First listen to Yes - The Gates Of Delirium (REACTION) 

As an old guy, I love seeing younger people listening to stuff I've loved for decades. You asked where are we? Look at the album cover- somewhere in there.

This song is based on Tolstoy’s War and Peace, and details the stages of war: as in 1) leaders rallying for support for war, followed by 2) the battle, 3) the victory march and 4) reflection and regret. I’ll go though my interpretation of these 4 stages in the song, but I’ll begin with the intro (stage 0). Stage 0 (Intro: Before the Storm): We are immersed into a peaceful bubbling harmonic soundscape. This soundscape is then suddenly disturbed by a jolt of dissonance. The tranquility is interrupted and brought in an unexpected halt. After a brief pause, the bubbling soundscape starts again. This “tranquility, disturbance, halt and restart” -pattern is repeated a few times. I interpret the bubbling harmonic landscape as the peaceful life in the society, and the disturbances as attacks from a rival society. These attacks will motivate the “our” society to defend itself and retaliate. Stage 1: The Campaign. This part of the song (pre-battle) is essentially a political pro-war campaign. The narrator voices pro-war rhetoric by the leaders of the society, occasionally interrupted by the doubts from some anti-war faction. The most clever and interesting thing is how the rhetoric escalates during the course of the campaign, mirroring how it happens in reality (think Vietnam or Iraq). It starts with urging people to realize the need for “defending freedom”, and ends with “burn their children to hell”. Stage 2) The battle scene. Indeed amazing. One can hear the horses charging and the swords slashing. Stage 3) The “victory march”. It is a dark celebration. “Our boys” have won the battle, and they are showing their ugly animalistic sides, raping, burning and pillaging. I love the groove in this section. Stage 4) Soon. Reflection on how we became monsters, feeling regret, and hoping that we one day learn not to do this any more. The very last chord is a major chord, signaling a glimmer of hope for the future. That’s my interpretation, any way.

Big YES fan and I think this is their best with "Close to the Edge" a very close second. And there are lots more.

I cannot listen to the “Soon” part of the song without tearing up. It always moves me. So beautiful!! ❤️

You had to see this live. 20 thousand breathless fans watching one of the greatest bands play this incredible, huge opus with fire and passion. Their finest and most musically elaborate tour. Oh to have a time machine and experience that night just one more time! (By the time they got to Soon Oh Soon, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Just epic.)

A song that just keeps getting better every time you hear it. A timeless piece of incredibly crafted music - every second of it.

You know I first heard this in high school and only had a vague idea of what the lyrics were all about. I just loved the sound of it all. Every bit of it. Every little sound effect and riff and rhythm. it was just emotionally moving. No one had heard anything like it sonically. Not sure that kids today can possibly understand how this type of music sounded to our virgin ears. We were born before synthesizers and electronic guitar effects and studio wizardry so when music like this came along it was like experiencing magic. The great thing about this kid (don't know his name) is that he seems to get it. Heck he has thought more about the lyrical meaning in his first listen that most people have probably thought about them in in over forty five years. I know a whole lot more about music and recording than I knew when I first heard it. I know a good bit about how this piece was made. What equipment was used. What keyboards. What guitars and sound effects (the battle section sounds were made by banging old old car parts together that they found in a junk yard) I know the time signature in the battle section at 19:08 is in 21/16 and the time signature in the victory march section at 25:04 is in 11/4. But mostly I know this is a special piece of music that was created by a group of talented like minded people pushing the boundaries of the technology and the musical vocabulary of their time and place in the universe.

The last segment of the song is so beautiful! All this chaos leading to this amazing heavenly ending. What a journey!

