Page 30 - Sick Drummer Magazine Issue 29 - Hannes Grossmann

SDM: What is the most used blast beat on the latest album? What’s your opinion on the gravity blast for your own playing?I mostly use bomb blast while playing live. As for gravity blast, I consider this technique controver- sial. I don’t think that this is some kind of cheating, but I see it appropriate to play live only if you have a genial sound engineer or triggered snare drum. Playing with a triggered bass is ok, but triggering snare makes you lose the ability to play softly. In my opinion it is appropriate for studio work, but it usually doesn’t sound that great if performed live.SDM: In your opinion... is this newest work your strongest playing yet? If No, what album fully gives the listener your best playing?Playing songs from EP “Atlantis Prime” in 2013 definitely pushed my limits back then. The moment it was released it represented my strongest drumming. Today I don’t find the material as challenging as it used to be, and hope that new material will outmatch previous accomplishments. I should mention that our music does not aim for “shredding” supremacy or feature the prevalence of drum play over the other instruments. The songs should be taken as a whole.SDM: How do you get a good snare tone in the studio? What Death metal album do you think had the best sounding snare you ever heard?I use medium-high tune for my batter head andlow tune for bottom head, and to get the soundI like I use Evans Torque key. I really adore thesnare sound from Meshuggah - Koloss (2012) for it sounds massive and punchy at the same time. As for moreextremedrummingorientedalbumsIwould definitely choose Revocation – DeathLess (2014) and Gojira – L’enfant Sauvage (2012), because the snares in these two albums sound different, but they have much in common. Both snares sound great when drummers play blast beats, ghost-notes and maintain strong groove.SDM: What foot technique do you use the most for rapid double bass patterns and how long did it take you to perfect? Any suggestions you can give are readers who want to reach faster speeds?I still struggle with fast double bass playing. For me the main problem is keeping balance, my right or left foot can play faster on their own, rather than together. I practice swivel technique, and consider leg and ankle motion as a car gear. So that when BPM doesn’t allow to play only with your legs perfectly, it is time to start using ankles. I didn’t invent this approach, I just follow George Kollias’ instructions. So, my main advice to readers – geta place where you can practice without disturbing neighbors, find the technique that satisfies you (it may be heel-toe, swivel etc.) and practice it, paying attention to the right feet positioning. If you start lacking motivation (which happens) just watch the Sick Drummer YouTube Channel, it will recharge you with patience and new batteries :)SDM: How important is it to wear the right footwear when playing?I don’t like playing barefoot, mainly because of the feel, but also because the swivel technique requires some kind of sliding feel, and it is achieved only when playing in socks or right shoes. I bought a pair of basketball sneakers and use them only if I have to play. I did that after watching Francesco Paoli’s video interview. He noticed that while preparing for a gig in a bar, you may step into “something” and your shoes will become slippery.SDM: What are some exercises you use to strengthen your hands and feet?As for hands I practice single and double stroke rolls, paradiddles, flams, drags and a bunch of other rudiments.Ipracticeonlywithmetronome,soIcan keep an eye on my speed and endurance progress. As for feet, I practice only single strokes, trying to vary tempos from 160 to 220 BPM.dmitry cntd.