Keep up with Justin here:
www.myspace.com/theabsence
www.myspace.com/arismetalmusic
www.myspace.com/lunyptra
www.myspace.com/byamklavor
I was born on July 4th, 1986 in Morristown, NJ. Then at about 4 years old, moved to Sarasota , FL. When I was very young I was always into music and jumping around, I guess you could say I was born with natural rythym or A.D.D, or both. When I was about 10 years old my older brother started taking guitar lessons from the local shop and I thought thats pretty sweet so I also did as well. I always looked up to my brother and copied him. Then I relized guitar was not my thing and thought drumming was more of my style. I liked the physical and mental aspect of it. By this time I started getting into the whole metal deal. I never really know why I picked the drums honestly. Just kina Happend.
Then at about 12 years old I started jamming out with my brother and his friends, but they played alot of blues/rock type stuff. I wanted to do more extreme styles. I started jamming then with my buddy nick polous who is a phenomenal guitar player who I give alot of my credit to as far as my metal drumming goes. We would practice everyday for hours playing everyhting from Carcass to Megadeth. Then when I was 16 I joined my first real metal band called Byam Klavor. We were a black metal band here in florida, playing out quite often. One of the bands we opened for alot was The Absence who I currently play for…kina weird huh? During that time I also played in a punk/crust band called Stray Bullet with Nick. Then right after high school that all ended. Then the keyboardist from Byam (drew) and I met Robert Caldwell and started a project called Lunyptra.
After lunyptra Drew moved and Robert attended Full sail so I just kina gave it a rest for a bit. Then I was asked to join Ex animis mortuum another local florida band. Then I herd about The Absence auditions. I thought i would give it a shot since I knew the guys and their material quite well and now I am playing for them as a permanent member. Also Robert ( now back from school) and I have a project called Aris. As for now I will be doing The Absence and ARIS full time.
Justin Reynolds Interview:
SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?
Justin: I was about 12.
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Justin: I did start off on a snare drum in 8th grade with the school band but I never really went..hahaha.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
Justin: Mike Portnoy, Nick Menza, Nick Barker, Tony Royster jr, Bobby Jarzombek.
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?
Justin: That’s tough…. Tim Yeung, Thomas Lang, Trym, David Folchiatto (stormlord) and of course Reno Killerich!! he’s incredible to watch!
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
Justin: Stormblast (dimmu), follow the reaper (COB), rust in peace, Trick Daddy (book of thugs) and Newer old mans child.
SD.com: What do you do to warm up before a show?
Justin: I usually dont. If I am feeling cramped or sluggish I might drink a red bull and one beer and do single strokes on a chair or something.
SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?
Justin: I would have to say The last Absence show @ the crowbar in Ybor city.
SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?
Justin: I currently use ddrum drums and love em!!! Sabian cymbals also.
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
Justin: Just hang in there and practice. There is no secret to speed or any of that except to work your way up. Also a positive attitude helps.
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Justin: thats another tough one…. I would have to say dream theater about 3 years ago. It totally blew me away. Everything was perfect.
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?
Justin: hahahahaha i duno man..prolly something stupid. like work for the rest of my life.
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