Mgła - Exercises In Futility V (Pianist continues his exploration of heavy metal)

[@sovex9331]

Mgla is the absolute pinnacle of how good black metal can be... they totally nail the concept of nihilism with the atmosphere they create through their lyrics and music.

[@naturalianoss]

@@sovex9331 Listen to Craft

[@The1rust]

And if you wait to hear about how they start chanting about Satan then you'll basically hear their whole discography and say "huh".

[@justsomejusstsome8994]

Deathspell Omega imo, but Mgla is one of the best for sure

[@unclebasil3489]

I'm polish and you nailed the pronounciation, Richard. Thanks for this reaction, Mgła is definitely one of our best bands right now.

[@naturalianoss]

If they are one of the best then polish metal is not what it used to be .

[@marcotaf6744]

@@unclebasil3489 dzien dobry, jestem Marco z Włochy. Jak sie masz?

[@unclebasil3489]

@@naturalianoss Uh-huh, and what did polish metal use to be? Behemoth, Vader? They're still going. Kat is still playing although without the man that held the band together, Roman Kostrzewski, who passed away. Other than that you have bands like Odraza, Batushka, Furia, Morowe, Infernal War, Blaze of Perdition, seems to me like Poland has a pretty strong representation in european metal right now. Taste is a personal matter though, of course.

[@unclebasil3489]

@@marcotaf6744 Ciao, Marco! 🙂

[@marcotaf6744]

@unclebasil3489 sorry if I came across like a weirdo, I've been studying a bit of Polish and have been in Wrocław and Krakow so just wanted to see if I got something out of it 🤣 thanks mate. Really like your country, and food, and metal coming from there

[@MartinMaxFerdinand]

I loved the music reaction - but the discussion you got after - was real and deep and philosophical - conversations like that makes this channel special and different from other reaction channels. Great Job Mr. Richard & Mr. Judson.

[@antondzajajurca7797]

Kiss ass :P

[@kingchungus67]

Watching the drummer play this live is quite an experience. Good stuff.

[@matsunami]

Darkside is a monster of a drummer. His symbol work is unreal.

[@kingchungus67]

@@matsunami Indeed

[@naturalianoss]

@@kingchungus67 Watch Suffocation drums live 🤪

[@KolyaTlk]

watching darkside playing live is better to fully appreciate his creative and fantastic cymbal works and also his tremendous precision and endurance .

[@matsunami]

Exercises In Futility II is my absolute favorite by them. The build up to the hypnotic guitars after he screams NOW AND FOREVER gives me shivers.

[@arokis9185]

Finally kurwa Mgła, thank you Richard.

[@hestiatrace1852]

bębny ,kurwa mnie rozpierdalają.troszku grałem ale cały band jest w pytę.

[@Sobek15]

they are not satanist ,all their albums are about nihilism

[@markmcelvania6784]

Whyd they write them?

[@Sobek15]

@@markmcelvania6784 what do u mean? are u asking why do they make music if they believe everything is meaningless? maybe they dont actually believe that and only use that theme for the music , but i think that the most likely explanation is that deep down they still have a bit of hope that they are actually wrong and theres a light a the end of the tunnel

[@markmcelvania6784]

@Sobek15 idk I'm stupid

[@TheMightyMana]

@@markmcelvania6784 no objective meaning or purpose, doesnt mean you cant creat an subjective meaning or purpose for your own life.

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

@Sobek15 great reply, i think that's exactly what is going on.

[@IIChristisKingII]

Wow, this has been a long time coming, my fave black metal band.

[@JpLdrummer]

The evolution of the drum in this song is amazing. The drummer is playing with a ride cymbal on right and a bell (which sounding like ride) on his left and he's articulate between both.

[@naturalianoss]

@@JpLdrummer nothing new

[@kylewright4926]

@@naturalianossit’s seriously next level. Never missing a backfill. It’s alright that you don’t like mgla (or any other song on this channel based on your comment history) but don’t act like this is rudimentary

[@naturalianoss]

@ Carpathian Forest are at least ten times better and nobody is going crazy .Why ? Because they aren’t for posers that love a nice production and atmosphere .