Oh yeah, this concert was the impetus for nigh unto a religious experience for me. Staring up at Steve Howe shredding his guitar in mid-flight, everybody singing Soon, Oh Soon The Light....we laughed and cried together. Thank your for this one. - old musician from Seattle

I love to watch the different reactions to ‘The Gates of Delirium’. For other epic masterworks by YES, I strongly recommend: (1) AWAKEN (2) RITUAL (3) CLOSE TO THE EDGE ... OMG!!! When you appreciate YES, you will love their entire catalogue of work!!! Loved the review of ‘Gates’ !!! Thank you 🙏🏻😀

I clearly remember, when this album was released, John Peel promised to play a track or two on his show. Well, he, like all of us was so stunned by it's brilliance that he played the whole album, uninterrupted. What a star!.

Dethstrok9 another great video. You are very well versed for a young man, unsure of your age however the story you have told with this classic has me having hope for humanity. I'm glad you understand the meaning of these songs and are enjoying listening to them. Im of the opinion that if it was not for youtube you would never be exposed to these gems. We all know these great song would never get the time of day on todays radio.

In my opinion this ranks right up near the top of the masterpiece ladder for YES. I am impressed that you gleaned so much from a first listen. You are right there on much of the interpretation. As a teenager when this came out I spent many an evening in a dark room playing this album trying to figure our what Jon was trying to say. When you said "War" these old eyes teared up a bit. We may be on the brink of another one. This time REAL close to home.

I saw them play this live at Iowa City Feb. 1975 during their Relay your. Swiss keyboardist Patrick Moraz jazzed up their stuff.

First of all, let me tell you how much I enjoy your reaction videos. I enjoy reaction videos in general as I love to see people react to music I've loved for decades, and seeing their reactions reminds me of the first time I heard them. I particularly enjoy yours, however. The t-shirt you're wearing in this video is perfect - you give us a visceral reaction to the songs and then share your thoughts and interpretation of them, which is, I think, really cool. Your interpretations are thoughtful, insightful, and very entertaining. I especially enjoy your reactions to the music of Yes - I've been a fan of theirs for longer than you've been alive (my first Yes concert was on November 22, 1974, and it was in support of the very album you're listening to here, RELAYER. I wish you could have seen it - the lights, the stage props, the performance - EVERYTHING was perfect and in support of the music. It was glorious!). You should really listen to the rest of the album, as I'd love to see your reaction to the other two songs on it, particularly SOUND CHASER, which is unlike anything Yes did before or since (it features one of Steve Howe's more demented solos, and I think you'd be blown away by it). Please keep reviewing Yes - they just kept getting better. And I LOVED your reaction to AWAKEN!!!

Well done young guy a very intelligent interpretation of this.

I was curious where your Lovecraftian thoughts would lead, but you very quickly picked up on the war theme -- well done. Like many have suggested, give Yes' "Awaken" a shot. Very beautiful, and some soaring pipe organ action. Or, for a shorter treat, try "Wondrous Stories"

l can't believe you did this one. Over the top amazingness. You are right on about the war aspect of the song. The album cover has a real D&D quality to it. This is Steve Howe's first album with a Fender Telecaster - before that he used hollow and semi-hollow body Gibsons. He also used a Fender steel guitar (also used on previous albums) in the last part of the song. great review.

I've been listening to this since it was first released, and you're the first one I know of that interprets the "Soon" ending as death and ascension by the protagonists. Everyone else seems to think it's similar to a prayer for peace after victory (which musically, I take to be after the drums at 25:03) by the survivors. In any case, another great YES trip would be the title track from "Close To The Edge" (less than 19 minutes, so should be easy for you!). But great stuff and kudos for tackling this masterpiece from "Relayer".

Go back on that album and listen to Sound Chaser.

An amazing work of art. It describes how we got to go through dark times until we open our heart and see the light. And that life is a learning process. Incredible musical journey and a wonderful display of virtuosism and creativity

Hey-first time visitor here to watch & listen as you react to my Fav band! Imho LISTENING to Yes instead of focusing on lyrics is a better way to experience Yes at first. To really be able to absorb Yes music requires at least 3 listens to a song! Seriously-like you said So much going on! Each member is a master of their instrument including what Jon says(his lyrics)How he says the words. He has often stated he will put words in song because it Sounds good! Yes songs mean different things to people! Gates is a deep dive into Yes for a first time listener. Sooo many tunes in their library! Either you “Get” YES OR you don’t. They’re a mature listen! Love them! ❤seen them live 49+ times!!

