Sick Drummer Magazine

 

Keep up with Kevin here:

www.myspace.com/execrationbrutality

 

 

I grew up in a family where everyone played music, so I picked up my own rhythm naturally. I started messing with guitars when I was 4 or 5, but not long after that I got my first taste of drums. Eventually the guitars were phased out because I didn’t want to learn classic rock songs.

I started getting serious with drumming when I was around 18. Back then I was playing with a couple of people doing some hardcore/thrash and southern metal. We were influenced by Melvins, Acid Bath, and smoking weed. Awhile later this progressed into playing death metal influenced by Immolation, Morbid Angel, Iniquity etc.  After years of people not being motivated enough to go anywhere with music, Colin and I decided to form a new band- EXECRATION!! This was right after Absolute Hatred split up.

Occasionally I play session drums with some very talented friends of mine, but EXECRATION is always my main focus. We’re currently finishing some extremely sick material for our new album. We go into the studio at the beginning of 2008 to lay it all down, so hopefully spring 2008 the full length will be released through Comatose Music….

 

 

Kevin Elrod Interview:

 

 

SD.com: How old were you when you started playing? 

Kevin: I was 6 or 7 when I started learning basics on my cousin’s kit. I started getting serious when I was 18 I think.

 

 

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

Kevin: Not percussion, I couldn’t stand the xylophone when I was 12. I only wanted snare!! So I played some brass for 2 years and learned how to read music.

 

 

SD.com: How did you guys hook up with Comatose? 

Kevin: We put ourselves out there as much as we could without being too annoying. It also helped that we mixed and mastered with Dave Otero at Flatline Audio(Cephalic Carnage). We felt it was important for labels to hear that we want a great sound, even on a demo. Comatose is a great fit for Execration and Steve is a good guy to work with.

 

 

SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?

Kevin: In no particular order….. Dave Lombardo, Pete Sandoval, Derek Roddy, Alex Hernandez, Tony Laureano

 

 

 

 

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

Kevin: Derek Roddy, Tony Laureano, John Longstreth, Darren Cesca, John Merryman

 

 

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

Kevin: Deathspell Omega- Fas , Nile- In Their Darkened Shrines , Goratory- Rice on Suede , Myrkskog- Superior Massacre, Excommunion- Superion , Nightbringer- Rex Ex Ordine Throni , Execration- Infernal Annihilation……apparently I’m listening to more than 5

 

 

SD.com: What do you do to warm up before a show? 

Kevin: I have a practice pad I play some mixed sticking combos on. With my feet I warm up with the Hansen-Futz pedals. If nothing else I’ll at least air drum with sticks and feet. I try to use heavier sticks to warm up with. Don’t forget the caffeine!!

 

 

SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where? 

Kevin: I don’t have a specific night that really stands out. I think wherever you are playing, as long as you push your limits, it’s a great night.

 

 

SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals? 

Kevin: No.  I play a Pearl Export kit now, trying to save up for a Trick kit. Sabian has satisfied me the most for crashes. I play with Meinl  hi-hats, Paiste ride and splash, Wuhan chinas, sabian splashes, Stagg splash, LP bells. I’m always experimenting with sticks. I’m normally going between Vater nude 5a and Vic Firth 8d. I’ve heard the grindstix kick ass!!

 

 

 

 

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

Kevin: Learn good technique; the speed will soon follow. Push your limits, and experiment with off the wall shit. What’s the worst that could happen??

 

 

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

Kevin: It’s a tie between Derek Roddy with Hate Eternal 2 years ago, and Tony Laureano when he played with Nile. Those guys are amazing!!

 

 

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

Kevin: Snowboard and play guitar. I spend a good amount of time in the winter up in Breckenridge and Keystone. I also grew up around a family full of guitars.