When your drum solo is actually a compliment to an already incredibly beautiful song you know you're doing something right. Or rather, everything right.
This is still one of my favorite videos of him, I always loved his playing but he became my favorite drummer after I watched this video. My favorite parts are the amazing fill at 2:36..it just flows so perfectly, the groove at 2:41 when he starts opening the hi hat with the quarter note pattern against the 5/4 sounds incredible and that improvised linear pattern he does with that groove at 2:50, and of course when he improvises over the ending...such a huge inspiration that has so much fun playing and is not afraid to take risks and try something new every time.
that's called 8 hours of practicing everyday of your life. That's all his blood, sweat, and whole being and the sum of all his life that he's pouring all at once into that kit. And even that, I'm still just fucking dumbstruck. Nice and refreshing to see someone with heart and soul for a change.
@4:14 that feeling some drummers might know, when they get that adrenaline rush, nail the hard part just the way they wanted to, and then come out on the other side with a feeling of being so tight in the groove and so pumped up that anything you play sounds good and is smooth. The smile on his face is priceless and you can tell he's hitting the cymbals and drums a little differently/harder after that monstrous part. Almost like he went Super Saiyan during those chops hahaha. He is my new drum god, Matt Garstka rocks so hard |\m/| . I only wish I found out about him before now
this is the first Matt Garstka video I ever saw. 2:46 I remember listening to this groove... the part with the triplets.... and thinking what the actual FUCK. That was INSAAAAANE..... 10 years later I am every day more in awe of the inhuman beast he has become... and to think of what is yet to come.... what a time to be alive, honestly
I have watched this so many times and totally agree with the majority of comments. I cannot believe there are thumbs down to this. It's such an amazing moment caught live. You can see Matt just click into the zone and he kills it. So on point with that spontaneous solo action. Just flawless.
I wonder if he ever goes on RUclips and reads the comments on his videos. That has to be the best feeling ever to see so many people giving positive comments on your talent. Easily one of my favorite drummers.
The ONLY reason someone could "thumbs down" this video is because they don't like the genre of music. Any respectable musician understands the complete and utter difficulty behind mastering their instrument the way that Matt has. To disrespect that talent only shows pure ignorance.
In my opinion, Matt is the BEST drummer in the scene right now (yes, including the legends like roysterr, benny grev, etc etc). Now as a drummer I know it's almost pointless to compare different drummers and everyone has their own style, but the thing is, this guy can play virtually EVERY style, and do it absolutely FLAWLESSLY. Best drummer ever.
matt is a great drummer don't get me wrong, but he's just doing a lot of skips and a few quick rolls. I bet the drummer of dance gavin dance could see him on a set.
I WAS THERE and got to witness this awesome playing!!!!! thank you Tosin and company for the amazing show! everyone was smiling and i could tell they actually enjoy the music for the music...thank god. i got to meet Tosin as well at the end of the show,...wish i would have gotten his autograph...i was star struck
After having moved to the states in 2013 I remember seeing Periphery, Animals As Leaders, and many other Sumerian bands back to back within a few months of eachother. Will never forget how amazing those concerts were, and AAL with Matt was def at the top of the list.
I watched this atleast 30 times in the past 2 days and i can't even grasp how he just drops everything in from 3:20 on by the time it's over it is like there is no other possible way to even come close to the talent matt and tosin have
Just saw Matt's clinic @ Sam Ash music store in Las Vegas. Absolutely floored us with his recital; lessons on rudiments, performed various songs by AAL and other favorite artists of his, and even gave us homework assignments! Quite simply the coolest cat I have ever met and I can't wait to catch them on tour.
Seriously agree with the statements on here. I have watched this a number of times. It's just any amazing expression caught on film. You can just see him click so into the zone and Matt kills it with that spontaneous gnarly solo action. flawless.
Something about the way this man plays inspired me. The way he play is so amazing yet he has so much fun with it. I feel like a lot of musicians nowadays fail to realize that playing music is all about having fun and doing what you love and not about worrying about techniques and how good you are.