[@kylewright4926]

@ ah, gotcha. It’s just a trve kvlt euroymous thing with you. Checks out. I get it, even if I’m okay with black metal that isn’t recorded in an underwater barrel

[@JpLdrummer]

@@naturalianoss I only speak as a drummer about the drumming and the question about "how did he play cymbal's stuff?" ... Probably Carpathian forest are 10x better (according to you) but it's not about this band on this video.

[@MisterManu]

Yes! You guys finally did it! Thanks for the reaction, Mgla being one of the best things that happened to Black Metal in the last 5 years, philosophy-wise and musical-skill-wise. Awesome band 😈

[@jakub_hricov]

What? Mgła exists since 2000 and Exercises in Futulity are from 2015 🙃

[@MisterManu]

@@jakub_hricov I’m not telling Mgla is a new band 😄 just one of the few which did bring something new to the scene, an inspiration for others imho. I was a bit shy with 5 years indeed 😅 15 years is more accurate 👍

[@jasonadams2]

The album itself is about finding the meaning of life being futile. The different chapters explore some of these avenues, from religion to philosophy, but in the end, those exercises don't change a thing.

[@mgacy2957]

Futility V is my favourite, but I'm torn between IV and I regarding lyrics. "Some are born without a purpose, other than prolonged demise in ornate ways Most of the time it's pathetic, quick, and useless And good neighbours don't bother digging up the graves" "The great truth is there isn't one, and it only gets worse since that conclusion The irony of being an extension to nothing And the force of inertia is now a vital factor And there is despair underneath each and every action Each and every attempt to pierce the armour of numbness Burning bridges becomes a habit to support and the frontlines expand like there's no tomorrow"

[@bymyenemy]

Love this band a lot, not many other bands can scratch the itch these guys scratch for me. I think the conversation that was provoked by this reaction is exactly the type of discussion that the band intended to bloom from this album.

[@FeRReTNS]

I really enjoyed the take on the lyrics and meaning of the song, a lot people tend to skip those things when reacting to metal songs. If you do end up covering more Mgła, I'd love to hear Judson's take on "Age of Excuse VI". Any fans probably know exactly the part and lyrics I'm thinking of.

[@joshuacanipe7688]

Somehow, Mgla makes black metal beautiful.

[@Sithhy]

A lot of the melodic/atmospheric black metal bands make black metal beautiful

[@syntezjaofficial4240]

From Poland I think Judson would like Riverside, our biggest prog rock band

[@mgacy2957]

I always recommend this song to people when introducing them to BM. Great, great band. One of my favourites.

[@The_KlaVra]

Can't believe this album is going to be 10 years next year. Also we get the new GAEREA album tomorrow. Another recommendation for Judson: White Ward - Leviathan. A Ukrainian black metal band that has a full on sax member. It's such a beautiful song and it has a lot of jazz melted into it.

[@joshuacanipe7688]

I second this. Someone turned me on to them in the comments of a Rivers Of Nihil reaction. Extreme metal with Noir Jazz mixed in works better than you'd expect.🤘

[@goodkingp7925]

Good shout. Amazing song

[@StarsDie88]

White Ward rules. So does 1914.

[@BlastBe4st]

Woah.. "10 years" hit me hard. Like what the f.. i exactly remember how I listened to it for the first time when it came out, cant believe it's been almost 10 years since that..

[@10101110]

False Light was an 11/10 album, but for this channel, I think it'd be better to start with Love Exchange Failure (the track) as an intro to White Ward

[@sturmhalo]

Check out Darkside's drum cam from one of the live performances of this track.

[@MrShebaify]

definitely!

[@madmkt]

now VI, best song on the album

[@MiG-23]

Yes

[@sebastianprzygoda1866]

at lest have some dignity

[@zelenisok]

has to be the live version.

[@radolix666]

My fav too. The hopelessness of this song is monumental

[@BrianYates-ue8hf]

Hello from New England land Wow you're doing MGLA There is pro-shot drum cam footage on Yt that is simply amazing I'm a drummer and this guy blew my mind It took me 6 months to nail this tune even after I charted it out haha 😎✌️🤘🖤🧐

[@savaserafimovic1490]

That's some profound comentary today, Judson.

