Metal Musician Reacts to ANIMALS AS LEADERS | Monomyth |

My reaction to the HEAVY new song "Monomyth" by Animals as Leaders
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#NikNocturnal #Metal #Reaction

[@NikNocturnal]

*Math is hard*

[@Lateralusaint.]

haha you cant even follow ;)

[@conr.mcmahon]

some guy on the original video analyzed the metric modulations and time signature. its switches between a 9/4 and 6/4 feel throughout phrases and within that, theres a metric modulation that goes 5-7-7-5-5-7. i believe the end is something similar but its in triplets and very confusing

[@amineouariri6787]

Matt too

[@bodabodaguy3193]

Behind it all it’s just rhythm, humans so obsessed with zooming in and out on everything

[@vavra222]

@@fahrul6663 Knowing i will sound like an arrogant kid, i have to say - its his damn channel and he can upload whatever he wants, he owes nothing to you or me.

[@ashaman8567]

The music video is actually a helpful guide on how to mosh and headbang to AAL and actually be on the beat.

[@francescochissale]

Waiting for people actually doing this dance in sync during the track at their sets

[@terminalspines]

@@francescochissale I finally have a good place to wear my "shirtless with long black skirt" outfit

[@joshalicea9870]

Too bad they left the DGD afterburner tour. Literally bought tickets just so I can see AAL

[@krispychicken1429]

Lmfao🤣🤣

[@robertcuff5704]

@@joshalicea9870 same

[@le_potate3861]

Shout out to Voldemort for his sick dance moves.

[@nikipalla]

Hisssss- he who must not be named!!

[@le_potate3861]

@Aadarsh K I think you lack imagination

[@SamWede]

He dance so well he multiplies and grows nose

[@epicdude61388]

@Aadarsh K he lost his nose after a break dancing incident

[@Paolo10692]

Harry Potter is dead.....heheheheee

[@jacksonkauflin8024]

This is one of the most confusing and disorienting songs I've ever listened to. 10/10.

[@meci6625]

I know absolutely nothing about music theory, but i fucking love this band Disorienting is the feeling I feel while listening AAL but in good way

[@lukemadden4434]

My dad is the vocalist

[@zacharyjones4232]

He records music like he fathers his family, absent

[@alee7275]

Underrated comment!!!

[@pavelgj]

I'm sorry.

[@ShitYourself7]

No he's not

[@YuugenSounds]

He's really good, probably the best vocalist I've never seen

[@allan_nightmare]

sounds like Tosin threw his guitar down a flight of stairs and still managed to be in some time signature.

[@dark___passenger7446]

LMAO fr tho

[@harshgrub3181]

'Guitar godhood' in a nutshell.

[@sTeVe-vl3nh]

Haha

[@ignis5650]

lol

[@DrumBoyHG]

The obzen guy really went through it on this one

[@virtueisdead]

this was the comment that got me

[@meci6625]

Obzen guy is just a really white prog fan

[@xJaGG3d]

There was a comment on the music video that totally explained the meaning behind the song to a T: the dude basically described the history of the word Monomyth and explained that it means the course that a hero goes through during mythological journeys to grow, and then went on to point out that there are elements of Madness of Many, Joy of Motion, Weightless, and the self-titled AAL album. After hearing this, and knowing about Tosin and the band members, it's blatant to me that it was 100% intentional to do this. Incredible artistry.

[@foxfiremusic8387]

Right on the money with that holy cow that’s so col

[@Bendrums]

Matt Garstka is just the best

[@mauricemotors8207]

It’s even better he’s BUFF AS FUCK Lol

[@matthewpunk2012]

He's built like a brick house 🤤

[@TheLemonKiller]

What's crazy is he writes all this shit in a program and then learns it. I'd suggest trying to do the same thing with guitar. I primarily wrote in Guitar Pro and the bass line and guitar parts in some things I'd never be able to come up with just playing around. Trying to learn it though. It's a whole nother thing. Mainly because you wrote something that might not be technically possible

[@TheLoneGamerAce]

Matt Garstka is just the BEAT at this point

[@m00n_g0d]

@@TheLemonKiller isn't that how Tim Henson wrote G.O.A.T. and OD on guitar? Thought I read or saw somewhere that he wrote them in MIDI firs and then learned it on guitar

[@nmnate]

Chunky...and definitely abstract. Love the percussion. Pretty funny watching Nik trying to headbang.

