An astrophysicist and a guitar player here. The idea of this song is to show the evolution of the universe. The reason it is so long is because its 13 minutes playtime (without the silence in the beginning and end) needed to reflect the age of the Universe 13.7 billion years. It starts from the big bang, from the rapid and violet expansion of space, the formation of the first starts, the first galaxies, the birth of our sun, our solar system, the formation of our planet as it cools down, birth of life, evolution and ending up with us humans. A7X even contacted the estate of Carl Sagan to ask for permission of using his famous speech about the photo "Pale blue dot" at the end of the song as voiceover. They have contacted even Neil deGrasse Tyson so assist them in the concept of the song.
Curious if you've heard The Greatest Show on Earth by Nightwish? It's very similar conceptually (and how that translates to the song's structure) and they even got Richard Dawkins to speak on it.
That was me too, I was “oh buddy you’re about to get wrecked!” I mean only dropped 40% of the notes 😂 as soon as they came in. That’s better than I’d do and I’ve heard the damn song.
Although I vehemently disagree with your take on its length and interest, I respect it. Maybe it's just cause I'm a big space nerd but this is easily my favorite song of theirs. Perhaps it's better as a listening piece than a playing piece though.
(OPINION) I'm a big Avenged Fan BUT my thing with this song is... I'm sure it has it's reasons for what it does due to the idea of the album as a whole (the space stuff), but it's too long without much substance. I really doubt this crossed their minds at all when writing it, but it feels this is stretched out just to a) Like Chain said to make an "epic" song (which so many say it is but really? is it better than Save Me? Your call). and b) To make a longer album than City of Evil.... which was 72:43min and the stage, thanks to this song is 73:35min. I find myself skipping this as I fast forwarding is too much effort to get past the fluff. I know he's not an Avenged fan but it was nice to hear someone say what he did rather than drool over this song.
Matt said in the studio sessions that Brooks cooked up the ending as a jam session where they all just added to it on the fly. The song was not meant to be an epic like Rime of the Ancient Mariner for example. It is a more suitable experience for listening rather than playing on rocksmith and I think the fans hyped it up too much like Mattel from LIBAD
It's a conceptual track. It tells the story of the universe from it's start, the expansion, the formation of earth, the birth of civilization until the age of the exploration of the cosmos (present day) ps: I freaking love that badass speech from Neil Degrasse Tyson
This song is on another level, never heard anything like it. Even with its length I NEVER get bored of it, it keeps my attention the whole time, it's so otherworldly and ghostly it keeps me in a trance the whole time, when it's over it feels like only a minute has past. And it still manages to be epic at the same time. It's more of an experience than a song. But yeah it must be a huge pain to try and play, and the length makes it 10x worse lmao
I feel it’s a better song for listening to rather than playing plus in think it’s quite interesting with the concept of the song being the existence like with the calm nothingness, the Big Bang at the intro, the melodic mid and The ending progressing. that and with the Neil degrease Tyson speech at the end really sells it for me they went for a Carl segan pale blue sorts thing!
Its all about that synth my guy, its so hypnotic and dreamy. I also think the drums and the guitar really stand out. + being a scientist and hearing Neil deGrasse Tyson's voice is my bias.
I don't know. The whole concept of the song is interesting. They made the song to be symbolism for the history of the universe, each separate part being a different moment in time. Then close it with an allegory by Niel Degrasse Tyson is pretty cool as well. This song wraps up the whole theme of the entire album pretty much. Perfect as an album closer.
I think this just comes down to listening experience vs playing experience I think if you listen to it, it paints a nice picture but me trying to play it im whining because im just sitting for long stretches haha
@@Chainbrain true haha and you said that you hadn't ever listened to the song before. Going into Exist playing blind like that, probably not good for the song experience haha
Name an interesting song that's long, and let's say 10 minutes is long: Wintersun - Sons of Winter and Stars, Time, all of The Forest Seasons Dream Theater - A Change of Seasons Nightwish - Ghost Love Score, The Poet and the Pendulum, Song of Myself, The Greatest Show on Earth Avenged Sevenfold - Save Me Trivium - Shogun Those are songs that I've heard nunerous of times, and there are plenty more interesting long songs but I'm the most familiar with these 😄 The list could also be a lot longer if a long song was like +7 minutes.
