The Controversial Rise of Polyphia (The Truth behind Polyphia's Come-up) 

This video took me weeks of editing and dozens of hours to make. I appreciate all of you guys’ feedback and appreciation of the video! While the band is far from perfect, they’ve tackled numerous hurdles to be as big as they are. You don’t have to fit a mold to be a successful artist PS: Polyphia is NOT a Christian band, it was a joke they ran with for a few years. And it does sound like I said "Joel Satriani" but I'm aware his name his Joe. The controversy surrounding Polyphia was based off of their perception. They made a few remarks during their come-up and people on the internet really hated them due to their "outlandish" sound and arrogant image. Type in "Polyphia controversy" and you'll find it but I couldn't address it all in the video

I opened for Polyphia, Intervals, and The Contortionist back in 2014. I talked to Aaron, Anup, and everyone in The Contortionist quite a bit before and after the show. Out of everyone at the show, Polyphia legitimately seemed like the only ones who just wanted to play and be done with it, and they didn't really care for chit chat after the show either. They played great, but it was a bit of a downer to feel that awkwardness with musicians that you look up to, and even share the same age with. About 8ish months after that, I met them again at NAMM, and they were way more talkative and upbeat. I even mentioned the show we played, and how they seemed pretty out of it off-stage. They ended up expressing how they were feeling crappy during that string of the tour, and that things were just not going the way they wanted. It made me realize that, despite their booming popularity and status as "guitar gods", they were not in the best space or position in their careers for touring. I feel like that served as a good experience for me, because it broadened my view of how start-up Progressive bands really live on the road, and what they have to sacrifice physically/mentally to just get out there.

Tim is nice as fuck, I used to have lessons from him. I showed him these maple board J. Customs that just came out (he bought a blue one) and before he did, he asked me which colour I wanted to get in order to make sure I didn’t miss out on it (there was like one of each for sale). Great teacher too. Best advice for guitar I’ve ever heard came from him - focus on nothing other that what you’re HEARING. Don’t determine whether you’ve nailed something based on where your fingers are. Sounds obvious but it works wonders when you truly focus on it

I don't see any controversy with Polyphia. They're all exceptionally good musicians creating music that's a joy to listen to.

Not only the guitar riffs are good, they also have an absolutely incredible drummer

I wouldn't go as far as to say they're a household name. Every time I mention the band polyphia to somebody, whether they are friends, family, coworkers, classmates, peers, or strangers, it is rare anyone will say "yeah I know them." They are still a very niche band in the broad scheme of things, tho they have become popular in modern metal and the progressive guitar scene. They're probably only a household name to people familiar with those genres/groups of musicians.

With bands like this still putting out music, there's never been a better time to be a guitarist, especially if you like instrumental music, it's got a fanbase that's been steadily growing and growing.

I'm 73 yrs old and have to say 'Polyphia' has woken musical joy where I thought it no longer exists. great band all the way through!

I only discovered Polyphia yesterday and, to me, they are the greatest band I've heard in a couple of decades. This is IT. How did I miss this until now?

Not too sure what’s controversial to their rise but they really did well and definitely mastered their niche which pushed their pop status.

I've read that Tim comes up with all of the guitar content but I feel like Scott doesn't get nearly enough praise for his playing ability. Regardless of who writes it there's no doubt that just being able to perform the material alone is worth a lot of recognition. Same goes for the rest of the band.

I'm a much more recent Polyphia fan, but I have to say. All it took was the first 90 seconds of Playing God to make me fall in love. I'm also a native Texan so when I heard that a local band was gonna be playing near me, I rounded up some friends and went and OH. MY. GOD. It was like nothing I've ever heard. The entire crowd was LOVING every second of it. Everyone was so into it that they came out for THREE ENCORE SONGS. As I crowdsurfed during G.O.A.T, I knew that I struck gold with them and I'm not planning on leaving this fanbase anytime soon. The absolute talent of all four of them is incredible and Clay Aeschliman is probably the best drummer of all time at this point (yeah, that's right. I said Clay's better than John Bonham and Neil Peart)

Great video! Really like that you included Chon to compare the personality of both bands. I agree 100% that Polyphia's personality has a lot to do with their success today. When it comes to music, I feel like Polyphia started writing their songs differently right after their first tour with Chon. I'm sure they hung out during both tours

