Ray Hearne | Haken - Nightingale Track Playthrough | Natal Drums

Ray Hearne joined us at the Marshall Studio to play through Haken's track 'Nightingale', which is taken from their forthcoming studio album 'Fauna' due for release on March 3rd 2023.
Ray is playing his Natal Original series Birch Shells in Exotic finish:
22" K, 8", 10", 12", 14" FT, 16" FT.
Find out more about Ray here: marshall.com/natal-drums/endo...
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• Track Playthrough
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[@steveremp]

Ray's journey from Aquarius to Fauna is insane. He's on another world right now in terms of inventiveness and originality. So much open air in this drum part yet it doesn't need a single thing more. Such a great part for an amazing song!

[@LouisR56]

100% agreed ; on earlier albums (let's say Aquarius and Visions), you can definitely say Richard was writing everything ; starting from Affinity, Ray's playing has been taking a much more important part in Haken's music. It sounds more creative, and adds another layer of complexity to their sound.

[@michaelberresford4291]

F***ing yess, his air is a rare thing in drumming, but Ray knows when to put some tasty af fills in, I just really like him at the moment, the perfect drummer for Haken.

[@patrickprotzman2407]

I was just thinking yesterday about how incredibly different/ evolved their music is now relative to Aquarius. Ray has helped push this band into truly remarkable areas. Totally agree with your comment.

[@h.t.n.7222]

I don't know if people fully understand how incredibly complex and hard to play this track is on the drums. Playing polyrhythmic and meter-changing pieces is something Ray has been doing for years, but what makes this one stand out is how SLOW it is. The pattern hits and groove feels sometimes seem to go almost as low as 60bpm, at which he still has to nail every hit exactly right. Every drummer here will back me up when I say that playing a groove extremely slow is just as hard as playing it extremely fast, if you wanna stay tight. Also the way he composes his drumparts is unconventional as hell, there is no other drummer I can think of that sounds unusual and thinks rhythmically in the same abstract way as Ray seems to. He is on a one-of-a-kind level in almost every category and without a doubt among the most talented contemporary drummers worldwide.

[@Drumavarium]

I was about to comment, which I rarely do, but you summed it up absolutely perfectly. It's absolutely insane what he does. I've never before heard anyone play like this.

[@christophegragnic8681]

@@Drumavarium There is Thomas Haake though. In a more brutal style but very very complex too.

[@Drumavarium]

@@christophegragnic8681 Oh man, don't get me wrong, I know and LOVE Haake. But I feel like his style is still different from what Ray does. He leaves so much room to breathe in the song and goes for unconventional grooves and options. And so does Haake, but Shuggah asks for a far busier style of playing. But in the end, as Devin Townsend once said: 'We all rip off meshuggah' hahahaha Ray is a huge influence on me and I'm so happy to see his progress. It's astounding. God I love music.

[@christophegragnic8681]

@@Drumavarium Thanks for your warm answer, even if we didn't seem to agree at first! I think I understand you. Anyway it's difficult to compare when style are quite different! Happy music listening and have a good 2023!

[@TheEmperius]

@@christophegragnic8681 Jay Postones, Matt Garstka and Baard Kolstad are others who do extremely technical stuff with an incredible precision.

[@SethDMaim]

THE most underrated drummer in the world currently.

[@rushman8708]

Damn, that must be one of their hardest tunes on the drums. The changing times, feels, and the polyrhythms are insane. How the hell does he remember all of that?! Hats of to you Ray, you are one of the greats!!

[@fabiodias5527]

I love how Ray seamlessly PLAYS on top of such odd tempos. Damn, so inspirational! Love his drumming!

[@IveGotAMatch]

Damn, I've listened to the song a lot and obviously knew how complex it was, but this really shows how INSANE the drums are. Ray is onto some next level shit!

[@benrolfe8490]

There will be books written about this guy.

[@JuanManuelTastzian]

I can't believe I had a class with this monster. Ray is so good. And also such a nice person to have around. If you get the chance to have a class while they're touring near you, don't miss it. It's such an experience.

[@dansourile5444]

You can play this song too now, right? :D

[@JuanManuelTastzian]

@@dansourile5444 of course! I go to Spotify, search for it and hit the play button 😂

[@tonykuriger573]

I reckon I could play the bit from 5:05 to 5:32.

[@Arrow2theACL]

I can't even keep up air drumming.

