This Max Kolesne interview is a continuation from the March 2010 issue of Sick Drummer Magazine. To read the entire interview, subscribe NOW and login for access to all issues, past and present!
Interview by: Noel Smart
SDM: Are there any new drummers that stick out in your head or blow you away?
MK: I’ve seen so many good guys out there, ya know. This guy from Brazil, he’s playing for the band The Ordher. He’s a new guy named Cassio Canto. I think you’re going to hear about him, because he’s a badass drummer, man. There’s a bunch of other guys, but I can’t remember them all right now, like the newer guys.
SDM: What was it like to be featured in the December 2009 Modern Drummer Brazil? Do you think that was a long time coming?
MK: Yeah, that was fuckin’ killer. It was amazing, man. I mean, I would never expect that to happen, ya know. Then I had that guy calling me and saying I think you might be on the cover of the magazine. It was like, wow. Amazing.
SDM: What can you tell us about your Z3 Zildjian cymbals?
MK: They are very good, man. They last really well. I’ve been touring with them through Europe and Brazil.
SDM: Do they customize them for you?
MK: It’s still a new deal, but we’re gonna work on it in the future. It’s just such a new deal, man.
SDM: Are you still endorsed by Orion Cymbals, Liverpool sticks, Luen Drum Heads, and Staff Drum triggers?
MK: Now I’m endorsed by Zildjian. I’m not using Orion anymore. I got Zildjian, so I changed. I was with Orion for four or five years, then I had the offer from Zildjian. So I said, yeah, come on. It’s a dream come true to play with Zildjian, come on. I totally respect Orion; good cymbals, good stuff. It was a pleasure. It was an honor to work together, but Zildjian is a dream come true for any drummer.
SDM: Who has the fastest blast beats you have ever seen on tour?
MK: Wow, man. It’s hard to say. George Kollias is one of them, definitely, man. I remember we did this tour with Morbid Angel in 1999. That was our first time ever playing with them. Pete Sandoval was on fire, man. Dude, oh fuck. But on that tour, actually, he was going nuts, man. He’s still amazing every time I see him. Wow, out of control. The first time I was watching him, I was like, what the fuck, man.
SDM: What else do you have planned for 2010?
MK: Well, we’re going to finish this tour, and we’re going to play Mexico. We have a few shows in Brazil, South America, Columbia, and Peru, then we’re going to start working on new stuff. We’re gonna start jamming and writing and getting ready for the next album.
SDM: Do you have any of the material written already?
MK: No, not really. We have a few ideas, like some riffs, some patterns. We’re trying to create some crazy patterns.
SDM: Do you have a timetable on the album yet? As far as when you are going into the studio or a projected release date?
MK: Probably, it’s going to be like maybe June or July, but I’m not sure. Maybe July or August, between those times.
SDM: Where are you going to be recording?
MK: I’m not sure yet, but probably Andy is going to be involved. Maybe in a different studio. We’re not sure, but we’re working on it; see what’s gonna be our best option. But he’s gonna probably be involved, because he’s been doing a great job. There’s no reason to change. It will still be Century Media. We have one more album with them.
SDM: After that, are you going to stay with Century Media?
MK: Wow, we don’t know yet, man. You never know, but it’s been forever, man. But we still don’t know what’s going to happen after. So you have to concentrate on the new one and try to do your best, try to put out something good.
SDM: You guys did a live album a couple of years ago. Any plans on doing another one?
MK: Yeah, we did a DVD. Yeah, sure. There’s going to be a new DVD coming out. I don’t know when exactly, but we’re gonna make like a different kind of DVD. Not only the band playing live, but some extra shots on the road and on the bus having fun with the bands. A lot of behind the scenes stuff, some fun stuff, man.
SDM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
MK: Yeah, man. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to spread our message. It’s a pleasure, man, to be part of it. Thanks.
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