Meinl Cymbals - Matt Garstka - "Thoughts and Prayers" by Animals As Leaders

Animals As Leaders - "Thoughts and Prayers"
See demos for the cymbals in Matt's setup: bit.ly/3DrfCoB
10” Byzance Vintage Splash
14” Byzance Equilibrium Hihats
18” Byzance Jazz Extra Thin Crash
8”/10” Artist Concept Model Temporal Stack 1
18” Byzance Traditional Extra Thin Hammered Crash
22” R&D Ride
Artist Concept Model Fat Stack
20” Byzance Vintage Equilibrium China
10”/10” Artist Concept Model Temporal Stack 2
18” Byzance Traditional Thin Crash
Transcriptions available at:
matt-garstka.m...

[@AnEnemyAnemone1]

Thoughts and prayers for the family and friends of that performance, because he killed it

[@stoopit123]

Underrated Not funny just genius

[@Tylerstrodtman]

This is one of my top ten favorite KZbin comments of all time

[@Tminus89]

Just read this for the 1st time since I didn't check comments yet, this is pure gold

[@Yvo19]

👌👏

[@kylekinney9455]

GOÐ mode

[@andyham6094]

Garstka really changed animals for the better. Don’t get me wrong they were always great and navene is a sick drummer but garstka brought the jazz/fusion element to animals and to metal honestly. Before animals had mostly fast shreddy parts with not too many dynamics and programmed drums but now they are just in a league of their own. They still maintain their heavy metal and shreddy foundation but add these awesome dynamic melodic parts in there as well.

[@Iejoshy]

Not a single song on this album that doesn't completely blow my mind, this album has some of the best drumming I think I've ever seen in all of music.

[@seancompton5393]

The only thing wrong with your comment is that I didn't say it first

[@fdgfdf2342000]

On any aal album*

[@Blk5596]

This album is perfection

[@NemoK]

Yes, even the "filler" song Asahi is such an amazingly atmospheric song. It invokes images of cold grey deserts of sand and empty concrete buildings. Desolation, but peaceful, calm, and beautiful.

[@BurnTheNuance]

@@fdgfdf2342000 Nah, he meant what he meant. Don't be that guy.

[@War_Maker]

Matt practically did a whole set for MEINL seeing as he's wearing the same dye attire throughout this series of videos. Lucky SOBs. Parrhesia is filled with good tracks and seeing Matt performs the drum parts live makes them all the more impressive. Thoughts & Prayers may not be my favorite off the album, but it's still a solid melody.

[@kirjian]

I mean... it's possible he wore the same clothes to preserve the continuity in the videos, recording over many days, but I wouldn't put it past Matt Garstka to nail these recordings in a single day. He does play them live in concerts :)

[@drummusician]

@@kirjian yes sir, filmed in one day:)

[@bigbogh]

@@drummusician as expected 🔥 such an amazing inspiration, a joy to watch, keep it up 🙏

[@BirchKing8]

@@drummusician my brain would need a bath! 🤯

[@DuffyLONER64]

I doubt all of the songs on the album were filmed here, as he also filmed some in his own studio for Sumerian Records. If memory serves me correctly, I think this is now all of the songs on the album. Edit: My memory *does* serve me correctly! Of course Asahi doesn't count because that doesn't have drums, but he's done all of the other songs.

[@Ryguypie17]

Took me a few rewatches to notice the insane foot change at 3:20. He switches from the double bass, to the hi hat pedal back to the double bass. Add that on top of it already being an insane drum part! It's things like this that cement Matt as my favorite drummer

[@zephyr30]

HE MISSED ONE HIT ON THE SPLASH! HE IS HUMAAAN! XD

[@eddiegekko420]

I thought I heard/ saw that too xD

[@eddiegekko420]

Doesn’t let it phase him ONE BIT tho!

[@uglypineapple03]

Idk about y'all, but I think that Matt is looking continuesly more like a Sensei and I never want this development to end He truly is a drumming sensei

[@alexlopez515]

Lol

[@zer0dave]

Indeed! Sometimes I get genie vibes, though, too lol

[@terrorrrein]

I like how he is simultaniously turning into an aquarel painting

[@MFink-oq5hy]

What will his final form be?

[@gabriellescott7035]

I love how it’s always one take Matt is such a BEAST

[@ghostof1898]

While it may be true this was one take. I bet there were others.

[@Strellock]

In a podcast hosted by Craig Reynolds, Matt talked briefly about this - he'll play the song a couple of times, just in case, and then pick a take. Seems like the pro thing to do.