[@DeadSideDad]

Love this band! So happy I got to see them in February. Probably the best concert of my 42 year life. I Love every album but there is something very special about Fauna! It’s such a masterpiece!

[@smjohnst]

What an absolute beast.

[@wongsakornwattanavekin7328]

His phrasing interpretation is just like a bird’s movement! Curious, Free, Jumpy, Accurate! Love every bit of his drumming. Ray’s absolute genius drummer of our time!

[@sufddd]

I'm gonna have to be completely honest. When I heard some parts of Virus (especially parts in Messiah Complex), I had sincere doubts that drum parts in that specific album were highly edited and modified, noting their extreme complexity. But admittedly, seeing him perform such awkward patterns on Nightingale, restores my faith in Ray completely!

[@Lauen]

I think Ray Hearne has mentioned at some point that he wrote the drum parts for Vector and Virus without actually sitting at the kit, so he could map out exactly what he wanted to play and then practice it. Explains how things sound incredibly advanced but comes together fairly fluidly and absolutely gorgeous. This album was probably also written in the same way.

[@sufddd]

@@Lauen Hello mate :) After I posted this comment, I embarked on a deep-dive of online Haken live performance videos to make sure of what I was thinking. In most cases, Ray plays the album parts immaculately, note for note even. However, in other cases (particularly fast double pass parts), he simplifies things considerably when playing live. I've seen other drummers do such a thing, most notably Blake Richardson (BTBAM) and Matt Halpern (Periphery). To be completely frank, it does not change the fact that they're beastly drummers. Additionally, coming up with such creative and fluid drum parts which fit a song perfectly is already a great portrayal of talent and skill, so small variations in the live set take absolutely nothing away from Ray's merit in this regard.

[@Lauen]

@@sufddd even if he simplifies fast double bass parts live, he's for sure an incredible drummer!

[@sufddd]

@@Lauen That we can agree on 100%!

[@aande3657]

i love this piece..

[@evilasiobjr]

Thanks for answering our requests, guys! Ray is an absolute beast, it seems like he can only write and perform these amazingly complex drum parts, just 🤯

[@josepacheco81]

Amazing

[@ZackAttack1798]

This is just the absolute pinnacle of drumming. This is just so so incredibly good. The odd times, the tasty fills, the flow, it’s beautiful. Ray is one of the best drummers in the industry.

[@sno_man8284]

ray hearne is an absolute beast when it comes to drumming.

[@jantrnka8761]

Clear proof that music can take on an unprecedented dimension when you not only hear it, but also see it....

[@KevinLuWX]

One of the most creative modern drummers.

[@jarunia17]

Beauiful natural sound on this kit

[@NatalDrumsOfficial]

Glad you like it!

[@petegrusky2715]

Brilliant composer and conductor, at the same time. I'm in love with everything he does on drums.

[@MrMostaza14]

How does Ray keep topping himself? This is mind blowing

[@edmundh]

It's like each limb is playing its own rhythm, and yet it's totally in the pocket and comes together perfectly.

[@kxiyi]

Just watched Haken last night. The drums were loud, maybe a bit too loud for the mix and room, but damn it was groovy. New appreciation for his drumming now.

[@marcusking8507]

The drumming during the first verse is absolutely brilliant in how it compliments the lyrics, particularly at 1:07. I need to listen to these guys properly.

[@DeltaSleepCumtownFan]

Took me a long time for this style of vocals to grow on me. And it wouldn't have ever happened if i didn't hear the drums and think, how in tf did someone write/play and remember these abstract drum parts.

[@ClockworkSatan]

Ray must surely be among the finest drummers in the world now?

[@fabiodias5527]

The whole thing form 4:40 to 5:07 is just bonkers

[@coma39]

What a gift. You can tell how much thought and creativity was put into this and it sounds so damn cool. Absolutely brilliant song

[@dreamthea]

WHAT A SONG WHAT A DRUMMER

[@edmundh]

I can't even imagine trying to play this live. What an amazing talent!

[@douglasbissett9890]

This a guy who likes to hit the drums like nobody else, and for some reason i really respect that. Quite a bit actually.

[@emersonlopezcasaperalta]

Lo más interesante es que Ray groovea tocando cosas muy técnicas, en todas sus composiciones núnca pierde el groove, núnca suena robotico. También su sonido en todos los álbumes de Haken es muy natural, admiro a este baterista.