Just started watching the video, and I’m sorry that you have to go through this. Edit: you do really well on the sweeping and I’m pretty sure everyone just stops at the 2 hand tapping because that’s what I did.
12:01 i am a hardcore A7X fan and even i have to agree, it is very repetitive. The only time they did a long and interesting song was on Save Me (10:56)
It is pretty long but to me it isnt not interesting. The intro is great, good riffs and bonkers solos. The melodic interlude is one of my favorites from a7x, I always sing it out loud... Yeah the outro is quite boring musically but I always lock on the drumming, and Neil does say some interesting things but it didnt really fit into the song
it perfectly fits its purpose imo. to tell the "story" of the universe, encapsulating every phase of creation in very illustrative pieces (almost to a point where you can instantly tell what they represent right from the first listen)... plus, with the thematic and direction the album was going before it, it's kinda easy to tell what it is about.
The Song is a listening experience. I imagine the people that are into Steely Dan and Supertramp eat this for breakfast. Fool's Overture is another long song but quite interesting. Good Progressions.
This is a little late to the party. I disagree with your take on its length vs. content. I think they were going for what it's like to take a journey through space. I understand what you're saying about it, though. Perhaps I'm a little biased, cause I love A7X. I know I'm just a TH-cam pleb, but perhaps I'll hop on Twitch one day and pay you to play The Odyssey by Symphony X. I feel like you'll enjoy that song much more. Love your content, by the way. You're a talented dude.
the octaves in the end clearly meant to get higher score for chainbrain, because dude knew that chainbrain will get low score without octaves in the end
I never really got into this song at all, similar to what you said about it. Plus, Nightwish already scratch my itch if I want a really long, science based song with a voiceover from a scientist/professor!
Dude the first time I tried to play this song it took me about 6 play through to realize that section was likely 2 handed tapping which was ironic because I had just learned that stuff from the masterclass solo he did for guitar center. At first I couldn't figure out how to play like 6 notes at the same time until that lightbulb moment kicked on. Even after applying the knowledge it was still a bitch to play but uah dude dont feel bad at all I was also at a wall with it for a couple plays even at work i was contemplating how i was supposed to play it😂😂😂 it bothered me that much.
I Enjoy this song But after The Fucking AWESOME OF A INTRO and into the Under watery/Pink floyd Vibe Part is when I Really Dont care about the Song. If they did the Whole Intro Like the whole song than it would be my Favorite. However, I respect this song because of the Story. The Creation of the Big Bang. Also Cool to see Neil Degrease Tyson Talking in this song
My favorite long song that's interesting is 7empest by TOOL. However if you are not into that kind of music you will probably not like the song at all xD
Definitely not their finest work; puts me to sleep. But on the topic of long and interesting songs I have an answer: Black No1 from Type 0 Negitive. It's a great listen year round, but is best on Halloween.
You saying there's nothing interesting happening there just by following along without having listened to the original piece? It ain't the difficulty nor how long the song is, it's about the interpretation the band transmits through the way they play it. Apreciate the song by itself then judge whether it's good or not. You're not enjoyin' it 'cuz it gave you a hard time. Not hate tho, I think you're pretty skilled, just got a lil dumb for a sec.