The entire band was on fire for this one. To me, Steve and Chris played at their absolute best. They were both ridiculously good here.

I've listened to this music more times than I can count since it was released in 1974. :-) For me, it is all about good v evil. For me, I identify with it in this way: I'm ill with fever - delirious - will I live, will I die? This night will decide... The music tracks the fight my mind and body experiences, each faction fighting for an upper hand. The allegory is good v. bad. Each force is strong; the struggle is titanic. It's touch and go but eventually, I just manage to pull through. 'Soon' is the calm as the fever breaks... and there is Hope for peace and survival. I think Anderson tells this story using the analogy of the whole reality of war vs peace - the fight, the struggle for freedom against oppression...and, of course, in true Yes fashion, the music mirrors this beautifully. That's how I've always viewed it - and every time I listen to it, it never ceases to captivate... It's super great to see your reaction and hear you talking through the meaning of the lyrics. Keep it up!

Excellent analysis. I usually see reactors mugging for the camera or superficially reacting to the music. I agree with the comments below that they did not die - they won. The part @24:21 in your video is where the enemy is in disarray and in full retreat. The synthesizer solo @25:04 is a victory march after the battle is won. Soon is a reflection on what just happened and a hope that the future will be better. At least that's my interpretation.

My hunch that you would like this proved to be correct. The song is based on Tolstoy's epic novel War And Peace. Look forward to more reactions, particularly if you do Awaken, which, like Close To The edge, contains some beautiful organ sounds. The musicianship of Yes is always amazing. Thanks for doing this. There is a vast amount of great music out there awaiting discovery; created long before you were born.

Since you're going to do more Yes (and I encourage this), might I suggest: Your Is No Disgrace, Starship Trooper, or I've Seen All Good People from 1971's "The Yes Album". Going For The One or Awaken from 1977's "Going For The One" South Side of the Sky or Long Distance Runaround/The Fish (must do both together) from 1972's "Fragile" (the one where Roundabout came from). Oh hell - just do them all! I'm enjoying you enjoy all this music.

I was 13 when a friend of mine bought this album in 1975. We listened to this album so many times we practically wore it out. It's not as well known as "Yes Fragile" or some of their other work but it's still one of my favorite Yes albums. My favorite part of this song is when Steve Howe uses a pedal steel with a lot of delay on it at around the 14 minute mark of the actual song. I still get goose bumps when I hear it...

My favorite song of all time! Every time I listen to it, I hear something I've never noticed before.

One of many masterpieces by the ultimate musicians and innovators YeS You need to react to the group Renaissance also an unbelievable progressive rock group.

Steve (rarely) playing a Telecaster.... and sounding like a Tele should!

The album “Relayer” by the Progressive Rock Band “Yes” was the apex of their musical style that grew and developed through their first seven albums starting in 1969. After that point, the group has continued to produce beautiful and familiar sounds that still pleases and sustains their fans to this day even with the subtle shifting of personnel. The Gates of Delirium on the “Relayer” album was influenced by Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” the title was inspired by the 1972 Lone Sloane series graphic novel, “Delirius”; by Philippe Druillet, the French science fiction cartoonist. I interpret this timeless musical piece as the beginning of an impending conflict: the back and forth on the decision to enter into conflict, the resolution to wage war, and a clashing confrontation. The song ends near dawn after an overnight pause of combat, the warriors anticipate sunrise to enter the battlefield through the gates of delirium to attack once again. This can also be the theme of the February 24, 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Russia and Ukraine had previously been part of the U.S.S.R., which dissolved in 1991. Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe behind Russia. Russo-Ukrainian War started in 2014 when Russia annexed the Crimea on the Black Sea. On February 21, 2022, Russia recognized pro-Russian separatist who controlled two self-proclaimed independent states in Donbas, Ukraine. The main invasion was three days later. The Russian army had gathered on the Ukraine border starting in March 2021, they built-up their forces and equipment, all while they repeatedly denied their intentions to invade. The Ukrainian people behaved as if Russia would not invade; the act of war was unthinkable, the build-up was a bluff. This engagement parallels the song: the pending conflict, the eight-year discussion about going to war, being plunged into conflict in 2022, and now, every morning the defenders of their sovereign right as an independent nation must enter through the gates of delirium.

