Alex Cohen is perhaps one of NYC’s most prolific session drummers, having worked alongside artists ranging from Mac Miller to Malignancy. He also writes drum lessons and interviews for Drumhead and Sick Drummer Magazines. Alex holds a degree in Jazz Performance from NYU and runs Solitude Studios, a high-end recording facility located in Carversville, PA.
In the past few years, Alex Cohen has emerged as one of the most advanced, progressive drummers on the planet. His first book ‘Ultimate Progressive Drumming,’ published via Hudson Music, was hailed as a landmark piece of drumming literature by drummers ranging from Derek Roddy to Charley Drayton. Most recently, he was featured on the cover of Drumhead Magazine next to Pete Drummond, Yoni Madar, Dylan Elise, and Ramon Montagner as ‘one of the drummers who is raising the bar’ in modern times.
Check out this amazing play-through of Contrarian track “Whomsoever Worships the Whiteworm.” This track was learned in one day, filmed in one take… No edits.
Contrarian are known for having played with many of the top drummers in progressive death metal: George Kollias, Patrice Hamelin, Bryce Butler. Add one more to the list: Alex Cohen
Contrarian is about to announce some exciting news regarding tours in 2022. In order to fulfill the demanding requirements of a Contrarian live performance, guitarists Jim Tasikas and Brian Mason enlisted none other than fellow New Yorker Alex Cohen.
Alex Proudly Plays:
Paiste Cymbals: https://www.paiste.com/en/musicians/alex-cohen
Alex’s Links:
Instagram: @alexcohendrumsnyc
https://www.facebook.com/AlexCohenDrums/
https://www.youtube.com/user/AlexcohenNYC
Contrarian was originally formed in 2012 in Rochester NY, United States by Jim Tasikas. Jim then enlisted his friend Ed Paulsen for bass duties, Brian Mason as lead guitar, and George Kollias of Nile for drums. Contrarian roots came from the progressive and technical metal scene birthed in Rochester, NY in the mid-1990s which also brought to light bands such as Lethargy, Mastodon, Psyopus, and Sulaco.
Contrarian recorded their first EP “Predestined” in 2014. This EP caught the attention of Jason Tipton at Willowtip Records and within one year the band released their first full-length album “Polemic” on November 20, 2015. The band’s latest album “Only Time Will Tell” was also released via Willowtip Records in 2020, mixed by famed record producer Neil Kernon. Contrarian has had guest appearances from Paul Masvidal of Cynic and Leon Macey of Mithras UK and as of 2020, guitarists Jim Tasikas and Brian Mason are endorsed by ESP guitars.
Contrarian are known for their detailed album art covers and concept albums dealing with themes of philosophy and theology. Contrarian are also known for reviving an organic approach to recording technical metal in studio settings.
