This is a (tad) long time coming but here goes.

When it ended, two words came to mind. Informative. Gerek.

Bualgitar Metal Matinee (BMM) was Burhan’s (Chugga Ritual) brainchild in inviting discourse on music creation with a focus on metal music. This 7th instalment held on 16 October at J3 Studios was my first time attending and it focused on the link between the guitarist and drummer in a band when creating music.

As a non music composer (albeit someone who appreciates metal music), I was concerned I would be lost in a quagmire of technical information. My fears were unfounded.

Why the focus of guitar and drums? In Burhan’s words, metal music can be pared down to these two. To demonstrate, he kick started the workshop by mimicking some of his favourite drumbeats. He then proceeded to ask certain members of the audience to do the same. This little exercise was to show the significance of a little mimicry in order to communicate clearly what words could not. Even though, according to Burhan, some musicians would find this “retarded”, he felt it was effective based on his past experiences in getting other musicians to understand what he wanted to achieve.

Soon after, the guitarist and drummer from E-thereal, Rudi and Syamil demonstrated to the audience the importance of the relationship between guitars and drums. Without the clear understanding between the two, the overall sound of the band would be lacking. Exactly something the both of them overcame.

After their demonstration, Burhan brought up the topic of drum programming and asked the audience if it is easy or difficult to execute. Some felt it was easy while others disagreed and said it would be difficult in the beginning. Regardless the differing opinions, Burhan reiterated that it is a good tool to have especially in times when it is difficult to get the whole band together to create music. He showed that one need not get an expensive sophisticated machine, a simple keyboard with drum mimicking capabilities would suffice.

Next up, Stampede got ready to showcase their stuff. While setting up, Borhan told the audience he learnt one important tip from Matno, Stampede’s drummer. The ability to count the number of notes (or as I understand it, counts) in a guitar riff.  He asked the audience for the number of notes in a famous riff from Metallica’s  Master of Puppets song. Only one person got it right – 19. Using this example, Burhan reiterated to us the duality of this guitar-drums relationship. By this time, Stampede was ready to play.

I really enjoyed Stampede’s set – progressive post hardcore (according to Matno, “progressive but not to the point you can’t quite understand it”). There was a certain chill groovy vibe to it despite the intricacy of the drumbeats. To me, Stampede exemplified well what Burhan was trying to get across. Even though Matno saw it akin to a chasing game between guitars and drums, it was not a duel to out-compete each other.

Lastly, Ossuary came to the fore to show off their mettle. Definitely a different sound from Stampede but I enjoyed it still. The intensity of the drumming acutely showed how the guitars and drums have to be in sync to pull off such technicality. I guess from here I can somewhat understand by what Shahril, Ossuary’s drummer, meant to infer when he told us of his experiences working with both disciplined and the not too disciplined guitarists.

Despite the difference in their sounds, all three veteran bands –  E-thereal, Stampede, and Ossuary –  helped Burhan show the importance of the guitar-drums dynamic.Despite the different feelings/emotions they evoked, they definitely drove home the structure of music construct. How the drums can give much needed accent of a particular riff or to signal a shift in guitar riffs or vice versa. If discourse is what Burhan wants, he certainly got it.

More, please. I’m waiting.
 

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