The Bass at the end of the war victory is totally insane !!!! (Before the Soon part) Big Hug from Montréal Québec.

Good review! You probably have many requests for ‘´Close to the Edge ‘’ or ‘’ Awaken’’. Two others great epics by Yes. Try it and enjoy!

This album as a whole is Yes at their most jazzy, in part thanks to Patrick Moraz on keyboards. Check out Siberian Khatru from Close To The Edge, a neglected masterpiece.

"Peaceful lives will not deliver freedom." One of the saddest, most depressing lines ever, because it's absolutely true. There's an alternative history story about India being occupied by the nazis during the time of M. Ghandi. It ends just a little, teeny-weeny bit differently than it did in reality. "Soon" is such a *perfect* way to wrap this up.

An masterpiece produced by true genius's of Progressive Rock with the ability of giving the listener an out of body and euphoric experience

Not many people know this, but Mark Twain was a time-traveler who visited 1974, heard this album, then went back to his own time and wrote the "War Prayer".

Love the tears. You're a good man.

Give ' The Revealing Science of God ' a whirl

"You never finish the journey till you've made it to the end" - Dethstrok9 (I like it, it's actually kind of Zen-like.)

I’m seconding Side one of Close to the Edge. Anyone? Epic reaction Daniel👍🏼

Definitely line up Close To The Edge, their first epic. It would be interesting to see how you compare the two.

Really interesting to see your reaction to this epic. And it is an epic. I've seen several reactions to GoD and you might find it of interest to watch 2 particular reactions to the same song (Just JP and the other by Weaboo Reacts). Not that this should be described as a song. A composition perhaps? It's interesting that your focus leaned heavily toward the lyrics and meaning, the story of the piece. Important if course but as a musician, I was expecting more comment on the musicianship and musical structure. It is every bit a masterpiece musically, as well as a great story. I did say you'd be blown away and certainly you will never hear music quite like Yes music. There are bands they have influenced, Dream Theater to name one and musicians that have been influenced by Yes members. Geddy Lee of Rush was very much influenced by Chris Squire for instance. But no bands that emulate the Yes sound (except Starcastle perhaps but not successfuly). Anyways, moving on, the next Yes piece would have to be Awaken. For me, arguably the definitive Yes epic. Go for it, again you won't be sorry. It is also an experience. Once heard, these epics will stay with you for life and each time you listen you hear something new. That's the real treasure. 🙂

To Dicon Dissectional Some music is timeless. I was a month short of 22 when this was released, my reaction first hearing it was very much like yours. Heard it maybe hundreds of times since then, live 3 times including bicentennial concert. You had me laughing at ~ 10:10 when you said "... this song's incredible and we're only three minutes into it..." Ha! Even hardcore Yes fans 'back in the day' had absolutely no idea of what was coming... Some consider this to be one of Yes' finest compositions. Glad you liked it

I absolutely love this track - still one of my all time favourite pieces of lap guitar work by Steve Howe...that solo in Soon is just sublime. Such amazing musical virtuosity from them all with Jon's lyrics weaving a web of story throughout. Such a journey. Just one of the reasons why I've loved Yes since I first heard them way back when I was at school. Love it. Great reaction :-) I agree with Soul Dreamer that it feels to me like it ends on a hopeful note though, so that's something positive to take away at the end :-)

Exactly. As Soul Dreamer states, it's loosely based on Tolstoy's "War and Peace"..., which is all about the cycles in life. War and peace, love and hate, love and marriage, reflections, regrets.., never ending and timeless. Enjoyed ur reaction:)

this is a fantastic track by one of the cleverest most able groups ever. I enjoyed your reaction and analysis of it. It has been one of my fave tracks for a long time.