Right?! That groove is so sick! So much awesomeness at once, I keep replaying it to try to figure it out. The written music of it must be godly. That groove pops into my head randomly at any given time during the day haha
its so awesome how you can tell he went just a little wild during the ending section cause he knew sickdrummer was filming, but everything still flows with the music so well and doesnt really take away from tosin or javier
To each his own. I feel Matt has reached a point of musicianship that every drummer aspires for and very few achieve. It's purely incredible for him to be able to improv every song and create tasteful/groovy beats on the spot. I'm just glad AAl are finally getting the respect and fan-base they deserve. I love this band!
By far the most talented drummer in djent right now. He came out of nowhere, and he'll go far. Would love to hear him tackle some other styles though. He has the chops.
I've seen Matt since the Berkeley chop videos. Always a huge fan of his and now he's with my favorite band and I couldn't be happier!! His style compliments their style fully (:
I am so pumped to see what Matt does on their next record. He is absolutely amazing! I loved what Nazene did with them but Matt is on a whole other level.
Seriously agree with the statements on here. I have watched this a number of times. It's just an amazing expression caught on film. You can see him click so into the zone and Matt kills it with that spontaneous gnarly solo action. flawless.b
Holy shit! this guy is without a doubt one of the best new drummers. his ability to play in so many different time signatures yet still come up with intricate beats within those complicated time signatures is astounding. In my opinion Matt Garstka is second only to Danny Carey from Tool when it comes to drumming. this guy is a beast. he may even one day surpass danny because he is so young.
I love how throughout the solo he is smiling, it's great to see musicians actually having fun and being creative with their work. Mighty good performance there \m/
Matt, my brother just got accepted to Berkley. His name is Elder Perez, and with God's grace he will go far. I absolutely love your style man, you really are on some next level stuff, I mean its truly rediculous lol! I study your videos religiously, as i too am a drummer and aspire to be like you! I wish you nothing but the absolute BEST, knowing God has many GREAT things in store for you! All the best, Henry
He may not do blasting or very fast double kick like most Metal bands, but his Grooviness and his Techicality make him so much better than that. This is by far the greatest drum solo ever, and after watching that, he has become one of my favourite drummers!
Matt your doing an AWESOME job man, the flavour that the rhythms have been getting in the material that Tosin and Javier write is just phenomenal man.....Keep doing ya thang man
Matt Garstka is "The whole package" if you will. The chops, dynamics, speed, technicality, and AMAZING groove make him undoubtedly one of the best drummers out there today. I don't know what they teach at Berklee but i'm pretty darn interested now haha.
![Dave Grohl - Play [Drums in Master Version]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/H4JH7WbqcAA/mqdefault.jpg)
Dude is wayyy too comfortable on that instrument, one of the best on the planet right now, hands down.
Yeah
Everything about this video makes me extremely happy. Whenever I feel down, I'll just watch this video.
I feel you
True, for some reason this video made me smile
Tosin: "Matt, perhaps you could take some liberties during that last section of the song"
Matt: "Say no more!"
that was the best comment i ever read on youtube. lmfao
Still one of the most epic early videos of Matt unleashing his full power
I come back to this video annually and go straight to the drum solo. The dude is a fuckin' beast
When your drum solo is actually a compliment to an already incredibly beautiful song you know you're doing something right. Or rather, everything right.
Exactly. Well said!