[@marcoscorbalan3745]

El y Baard Kolstad de Leprous son mis bateristas favoritos actualmente

[@dr.w1636]

Excelente comentario, a diferencia de Mangini (y varios otros) a Ray se lo siente con un sonido de batería mucho más natural y vivo.

[@xreasezanmoody7633]

The sheet note this has to have been a nightmare to both read and create😐🔥💯❗️

[@RyanxDunn]

I'd say that without question this is their hardest song to play on drums, at least until we hear the rest of of Fauna. Those slow and very broadly spaced rhythms in the verses are insane to play perfectly in time, not to mention the rest of the song's weird rhythmic changes and weirdly spaced parts.

[@PaulHilburger]

Please do one of these for Elephants Never Forget

[@phasorsonstun29]

Freaking amazing. Phenomenal drummer!!!

[@radiobar1634]

One drummer to rule them all! And the drum sound on Fauna seems to be the best so far...Can't wait for Fauna to be released in its entirety. I have a strong sense that its gonna be the shit

[@joelariasdiaz6991]

This is a killer track!!! Such complex and full of nuances! Odd time signatures, all kind of subdivisions and polimeters everything perfectly perform! Very reach sound! Just perfect!!!

[@lucaswar666]

mindblowing playing

[@lehtspelt]

I don't know much about drumming but Ray is easily among my favorite drummers.

[@MrDivagation]

Jeez man ! These tempos / time signature changes are something else !

[@quake1792]

Not much else I can add. The drums sound amazing and Ray is an absolute freak of nature. Makes me want to quit after over 30 years of playing lol. Can't wait for the new album and tour.

[@AceRazor]

Ray is one of the best out there. Ray is genuinely nice to interact with as well, as I discovered when aquiring one of drum books.👌🏽🤘🏽

[@montruo000000007]

He is absurdly good

[@anas97banjar]

Till this day this is the best song I've heard drums wise 🤤

[@fabiobentes]

Top 3 in the World

[@doncidrumer]

Ah yes, the best drummer for the best band. Thank you for bring us this

[@martinreinoso5584]

this is simply insane, what a drummer!

[@giacomoflorini3312]

this track is simply pure madness, on so many levels, Ray just reached a level that is beyond crazy. And of top of that, his tracks are still readable and pure pleasure to listen. Love You dude!

[@drumtank4842]

amazing drummer.

[@FredNagel]

Absolutely incredible to see that he can actually play this. One criticism - why is the audio in Mono? For a kit that sounds this good, I would have loved to hear it with some panning - which probably was there but perhaps got lost during the export of the video. If I had to guess.

[@johnpruden9270]

Badass, Ray!!! Really fantastic! Can't wait for another tour. :)

[@ryanburchett8455]

Ray Hearne is so damn good

[@aaronsparks9012]

I am Geeking out over what this man just played he's got my attention nice job Ray!!!🤯🤓

[@henriquealmeida1417]

Amazing song, Great Drummer, Beautiful Drums ! ❤🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️🥰😍

[@caderylands742]

just insane, wow.... Ray is such a beast lol

[@Urskii]

You can definitely feel the h7ken in here.

[@GabrielOlaveRodriguez]

Amazing master!

[@kevinheckeler]

I was able to count along to this just fine.

[@kevinheckeler]

Then I awoke from my dream.

[@reibarata]

@@kevinheckeler at this point i just memorise the accents

[@Edubatera73]

Muito foda

[@YSD91]

Not sure what I’m more impressed with, the fact that he can play this or that he came up with these drum parts.

[@mrsplosh999]

This is goddamn insane. No more words needed.

[@HyperDashSC2]

Dang, the bacteriophage marking on the cymbal looks really cool.

[@DeanThomson]

I love how they left in all of his little fluff-ups in this playthrough - it is a nice breath of fresh air from ultra-edited drum playthroughs :)

[@yuvadm]

What kind of polymetric wizardry is Ray playing at 6:01? Feels completely random and yet sounds totally amazing.

[@javiergonzalez-dz7tr]

que grande, es alucinante este tio.

[@petergabor435]

Seeing Haken on May 5! Can’t wait to see them play this song. Hope they do. My only regret is that it’s hard to actually see Ray play, tucked away behind his kit as he is. Seen them a few times now and they are next level to watch live. Each member brings such a uniqueness to their music. Shame they’re not more well known. But that makes them my super special secret.

