Sick Drummer Magazine

 

Keep up with Gabriel here:

www.myspace.com/equinoxmetal

www.myspace.com/gabrielequinox

 

 

I started playing at 13 yrs. old. At 15, I took private lessons from an instructor named Billy Powelson. In the next 6 months,started playing local clubs. Though my drumming style has always been very extreme from the start, I love to explore all styles of music. At 16, I played in a death metal band called Disembodied. At 17, I started playing in a death band called Eatava and recorded a 3 song demo. At 18, I joined Naphobia and had the opportunity to open for Morbid Angel, Grip Inc., Six Feet Under in the Orlando/Tampa area. At 20, I started playing with Hellwitch which was signed to German label. I also toured with Acheron in that same time period. I also played jazz standards with various jazz musicians which helped me develope my style today. Death metal has always been and still remains my top priority.

In 1999, I met Kam Lee and ended up playing with him in a band called Kauldron. From there, I joined Equinox and became their permanent drummer. Last summer, I joined Unholy Ghost for a short time while putting the finishing touches on the Equinox e.p. entitled "The Immortal Kind", available now on Metalbolic Records. Currently working on the Killing Addiction e.p. entitled "Archetypes" and also put my own band together Serpent Son. I'm always open to new projects.

 

 

Gabriel Lewandowski Interview:

 

 

SD.com: Did you ever play in a school band or any drum corps?

Gabriel: no

 

 

SD.com: Ever take any lessons?

Gabriel: Yes. I took lessons from a private instructor in all styles and techniques.

 

 

SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?

Gabriel: John Bonham, Neil Peart, Gene Hoglan, Eric Singer, Virgil Donati and Dennis Chambers.

 

 

SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn't mean favorites, who are your favorites?

Gabriel: Depends on what style of music I'm listening to. For death metal, I like Derek Roddy. As far as drumming goes, I love what Dom Famularo is doing. Mike Portnoy,of course. As far as an  ultimate fav,Virgil Donati.Also Hellhammer.

 

 

 

 

SD.com: Let us know 5 CD's that are in your current rotation

Gabriel: Hate Eternal "I-Monarch", any Mayhem, Deicide "Deicide", S.Y.L."City", Equinox "The Immortal Kind",of course!

 

 

SD.com: Do you practice any specific rudiments or combo's regularly?

Gabriel: I like warming up with doubles on my bass drums. It helps me loosen up. Also, doubles on the snare and then going into single strokes.

 

 

SD.com: What is your favorite part of your drum kit?

Gabriel: I exclusively play Pearl Drums, Axis Longboards, Zildjian, Remo, and Pro-mark. As far as the question, everything serves a certain purpose. I look at the drum kit as one piece of equipment.

 

 

SD.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Gabriel: Strip clubs and Jager. lol...I like to play before I play. If I >can't get behind a kit, I'll play on practice pads.

 

 

 

 

SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be...

Gabriel: Be open-minded. Appreciate all styles of music, it will help you grow as a musician.

 

 

SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you've ever seen?

Gabriel: Always Neil Peart!

 

 

SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what elsw would you want to do with your life?

Gabriel: In all honesty, I don't think I could do anything else. Drumming is a part of me.