[@ghostof1898]

@@Strellock that’s usually how you record music in general whether you are a pro or an amateur.

[@punxsutawneyphil3944]

@@Strellock Yes, but after the additional takes he usually uses the first take, because it was already perfect. :)

[@MillsJonEric]

@@ghostof1898 I bet there were thousands of others. At practice. So when you show up at the studio you're ready to murder.

[@marcio1745]

No doubt he’s one of the greatest of all time. I mean…. What he does in EVERY SINGLE song of this album is completely mind boggling

[@LenientProcess]

Matt's playing is stupendous as always, but that china - that may be the best china I've ever heard in 40 years of drumming.

[@gaijinhakase1575]

This song is simply gorgeous, can’t describe it any other way

[@ConnorHammond]

This album was made for Matt, and I'm here for it. I can't get enough of these Meinl videos as they are mixed oh so perfectly. Thanks to everyone involved 👏

[@connorhellberg6397]

Hahaha amazing!!! Definitely in contention for my favorite track off the new record, and from 3:13 - 3:25 Matt literally looks like a robot playing; SO insane

[@walters147]

If I can possess half the talent this man has on drums then I’d be pretty happy. Tried learning “Micro Agressions” and “CAFO” and both songs are endurance tests of memory and precision.

[@daedalus_20v]

Well, I'll say this much. 5 years ago, when I started drumming, I never ever thought I'd be able to play CAFO. I still can't.

[@walters147]

@@daedalus_20v 🤣 I feel ya, I got one section down really well a few months back but I feel like a need a third arm to play some parts still!

[@gaffroman]

I'm mostly there with physical education, but man, even that tune is brutal. Newer stuff is mad!

[@mellindrums]

Matt didn't play on the first two albums so he didn't record CAFO.

[@breadnaut3087]

@@mellindrums Due to him warping time and space when he plays drums, he actually time traveled back to when Misha was programming the drums and told him what to program.

[@astralandreid]

This is my favourite AAL album. A shame that it's so short

[@dak1124]

It is short, but I love it. I think the duration is perfect, by the end of the record I felt like I had endured the best parts of an acid trip lol.

[@emptycloud2774]

It is one of my favourite records in general.

[@marioherrerosiles727]

What an absolute machine. Can’t wait to see them live, come to Copenhagen/Malmo Matt!!

[@AmrddH]

i'm so happy the whole album in regards to drum playthroughs is now online. what a gift. matt is such a beast. parrhesia is def one of, if not THE, album of the year for me.

[@seancompton5393]

💯 percent agreed not a day has gone by since it's release that I haven't listened to at least 1 song

[@jonashellborg8320]

Very cool song by AAL. Matt of course sounds fantastic, and shows what 8h practise days on drums can do. The drumming is technically impressive and the dynamic feel is awesome.

[@Snareric]

That change from 5 to 7 at 1:30 is so smooth.

[@Imaddrums]

This is definitely my fav song off the album, love Matt’s playing on this as well the homie is killing it!

[@dylpykldrums]

best song on the album IMO. I have been waiting for this video to drop. I love how much this shows control and some insanely technically fills during the fast section and then it all comes back. a true PROG masterpiece in my opinion. I really enjoyed this album, the live was show was 10/10 too.

[@hell1515]

Love this whole album! But thoughts and prayers is my jam! 🌠🌅

[@edgeontap]

this is my favorite track on the album. thank you for making these videos, matt. what an absolute treat!

[@layzeesnoozin]

This song is such a sleeper but I think it’s one of the most musical they’ve had. Absolutely insane drum part.

[@danmiller5881]

I still miss the tone of his Tama's, but inspiring playing as always!

[@alexchaix1613]

Total perfection! I love how reflection the combination of the colours on the cymbals of his wearing. Im total fan of Matt!

[@underwhelmer47]

Just would you look at him..... he's meditating on Drums!! Truly a Legend💯🔥

[@zacknight7640]

Underrated comment, made me chuckle

[@DarthPew]

Matt Garstka literally became John Petrucci on drums

[@evanfrentzos]

Underrated comment

[@bugrapekdogan]

I love all the songs on this album, but this song has something unique that makes you feel exactly like this 0:09

[@TyronTention]

Yea, I think this is my favorite song just because of how beautiful the melody is. So ethereal and serene.