The beginning of the song is good. It isn't until the cheesy country sound comes in that it stops being bold and wild. It is just a rewashed version of other songs imo
An astrophysicist and a guitar player here. The idea of this song is to show the evolution of the universe. The reason it is so long is because its 13 minutes playtime (without the silence in the beginning and end) needed to reflect the age of the Universe 13.7 billion years. It starts from the big bang, from the rapid and violet expansion of space, the formation of the first starts, the first galaxies, the birth of our sun, our solar system, the formation of our planet as it cools down, birth of life, evolution and ending up with us humans. A7X even contacted the estate of Carl Sagan to ask for permission of using his famous speech about the photo "Pale blue dot" at the end of the song as voiceover. They have contacted even Neil deGrasse Tyson so assist them in the concept of the song.
That is so fucking cool
Curious if you've heard The Greatest Show on Earth by Nightwish? It's very similar conceptually (and how that translates to the song's structure) and they even got Richard Dawkins to speak on it.
Those are some amazing facts wow thanks for sharing !
I thought it was Neil with the monologue at the end, no?
@@jshooa4840 Yeah It was Neil quoting (more like paraphrasing maybe) from Sagan's book, "Pale Blue Dot".
01:25
Chainbrain : "Woah, we got 100% on the first minute"
Me : *mischeviously smiling knowing what comes in the second minute*
That was me too, I was “oh buddy you’re about to get wrecked!” I mean only dropped 40% of the notes 😂 as soon as they came in. That’s better than I’d do and I’ve heard the damn song.
"Is this two handed tapping?" And the look on your face had me cracking up
4:57 has to be my favorite moment in any video so far.
Just stops playing and stares in bewilderment. Love your videos chainbrain!
"We got 100% in the first minute" famous last words 😢
Although I vehemently disagree with your take on its length and interest, I respect it. Maybe it's just cause I'm a big space nerd but this is easily my favorite song of theirs. Perhaps it's better as a listening piece than a playing piece though.
Yeah I imagine as a listening experience this is much better than a playing experience
@@Chainbrain yea its good for listening, ive found that its very difficult to play
(OPINION) I'm a big Avenged Fan BUT my thing with this song is... I'm sure it has it's reasons for what it does due to the idea of the album as a whole (the space stuff), but it's too long without much substance. I really doubt this crossed their minds at all when writing it, but it feels this is stretched out just to a) Like Chain said to make an "epic" song (which so many say it is but really? is it better than Save Me? Your call). and b) To make a longer album than City of Evil.... which was 72:43min and the stage, thanks to this song is 73:35min. I find myself skipping this as I fast forwarding is too much effort to get past the fluff. I know he's not an Avenged fan but it was nice to hear someone say what he did rather than drool over this song.
Beautiful to listen to while stoned
This is a masterpiece and almost unplayable even by many greats.
Matt said in the studio sessions that Brooks cooked up the ending as a jam session where they all just added to it on the fly. The song was not meant to be an epic like Rime of the Ancient Mariner for example. It is a more suitable experience for listening rather than playing on rocksmith and I think the fans hyped it up too much like Mattel from LIBAD
Oh my fucking god he did it
This song is wild "I've never heard this song before"
Me: oh 👁️👄👁️
It's a conceptual track. It tells the story of the universe from it's start, the expansion, the formation of earth, the birth of civilization until the age of the exploration of the cosmos (present day)
ps: I freaking love that badass speech from Neil Degrasse Tyson
The way you just admitted defeat on that tapping part gave me life 🤣 Damn good effort though, braver than me for sure 🤣
The ending of the song is for Johnny the Bassist to have fun 😂
This song is on another level, never heard anything like it. Even with its length I NEVER get bored of it, it keeps my attention the whole time, it's so otherworldly and ghostly it keeps me in a trance the whole time, when it's over it feels like only a minute has past. And it still manages to be epic at the same time. It's more of an experience than a song. But yeah it must be a huge pain to try and play, and the length makes it 10x worse lmao
"well we got 100% on the first minute" famous last words
yeah honestly it is very repetitive, i can see that playing it isnt very interesting or fun, but as a listening experience it is incredible.
