Of Drummers.

It is the month of July (So said Katatonia) and I feel compelled to offer praise to 2 drumemrs who have inspired me over the years;

Jason Rullo and Dirk Verbeuren

Both of these guys are unbelievable players. They are also great drummers.

I've always thought that Jason has never quite got the credit he deserves from a worldwide perspective. What I mean is, as Symphony X are not exactly mainstream, they (and Jason) are somewhat overlooked by the mass market. In a slightly selfish way I am glad of this as it means only those of us who really appreciate the music get to admire this wizardry on the drum kit (and other instruments of course!), but I do think he is worthy of proper recognition. Its hard to even find any YouTube videos of him!

With the release of Iconoclast I have to once again doff my cap and raise a glass to a truely inspiring and more importantly MUSICAL drummer. Nice one Jason.

Dirk Verbeuren. Some what of a "Drum Whore" these days as in he's so good everyone wants him to play/record for them. This pleases me, as he's always been incredible right back to when he was regularly playing for Scarve. And he's a real down to Earth, friendly guy too. His latest work on Deconstruction with Devin is madness and I thank the day Soilwork snapped him up and released him into the bigger world of metal. He honestly makes me feel a bit depressed when I look at my own playing compared to his. But then, you have to aspire to something, right?