This is still one of my favorite videos of him, I always loved his playing but he became my favorite drummer after I watched this video. My favorite parts are the amazing fill at 2:36..it just flows so perfectly, the groove at 2:41 when he starts opening the hi hat with the quarter note pattern against the 5/4 sounds incredible and that improvised linear pattern he does with that groove at 2:50, and of course when he improvises over the ending...such a huge inspiration that has so much fun playing and is not afraid to take risks and try something new every time.
that's called 8 hours of practicing everyday of your life. That's all his blood, sweat, and whole being and the sum of all his life that he's pouring all at once into that kit. And even that, I'm still just fucking dumbstruck. Nice and refreshing to see someone with heart and soul for a change.
im not lying when im say ive sat here and watched this video over 25 times in a row now im just absolutely mesmerized by how good this man is
dat chops man matt you're seriously one of the best drummers alive
Still my favorite drum video of all time, the groove in this solo and how it naturally comes together with the song just makes me feel alive.
Honestly... There is no need to comment on this.... The video speaks for itself. These guys are not normal
There's a special bliss that happens when we're in perfect flow with what you were born and destined to do. Matt's deep in that flow!
@4:14 that feeling some drummers might know, when they get that adrenaline rush, nail the hard part just the way they wanted to, and then come out on the other side with a feeling of being so tight in the groove and so pumped up that anything you play sounds good and is smooth. The smile on his face is priceless and you can tell he's hitting the cymbals and drums a little differently/harder after that monstrous part. Almost like he went Super Saiyan during those chops hahaha. He is my new drum god, Matt Garstka rocks so hard |\m/| . I only wish I found out about him before now
Makes me tear up
I seriously don't know how many times I've gone back and watched this video. Nothing is more inspiring than this right here. I fucking love Matt.
this is the first Matt Garstka video I ever saw. 2:46 I remember listening to this groove... the part with the triplets.... and thinking what the actual FUCK. That was INSAAAAANE..... 10 years later I am every day more in awe of the inhuman beast he has become... and to think of what is yet to come.... what a time to be alive, honestly
3:30 You know you're a badass when even Tosin Abasi feels the need to check out what you're playing
He's like "Hey, what's going on over there? This is my show."
26 lars ulrich fans disliked this video because they had no clue what was going on.
Tom De Raad probably 29 lars' fake accounts
🤣🤣
I have watched this so many times and totally agree with the majority of comments. I cannot believe there are thumbs down to this. It's such an amazing moment caught live. You can see Matt just click into the zone and he kills it. So on point with that spontaneous solo action. Just flawless.
I wonder if he ever goes on RUclips and reads the comments on his videos. That has to be the best feeling ever to see so many people giving positive comments on your talent. Easily one of my favorite drummers.
3:33 is where he enters his final form.
HA! you are so right!
I love how stoked he looks to be playing drums.
All smiles from the whole group. That's a good sign. They really dig what they're doing, and so do their fans. I'm stoked to hear their next album.
This man has quickly become a staple as a drummer in modern music. Absolutely incredible.
from 3:35 Matt is leaving this planet. My eyes water from pure astonishment...
its the same tempo as the recording. we play to a click. lol
Fucking how did nobody notice this comment lol
Hi matt
Hi Matt !!! We love you !!!! Thank you for enlightening us with your wonderful talent !!!
I miss them playing this live....
The amount of feel in his solos is his strongest trait. He continues to blow me away.
Animals As Leaders
The holy trinity.
They should name their next album the holy trinity.
And, for what it's worth, my band Bispora opened for you guys that night. It was an honor and a pleasure.
Amazing to think that this is TAME compared to what he’s able to play now. Unbelievable how much better he gets year to year.
Micro aggressions to say the least
The ONLY reason someone could "thumbs down" this video is because they don't like the genre of music. Any respectable musician understands the complete and utter difficulty behind mastering their instrument the way that Matt has. To disrespect that talent only shows pure ignorance.
His ghost notes, solos and chops/fills are just fucking out of this world. My jaw dropped.
This is my new favorite video from Matt. Such energy and happiness coming from him, true inspiration that goes beyond music
I watched just about everything from Matt in about 2 weeks time. One of the best drummers I have ever seen!
Sometimes I wonder, I wonder if any of these guys are even human
Must be a good feeling, being the drums of Matt Garstka - so much beauty released onto the set :)
I hope im not the only who froze smiling like stupid while he was riding those chops out of this planet! :D
Most spectacular solo I've seem in my whole live. My respects Sr.