Conquest is always the response to an external pressure. It can be a geocataclysmic event or other dramatic change confronting the survival of the species..

BTW, Chris Squire and Steve Howe do a lot of the backing vocals.

My favorite Yes Album since it’s release in 1974

Longest song by Yes at the time. Listen in the battle section for a huge rack of "percussion" to accidentally fall over. It was actually a bunch of junk, old auto parts, etc. They kept it in because they liked it.

there is a 1974 live show with this song. but the original had some technical problems. someone dubbed another show from the tour. watch that one, you can see 4 musicians play this note for note as the studio version.

For me, this is the best Yes song, and the best rock song EVER.

"Fight till the death" you say. Yep, we all are on that path as individuals like it or not...

Love the way you listen mate..... if you would like to know just how crazy the composition of this piece is and other YES tunes then put in your search bar ( miguel YES bass covers) it should come up with the right thing and its amazing that this guy plays these tunes note for note on a Rikenbacker with a pick too, pure magic. Hope you agree. 🎼🎵🖖

One of the best songs ever, and I was fortunate to see it live. You may want to listen to Patrick Moraz’s solo album “The story of I”, another great concept album

I think you might like Laurie Anderson's "O Superman". Totally different than this, but.

Of all the 70's YES these lyrics are some of the most direct and literal. Don't think to much to figure them out. The thinking comes in with the complex music and composition. One of the best musicians and music ever. starts with getting everybody mentally ready , next we start marching together to reach our goal, next It just gets more serious and dark before we reach the battle. Listen meant: Is the conscious inner voice speaking to oneself about the necessity of conflict. This is a visceral masterpiece of capturing the futility of horrors of war.. When the battle is won a sailing to the rush of victory and all is destroyed we ascend to the higher consciousness towards hopefully enlightenment beyond conflict. because we're always searching for our true purpose

I KNEW that you would love this!!!

My favourite Yes-Song (at this moment)

Deep. Play, listen, learn. Music to feel, not to understand. Here it is: War = Bad. Light = Hope = Life = Good. Got it? Yes lyrics will never explicitly tell you what should be obvious, but their music will make you think about everything until you get it. DW

Just know that these guys could actually play this in concert.

Finally someone who understands this song.

34:40 Yeah, everyone seems to have that same reaction after hearing this song for the first time. Or the hundred and first.

My brother was a *HUGE* Dungeons and Dragons guy! That makes you even cooler! (IMHO) Anyway, *love* your shirt! 😎

This is the third time I’ve been through this with you. I keep crashing the Gates for that serenely beatific finale. Until next time.......

Trying to decipher Yes lyrics is like trying to nail jelly to a tree. I wouldn’t try, just enjoy the ride. Excellent song.

gates of delirium is one of my pet names for my wife's lady bits

. I saw them in Detroit 1976 perform this !!! .

Glad to see the younger generation understanding and enjoying the depth of Yes music, Jon Anderson wanted to show the insanity of war and yet the reason it has been needed, in the end the light always wins, it’s better to stand and fight then live out your life serving from your knees. Thank God World War 3 is the digital war, being fought peacefully behind the scenes…

I'd seen Yes a dozen or so times in my life and never heard Gates of Delirium performed through the years. Until...I had moved to Pittsburgh in 2000 and Yes played there either that year or early 2001. They played Gates. Jon Anderson introduced the song and stated they hadn't performed it in over 20 years. I was ecstatic, as it's probably my favorite song ever. Used to get high and drunk with my friends and then go home and lay down on my parent's living room floor and listen to Gates with headphones. Relayer had just come out. He explained it was actually about the band's interpretation of and the sadness toward the US' involvement in Viet Nam. He also stated how much he hated to perform the song, as it was such a deviation from the Yes programmed way of writing and performing their songs. They performed it better than I could have imagined. Anyone else heard the possibility that Gates Of Delirium = GOD?