I discovered them with Playing God and it's been the biggest slap to the face I've ever had. I never heard something remotely close to this and the fact that there's no singer and you get to enjoy just the melody is awesome too. Also, heavy guitar riffs have been done and done again and having that "acoustic" sounding guitar play is something really fresh

I’m 73 and when I heard playing God it blew me away me and my wife love that song going from classical to rock to bossa nova and one song is amazing listening to He also plays and sounds like Al DiMeola from the 80s. I hope he does more songs like play God style, me myself took up guitar 66 I could never play like them , we enjoy making Covers here on RU-vid with my Guitar Teacher if you press my picture here, you can see we just have fun at our ages.age just dig it man !!

I've been listening to Polyphia since 2013 when Scott followed me on Twitter and asked me to hear their latest work (Inspire, back then). I remember I even asked "oh, the band doesn't even have a vocalist?" And that's how I was ignored by one of the greatest guitarists of today. 😅 Even so, Polyphia has become one of my favorite artists of all time. It's amazing to see their popularity growing like this.

As a 50 year old, I grew up listening to instrumental music like Joe Sastriani, Steve Morse and Tony MacAlpine so im definitely loving this

Every time they release a song I'm always like "how can they one up this one" and then they release G.O.A.T. and then Playing God. Legit just insane musicians with an infinite level of talent at this point. Their Album "Muse" was my in with the band back in 2014 with Sweet Tea being my favourite song to to show people. My parents loved that album. Polyphia will always have a special place in my heart.

The title of the video says "Controversial", and I was expecting drama, but you went above my expectations and delivered an amazing overview of their career. I really enjoyed this, and really appreciate the commentary on their music over the years. Great video!

I just discovered them a year ago from a comment on RU-vid of someone said they underrated. I typed them in RU-vid and 3 hours later I was a superfan. Going to see them live in April. 🤘🏻

I've only recently discovered Polyphia, but they have fast become one of my favourite bands to listen to. Usually, while I respect really technical playing, it's not something I'm often in the mood to sit and listen too, but I think Polyphia's secret (as you elude to in the video) is that the super technical playing and skill on show is underpinned by really accessible melodies and pop chord structures that are easy on the ear.

I've been listening to polyphia since their first album, and while I noticed the shift away from metal, it never bothered me that much because they didn't necessarily "dumb down". They just shifted gears a bit while adding the same passion and technicality that they always had. As a musician who appreciates good musicians, it was never a big deal to me. Interesting to see from this video, I guess it was a big deal among the community. I wouldve guessed they had a more musician following who would still appreciate musicians passionately and intricately playing music.

As a guitarist/ multi-instrumentalist, I get bored easily about what I listen to. To me, Poliphia is a breath of fresh air and becoming essential listening very fast

I've only just discovered them. As a musician and sound engineer myself, I REALLY love their work! Looking forward to anything new from these awesome musicians!!

I am new fan to Polyphia, Saw Tim on Rick Beatos interview along with Misha and Tosin. However i got to say as amazing as the guitar work is they really are a sum of their strengths. The Drumming is pretty amazing as well which does not seem to get enough love in many profiles done on them.

I love how they've grown and progressed. They've erased the line between genres and just create beautiful intricate music. A lot of bands get stuck in one sound and become stale.

I remember finding Polyphia back in late 2013, I fell in love so quickly and they were my favorite band for years and I kind of just expected them to stay in this niche little pocket where so few people knew them. Seeing their growth and them becoming more mainstream damn near makes me want to cry. Shit is just so incredible, they really made it.

I was able to see them with Unprocessed on the third to last gig on this last tour - I have been playing guitar for longer than the members of this band have been alive and I was thrilled to see and hear them play with such ferocity and joy. I remember moving along those lines of composition and non-linear melody when I was a teen and being told essentially there was 'no future' for that kind of thing. The guys in Polyphia gave me permission to return to my roots with my playing and I am having a ball. Keep going guys!

