WHAT IS THAT POLYMETER?!? // Gojira - Pray // Composer Reaction & Analysis

[@Ramoono]

I knew you were going to say the song is too long :). The reason I picked this instead of the original is because the drums are higher in the mix, and the energy Mario brings live is unmatched in the studio recording. The first "bridge" section is not on the studio, but the rest is pretty much the same, they just seem to extend as a live performance because people like it. You are correct in the comment about the repetition, to me this is a song that provides a healing mantra, a prayer that becomes effective because of its repetition. It's also a prayer that puts the moving force on ourselves instead of an external deity or magic force. I like music that takes its time to put me in a state of mind, so it doesn't bother me that it's long, but I know is not your thing.

[@eiatos]

I think they're the only metal band where the drums consistently sound better live.

[@thoronthol1175]

Preach. For me, Gojira’s outtros are a work of art, and definitely repetitive. It all depends on taste. If you like it, you hope it never ends..

[@xovaqiin4844]

Sounds like it starts out alternating a bar of 4/4 then a bar of 6/4, but most of it is in 4/4.

[@xovaqiin4844]

Snare in caps: 1e&a TWO e&a3e& A 4 E &a 1e&a TWO e&a3e&a FOUR e&a5e& A 6 E &a

[@Tritoness]

Imo this version sounds much better than the studio version. Would love you to react to The way of All flesh, the title track by Gojira.

[@progperljungman8218]

My understanding of the theme was transformative drumPATTERNS, adding a unique feel that transforms the song (not just special drumming styles). That said, the songs we heard this week have all been a great display of special patterns that really adds to the songs. I do believe that Gojira have been inspired by Meshuggah at least - letting the whole band play very rhythmically. I wouldn't be surprised if they were also a bit influenced by Tool. Anyways, Gojira has carved out their own unique, very rythmical, style. Iterated by others, but not done the same way before them. (My own suggestion in the poll was Steve Gadd's pattern on Paul Simon's 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover - since the verse pattern is a good example of when a pattern really transforms the song - with great result)

[@johnseward2934]

Gojira definitely explores a territory of music that is bordered heavily by Meshuggah and Tool. The drumming feels especially well described this way.

[@AbricotUltime]

​@@johnseward2934 Which is weird because Mario the drummer) always said he was inspired by Morbid Angel, Old Metallica and stuff like that. The only time I saw him talking about Meshuggah is in a french interview. He said that any song from them is a challenge to play in drums but didn't talk aboutr being inspired by them so I'm really curious. Fun fact : besides Gojira, Christian (the other guitarist) doesn't listen to Metal at all, he is more into classical music. They also said that they mostly create their song on long jam sessions. Jean-Michel (the bassist) listens to Black Metal as well, they're all truly different from each other, even the brothers. That's why they have their own genre I think ? It's not possible to put them into any genre now.

[@johnseward2934]

@@AbricotUltime oh I'm not saying one or the other what influenced and inspires Mario, but as a listener of Gojira's music, that's what I hear the most as adjacent band sonic qualities.

[@BrianYates-ue8hf]

Good morning from New England The studio version is structured differently and although the drums are placed properly in the mix they don't hit the same as the live tune does Not to mention the groove they use to great effect and finally Joe's vocals; The first 2 albums were weird yet still sometimes catchy technical Death Metal The 3rd disc FMTS was a prog metal concept album then back to DM on thier fourth offering Thru it all Joe had a way...and still does...of inserting melody in places you wouldn't expect it to be Gojira are a truly unique band and as a drummer Mario Duplantier is GOD!! ✌️🧐🤘😎

[@mb8132]

Personally I prefer the extended version over the studio version. I kinda wish they released a single with the extended parts. Hard Agree on the vocals being a bit too low in this mix, it's unusual, but maybe it was a conscious decision, idk. Other than that, the entire Red Rock performance is absolutely amazing.

[@josephm6320]

I would of loved to see them there! I'm sure it was loud af

[@soloevelynn]

React to The Shooting Star from that same concert. Is a incredible performance. ❤

[@jordanjoestar8839]

Please check out their drummer Marios drum solos they are absolutely insane.

[@mikelbentube]

mic check by rage should be on this week´s list

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

I'm pretty hit and miss with Gojira. I like a lot of what they do, but they also tend to get into these cliched, uninspired sections and just sit in them for way too long. I think they'd be better if they cut a lot of the fat and leaned more into their strengths of crushing groove. Whenever they try to stretch out with, eg, the post-ish sections here I just think there are so many bands that do that better, but when Gojira get into their off-kilter riffs with killer groove mode they more than justify their reputation as one of the premiere metal bands out there today. I guess this is just a long way to say this isn't my favorite Gojira by a long shot, and even a from a drumming perspective I don't find it to be one of their more impressive tracks.

[@hectorescobar9450]

I’m really confused about what it is that people see in this band.. I just don’t see the technical aspects being too colourful or the riffs being interesting. They just feel flat to me

[@superjonh1000]

To me is the feeling. Their music set an unique atmosphere that I don't feel it with any other band. It's very introspective and personal I guess. I like heavy music, death,black metal, goregrind, some prog stuff, but after a while everything sounds boring and repetitive except for them. Gojira connects with me on a personal level. Don't know how else to put it. Their lyrics have deeper meaning, their rhythm, it feels different than everything else to me. It's not for everyone I guess.

[@tiffy3260]

It could be just a taste thing. Or this song could just not work for you coz its too monotonous?