In my opinion, Matt is the BEST drummer in the scene right now (yes, including the legends like roysterr, benny grev, etc etc). Now as a drummer I know it's almost pointless to compare different drummers and everyone has their own style, but the thing is, this guy can play virtually EVERY style, and do it absolutely FLAWLESSLY. Best drummer ever.
so many other great people. travis orbin, tony roister jr., thomas pridgen. the list goes on.
matt is a great drummer don't get me wrong, but he's just doing a lot of skips and a few quick rolls. I bet the drummer of dance gavin dance could see him on a set.
Couldn't agree with you more.
I WAS THERE and got to witness this awesome playing!!!!! thank you Tosin and company for the amazing show! everyone was smiling and i could tell they actually enjoy the music for the music...thank god. i got to meet Tosin as well at the end of the show,...wish i would have gotten his autograph...i was star struck
what a fine bunch of djentlemen.
After having moved to the states in 2013 I remember seeing Periphery, Animals As Leaders, and many other Sumerian bands back to back within a few months of eachother. Will never forget how amazing those concerts were, and AAL with Matt was def at the top of the list.
I watched this atleast 30 times in the past 2 days and i can't even grasp how he just drops everything in from 3:20 on by the time it's over it is like there is no other possible way to even come close to the talent matt and tosin have
Just saw Matt's clinic @ Sam Ash music store in Las Vegas. Absolutely floored us with his recital; lessons on rudiments, performed various songs by AAL and other favorite artists of his, and even gave us homework assignments! Quite simply the coolest cat I have ever met and I can't wait to catch them on tour.
always a great watch no matter how many years later!
Alot of people are missing the fact that he is having monster fun playing this. That's what's so awesome!
Seriously agree with the statements on here. I have watched this a number of times. It's just any amazing expression caught on film. You can just see him click so into the zone and Matt kills it with that spontaneous gnarly solo action. flawless.
This has got to be the sickest drummer I have ever seen. He gets it, he understands consistency and dynamics AND has the sickest chops around.
Something about the way this man plays inspired me. The way he play is so amazing yet he has so much fun with it. I feel like a lot of musicians nowadays fail to realize that playing music is all about having fun and doing what you love and not about worrying about techniques and how good you are.
That was incredible, and how he's ear to ear all the way through just makes his playing so sincere. That was a true performance!
those linear fills at the end are absolutely flawless
god, that fucking groove at 3:50 has never failed to blow me away
Right?! That groove is so sick! So much awesomeness at once, I keep replaying it to try to figure it out. The written music of it must be godly. That groove pops into my head randomly at any given time during the day haha
I've been waiting to see a sick drummer vid of Matt for ages, he's great. Can't wait for their next album.
Solo at the end was completely and utterly locked in the zone!
I love watching him play. Dude looks so happy and it's obvious he's enjoying every minute of it.
this is by far THE most epic drum video i've ever seen! Everything is there
Matt is the reason I'm pumped for their new release.
This man has more chops than a Bruce Lee flick.
its so awesome how you can tell he went just a little wild during the ending section cause he knew sickdrummer was filming, but everything still flows with the music so well and doesnt really take away from tosin or javier
Super tight, great chops and high energy.... awesome performance.
Unreal! This is why Animals As Leaders is one of my favorite bands.
I love how much they're having on stage. Tosin and Matt have like the biggest smiles on their faces.
2017 and still a huge inspiration! Absolute killer and humble at that!
His ghost notes are out of this world.
Josiah Harmon 2:52 to 2:55 made some soda I was drinking come out of my nose.
Josiah Harmon His ghost notes are so haunting.
To each his own. I feel Matt has reached a point of musicianship that every drummer aspires for and very few achieve. It's purely incredible for him to be able to improv every song and create tasteful/groovy beats on the spot. I'm just glad AAl are finally getting the respect and fan-base they deserve. I love this band!