Polyphia is an amazing band, my 10 year old son has been tackling, or trying to, their music for a few years now (he started at 4) and he prefers listening to Polyphia over stuff like Metallica or even contemporary pop music like Ed Sheeran or Swift. Polyphia's melodies inspire him to practice his guitar. Thanks Tim! You're to my son what James Hetfield was to me.

I think Scale the Summit was also a significant player at the time. I remember back when I first started listening to this new wave of instrumental metal, most people would talk about Animals as Leaders and Scale the Summit.

this band is full of spectacular artists. im really digging the change of styles that occur between albums, and how each artist brings a whole bands' worth of sound with them

Tim's new song with Plini and Cory Wong is a dope song too. I've been a Polyphia fan for several years now and nearly everyone I show them to is blown away by their skills. They are truly a sight to behold

I remember being able to go the first Super Chon Bros tour. Being in my mid teens, seeing that concert changed my life. Strawberry Girls, Polyphia, and CHON all played that night, and if I was able to relive just one day, I would choose that one.

As someone who has been with this band since their super early stuff. This video really nails putting into words their growth as a band. Like all of things I’ve only thought in my mind. All in one video. Well done brotha

Old Guy here, I just learned of this band/group a couple of days ago, and their sound completely blew my mind. I hope they do well, and can keep up being cutting edge.

I just found out about polyphia recently. Their sound is so unique and mesmerizing. I’ve been going back listening to older songs and definitely like the direction they’ve been going recently. I can’t wait to see how they progress from here

My favorite player is Mateus Asato so I heard of them with Drown on New Levels New Devils. Tim and Scott are massively responsible for pushing guitar forward at a time when it was sort of dying. Their chops, creativity, and musicality are absolutely off the charts.

Great video great presentation I appreciate the time and work you put in!

Good stuff! I just discovered Tim on the interview with Beato and have been wanting to learn more about their story

Excellent work compiling all of this for us to enjoy. I really appreciate good independent documentaries.

Awesome job with this entire video footage!! I truly enjoyed watching this. Learned info about this group I wasn't aware of. Great research!

Been listening to these guys since '14. No idea they had blown up. Good job guys.

I discovered Tim Henson and Polyphia 7 months ago in November 2021. I had no idea a guitar can be played like that...they are everything I love about life: guitars, precision, thoughtfulness, art, wine and champagne, designer clothes and expensive cars. I need nothing else.

as someone who started playing guitar back in 2001 and quickly moved into the heavy metal genre in the early 2000's, i always found myself feeling like i needed to "protect" guitar playing and the rock and metal genre. As i got older and actually started working in the music industry, i found that the entitled nature and protectiveness of the hard rock and metal community, held it back in many ways. The same goes for many parts of the EDM community as well. I love polyphia, and respect the hell out of how they understand exactly how the system and machine works. so many people used to come up to me and be like "you should check out my friend, he or she is an incredible musician" and i would always tell them, "in all honesty, the better a musician they are, the smaller the chances they have of commercial and financial success" usually for the reason that metal heads are the way they are, pride and integrity. They think that if they give up 1% of their identity or pride, that theyve failed. Polyphia has learned how to be themselves, but also how to work the current market and system to create a technically proficient, while also commercially viable project.

Another things which is out of the ordinary is that their shows freaking rock. Went to see them with a friend of mine, we are both guitarists who love the technical aspect of it. We thought it was just gonna be like any other technical band we've seen. Us and a bunch of other guitar nerds just standing around, looking at a very impressive but static band on stage. We couldn't have been more wrong. During the first song 5 people already started crowd surfing, which kept on going the whole gig. The band gave everything and the audience was WILD! Definitely a different experience than other guitar gods I've seen, no disrespect to them though.

Polyphia actually had a vocalist in the original line-up, Lane Duskin, and Brandon also sang cleans. You can hear Lane on their first EP titled Resurrect, it's probably still up on RU-vid somewhere, which was re-released later as an instrumental EP titled Inspire. Even very early on Tim's writing style just works better without vocals.

Growing up in the 70's my first albums and favorite bands were actually funk and Hip hop acts. But in puberty i switched over to Rock, Metal then Nu Metal (which was actually Cross-Over for us back then) and Grunge getting over to progressive Metal and guitar music. Polyphia actually gives me lot of the genres i love at once.

