SDM: How does this album (the Infection) stylistically sound different from albums in Chimaira's past?
Andy: I think every Chimaira album is unique, and this one definitely differs from previous ones. In general, it is slower, more 
about the heavy groove than it is about fast thrashy parts.
SDM: How has your drumming changed to fit that style?
Andy: I always try to come up with drum parts that are creative and interesting without stepping on toes or repeating myself. I put a lot of thought and time into my fills and make sure they are exactly how I want them, and that has always been the case. Since this record is laden more with slow grooves, my parts had to reflect that, specifically with the beats. Being in the pocket and laying back were of the utmost importance. I saved the "fancier" stuff for fills and whatnot.
SDM: How much pressure did you feel to perform after you came back to the band for Resurrection?
Andy: I definitely felt like I had to deliver, and I think the jump from Impossibility of Reason to Resurrection was pretty significant. I think a lot of that was made possible by having to learn Kevin Talley's parts from the self-titled record. That record raised the bar on double bass technique for a Chimaira record, so I had to bust my ass to get to the point I could play Kevin's parts. As much as a lot of people were happy I returned, there was also quite a number of people who were bummed out, so there was obviously a lot of pressure to perform better than I had before.
SDM: Did you ever obtain a music degree? If so, how has it helped you better yourself as a drummer and musician?
Andy: I actually stopped pursuing a degree in music in 1998; I had switched my major a couple of times until I settled on physical education. I didn't feel like it was for me, since they basically groom you to be a band director or an orchestral musician. It's really an entirely different world than what we do, so I can't say much really applies now. I never show up to practice without having my own parts locked down; that's probably the one thing I carried with me from my music major days.
SDM: When you play Kevin Talley's parts live, do you try to stay as true to Kevin's playing style as possible?
Andy: I try to keep it as close to Kevin's parts as possible. People expect to hear a song a certain way, the band expects certain things to happen in certain parts of the song. I think he did a great job on the record anyway, so I had no problem playing what he did.
SDM: One of the sticking points to you initially leaving the band was not loving life on the road. Have you adjusted to tour life, or do you simply just deal with it for the love of the band?
Andy: It's a little of both. I have an appreciation for both being home and being on tour. Especially when I first rejoined, all I wanted to do was be on the road. Now, it certainly gets old after awhile, and I love being home as much as anyone, but I also don't dread going on tour like I did before.
SDM: Out of the drummers that have come and gone in Chimaira, why do you think you have been the best fit for the band?
Andy: Musically, I think it works since Rob and I have been playing together since we were sixteen years old, and we have a good sense of each-others' style. Personally, we've had such a long history together, and have a pretty tight clique. Plus, I am without a doubt the easiest guy in the world to get along with.
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