Vienna on your Touring List for this year!

[@richwatts8824]

Stunning performance. Matt's an absolute machine, I am really enjoying working through the lessons from his website, they're great and my playing has improved loads. Cheers Matt!

[@asafaraujo3173]

Your IQ is light years away from any other drummer🔥

[@ElRubio864]

Amazing playing as always, but am I the only one that dont like those crancked up highs?? Just doesnt sound good... my ears

[@DaTLMusic]

The snare feathering 😩 so good

[@codycouch9994]

Had to comment again, I'm about 4 listen throughs of the new album. It's some of your best work and some of the best drumming I've ever heard. Idk where you go from here but I'm excited to see/hear. Thank you again for all the hard work and for pushing drumming forward.

[@NickyByloo]

This mix sounds very compressed unfortunately. Otherwise amazing as always.

[@bighouse5804]

Not hating, but anyone else kinda feel like all the parts are starting to sound the same between songs? To be fair it's probably true for all drummers to use ideas and phrases a lot - I guess that's what makes a players "signature" Have to say though that last minute or so is really sick!

[@patriotschannel1336]

You are an inspiration, Matt!

[@edgarocampo3710]

This is amazing, see Matt playing is gorgeous

[@andritti]

Damn, mad respect for Matt!!! I say, GOD DAYUUUUUUM!!!!

[@dgomez6778]

i'm so fucking glad people nowadays have free access to watch legendary drummers like this. Back then my dad had to pay 60 bucks to watch bill ward drum cam videos

[@WiseDRGN]

This is just great fun. Thank you for reminding me why I became a drummer. The sheer joy of just grooving and playing. Absolute madness on this set matt. Great song. Great drums. Thank you.

[@linfablu4187]

Pure art, thank you so much for sharing it❤️

[@juliusCR3]

Matt is THE MAN.

[@idn]

The blast beat at the end made me laugh :)

[@bylertrown]

Matty has to be the most talented and mind blowing drummer on the earth. just absolutely amazed every time i see him do anything.

[@ScottVeggies]

I love drummers like this man. You have to be a different breed of human to hear and play music like this. It's like your internal clock has to be ticking at a slowed down pace in order to get in between beats like this.