On Feb. 10, Primus officially announced that John Hoffman would become their new drummer, joining bassist/vocalist Les Claypool and guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde as the eighth musician to assume the kit previously covered by Tim “Herb” Alexander. Today, the group has shared an inside look on the inventive and fittingly oddball audition process with the “Primus Interstellar Drum Derby,” a new YouTube series sharing the band’s shreddy last vetting of the finalists.

After months of searching, Primus culled a field of a reported 6,200 applicants to just nine exceptional instrumentalists: Hoffman, Thomas Pridgen, Mike Stone, Stan Bicknell, Sam Groveman, Nikki Glaspie, Gergo Borlai and Thomas Lang. All of these contenders were invited to join the legendary alternative metal outfit for rigorous in-person trial runs, which showcase their unique talents and styles meshed with the duo of Les and Ler. While Hoffman’s gold is well-earned, fans can now decide on their own picks for the rest of the proverbial podium.

Today’s first release shows Lespecial drummer Rory Dolan’s set, with a guest appearance from Don “The Working Drummer,” formerly known as Fred Armisen. Watch it below.

Primus will take the stage next for TOOL’s Live in the Sand destination event, where they’ll be joined on the beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic from March 7-9 by Umphrey’s McGee, Mastodon, Coheed and Cambria and more. Read about the upcoming getaway here.