I feel it’s a better song for listening to rather than playing plus in think it’s quite interesting with the concept of the song being the existence like with the calm nothingness, the Big Bang at the intro, the melodic mid and The ending progressing. that and with the Neil degrease Tyson speech at the end really sells it for me they went for a Carl segan pale blue sorts thing!
Got friggin SMASHED
GG next
Its all about that synth my guy, its so hypnotic and dreamy. I also think the drums and the guitar really stand out. + being a scientist and hearing Neil deGrasse Tyson's voice is my bias.
I don't know. The whole concept of the song is interesting. They made the song to be symbolism for the history of the universe, each separate part being a different moment in time. Then close it with an allegory by Niel Degrasse Tyson is pretty cool as well. This song wraps up the whole theme of the entire album pretty much. Perfect as an album closer.
I think this just comes down to listening experience vs playing experience
I think if you listen to it, it paints a nice picture but me trying to play it im whining because im just sitting for long stretches haha
@@Chainbrain true haha and you said that you hadn't ever listened to the song before. Going into Exist playing blind like that, probably not good for the song experience haha
Carl Sagan, not Neil.
@@orangutanxremix510they contacted Carl Sagan's estate to use his stuff but couldn't get permission so they worked with Neil directly instead
@@orangutanxremix510 Neil Degrasse Tyson, Not Carl Sagan
"Name a long song that is interesting" . Pretty much anything by Opeth honestly
Save Me or Coming Home next?
Name an interesting song that's long, and let's say 10 minutes is long:
Wintersun - Sons of Winter and Stars, Time, all of The Forest Seasons
Dream Theater - A Change of Seasons
Nightwish - Ghost Love Score, The Poet and the Pendulum, Song of Myself, The Greatest Show on Earth
Avenged Sevenfold - Save Me
Trivium - Shogun
Those are songs that I've heard nunerous of times, and there are plenty more interesting long songs but I'm the most familiar with these 😄 The list could also be a lot longer if a long song was like +7 minutes.
Shotgun is a very good choice, but also like hell to play apperently
Check out blade of immortal steel, certified banger
Glad me and Old were able to provide a sufficient amount of bits for you to play this lol glad I was able to finally drop by a stream!
chain, just try to listen this song alone
Just started watching the video, and I’m sorry that you have to go through this. Edit: you do really well on the sweeping and I’m pretty sure everyone just stops at the 2 hand tapping because that’s what I did.
“I feel like they didn’t fill it with anything interesting”
As Neil Degrass Tyson is on the mic
im going to listen to everything until it stops playing Chainbrain
Bro you played my all time favorite A7X song!?! Love it!
Mine too, all time favorite A7X song. Masterpiece!!!!
12:01 i am a hardcore A7X fan and even i have to agree, it is very repetitive. The only time they did a long and interesting song was on Save Me (10:56)
I disagree but understand and Save Me is my favorite of them…
famous last words were said here
God damn i love A7X. Seekng them live and watching Syn play was a huge mkment for me.
Awesome to see you try at least, was just practicing the intro last night. Thanks for branching out and uploading a ton of a7x lately!
Peak Synyster Gates, also chain you reckon you could do the beginning sweeps again if you played it a few times?
Maybe. They are not patterns I am at all familiar with so it would take lots of practice I think
@@Chainbrain I’m sure you’d ace it
It is pretty long but to me it isnt not interesting.
The intro is great, good riffs and bonkers solos. The melodic interlude is one of my favorites from a7x, I always sing it out loud...
Yeah the outro is quite boring musically but I always lock on the drumming, and Neil does say some interesting things but it didnt really fit into the song
The constant shift up in tempo for drum is so good
it perfectly fits its purpose imo. to tell the "story" of the universe, encapsulating every phase of creation in very illustrative pieces (almost to a point where you can instantly tell what they represent right from the first listen)... plus, with the thematic and direction the album was going before it, it's kinda easy to tell what it is about.
The Song is a listening experience. I imagine the people that are into Steely Dan and Supertramp eat this for breakfast. Fool's Overture is another long song but quite interesting. Good Progressions.
