MUSIC DIRECTOR REACTS | Polyphia - Ego Death feat. Steve Vai (Official Music Video)

⏩ Video Question: What Polyphia and OG Guitar God collab do wish happens next??? For me it would be Al Di Meola! For live content catch me on Twitch. www.twitch.tv/drumrolltony

not many people have noticed this, but as the piece goes on, they go up in floors, and the difficulty of the piece goes up till they hit the roof with Steve Vai there

Love how Scott is getting more recognition throughout these new songs

Literally cried when I heard Steve Vai part and realized they all sat at the chair and went a level higher or rather they were showcasing different styles of those players that sat on the chair. And I just succumbed to the beauty of it. I love how they did everything in the video. Loved it

My favorite thing about the cinematography of ego death is the use of color and positioning to represent ego. The title of the song, Ego Death, already keys you in to the story that this song is telling. They start off with everyone wearing mostly black clothes with white shoes, in an almost entirely white room and the pitch black throne. Tim lounges on the throne like he owns it and shreds a classic Tim solo that is reminiscent of the early solos he used to play, with the polish of experience. The shot of the whole band in this scene has Tim front and center. Then they shift to a grimier second story of the building, with more harsh natural light and with more white on everyone's clothes. This time, Scotty gets to sit on the throne and show off his unique style, and when it cuts back to the band he's the one in the lead, the focus of the camera. Abruptly, it jumps to the roof, with less harsh lighting and everyone wearing almost completely dark colors, except for Tim's white shoes still denoting him as the "leader." But now instead of trying to take turns sitting on the throne, they all face it as Steve is revealed, the only person with a mix of black and white clothes. When they play as a group, he is placed in front of the rest of the band, with Tim, Scotty, and Clay all in an even line. Then it cuts to the three guitarists playing back to back and then Tim and Scott peel off to stand on the same line as Vai. The whole song is a story of their journey in the music scene, trying to come into their own while still remaining humble and showing deference to their influences and those who came before, while simultaneously acknowledging their own place in the future of guitar music.

That end note is SUCH a Vai finish. Unbelievable. Such a great collab.

Polyphia has been my favorite band for many years now, but Steve Vai was the one who introduced me to instrumental guitar music and made me fall in love with it 18 years ago, so this really feels like a real full circle moment where Steve is passing on the torch to the new generation. Despite the age, he looks like he is part of the band. Maybe they should just become a 3 guitar band like Periphery...lol...By the way, if you haven't checked out Periphery, they are definitely a must listen...Lots of interesting rhythmic stuff going on.

Every time I listen to them I am just flabbergasted at how good the drummer is. It’s ridiculous how easily he just brings the whole song together

I've listened to this song about 20 times already and Vai's lead are still giving me goosebumps. The ending with all 3 guitars is such a sonic assault.

The only thing this is missing is a drum solo. Love the attention Scott is getting. Get these Clays in the limelight! They're amazing

This reaction was everything I wanted it to be as a fellow percussionist. No notes. The boys are incredible.

Saw them live in August and they opened with an unreleased track featuring a trumpet player so expect more of it on at least one more song

I love how Steve was on the Polyphia Throne just sitting there … 💯 Respect by Polyphia to the Legend ✊

I just discovered your channel this week. I'm blown away dude. This is the type of casual analytical reaction I've always wanted. No one else is doing it like you. Keep it up!

I love the production of the whole video, the rise from a single room to the warehouse/industrial to the rooftop where they meet the god, and three guitar gods fuse into an Elder God as ego dies and gestalt rises.

That was Brasstracks' Ivan Jackson, a 3-time grammy winner who just dropped in for a 10 second outro. Add Vai's 3 grammy wins and Polyphia has become quite a drawing card for top flight musical talent.

I love that Steve's part doesn't scream complexity like Tim's does but it delivers a feel few can match. I'm not trying to say Steve can't play, but you don't have to be the most technical players to one of the best to ever do it. I'm sure there's a thousand guitarists that can out-technical Steve, but I doubt they could ever make me feel like he makes me feel. This song is such a masterpiece in how it blends those elements.

If Tim ever has kids, I'm gonna be really disappointed if they're not triplets.

I've had this song on repeat for a few days now. It's soooo good! Trying not to burn it out too quick but I can't stop listening over and over....

I've been watching a lot of reactions to this song. You have been the only one that really brakes down some of the little details that make this song. And I love it.