[@marcotaf6744]

Oh yes, have been waiting for this

[@chemseddinemenakbi9912]

Ha finally ! I was waiting for it after the multiple Black metal videos you did ! This one was a natural continuation with its 'modern' black metal sound (and lyrics). + Judson appreciate BM songs 'textures' so I am eager to see his reaction.

[@Gorthol_X]

Finally you reacted to my favorite band. Listened to this Album more than 50 times this year alone. Please do the other 5 tracks from this Album soon. I already like your discussions on lyrics and themes, but this one was really great. I never thought about this more positive approach to the interpretation of the lyrics, although I would call myself an optimistic nihilist. Great stuff. Thanks and greetings from Germany. \m/

[@Gaurananda108]

13:43 "Shoutout to Northern Heritage Records" damn Judson haha Good choice of track, as always, keep it up guys 🙌

[@Moonchilddbk]

hahaha good one

[@Strandinator243]

Yikes Banger record tho

[@ShapeshiftedCow]

@@Strandinator243 NSBM label?

[@Strandinator243]

@@ShapeshiftedCow Owned by Mikko Aspa

[@Sam-ey1fz]

This whole album is killer

[@naturalianoss]

@@Sam-ey1fz kills me with boredoom 😂

[@danielmoravec5516]

@@naturalianoss Pathetic mor*on. Get ears.

[@bumblefluff79]

Top quality black metal and deep theological chat. The stuff a good bottle of red wine was made for.

[@The1rust]

Love how MGLA is getting more and more recognition from outside the black metal scene. It's definitely well deserved.

[@WilliamBonnerSedutor]

I love the kind of "drunk way" how the pianist express himself.

[@ozymet]

Oh man, I love your ramblings on about songs and philosophy around music and life. I like how open-minded Judson is about music. Shoutout to your pronunciation Richard, perfect "mgła". I love this channel.

[@pentheroliver3794]

I close my eyes & always gone in trance with music like Mgla does. Relaxing chaos at is best.

[@frankseyen9156]

Their first band Kriegsmaschine is also great

[@wtem]

I'm agree. Is something cool about Poland.

[@alcofgod4211]

It was great to listen to you - your reaction to the lyrics and music. Cool thoughts.

[@TheTrveMothlord]

You absolutely need to show him Ulcerate and Deathspell Omega.

[@Maly333x2]

Yea

[@Jurgen_Wulf]

And Imperial Triumphant

[@hezez2]

Plaga - Smieré Cieplna Wszechswiata lets try this one

[@TehFrostitute]

Judson is now ready for Akhlys, and maybe Mizmor

[@eoghan_ak]

👆👆👆

[@Blackerer]

Hey, maybe some Drudkh would make sense now, since Judson seems to like this meditative, droning, atmospheric BM. Something like Furrows of the Gods maybe.

[@silasward7316]

I'm not big into metal but Eternal Turn of the Wheel is so fucking great.

[@_onemorebook_]

Fuck these Nazis

[@_onemorebook_]

They are nsbm. So fuck this band.

[@cestusfr]

Thx for the discovery. i loved them.

[@fleshdrone1998]

What's the main theme in Mgła's artwork is embracing the negativity in various forms from the nihilistic perspective, but it doesn't just end there. There is something deeper than that. The shadow of a human being is put in front of our eyes, we are confronted with it, together with despair and suffering, a human is portrayed as a being that's broken from the point of its project and a being that actively acts out on this brokenness. The final song of the album is pointing the way outwards, to places where we are better and wiser versions of ourselves, despite and because of all the negative things. The melodies and lyrics are made to evoke catharsis and give strength, in my opinion.

[@lawrencefine5020]

Good stuff, Richard. Love the drumming. Must buy.

[@MatusDust]

One of your best reactions! Would love to hear more from you on this band. A lot of the questions and discussion you had is sort of resolved in the final song of the album VI, musically its their best too in my opinion. You should also watch the live drum cam of this song in your free time, its quite impressive.

[@JakkaRM]

Blessed be Great Measures!