Awesome video! You really did a nice job of capturing the overall vibe of the different stages that the band has gone through thus far. 🙏🤙

I remember them putting out their call for a vocalist. I was honestly dreading what they'd become if they added vocals to their music. Their last few releases are some of my favorite music, and we might not have that if they went down that path.

Great video. Only thing missing was naming Explosions in the Sky, they were the biggest instrumental band for a while. They were on Letterman, Toured festivals, sometimes as headliners

Incredibly well put together mini-doc. I'm relatively new to polyphia but a big follower now, so thanks for bringing this all to one space.

I am 58 years old longtime music fan. I like all kinds of music. I just found out about these guys. One word: WOW

I love Polyphia and, while I'm not the biggest fan in the world of a lot of their songs, there's no doubt in my mind they're going to be the most popular instrumental band if they're not already. It's really cool to see their progression over the years while I continue playing guitar myself. I play some difficult math rock songs from bands like Invalids, but I couldn't begin to play Polyphia's discography. They're an incredible display of talent.

I'm 58 and they've got me excited about music again.

I just listened to a few of their short vids on RU-vid. They are awesome! I wanted to find out more then. Your vid on them was excellent. I’m now going to find their music and download some! Thanks!

Man, what a cool video. Really enjoyed your narration and composition here - very easy to tell you're a big fan with the work you put into this.

I’m only 4 minutes in but wow dude this is an incredibly well done video. As a former music RU-vidr, you’re much better than I ever got. You’re gonna go far!

Great success story. They are fantastic, they don't just display sterilised virtuosity, they have personal/signature style, attitude and funk. The rhythm section in the third album was incredibly fun to listen too aside from the brilliant guitars. And Tim Henson, man, the most exciting instrumental guitarist for my taste since Satriani and Vai.

Good vid man, i really loved the background on Polyphia. Keep it up!

great vid. thanks for catching me up :)

In college I got really into experimental guitar music from Buckethead so I started listening to chon, covet, plini, sithu aye, starsystems, widek, a bunch of shit. But those polyphia eps were always a standout in the instrumental lineup I had. Once renaissance dropped I was blown away. They really pushed that tired out metal sound into a totally new world and while a lot of the other bands I mentioned did as well polyphia chose to blend with the modern zeitgeist of music adopting a much more pop engaging feel to their style. I remember hearing them get so much hate online for just being guitar wankery and when lit dropped all those metal elitist we're shitting on them so hard. But the most hated was completely uncontestable imo. The trap drums from clay under some of the best riffs I've ever heard and fully embracing this kind of hip hop/trap fusion separated them from everyone and cemented themselves as innovators in a difficult progressive market. I bought the tabs for that ep when they first released and I'm still working through some of the songs

Crazy because I lived in Plano my whole life and heard about these guys because I was in the math rock and prog rock underground scene there. Saw them live when there was like 20 people at the shows. Crazy how far they’ve come.

Great video thanks for making it ✨✨

Great video! I was fortunate enough to meet them during DGD Mothership Tour and picked up the “Muse” vinyl that was a Tour exclusive for them to sign. Scottie drew some silly face on it next to his signature. Nice touch lol

Really love your content man!! So glad someone took the time and research about Polyphia’s rise to success.

amazing video, this band genuinely made me pick up guitar. All I did was wanna learn polyphia songs. I can say I'm good enough to learn them properly now, and they opened a whole new world for me, musically.

It was around the time they put out muse, got to talk to them briefly before watching them play live, back when they were just kinda giving touring a try. Super dope guys and I love their musical growth. Had great personalities too.

I like how Tim is also a prolific youtuber and his tutorials are pretty dope and comprehensive.

Amazing documentary man. Just found your channel and subbed 🙌

Absolutely loved watching this-insightful, interesting, and fun. I cannot believe that a band from my hometown would have been my favourites in high school.

This is a great video and you’re a really good narrator. Well done 🤘🏻

really great vid broski, that was super fun to watch

08:07 Noooooo i feel bad for Erick. Imo CHON are actually the true guitar innovators who deserve all their flowers and trophies. They're just not in the spotlight as much because they're introverted and not as Tiktok-able as Polyphia, but they are GIANTS. Anybody who plays guitar knows CHON is on another level.

