Keep up with Armen Korghlian here:
https://www.facebook.com/armen.koroghlian
https://www.facebook.com/prosperorperish
https://prosperorperish.bandcamp.com
Since 2017 Sick Drummer Magazine has been working with ReverbNation to find new, talented drummers via a contest run on their website. We sifted through over 1,000 entries and are happy to introduce the winner that was chosen this time, Armen Korghlian of ‘Prosper or Perish.’ This round was extra special, as the entries were reviewed, and the winner was chosen by David Culross Jr.! Anyone who knows anything about extreme metal drumming will recognize that name.
Dave Culross is a name in the extreme metal community that is synonymous with a drumming legend. Spanning a career of over 20 years, playing some of the most intense music on earth! Dave has captured a title in the industry as a leader, a pioneer, and a true inspiration to drummers worldwide. He plays with intensity, precision, lightning speed, and amazing control. Dave is what we like to call ‘A Godfather’ of extreme drumming. Dave played with bands like Malevolent Creation, Hate Plow, and Suffocation for many years during his playing and touring career. We recently reconnected with David Culross Jr. and asked if he would like to be part of this particular contest, and he immediately accepted our invitation!
Even better than that, we got a text just this morning from David saying… “Not sure if you saw but Prosper Or Perish released their album yesterday. I gave it a full listen, and damn, it’s good. Glad I picked their drummer to win! He deserves it!“
If you want to enter, create a ReverbNation profile page and watch the Industry Opportunities section for our next cooperative! Good Luck ~ SDM
Armen Korghlian Interview:
SDM: How old were you when you started playing?
Armen: I believe it was spring of 1996. I was fresh 15 and full of angst, hahaha. I had already succumbed to the wiles of death metal 2 years prior, thanks in part to finding a copy of butchered at birth. the hs metal band in my area needed a place to practice and ended up using my bedroom. from there, I think it all fell into place.
SDM: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Armen: 2 years playing trombone, actually! I wanted to be in the percussion section but was put on trombone at the time; I hated it and felt unchallenged. As for drum corps, sadly, that was something outside of our family’s means.
SDM: Who are your top 5 metal influences?
Armen: Oh boy… ok, here we go, in order:
1. Nick Barker
2. Matt Behner
3. Dave Haley
4. Derek Roddy
5. Jordan Varella
SDM: Who are some of your other favorites?
Armen: Alex Cohen, Mike Castro, Matt Tillet, and Steve Crum.
SDM: Let us know 5 albums in your current rotation.
Armen:
The Apocalyptic Fist of the Black Death – EP2
Lust of Decay – Infesting the Exhumed
Kgatlw – Nonagon Infinity
Origin – S/T
Dawn – Slaughtersun
SDM: What do you do to warm up before a show?
Armen: I start my warmups with a 12-position stretch routine that works through my arms and back. After sitting down with a practice pad, I do basic LR movements for a bit, moving into basic stuff like paradiddles and LRR (I mostly lead with my left hand), then doing the same patterns leading with the opposite hand. I do this while slowly working u the tempo from 180 to around 240, 250. For feet, I tend to do some basic leg stretches and try to do the same pattern stuff I do on my hands.
SDM: Do you read music? Regardless of answering yes or no, please tell us how it might have affected your playing.
Armen: I don’t. I feel strongly that had I learned to earlier in my career, my drummer-for-hire experiences would’ve gone much smoother, or at least I would’ve learned the songs quicker, hahaha. I’m slowly getting the hang of it now.
SDM: Can you tell us about the gear you use?
Armen: Hell yea! I’m incredibly loyal to Axis Percussion and have used (the same) longboard Xs for almost 20 years. Pearl EXR kit and a very old Pearl rack. I converted my 16×16 into a kick drum about 10 years ago and haven’t looked back. it’s light and saves major space in a cramped tour van. I use Roland for my trigger setup, employing a TD6V for my module and RT30K’s for triggers. I’m also an avid fan of nylon tip 2b sticks. the nylon tip makes the ride cut through the mix. cymbals and snare change frequently, but the snare is always a 13″. I prefer smaller, brighter cymbals, using 14-16″ crashes.
SDM: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be?
Armen: Open your mind, open your ears! Ideas come from everywhere, don’t limit yourself to just listening to metal. There’s so much out there.try it all and see what fits. listen to all the genres, and learn all the techniques!
SDM: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Armen: Damn. the hardest question ever! hands down, though, it’s gotta be Dave Haley with Psycroptic at the Hawthorne Theater in 2010 or 2011. It was the most amazing performance my eyes have ever witnessed. Every available shred of energy that man had was devoted to the drums. His face looked strained and focused. The most consistent double bass and some of the most heavy-handed and loudest blasts. I will never forget it.
SDM: Aside from drumming, what else do you like to do?
Armen: Thanks for asking! I’m a Tattoo Artist of 21 years and love to paint/create. I love hunting/collecting gems and rocks/fossils and hiking. I’m an avid media collector; tapes, CDs, vinyl, 8track… hahaha. I love supporting the local Philadelphia metal scene and going to whatever show I can.
As timing would have it, Prosper or Perish dropped their new record, Shroud of Serpents, yesterday! You can check it out and order it here.
The official music video of “Goliath, Come Forth” from the new album Shroud of Serpents by Prosper or Perish is available now!
Prosper or Perish:
Eric Benites – Guitar
Chrissy Z. Duffin – Bass
Steve Stanley – Vocals
Austin Perez – Guitar
Armen Koroghlian – Drums
Video Directed, Produced, and Animated by Joe Fedele.
