We learned of Tim Powell when compiling our 2025 Favorite Drumming Albums List, when Tomasz Pilasiewicz from Gorgasm gave us a heads up to go check out Tim’s playing. Needless to say, we were thoroughly impressed, added ‘Decorated With Feculent Appurtenances’ to the favorites list, and Tim to our list of players to feature.
“My name is Tim Powell, and I play drums for Squassation. We formed in 2023, and We’re a BDM band based out of Gulfport, MS. We released Our first full length last October through New Standard Elite. I actually live in FL., and my musical journey started in Panama City, FL. playing drums in a local band called SS18 with My older brother. He was able to teach me some basic beats and I’ve been in love with playing drums ever since. In 2007 I moved to OH to join Embalmer and temporarily fill in for the blackened death metal band Decrepit. I was in Embalmer until 2009 and left shortly after We released a 2 song promo. Those tracks would eventually appear on the Collection of Carnage discography.”
Tim’s Links:
Instagram: instagram.com/squassation.bdm
Facebook: facebook.com/Squassation
Tim Powell Interview:
SDM: How old were you when you started playing?
I started playing at the age of 14 because My older brother needed a drummer for his death metal band. I wanted to play drums when I was very young, but I didn’t have a kit until I was a teenager
SDM: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
I was never in Band, nor have I had any formal lessons. I wasn’t aware of many great tutorials or videos back in the late 90’s for extreme drumming. I’m sure there were a few around at the time, but it wasn’t until the mid 2000’s that I became active in forums. I would mainly just learn by ear, playing along to albums. I would also try to watch drummers’ technique from the side stage at shows.
SDM: Who are your top 5 metal influences?
That’s a hard one…
Anders Jacobson
Matt Rizzo
SDM: Who are some of your other favorites?
There are so many phenomenal drummers out there nowadays but some that I’m blown away by are: Nikhil Talwalker, Will Burhans, Tomasz Pilasiewicz, Ethan Shoemaker, Alexey Tsypchenko, Josef Hossain-Kay, Cédric Malebolgia, Dan Baker, Polwach Beokhaimook… Honestly, I could go on for awhile haha
SDM: Let us know 5 bands in your current personal rotation.
Protrusion (The Last Suppuration)
Parasitic Septicity (Automated Eradication)
Bloodtied (Dismantling Neuroanatomy)
SCASM (demo)
Ecchymosis (Thanatocorporeal Sculptures of Cryogenic Excruciation)
Gorgasm (Ravaged Corpse Decor) I absolutely cannot wait for the new full length!
SDM: What do you do to warm up before a show?
I usually stretch my fingers and wrists, then practice on the snare while mimicking the kicks on the floor. I’ll play through most of the set, and just try to stay relaxed while I do it.
SDM: Do you read music? Regardless of answering yes or no, please tell us how it might have affected your playing.
No, I never learned to read sheet music or drum tabs. I’ve never actually worked with musicians or bands who have required it. So, luckily, it hasn’t hindered my ability to learn music. I’ve always written by feel and hearing the arrangements.
SDM: Can you tell us about the gear you use?
I play a 90’s model Pearl Export 12, 13, 14″ racks 16″ floor. Kyle Christman turned me onto the Ludwig Black Magic snare, and it’s all I use now. Paiste giga bell ‘Psychoctopus’ ride, Paiste 16″ and 19″ signatures and Sabian 18″ HHX crashes. Meinl dark Hi-hats. Meinl dark custom 18″ China, Zildjian AA Ultra hammered 19″ China, Sabian 12″ AA mini holy China. The extremely loud bell that You hear on Our full length is actually an antique metal bowl with a hole drilled in it. Dyna Sync pedals with Trick driveshaft, RT30K trigger and TM2 module. Pro Mark active grip 5b sticks. However, I’ve recently been using the Tomasz signature Excel Speed sticks and they have definitely peaked my interest on making the switch..
SDM: If you could give one piece of advice to younger drummers, it would be…
Best advice I can give is PRACTICE as much as you can!! Playing to a metronome is great if You can. Be patient with yourself and others involved in Your music, and don’t be too hard on Yourself. Respect the scene that You are lucky enough to be involved in. Most importantly HAVE FUN!!
SDM: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Wow, that’s tough… I’m going to say Cephalic Carnage though I’ve witnessed so many equally killer shows. Vader also left my jaw on the floor
SDM: Aside from drumming, what else do you like to do?
I love to go swimming and Kayaking with My Wife. We live in the FL panhandle so there’s some amazing cold springs to visit near by. I also like to explore trails with my family. I work a full time labor intensive job, and I’m married with step children. So I don’t get a lot of “Leisure time” when I’m not doing those things I’m playing.
