The "Sleeping Giant" thread

[erwinrafael]

This track got a 10/10 from me at first listen. I like how the intro sort of prefigures the structure of the whole song. Starts with a simple, quite unremarkable pattern, which they then layer and create variations until it reaches a crazy crescendo. That is how they structured the vocal melodies as well, and also the instrumentals. The ending of the song is really glorious.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

It's a solid B or B+ song for me. Based on reviews and fan reaction, I expected a stunner and to that extent I was very slightly underwhelmed. I don't think the vocal melody at the chorus is particularly strong or hooks you but other parts are good. Very cool instrumental section but lately I am feeling like DT instrumental sections are all starting to sound a certain way these days, unless it's in a mega epic. I liked the lyrics and subject matter.

A few puts and takes in my experience with this one but overall it's a satisfying addition to the DT archives.

[JLa]

The only track I've been revisiting so far. But I really like it!

[RAIN]

Absolutely a great song, but I had to make a personal edit to the track and now I find it superb.

[erwinrafael]

What did you edit?

[UndercoverMyung]

Loved it from my first listen. Blows me away every time I hear it.

[Kotowboy]

I love the Danny Elfman - ish vocal melodies.

[TheCountOfNYC]

My favorite on the album right now. I actually was so hyped about this song I took the time to tempo map it and transcribe the bass part note for note. Next step is to actually try to learn the damn thing.

[UndercoverMyung]

My favorite on the album right now. I actually was so hyped about this song I took the time to tempo map it and transcribe the bass part note for note. Next step is to actually try to learn the damn thing.

Would you mind sharing the bass part? I'd love to try to learn it! 

[TheCountOfNYC]

My favorite on the album right now. I actually was so hyped about this song I took the time to tempo map it and transcribe the bass part note for note. Next step is to actually try to learn the damn thing.

Would you mind sharing the bass part? I'd love to try to learn it! 

I will. Bear in mind I transcribed it for five strings instead of six since I did all of this with the intention of learning and covering it and the six string I own is busted at the moment. With that said, while the fingerings I wrote might not be 100% accurate, the actual sheet music should be.

[UndercoverMyung]

My favorite on the album right now. I actually was so hyped about this song I took the time to tempo map it and transcribe the bass part note for note. Next step is to actually try to learn the damn thing.

Would you mind sharing the bass part? I'd love to try to learn it! 

I will. Bear in mind I transcribed it for five strings instead of six since I did all of this with the intention of learning and covering it and the six string I own is busted at the moment. With that said, while the fingerings I wrote might not be 100% accurate, the actual sheet music should be.

No sweat man. I don't expect 100% accuracy.

[Architeuthis]

My favorite on the album right now. I actually was so hyped about this song I took the time to tempo map it and transcribe the bass part note for note. Next step is to actually try to learn the damn thing.

Would you mind sharing the bass part? I'd love to try to learn it! 

"Nope" ..   😁

[JRuless]

My favorite on the album right now. I actually was so hyped about this song I took the time to tempo map it and transcribe the bass part note for note. Next step is to actually try to learn the damn thing.

Would you mind sharing the bass part? I'd love to try to learn it! 

"Nope" ..   😁

Haha, gold

[TheCountOfNYC]

My favorite on the album right now. I actually was so hyped about this song I took the time to tempo map it and transcribe the bass part note for note. Next step is to actually try to learn the damn thing.

Would you mind sharing the bass part? I'd love to try to learn it! 

"Nope" ..   😁

Haha, gold

That was my favorite part of the whole documentary. His smile as the rest of the band loses it, he knows what's he's doing.

[cminor]

So the first and third chorus of SG are in 7/8, the second one (obviously with the same melody) is in 4/4. Speaking of same melodies but different time signatures, have DT ever done this before in a song?

[CDrice]

I believe they did something similar in Illumination Theory with the "We seek to understand, we cry head in hand" part. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but the first time it alternates between 7/8 and 6/8, while the second time is 4/4. I think it's a neat trick.

