Deconstructing Periphery’s ‘Prayer Position’ Raw Tracks

Let’s be real. Opening up a session file from a band like Periphery can be both exhilarating and intimidating. You’re looking at a mountain of expertly performed and recorded tracks, and the first thought is often, “Where do I even start?” The multi-tracks for their song “Prayer Position” are a perfect example—a masterclass in modern metal production that’s yours to either nail or screw up.

We dove into the raw session, originally mixed by the legendary Adam “Nolly” Getgood, to break down what makes these tracks so powerful and how you can approach mixing them.

The Foundation: Nailing Matt Halpern’s Drum Sound (Sample-Free)

Right out of the gate, you’re hit with the sheer power and precision of Matt Halpern’s drumming. If you were thinking of reaching for your favorite drum samples, you might want to reconsider. The original mix was done with zero samples, and the raw tracks give you everything you need to build a massive, natural drum sound. Getting this right is crucial, as any clumsy processing could easily trample the incredible dynamics in the performance.

The Core Kit: Kick, Snare, & Toms

The kick drum is built from three sources: two inside mics and a sub kick. Blended together, they create a powerful, punchy, and incredibly consistent starting point without any processing. The snare is just as solid—perfectly tuned and hit with authority.

The toms are a bit quieter in the raw tracks and will need some attention. You’ll need to give them a significant boost and gate them or clean out the bleed, but the fundamental tone is already there. They sound good right from the get-go.

Capturing Articulation: Cymbals & Overheads

A huge part of Halpern’s style is his intricate and articulate cymbal work. The session reflects this with a ton of close mics: hi-hats, splashes, rides, a stack, and a china. This gives you maximum control to make every detail heard.

The overheads (both mono and stereo) provide a fantastic overall picture of the kit with excellent separation between the cymbals. This clarity is the bedrock of the drum sound; the close mics are just there for reinforcement.

The Secret Weapon: Blending Room Mics for Aggression

Here’s where the real magic happens. This session includes several room mic options that let you shape the drum’s character.

• Mono Room “Slam”: This track is pure, nasty, compressed energy. By itself, it sounds like an exploding firecracker. You wouldn’t use it on its own, but blending just a tiny bit of it underneath your main drum bus will add aggression and glue that you can feel more than you can hear. Finding the right level is key; push it until it’s too much, then back it off until it just sits right. This is a classic trick for adding energy without cluttering the mix, a perfect use case for parallel compression.
• Stereo Room (Near & Far): The stereo rooms provide the space and size. The “near” room has a nice top-end that can help bring the toms to life, while the “far” room adds length and depth. Remember, a great tom or snare sound isn’t just about the close mic; it’s about how you blend it with the overheads and rooms to create a complete sonic picture.

The Low-End Juggernaut: Bass & Rhythm Guitars

With the drums sorted, the next step is building the crushing low-end and rhythm section.

Dialing in Nolly’s “Nasty” Bass Tone

At the time of this recording, Nolly was not only Periphery’s producer but also their bassist. The bass tracks consist of a DI and an amped signal, which is a classic combo for flexibility. The raw tone is already growly and full of character. To get that truly devastating Nolly sound, focus on blending the clean low-end of the DI with the grit and midrange of the amped track. A little bit of extra saturation can go a long way in helping it cut through the dense guitars. When you get the bass and drums locked in together, the foundation of the track is practically immovable.

Managing the Wall of Guitars

Periphery is known for its complex, layered guitar work, and “Prayer Position” is no exception. In this session, you’re working with:

• Main Rhythm Guitars (L/R)
• Rhythm Layers (Octaves)
• Pinch Harmonics & Leads
• Drone Guitars (L/C/R)
• A “Robot Guitar” FX Track

The challenge isn’t making them sound heavy—it’s managing them all so they don’t turn into a muddy mess. Panning is your first tool; spread those drone guitars across the stereo field to create a massive sense of width. After that, it’s all about smart EQ. Use surgical cuts to carve out space for each part to live. For instance, carefully notching out frequencies in the rhythm guitars to make room for the lead or drone parts can clean up the mix dramatically.

Adding Texture & Melody: Synths, Layers, and Vocals

The final polish comes from the melodic and atmospheric elements that sit on top of the heavy foundation.

Tasteful Synth Layering for Modern Metal

This track is a perfect example of how to use synths in metal effectively. The lead guitar parts are often doubled with a Moog synth, but it’s done in a way that adds texture and weight rather than sounding like a cheesy 80s video game soundtrack. The key is balance. The synth should support the guitar, not compete with it. There are also some killer atonal viola parts layered over the drone guitars, adding a beautiful and eerie texture.

Unpacking Complex Vocal Harmonies

The vocals, recorded by Taylor Larson, are another highlight. The session includes tracks for lead vocals, doubles, intricate harmonies, and effects. The chorus, in particular, is a masterclass in vocal arrangement.

Here’s a great pro tip: to truly understand and mix these vocals, temporarily mute the rhythm guitars and just listen to the vocals with the bass, drums, and lead melodies. This will reveal how all the different harmonies and layers work together to create one massive, cohesive sound, making it much easier to balance them in the final mix.

Ready to Mix It Yourself?

Working with raw tracks of this caliber is the best way to elevate your mixing skills. You’re not just practicing; you’re engaging with a professionally produced song and learning to make decisions that top-level engineers make every day.

These techniques are just the starting point. You can get your hands on the full multi-track session for “Prayer Position” and watch Nolly mix it from scratch on Nail The Mix, explaining every plugin, technique, and decision along the way. If you’re ready to move beyond presets and learn how the pros build their signature sounds, check out our guide on how to mix music. Get in there and start mixing.