Christian Death-Metalers War of Ages are proving that there is room for their brand of Death Metal in a genre that has been long known for themes evil, aggression and destruction. But don’t let this be a deterrent; this band rocks with the best of them! Listeners are assaulted by the in your face grinding guitars, thundering drums and a ferocity that will have them snapping their necks before they even realize it. Drummer Alex Hamp took some time on the road to answer some questions about his playing, his drums and his convictions.
Interview by Bruce Moore
B.M: What made you want to play drums?
Alex: I was always tapping on everything in site when I was younger. I was listening to Led Zeppelin and I loved the way the drums were written. There was so much feeling and passion in the drums and plus he was crazy. Those were all the elements that I wanted to put into something.
B.M: Overall, what drummer has influenced you the most?
Alex: John Bonham of Led Zeppelin.
B.M: What other drummers do you admire and why?
Alex: Well I love Keith Moon from The Who because he was a mad man on drums (and best friends with John Bonham). Jordan Mancino (As I Lay Dying), that man is a machine on drums and he has so much passion for the drums. I love that about him.
B.M: How do you feel about the widespread use of electronic drums rather than traditional drums in the music industry?
Alex: I cannot stand electronic drums. Traditional drums are the way to go.
B.M: From a drummers perspective what is the toughest lesson you have learned in the studio? On stage?
Alex: The toughest lesson I had to learn in the studio is rewriting tons of drum parts and playing to a click track. The toughest lesson to learn about on stage is three things: getting on and off stage on time, playing consistently every night and also warming up. It's really good to break a sweat before you play.
B.M: Do you try to distinguish or tailor your drum sound and or your performance from release to release?
Alex: Most definitely. I am really big on that. You should always push yourself as much as you can. For me, I feel that God gave me a gift and I want to push myself as hard as I can to show the appreciation and love for the talent he has given me.
B.M: What does your touring drum rig consist of? What about your studio setup?
Alex: I use Truth drums (kick drum 22 by 20, rack tom 12 by 8, floor tom 16 by 14, and my snare is a 14 by 7- natural 15ply). As for my cymbals I use a company called Saluda. I use 2 14in bottom mist x hit hats, 19 and 20in diamond heavy crashes, 22in diamond ride, and 22in diamond china. I use all DW 9000 hardware and DW 9000 double pedal. Same goes for the studio, I use the same set up.
B.M: What specifically is the main element of your thunderous drum sound and what equipment do you use to attain that sound?
Alex: Mostly God but also Truth drums, Saluda Cymbals, DW hardware, and Silverfox Sticks.
B.M: Past or present, other than War of Ages, if you could be a drummer for any other band, which band would it be?
Alex: LED ZEPPELIN for sure man. I love everything about his drums; he was ahead of his time in drumming. But if I wanted to be super super rich, the Beatles. Not saying Led Zeppelin wouldn't have made me rich…
B.M: Any advice for young drummers or drummers just starting out in the business?
Alex: Know your goals and give it all to God. Practice and push yourself as hard as you can and you will get what you deserve.
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