Welcome to our world young man

I'm telling ya, Jeff Beck BLOW BY BLOW. It may just change your perspective on the guitar.

Though I became more of a fusion/jazz/Brazilian fan shortly after this album was released ... imho ... this was YES and prog rock / thinking man's rock, at its pinnacle.

Timeless.........

An excellent review. Although I love the whole album, try SOON by Yes,...the symphonic version on youtube..truly beautiful.

Is it, the sun will lead us? I've also seen it, the Son will lead us.

Another epic piece by Yes! If you get a chance, please listen to the 'Symphonic Live' version of this track. Brings new layers to it!

maybe this song based on Tolstois "war and peace" ,but this is the last,the final war. After that war the "victors" realise that they´ve won nothing but lost everything and they die,too. This song reminds me of the dystopical manga "Girls last tour" obout the end of the mankind. "Last one turns off the light".

My absolute favorite yes song. ! in a millon

Dude, try some FRANK ZAPPA, you'll NEVER look back!!!

I can't wait until you get to Tales from Topographic Oceans, hope you have an entire day. There is a whole lot of YES to do

It's my favourite album of yes. The cover art till you a lot. To me it's the story of young men going off to war. .And then the aftermath. And the young men changed forever. . Awesome Yes at its best story telling.

Another Yes masterpiece. I don't think there's supposed to be a winner/loser situation. I think it's more a comment on the nature of war itself. At the part where you wondered if we were dead, what's over is the war, I think. Followed by Jon's hope for a future where we learn not to fight but to live and love together. My humble opinion, of course. I love this song so much. If you haven't yet, I can highly recommend the other two songs on this album. This is Yes at their most experimental and proggy (and some would say self-indulgent - I say bring it on!).

Takes me back. Bean Bags, Spliffs and our dog Rocky. He was amazing. Miss him so much.

One of the Best songs of all -

I get the D&D thinking that you mentioned. For me I used to listen to these as I read epic fantasy books. You should check out 'Tangerine Dream - Phaedra'. I am not a great fan of over analyzing the lyrics. In fact for me, I never hear the lyrics. I just hear the sound the lyrics make (basically another form of instrument, albeit the mouth). In many cases when the song is written there are no lyrics. The singer will just make a series of sounds and then later on 'wrangle' some lyrics into the available space. The other musicians have no notion of what the song is about.

This is referenced in the Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe song "Quartet".

After Genesis Yes are my second favourite band.

This also ties in (lightly) with Olias of Sunhillow. Same people’s, different time?

CLOSE TO THE EDGE - is the YES masterpiece - check that out

You missed it "Peaceful lives will NOT deliver freedom" "LIES DO WE KNOW" Jon is telling us that the need for violence and war are the ugly and horrible folly of man and that we can all live in peace with LOVE. I'll comment more as I've listened to this hundreds of times.

Welcome to the world of progressive rock/ jazz fusion

If this was your first exposure to Yes, you jumped right into the deep end off the high dive!

Guitar is beyond..

Probably not saying anything you don't know but musically this is what we called "prog", progressive, the composers (band) didn't hold to any predetermined structure either harmonically or tempo. Lastly if you're going to try make meaning of Anderson's lyrics your brains gonna explode he picks words for their syllables, musical sound, not really relying on any actual sense. Although I must say the guy Soul Dreamer did a great job of explaining this song.

Other channels that reacted to this have no pauses. Best version of Gates is 12/11/74 - Boston Garden. Mind Boggling!

The closer you approach physical conflict in battle, the more your own constitution of morality is squeezed and tested. The physical and conscious battles are in it together.

Congrats. Keep doing thi😅s Yes the greatest band