[@FrogJuiceJustice]

Red or green?

[@nmnate]

@@FrogJuiceJustice Xmas most of the time :D

[@mrbananaman8032]

Drummer wrote the song per their interview with Rick beato.

[@kirehj_sm]

It's like a mix of the style of their past albums, superb

[@matthewpunk2012]

This screams Ectogenesis imo.

[@cryptyknyk]

I always feel nervous like I'm in a math test listening to Animals As Leaders

[@meci6625]

This might be one of the few times that not knowing music theory actually helps the listening experience? Although I'm pretty sure that if i actually understood what I'm listening to I'd have a better time

[@jmckmedia6377]

I listened to this a handful of times today and Holy shit; Matt Garstka and his displacing the lead hand in the beginning of the song was the biggest wow factor to the beginning of the song for me; not to mention I had no clue when the 1 would come back haha. So refreshing to have new AAL

[@mrbananaman8032]

Mat wrote the song per their recent interview with Rick beato. Tosin and Javier had to figure out what to play on top of the rhythms.

[@leonfrost2829]

Tosin Abasi, Javier Reyes and Matt Garstka out here trying to summon Morpheus ( Primordial Greek god of dreams) Lol! amazing track btw!

[@silusraven7323]

Roman*, Greek equivalent is Hypnos

[@erichthompson1194]

Trying to summon Bophades

[@ganapathigamer3251]

@@erichthompson1194 who's bophades

[@erichthompson1194]

@@ganapathigamer3251 BOPHADES NUTS🥜

[@chevroulette6807]

@@erichthompson1194 got em

[@mikey_dk]

That ending got really Meshuggah-y, I love it

[@matthewpunk2012]

Thisss

[@zacharyjones4232]

Thought the same thing my god

[@blakemaddox3681]

The whole song did for me, especially the beginning and end

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

It sounds almost identical to 'Clockworks'.

[@Sasquatch33]

@@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers Never noticed that, really does sound similar to clockworks intro riff but sped up.

[@tylercarpenter6468]

"It's like percussive physics" is the perfect way to describe it.

[@mikemarcell4385]

Nik: listening to literally anything Also Nik: "bReAkDoWn?"

[@sasakanjuh7660]

This track is FIRE!! I tried to listen to them earlier, but I guess they were too technical for me back then, but now this seems like right up my alley.. I really dig this :)

[@itscott2bee]

It’s mathematically beautiful and all the talent they have is surreal IMO super hype for these guys

[@chancewebb6984]

They got Maynard to dance in their music video. Nice!

[@colbybennett]

I can say I'm pleasantly surprised. Wasn't expecting AAL to put out anything soon.

[@Jt7166]

The thing about math rock that drives me crazy is any of these songs there are 3 or 4 riffs that I wish were like the main riff of a song, rather than riff 1 of 6000 in a song.

[@ethan.branthoover3460]

That's the beauty of it tho 🤟

[@mm31740]

Lol yeah I get what you’re saying, sometimes I hear a sick song with 1 short section of a badass riff that never repeats

[@AXeLSade]

That's what's great about it, it's like a salad bar of inspiration

[@djikari1762]

This isn't math rock. This is Prog Rock/Metal You want actually math rock with mad riffs and shit? Go listen to This Town Needs Guns

[@Jt7166]

@@djikari1762 If it hurts my brain to process what I'm listening too, it's math rock in my book 😂....but I do actually like TTNG too

[@mauriciomartello7310]

I can't wait for the liryc video

[@itsbunch]

Worth the 5 year wait. Song is a masterpiece

[@iwhxiwbdiqbxjdb]

ya'll throw around the word masterpiece way to casually

[@LucaLRyuzaki]

So boring.

[@itsbunch]

@@iwhxiwbdiqbxjdb Pretty much anything AAL makes is a masterpiece* Fixed it

[@itsbunch]

@@LucaLRyuzaki AAL isn't for everyone and that's completely fine lol

[@NN-dc3gc]

@@LucaLRyuzaki could be if looking for catchy chorus or breakdowns.

[@chris123chris82]

Music by musicians for musicians. Epic.