[@Man-nobody]

I love Chopin And I love MGŁA Black heart never die

[@mbrown7361]

Deep philosophical cut today. I dig it.

[@alcoholica1986]

Great band

[@sator666666]

MGŁA finally!!! Thank you! And please come to Poland!

[@Metalblowing]

Seen these guys live, absolute blast.

[@gusnwosu928]

Pink triangle! 🤘🏾😎

[@jasonadams2]

The "blessed be..." is meant to highlight that people are responsible for everything. Other sections of the album highlight man's culpability. The argument being, don't blame the devil for hell and don't praise god for heaven. That's my take anyway.

[@ozymet]

Oh, man that's pretty good take. I love it.

[@Nebuloid1]

Yep like blessed be the common man, the working man. The jobs that never get credit but are essential.

[@DericAnslum]

..."now I know/ain't no great deceiver/ain't no bride of jesus either"...-Dax Riggs

[@piotroboziak316]

One of my favorite band and awesome reaction.

[@Artur..L]

Your discussion about the meaning of the song is so interesting..

[@madmkt]

one of the best reactions btw, laughed a lot

[@michaelnunya8231]

i woulda loved to have seen VI but excellent album. one of my favorite of all tkme.

[@leszekmiler7474]

Obscure Sphinx - Lunar Caustic (Pianist continues his exploration of heavy metal)

[@chrzan9608]

At 6:10 I'm pretty sure that Richard says something about "Polish Accent", not quite sure the rest of the words :D

[@Bacchaus66]

brutal, i love it

[@jarmake1923]

Mgla is such a great band. They're one of my favs with Gaerea.

[@Prometheus_Pagan]

One of my favorite bands of the last 10-15 years, maybe my favorite

[@chairmanofthebored6860]

Would love to see you guys get into Wretched. Amazing instrumentals. Exodus of Automy has something for you both.

[@gabrieldugarte9569]

Judson Should React to the Entire Album Exercises In Futility

[@xXimf4m0usXx]

For a very long time I was a massive hater of Black Metal, I heard this album and decided maybe the genre wasn't a lost cause. I've started slowly finding things from the genre I like.

[@RossoNero1987]

Now you could hear something from Age of Excuse or With heart towards none if Judson doesn't mind listening more to Mgła

[@Marduk567]

Hey guys. Please react/listen to "Prognan - Tri Nacjie" "Bloodbath - Eaten" "Borknagar - Up North" "Satyricon - Mother North" "Immortal - Withstand the fall of time" "Taake - Myr"

[@naturalianoss]

When you started listening to metal ? A month ago ?

[@Marduk567]

@@naturalianoss no

[@daevyl]

I'd choose another Prognan song, but that's a good call.

[@Sithhy]

I'm all for Borknagar - Up North, great stuff

[@tomaszslawek_pl]

That is spot on pronunciation!

[@Pigdestroyer666]

Thank you! Great fucking music!

[@marcinsajdak8826]

Regards from Poland \m/

[@cranboogie]

Finally guys! 🌀🌀🌀✊✊✊🔥🔥🔥

[@gimmenames9039]

This is great. Please show him "McGilroy the Housefly" by Incubator. One of a kind psychedelic DM and the vocals - out there!

[@szymonanusiewicz4091]

Yeeaaaah!!👍

[@Ledjent]

You need to show him Der Weg Einer Freiheit. In my opinion they're gods of Atmospheric/Post Black Metal! Songs like "Ein Letzter Tanz" or "Letze Sonne" are a perfect example of how good neo-classical chords and voicings sound within the Black metal context!

[@ronbent]

nice

[@kamils9438]

Finally

[@klausherbert3040]

Blessings upon the Throne of Tyranny

[@Noukz37]

Richard, I think it's time you hit our beloved Judson with some Indukti (and yourself if you haven't heard them before). Love you guys ♥♥

[@jaedonbusch6679]

Finally!🙏🙏

[@Dth666Mtl0]

Finally! Show him the drum cam from DFH and continue with Kanonenfieber ❤ keep it coming! \m/

[@mattstiglic]

Mgla was my introduction into black metal. My favorite band as of right now. Also check out Kriegsmaschine and Hauntologist.