[@firkinja]

Neil Peart would’ve loved this so much ❤

[@Mistykittykat]

Yasss ❤

[@zumokra]

thaaaaank you !! 😗🤙🏻

[@WhiteSnake208]

WOW

[@jonw3462]

Sooooo good!

[@tombell3653]

Awesome 🥁👍

[@stalegundersen]

Holy shit!

[@heavyprogressive76]

My GAWD

[@aditivienna2194]

Impressive

[@plot24b]

The 1st thing to prick my ears on this track were the keys, but having watched this, I've realised how special the drums are too. Excellent landing, phrasing and thankfully untethered freedom to create, although a little looser than on the album track. Superb work really, got to hand it to Ray.

[@patrickprotzman2407]

4:28 - 5:06. What a madman...

[@sergiomalash682]

Gangster tshirt, dude!

[@raonyfagner]

🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@giliotheater]

This is totaly Bill Bruford from yes .. Awesome

[@hobojungle1]

Mind numbing skill.

[@Onyxaxe]

When will Natal be available in the US?

[@jorgmuller1305]

This is Gavin Harrison drum level! 😱

[@147pablox]

Flojardo el tema, pero Ray es un rey 🙇🏻‍♂️

[@gastonfaccio]

You start getting the hand on Portnoy and this guy shows up. Damn.

[@HardwareG33k]

4:22 melts my brain. I don't understand it lol

[@karterokiller]

woooow x10000....0

[@draufgesch5215]

F-f-f-fantastic M-m-m-r R-r-r-r-ay, you a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-re a d-d-d-dr-dr-dr-drum G-g-g-g-g-g-ge-ge-ge-ge-genius !!!!😍😍😁😁

[@Nittonutria]

tanta roba. Quest'ultimo album è veramente bello. Ma il suono della batteria in questo video mi sembra un poco in anticipo.

[@gaspode8]

How on earth can someone remember this? Or compose ...

[@joaomartins1521]

This is just obscene, guy is a thousand years ahead of it's game

[@MarkHvB]

Instalike

[@lukeharris97]

Is it just me or is the drum audio out of time slightly with the track audio?

[@sergiomalash682]

Compare size of his kit to the likes of Mangini or Portnoy.

[@fVNzO]

music sadly isn't synced up properly so it sounds like he's rushing for the entire song :(

[@frog382]

I know its entirely personal, but Haken for me is like that girl that i had a crush until the 6th grade and then she started wearing air max and dying her hair blonde because of the bad influence. Before anyone unloads his shotgun at me, no its not that drastic shift in flavour, but the feeling is exactly the same, because they went from being my favourite and the best band i ever could imagine existing to something i dont even like. I hear many people saying they improved according to their taste, but for me the reality is exactly the opposite. The older the album, the more meaning there is and weight in those statements other bands call riffs. I still pop in Enter the 5th dimension and cant stop until the show is over and i cant say that for anything after the Mountain, even tho i still like Affinity and innovations they maintained and few ideas from the Vector, but it just seem washed out after Affinity, not appealing to me, like a good sex but not touching, only grinding, it just lack something... Maybe the soul is a way to describe it, but i dont know, just seems forced or generated by the ai in a way. Im talking nonsense now, ok, bye.

[@ianakazoom]

Visions and the Mountain both my favorite álbums, but i think is part of the process of creating music changing vibes, trying weird things, even trying to put thing that goes againts with the goals that you start with... i think they just Rolling with the flow of their creations. This nightingale song has so much visions vibes... To many innovations, sounds, concepts, essence so of course for the old fans this might feel like they are taken another path but they still got it at least for me and this song remind me that

[@frog382]

@@ianakazoom That song is tasteless compared to Visions album (to me ofc) and sounds like they are trying to forcefully repeat the old "vibe" as you described it. I am pretty sure they see music and their band as means of survival now, rather than piece of art and i dont blame them, its engraved in our nature, just i am not going to spend any more time trying to let it grow on me because there is so much more creative stuff, as in their (g)old albums...

[@ianakazoom]

@@frog382 thats sad, but i understand. I can remind the first time i heard visions (the song) there was a beatiful video that KZbin shut down with a movie compilations that fited perfect with those 23minutes of puré art... The thing is even if they dont have that shine for you anymore they gave us 3-4 awesom álbum... that will stays in my mind