[@joepalladino9257]

Definitely a great amalgamation of old and new blended seamlessly into this masterpiece

[@grimeyshred]

the madness of many had a dark feel even on its more melodic tracks, this track sounds like their most dark most evil track they have done so far. Not the most heavy but most dark. They seem to get more abstract each release. Always gonna be one of my favs

[@declanpovey3948]

Incredible song!! Also love that Nik doesn’t stop the video all the time. He just lets it play out with the odd comment here and there. Best reaction videos.

[@seanstreck3226]

That little groovy "breakdown" in the middle made me feel like a BOO track was gonna smack me soon.

[@brandonjones9848]

Sounded just like BOO haha

[@ApocalypseHere]

I wanna see everyone at AAL shows dancing exactly like this.

[@darenwalker2517]

Music was fire as always and very glad to see an original music video that connected us to the music in an interesting way.

[@APieceOfLiquid]

This is awesome. Can't wait for the new album. Love the main riff. Very Meshuggah.

[@adrianramirez4884]

Peecussive physics is the best explanation Ive heard for AAL

[@solitusproject]

It's 2024 - this song still boggles my mind on a daily basis when listening to Animals, and Nik's reaction is golden retriever tier levels of confuse

[@polynomicscvlt]

we need a 🅿olyphia and Animals as leaders colab

[@lunanimomusic]

My favorite Percussive Physics band.

[@effindave6909]

I don't think AAL will ever get huge due to them being a band that makes music for musicians. They are all god-tier talented but the "normies" aren't gonna get it I don't think. Not saying that's a bad thing in and of itself, just an observation.

[@zacgarcia7164]

they are too abstract to be super well known.

[@rowdyruu8275]

not wrong tbh; i would play AAL at work out loud and most if not all disliked them unless they played guitar/bass.

[@jerrodgamble5686]

I’m not a musician but I love music and can appreciate the talent. I love AAL

[@charliewenthe4411]

Physical education was pretty big I thought, same with cafo. I see what you are saying though, stuff like this won't reach as many people

[@ItsSauIGoodman]

Yeah I cant stand it actually. But I agree they're all stupid good

[@joaocasqueira5075]

When he said 'it's like percussive physics'... I felt that.

[@Spoofaged]

Those dancer dudes look like an Adam Jones creation. I dig it

[@petrackio]

someone: which time signature is the song? animal as leaders: yes't

[@colbybennett]

NEW FREAKING IMMINENCE NIK TOTAL BANGER

[@samwilson2250]

Yo Nik, you need to take a look into a band called breathing theory. They released a song not to long ago called collapse, and man it is a roller coaster. You will literally just wonder what you are listening to then get exploded by heaviness during the chorus. They are really a great band.

[@Batsianouski]

Sounds like Tosin having a Born of Osiris times nostalgia

[@thegunganaficionado]

Nik you should release a metal a cappella album of all those beautiful sounds you make

[@pocketpunch9920]

You should react to "Thoughts and prayers". It's probably the most underrated track on the entire album.

[@hosteggaming9081]

seems like no underrated track from them at all at this moment bro

[@Rxbandit421]

Yo new animals as leaders let’s gooo. And you with dean that’s sick af too

[@vashusan1984]

From the first time I ever heard these guys I was hooked. Just great to listen to, that being said, I can't get anyone I know into it.

[@brandonwalker3056]

Seeing them in Denver @ The Mission in two weeks. Stoked AF!!!

[@JacobMartin]

3:12 “are we in?” **confused vibing**

[@WrekuiemForAMeme]

That face at the end. Satisfied confusion. That's AAL all-over.

[@thechariot100]

My impression is that Tosin is just playing the exercises. Which he somehow connected into a song

[@giodruma99]

And this is how the multiverse was created in the prog world. The guy from the cover of Obzen by Meshuggah lands in an AAL video.

[@Diiego_Oa]

Polyrythm Moshpit 👽

[@utbdoug]

Everyone used to ask me how you dance to Djent.. This is the perfect video for it!

[@pv-nic7755]

The best part of being subscribed to Nic Nocturnal is that I find amazing music that I most likely wouldn't of found if I wasn't subbed.

[@joelprince1434]

the music video literally teaches you how to headbang to this song

[@damianserwatka5828]

like dude imagine their live gigs people in the mosh pit would solve math equations instead of kill each other

[@m00n_g0d]

The beginning of the second half shot me straight back to "Wave of Babies" and my brain made me want to start hopping off my feet (still best djent song ever written tbh)

[@ccaskey24]

i was so looking forward to seeing them in hollywood. hopefully soon

[@FourTHat3]

Came for the music, stayed for the mezmerizing choreography

[@MrJt1020]

New album, please? Please please? Yeeeees!!! Never question the greatness of AAL!