[@abadaba2812]

You can read it as Magla too, with emphasises on M (Mg-la, Ma-gla),. Common word across Slavic languages for fog/mist.

[@ohmyshupagirl]

no no, Richard had it perfect with MG-WAH ;) let’s not confuse the poor foreigners even more

[@eoghan_ak]

MM-GWAH

[@abadaba2812]

@@eoghan_ak There is a saying in our language we have, which has no spelling - "read as you write".

[@typeonegative8726]

​@@ohmyshupagirlit's true about what he said, about slavic Languages, im Macedonian and Magla is also fog( Macedonian is slavic language).

[@TheNuinosis]

Thank you for this gents. Maybe while exploring more modern BM you could give a listen to der weg einer freiheit band and their Aufbruch song? Nice lads from the other side of the border. Take care!

[@marmaluke]

Please check out Mol Jord Live APW Session. Would love to hear your thoughts.

[@sammiddleton2992]

Some of the riffing reminds me of Deathspell Omega. The music as a whole reminds me of Gorgoroth

[@tylerspunucious7420]

.... did he like it?

[@XificurkOfficial]

you should actually see the drum cam of this song... it's insane

[@benway123]

Just came back from running. Still too fat, so kinda futile, but still in illusion and hope. Mgła rules ofc.

[@Moonchilddbk]

Das war philosophisch Mir gefällt es

[@goncalocarvalho4917]

Mgla one of the bands i listen when i need catharsis, loved the debate regarding nihilismo and satanism

[@Vahisofficial]

For me the peak of Mgla is everything up to this album. Groza, With Hearts Toward None and other ep's. This album and age of excuse is awesome and i like them a lot but for me the earlier stuff just hits more.

[@dusiolek6]

Groza is the best.

[@leszekmiler7474]

And DARZAMAT - Pain Collector (Pianist continues his exploration of heavy metal) Thanks

[@TuomoSjonberg]

Suggestion: Primordial from Ireland. For example songs like The Coffin Ships, No Grave Deep Enough, The Mouth Of Judas or Puritans Hand, Thanks!

[@AXIDNT66]

Polish death metal definitely has its own sound a bit. Vader and Trauma kinda come to mind when I think of the "Polish sound" for death metal, but Redemptor is probably my favorite, would be cool to hear them on this channel. Their album Arthaneum is fantastic, and follow up album Agonia is really good. I think Judson would find them interesting, particularly songs like "Eminence Grice" or "Tectonic Plates." I liked this Mgla track's sound but like lots of modern black metal stuff I found it just kinda carried on more than it needed to, a bit repetitious.

[@moXnoX1]

Should've shown him live drumcam)

[@Man-nobody]

...and goog idea come to Poland

Cynic - Veil of Maya reaction please!

[@AXIDNT66]

Yeah, Cynic is a pretty unique band and pretty influential, definitely the kinda thing that seems like they should dig into. Actually kinda surprised they haven't done them yet.

@@AXIDNT66 Yeah there are a lot of songs from Cynic that I think they will like

[@metalafro]

Since you guys mentioned Cynic, perhaps it's worth also listening to Living waves by Persefone feat. Paul Masvidal.

[@leszekmiler7474]

I'm sorry but I had to do this MGLA Exercises in Futility I (Pianist continues his exploration of heavy metal) Sorry, but I had to :)))

[@fraktal9]

Ulcerate!!

[@barthaponik4674]

Richard ..any Vader..if talking about polish best!! .".what color is your blood " suggestion. Love the channel!!

[@LG_7984]

FUCK YES!

[@warpdrive116]

"Shout out to Northern Heritage records" LMAO

[@olicorrivo3289]

Sick drumming with lots of guitar tremolo, what can a black metal enthusiast ask for more? As for the philosophical discussion that i enjoyed, thanks for that, I think that happiness is the end that can shatter futility, as corny as it may sound 😄. A good dose of centrism on the self to think that through is pretty useful. I am alive, I experience stuff and failures as much as successes have value to me, even though they might be futile outside of my own head. Check out Dark Lunacy - Dolls 🤘