Easily my favorite song from that album and the look your face during the two handed tapping section was amazing 🤣 made me love the song more
If 2112 by Rush counts, that's the best long song I can think of.
Reptile- periphery next or what 👀
Banger of an album would love to hear you play the whole thing!!!
This is a little late to the party. I disagree with your take on its length vs. content. I think they were going for what it's like to take a journey through space. I understand what you're saying about it, though. Perhaps I'm a little biased, cause I love A7X. I know I'm just a TH-cam pleb, but perhaps I'll hop on Twitch one day and pay you to play The Odyssey by Symphony X. I feel like you'll enjoy that song much more. Love your content, by the way. You're a talented dude.
To me it seems like they mixed pink floyd and Space Oddesy into this
*Me, an intellectual, knowing what Chain’s about to partake in
*Mr. ChainBrain: ayo wtf 😂
I think this is THE chain Vs synister battle
It finally happened! I've been waiting to see this one lol
the octaves in the end clearly meant to get higher score for chainbrain, because dude knew that chainbrain will get low score without octaves in the end
I like your thinking 😂
11:55 thank you! 🤦
"Surprise m*tha f*cka" 4:56 . :) So fun to watch, can't wait for more A7X.
Avenged sevenfold’s magnum opus
Lol
ive been anticipating you playing this lmao
"playing" haha
Ah, damn, I was hoping to see the finger tapping on the part in the middle. 😂
Reptile by Periphery is a good example of a long song
Thank you
Its amazing to listen to
I never really got into this song at all, similar to what you said about it. Plus, Nightwish already scratch my itch if I want a really long, science based song with a voiceover from a scientist/professor!
Guy constantly craps on one of my favorite bands and yet I'm still quick to click on these videos anyway 😂😂
You should play simulatoon from the stage album. That's an interesting and good song imo
Dude the first time I tried to play this song it took me about 6 play through to realize that section was likely 2 handed tapping which was ironic because I had just learned that stuff from the masterclass solo he did for guitar center. At first I couldn't figure out how to play like 6 notes at the same time until that lightbulb moment kicked on. Even after applying the knowledge it was still a bitch to play but uah dude dont feel bad at all I was also at a wall with it for a couple plays even at work i was contemplating how i was supposed to play it😂😂😂 it bothered me that much.
You should see if you could cover Maylene and the sons of disaster - Step up (Im on it)
Shogun is long and interesting
I Enjoy this song But after The Fucking AWESOME OF A INTRO and into the Under watery/Pink floyd Vibe Part is when I Really Dont care about the Song. If they did the Whole Intro Like the whole song than it would be my Favorite. However, I respect this song because of the Story. The Creation of the Big Bang. Also Cool to see Neil Degrease Tyson Talking in this song
My favorite long song that's interesting is 7empest by TOOL. However if you are not into that kind of music you will probably not like the song at all xD
The only copy strike I've ever had was from tool. So never again!
No fucking way
Oh my God this CDLC is so bad that I wish it didn't EXIST.
This song was pretty boring but it was fun watching you play it.
Definitely not their finest work; puts me to sleep. But on the topic of long and interesting songs I have an answer: Black No1 from Type 0 Negitive. It's a great listen year round, but is best on Halloween.
Real Version of exist > Rocksmiths version lol
Yeah sorry I played the fake version
@@Chainbrain lmao it's all good man
noice haha
You saying there's nothing interesting happening there just by following along without having listened to the original piece? It ain't the difficulty nor how long the song is, it's about the interpretation the band transmits through the way they play it. Apreciate the song by itself then judge whether it's good or not. You're not enjoyin' it 'cuz it gave you a hard time. Not hate tho, I think you're pretty skilled, just got a lil dumb for a sec.
Damn u sad
@@Chainbrain sounds about right.
The beginning of the song is good. It isn't until the cheesy country sound comes in that it stops being bold and wild. It is just a rewashed version of other songs imo