[UndercoverMyung]

I love the vocal part around 4:25.

[CDrice]

And about Sleeping Giant, I like it. It has a dark and theatrical atmosphere to it, which I also found appeared here and there through the rest of the album too and I love it!

[SeRoX]

One of my instant fav on my first listen. Stil the same, I love everything about that song. Pretty sure it'll be a concert hit.

[Destiny Of Chaos]

One of my least favorite songs at first, but sure enough, it's growing on me with each listen. Definitely a highlight at this point.

[TAC]

It took me a half dozen listens to break it down, but I'm pretty sure it's my favorite song on the album.

Kind of a cross between Outcry and Bridges In The Sky.

[darkshade]

This might be the best song on the album. Maybe their best since Breaking All Illusions.

[UndercoverMyung]

I've had the "shadows disappear at night" part stuck in my head since last night

[cminor]

I believe they did something similar in Illumination Theory with the "We seek to understand, we cry head in hand" part. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but the first time it alternates between 7/8 and 6/8, while the second time is 4/4. I think it's a neat trick.

I think you're right. Good catch, thank you!

[erwinrafael]

Is Sleeping Giant the first time a line that can be traced to the Bible made its way to a DT song?

"Harmless as a dove
Clever like a snake"

From Matthew 10:16 "Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves"

[Max Kuehnau]

Is Sleeping Giant the first time a line that can be traced to the Bible made its way to a DT song?

"Harmless as a dove
Clever like a snake"

From Matthew 10:16 "Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves"

no, Pull Me Under references a section from the bible as well. "Watch the sparrow falling" and all that (I mean you know the line) references "There is special providence in the fall of a sparrow" or something. (I'm not of faith, luckily) But the line in the song is mainly inspired by Hamlet of course (as is the entire song, as we know)

[rab7]

Is Sleeping Giant the first time a line that can be traced to the Bible made its way to a DT song?

"Harmless as a dove
Clever like a snake"

From Matthew 10:16 "Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves"

Off the top of my head "the one who's free from sin, the first to cast the stone" from BMUBMD

[Mr.Mister]

Is Sleeping Giant the first time a line that can be traced to the Bible made its way to a DT song?

"Harmless as a dove
Clever like a snake"

From Matthew 10:16 "Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves"

I believe Repentance quotes a whole bible passage doesn't it?

[Dellers]

Great song all in all. The only thing I'm not a big fan of is the recurring riff that appears about 43 seconds in, but it doesn't really matter much.

[dtvoices94]

Great song.  Probably my favorite so far

[Revenge319]

Is Sleeping Giant the first time a line that can be traced to the Bible made its way to a DT song?

I believe In the Presence of Enemies contains references to Psalm 23.

[rab7]

Is Sleeping Giant the first time a line that can be traced to the Bible made its way to a DT song?

I believe In the Presence of Enemies contains references to Psalm 23.

Yes, the entire part from "Lord,you are my guide and my shepherd" all the way to" Death, you follow me all the days of my life" is taken directly from Psalm 23

[lovethedrake]

So I love the whole song other than the chorus... the chorus just comes out of nowhere and doesn't even fit the vibe of the song, it's far too generic as well.

Outside of the chorus which hits 3 or 4 times I think the song is great.

The "like a sleeping giant" part hits ok though on the last chorus.

[svisser]

I felt this was one of the strongest songs on the album to be honest. I didn't like the main riff at first, but I love it now. It works with the song. Plus, this is the closest I would say this album gets to that "classic" DT sound. I also loved the chorus. Really shows that James is getting comfortable with what he can do.

[Kyo]

the chorus (...), it's far too generic as well.

I really don't understand how anyone can say this. The chorus (1st and 3rd time around) is in 7, but it's a very unusual 7 in that it is a 3+4 pattern. I can't remember a single instance of any other band even using a 3+4 pattern and certainly not in a chorus section. It strikes me as one of the most unique things on the album, possibly of their entire discography. Generic this ain't!