What I really appreciate about polyphia especially since New Levels New Devils is their ability to make very technical instrumental playing accessible. The songs and melody get stuck in your head despite their complexity. With a lot of technical music I have "the problem" it is just 1000 notes in a short time, missing catchiness. It just overwhelms you at times. Polyphia is always trying something new pushing the envelope further. The new album "remember that you will die" is distinctly polyphia but with fresh influences. I am happy to be part of the journey.

great video, super chill and it felt like I was just having a beer with a bud and talking about it. great voice too man, keep it going

What a well done video man. Very informative, clean cut, nice transitions so its easy on the eyes, editing skills are on point too. Very nice job.🤘🏽

I came across them by accident because of their wonderful fanbase. Decided to look up the music that I saw a cover of, and now New Levels New Devils is one of my favorite albums ever

Saw them live last year and I was blown away. I was a fan already but now they are one of my top bands

This is a good video, man! Its clean, informative, the editing is on point, so watching the video is just as interesting as listening to it

I'm 60 and dig the sound. Going to see them in Dallas tonight! The first time i heard them, I wasn't sure it was actually a guitar because it was so tight!

I'll be honest.. I never thought I'd be listening to instrumental music. But I've been hooked on everything they release.

I love this new style of music. It shows that bands don't necessarily need vocalists. I've always appreciated progression and instrumental music.

I discovered them by accident on spotify in either 2018 or 2019 while listening to other instrumental guitarists. Haven't stopped listening to them since.

Thanks for schooling me on this band that I'd never heard of until an hour ago...Rick Beato's interview with Tim Henson brought me here!

Saw them in 2017 headlining with Covet and Jason Richardson. I wasn’t the biggest fan of their sound back then but they’ve taken such giant leaps since then. G.O.A.T. really catalyzed their rise to where they are today. I really want to see them keep growing and expanding their sound, and Playing God is a great sign that they’ll continue to do that!

Really fantastic video essay. I feel like it gave me a new perspective on their newest album, and made me appreciate it even more.

Great video man! 😊

Your channel is awesome keep it up bro.

Polyphia played before us at a show years back (back when they had a vocalist) and a few of the members at the time were pretty inconsiderate about packing up and clearing out in a timely manner. Took their time chatting with people and cut into our setup time. But that aside, kudos to them for the huge success.

i have been following this band since february this year and i love everything about this band i honestly love their music videos the most i have never seen so simple yet beautiful and atmospheric music videos

Great video. Learned a ton. Im a polyphia fan, but not deep enough of one to do a deep dive on origins on my own. I had no idea how they became "established" other than I was familiar with Champagne. Loved it.

Interesting video man! Super well done

To keep my story short on Polyphia, I came to know their work through a random video while scrolling through RU-vid on a guitar instructor reacting to their G.O.A.T. track. I listened to it a few times and my interest was piqued. From there it became a whirlwind, one great musician found, then another and the next etc.... from Aaron Marshall to Andy James, all the way through to Charlie Robbins. Personally, Polyphia lead a tidal wave of instrumental madness into my life, and I am thankful for their work. Sure, I have listened to instrumentals before like Man Made God from In Flames, and instrumental music only albums were not part of my metal/rock collection until now. I'm happy to have found this form of music, as lyrics, often times to me, do not convey emotion quite like sheer instrumental brilliance does.

Discovered them around just a bit after Renaissance dropped, they've been my favourite band ever since

Thanks for the content. Very interesting and informative.

Thanks, great insight to the band and music. Old man here, love new cutting edge artist and how they can "stir the pot" of such a massive industry.

Tim !!!! Best band ever! Cant wait to see Tim perform in 20 years! I got my ticket to watch Polyphia playing live this 9 august! Fire!

The most hated or not, the music just speaks for itself

great documentary thanks for posting your artistry as well ... respect props and God bless

Hey man. This was a great video! Really appreciate your effort and nice to catch up with the full story of Polyphia....Got into them around the 'GOAT' time, but for the last year have just been obsessing. I personally LOVE how they develop and challenge themselves, and to create your own, distinguishable sound is truly an extraordinary achievement! I'm sure they won't get stuck, and could easily see them getting a vocalist at some point :-)) ...just to be controversial and creative