[@DannyTOG]

My favorite track off the album

[@deanplaysdrums6689]

fml

[@gregoryjean4175]

I just love seeing when a musician just becomes the song. Matt is definitely that musician. Every beat, every accent, every transition through time signatures, It’s all him. He’s just so awesome to watch

[@Temisonofficial]

Such precision,accuracy and a lot of originality and dexterity in his playing He’s a true musician

[@rayanelkamel6242]

The way he hit the cymbals at 4:37 without even looking shows how much he’s feeling it and that gave me chills..

[@ashrasmun1]

I wasn't really on board when I first heard Monomyth, but it and other songs grew on me over time. I like them now. Nothing special yet, but I guess that's greatly an acquired taste. I really like the relaxed crashing from time to time.

[@boom_shak]

Absolutely amazing! There are not much drummers in that genre playing with that kind of musicallity like Matt does! Love his style and mix from precision and dynamics! Absolutely amazing!

[@McTube2010]

This man it’s not hu-man. Incredible.

[@juliovasquez4484]

Is he Human? seriously

[@just.some.dud3]

The only thing I am unhappy about is I can only like this video one time.

[@tobee_gamer5816]

Welp, we did it All play throughs

[@endtimes814]

One of the best to ever touch the instrument

[@joelvillabon8541]

The most perfect drummer in the world RN.

[@lperseusl]

Matt you're my inspiration to make myself look like im taking a big crap whenever i play the drums

[@Kin0bii]

4:00 - 4:23 is soooo good! The rest of the song too! 🔥🔥

[@BalthazarMaignan]

Always à great day when New Matt content comes 😌

[@marlonvieira8300]

I see this and I conclude that my willing to still playing drum is so huge that cannot make me giving up hahahaha he is a living beast legend..no words for matt

[@JustForFun-dz7ob]

Fuckin wicked

[@keithoutterbridge8782]

cotton balls in the toms

[@JesusLordOfLords455]

Oh wow

[@joeyhathaway8447]

3:21 always makes me crack up 😄

[@senorbeige]

I wonder if this is one of the most didficult AAL beats Gartska has written. I've never seen him so focused before, you can literally see him counting in his head during certain parts. Amazing.

[@fromulus]

Thank you for putting in all the work it must've taken to become such a proficient, complete drummer. The world's ears owe you one.

[@amart23]

I don't think matters one bit if you like this genre, you cannot help but appreciate the level of talent, melodies, musicianship & composition. Stupid good

[@harelsap1]

3:32

[@DonInfierno]

That's so brilliant! But i have a question: what's that white fluffy balls inside the toms?

[@tldw8354]

a wonderfull emotional play. this is only possible, if you, as a drummer, really listen to the music. its the best way to support the song/the band without overdrumming like many other drummers do

[@tldw8354]

@rohanpogii 😅 naaa

[@d3tach3d]

Tosin and Javier must have a secret program they inforce onto the Drummers who joined ASL. It seems the longer they are with the Band, the more they turn into Giga Chads with Their Drumming Skills and Physical Dominance, lol. I swear, They've all collectively gained a 4th Human being in terms of Muscle Mass and Size, haha, - Matt Halpern: Original ASL drummer for a tiny stint during Weightless. Not sure if Matt did any touring or if he just did Studio Sessions. But Im pretty sure Misha brought him in after using DFH for drums to Produce Tosin's first ASL record. Man, DFH was used for Drums on "A Lot" of records by Guitarists back then and it has since changed that whole landscape forever. Anyways, he now in a little unknown band called Periphery - Navene Koperweis: A Legendary Drummer from Animosity who was ahead of the curve even back then. Entheos is Just Insane - Matt Gartska, The Jazz Fusion Mad Scientist and the longest member of ASL, who has probably benefited from the [ASL: Super Soldier] Program the most. I think they pushed him to far and he became a Werewolf by accident. I think he was roughly 150lb soaking wet before the accident. Now he's transformed into a to 230lb+ Beast.

[@davidseres3030]

I don't enjoy the melodic aspect of the song, but I appreciate the creativity and extreme complexity of the arrangement... As for Garstka, excellent drumming...memorizing the arrangement alone is a feat...

[@FrankDeCoster-FrakkeZeroOne]

I'm constantly waiting for Matt's skin to break open and the alien to emerge...

[@musicfan8867]

Anybody holding any body`s beer while their doing this...or outdoing.

[@newxskin7750]

Unedited: showed multiple camera angles cut together.