[@Indiegaze]

Lol, I was thinking that this feels like the type of video that happens when you let your artsy girlfriend make your music video for you, and then I looked up who made it, and it's deadass Tosin's girlfriend...😂 Cool song though.

[@youreawesome718]

Nik I know you love Erra, you have to check out Blueshift, specifically their voyager album. Small but amazing band.

[@JannikBork]

Actually it‘s „too much Matt“. Insane drumming!

[@dorkydicken]

I think someone spiked Nik's coffee grinds with something else. He's got Batt Guano Coffee from Brazil now!

[@houssem1994]

it's how you headbang to prog

[@theabsenceofi31]

new archspire out too!

[@mang058]

me when time signature

[@DevnikDutta]

Obzen Bois : How rhythmically complex is this song? Animals as Leaders : Yes!

[@carlosalvador3926]

"It's like percussive physics!" - Nic Nocturnal 2021

[@XFC856]

Hahaha “percussive physics”, I’m gonna use that

[@ינאיתורן]

This song is absolutely mindblowing

[@DuftCloudly]

“What’s that interval?” That sir is the brown note

[@IanRWC43]

they should make an album with a different vocalist feature on each song

[@lefunghi6151]

Man this is incredible

[@crazysajan]

Nik, do us and your self a favor and review band THE FALLEN PRODIGY - with song REGRET. Trust me...you won't be disappointed. Pure metal core with amazing guitars, finger tapping, vocals and drums. Another extremely underestimated and unknown band. Trust me- after reviewing that you will send me a thank you card and you will do probably huge favor to the band. They deserve it. We are in need of talented metal core bands like that.

[@thelastdaybreathinginetern1385]

DEAN LAMB LIVE WITH NIK, THAT'S MAD PRFECT! The new Animals As Leaders song was a masterpieces. I was one of the first to hear it!😄😁 Sentinels new track is also amazing!

[@jasonlovesmusicreacting882]

Got my reaction coming tonight.

[@Shirouathena]

This is what happens when the dude from obzen joins his gang

[@Sanjarih]

In Prog, We don't get Breakdowns, the Breakdowns Gets Us.

[@imthemetalguy1]

Tosin Abasi basically wrote the book for interpretive dance soundtracks

[@quantum_beeb]

They are teaching how to head bang to their music

[@MarkToast99]

So THAT'S how you dance to prog metal

[@HelixNebuIa]

KINGS are back!!

[@justinhill1337]

"are we in?" LMFAO soo good tho

[@trafalgertradingcoyltd]

wow they managed to video me dancing to this song

[@GoldenboY-DE]

i was surprised too at the end 😂🤭

[@trs5127]

The amount of math in this one song is impeccable.

[@joepalladino9257]

Do a cover of this song please. 😂

[@justinssongsarehis2]

I lost it at "it's like percussive physics"

[@Paolo10692]

For those wondering, it was in 23/13 time

[@alex0589]

Whoever approached a dance group with this has balls.

[@absurdhero144]

This JUST came out dude lol

[@Whispie]

Amazing work from AAL as always. Have you checked out the new Bilmuri with Jonathan Young? So good.

[@DeusExNihilum]

Matt Garstka is neither man nor machine, but some twisted madness sprung from both

[@Omertahun]

I hear Al Di Meola - Land of the Midnight sun in that song. Tosin must know that song inside out

[@MarkToast99]

I believe Tosin's girlfriend directed this video. Talk about a power couple!

[@АнастасіяСлюсарчук-и3ш]

Nik you have to check out Queen Kona’s new single called “boundaries dissolved 2.0”!🔥🔥🔥 Really hope to see you review it in your next video 🙏🏻

[@bigcake1209]

It's funny how accurate the sound he made at the begining was

[@nickcoffeen3860]

the prometheus-core era has officially begun

[@michaellee2652]

Nick...I think you would dig "Arithmophobia" However, if you have not listen to "Long Distance Calling" you should! It's not near as prog and something that most folks like. Go for the album Boundless and the first 2 songs go together! It's what I listen to when I do design work!!!