AAL is just getting better and better. This is so powerful.
It's to see musicians enjoying themselves so much. All smiles
By far the most talented drummer in djent right now. He came out of nowhere, and he'll go far. Would love to hear him tackle some other styles though. He has the chops.
check out his recent jam videos
I've seen Matt since the Berkeley chop videos. Always a huge fan of his and now he's with my favorite band and I couldn't be happier!! His style compliments their style fully (:
Love that smile. An inner-child shining through while a man does what he loves. =)
And this is the reason why we NEED you here in northern Germany! Please come back as soon as you can!
best improvisation in a song. period.
I almost cried watching this! Amazing! Wtf! This dude is better than the previous drummer!
I am so pumped to see what Matt does on their next record. He is absolutely amazing! I loved what Nazene did with them but Matt is on a whole other level.
What just happened? This is amazing! He is one of the best drummers out there in my opinion
Matt has it all, Power, Finesse, and most importantly, Passion for his talent
I CANNOT WAIT for the next album by these guys with Matt on board.
Master level skill in that solo. This solo should be the new example.
Seriously agree with the statements on here. I have watched this a number of times. It's just an amazing expression caught on film. You can see him click so into the zone and Matt kills it with that spontaneous gnarly solo action. flawless.b
I absolutely love his smirky smile he does the entire song!
His joy is infectious.
dude, i wish you the best day of work ever, tomorrow and everyday, you deserve it!
Love from Portugal.
This guy has so much creativity. His fills are so well placed. It's like a delicious slice of pineapple.
3:47 That face when you know you just NAILED that chop.
It looks like the top crash cymbal literally changed his face from a look of concentration to that of pure joy
Holy shit! this guy is without a doubt one of the best new drummers. his ability to play in so many different time signatures yet still come up with intricate beats within those complicated time signatures is astounding. In my opinion Matt Garstka is second only to Danny Carey from Tool when it comes to drumming. this guy is a beast. he may even one day surpass danny because he is so young.
ehhhhh Danny Carey knows how to make simple things sound amazing thats for sure but personally idk.... Matt is amazing but tool....is tool you know
my two favorites too
I love how throughout the solo he is smiling, it's great to see musicians actually having fun and being creative with their work.
Mighty good performance there \m/
And the best of all: the joy when he plays!
I saw them last year, it was just amazing !!!!
3:52 - 4:06 LIKE WHAT THE FUCK IT FEELS SO GOOD TO LISTEN TOOOOOOO!
Matt, my brother just got accepted to Berkley. His name is Elder Perez, and with God's grace he will go far.
I absolutely love your style man, you really are on some next level stuff, I mean its truly rediculous lol! I study your videos religiously, as i too am a drummer and aspire to be like you! I wish you nothing but the absolute BEST, knowing God has many GREAT things in store for you!
All the best,
Henry
ive never seen so many musicians in a band so happy such a great band and such humble players animals as leaders for the win!!!!
They are having so much fun. This is great.
Back again, Matt, your single strokes are seriously killing me..
I saw this live at the ace of spades. in the front row! Fantastic show.
No one unlike Matt Garstka. No one.
He may not do blasting or very fast double kick like most Metal bands, but his Grooviness and his Techicality make him so much better than that. This is by far the greatest drum solo ever, and after watching that, he has become one of my favourite drummers!
Matt your doing an AWESOME job man, the flavour that the rhythms have been getting in the material that Tosin and Javier write is just phenomenal man.....Keep doing ya thang man
Matt Garstka is "The whole package" if you will. The chops, dynamics, speed, technicality, and AMAZING groove make him undoubtedly one of the best drummers out there today. I don't know what they teach at Berklee but i'm pretty darn interested now haha.
Easily one of the most skilled and technical drummers of our time, very inspiring...and his playing is pretty good too : )
I watch this just before I practice. Twice! such an inspiring dude!