[@Johnny-cu4zi]

I unliked Animals as Leader's songs from Spotify. Not interested in the music anymore. Been listening to Abiotic and The Contortionist Exoplanet

[@ndzapruder]

Ooooh, cool title! Like when Nargis drowned 140,000 people in three hours when it pushed the Indian Ocean onto the Irrawaddy Delta while your TV was honed in on this SUPER COOL GUY and you have no idea what the fuck I'm talking about because you were 8. Or like when some shit-mouthed mush-skull uses an instrument that people you hate and want dead want to keep in case people who want them dead finally go for it. Party hard! Great skill, btw. I can hear the polyrhythms flowing like kidney stones in the well-stirred soup of notes. Astonishing, really. Hypnotic like boiling water. Seductive like lipstick on cigarette butts spilled in an oily garage. Cool title, though. Very cool title.

[@shoubydrummer8447]

I've waited so much for that

[@chrispape3845]

They fucking played this in Boise last night. It was awesome

[@g.norman1034]

So great to see all the tracks played through…! What an inspiration- and a joy to watch and listen.

[@sterlingarcher2287]

I'm not sure I'm intelligent enough to even listen to AAL... 3:18 is basically the facial expression equivalent of putting one's pinky in the air whilst sipping Darjeeling. In all serious though, I've listened to 5 of the tracks from this album and I've never so much enjoyed being completely lost in trying to count a rhythm.

[@MrPickycat]

Newest Single; Cotton Balls in Your Toms

[@learningisgrowing]

Wen Matt G GetGoodDrums midi pack??

[@raycavazos8927]

Bro is starting to look really buff. Drums are fucking fantasmagorical as always mate.

[@kennethnovath6332]

What is in his mounted toms...? Looks like ping pong balls....lol....or is he using Great Foam for control on his resonant heads??? Looking at this on a small phone, I can't tell what's in there.

[@JuanCastillo-cc1ee]

No sé del lenguaje musical, y en ese sentido menos de los laberintos de la percusión, pero siento, más allá de la rapidez o la ampkitud técnica, un sensación humana, musicalmente hablando, genial. Quizás cuánto en esto sea cerebral, sin embargo, siempre suena un corazón latiendo!

[@AFrames763]

Phenomenal but just because you can doesn't mean you should

[@Magani79]

This album blows my mind

[@heartbeatsdrum]

That 20" China is everything I want a China to sound like.

[@KakoSales85]

Is that cotton balls inside the tons?

[@elij4hdrums]

yeah

[@markyanish1188]

Haha do you buy or make your tye die’s? They are fuckin wonderful

[@anshuvenkateshwaran5324]

anyone else notice the rocks in the rack toms?? im am perplexed and intrigued wtf is man doing w rocks in the racks?

[@funnyfacemanbro]

Best drummer on the planet 🌎

[@eliofiorito7717]

I think I'm going to watch this more than Danny Carey Pneuma

[@carolynway850]

Same some lady's for the rest of us buddy. Jeez...

[@PiTOFDYiNGdrums]

That may be an absolute masterpiece but somehow i really can‘t enjoy this kind of music because i‘m struggling all the time to figure out what‘s going on and that‘s kinda ruining it…

[@TylerHNothing]

please do a video with/without the cotton balls. they look like they're doing nothing in there

[@ApCommunityRock]

!! Rock n Roll my friend have a nice day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@uraharamitchell7250]

I never knew Drew Mcintyre played drums

[@tjgadner8896]

If u told me Matt would look like this 5 years ago I would not believe u

[@ddnte]

The only common thing I have with Matt is the drum rug.

[@PinHeadLarry92]

Looking like Matt Portnoy with the hair and beard lol

[@tward81]

We’re not worthy we’re not worthy we’re not worthy

[@fabianmorkel8327]

if john snow was a drummer

[@boozalm3715]

Faaaark that drum kit and cymbals are nooooice

[@tford1215]

Honestly forgot it was and AAL song until 2:36

[@samlast815]

sounds a bit like mastodon tbh but very good indeed

[@briantopps5638]

can we talk about that dw kit? black and white ebony veneer over the whole drums.

[@c.l.368]

3:08 is heavier than a truckload of anvils

[@puzzlepuddles6712]

this guy is legit praying on the drumset right here

[@mikuspalmis]

I wonder if he's gonna get some color veneers on his teeth that match his outfit.

[@OCryptoTroll]

We all came here for the "2:35 onwards" bit, let's be honest

[@rks29]

So great when he does not "over play" the song!

[@rocketbrothers540]

Are those cotton balls inside the drum shells?

[@zoomlensshow]

I've never seen cotton balls put in toms before