Keep up with Tom here:
Born into a Sicilian/Polish family in 1979 (Genk, Belgium), Tom Ales always had an affinity with rhythm. While developing his interest in drumming as a whole, at the age of 11 the intense and aggressive sounds of death metal attracted his attention. At the age of 12 he got his first drumkit and immediately started playing. About 3 years later he co-founded his first band ‘Necrodochion’. Various events took their toll and they disbanded in 1999, a while after the release of their 2nd demo ‘Deprival of Revilement’ recorded at the age of 17. After 3 years of being non-active he was contacted by ‘Emeth’ in early 2002 to fill their drummer slot, after which they entered the studio in autumn 2003 to record the band’s first official full-length ‘Insidious’. Since the release of this album Tom performed with Emeth throughout Europe and the USA. Between all of this Tom’s thriving desire to continuously improve and transcend his own limits of endurance and creativity, motivated him to follow masterclasses with Dom Famularo and Mario Goossens (Hooverphonic, Clouseau, Monza, Triggerfinger…). The result of this dedication can be heard on Emeth’s second full length album ‘Reticulated’. On this record Tom succeeded in displaying his most furious drumming to date. This was followed by appearances on various European festivals, an Israelian show and more relentless touring. Dedicated as ever Tom is currently working hard to perfect and develop his own style even more while working on the 3rd Emeth album.
Tom Ales Interview:
SD.com: When did you start playing drums?
Tom: At the age of 8-9 just playing around with some wooden sticks. I got my first kit somewhere at the age of 12. I’ve been playing ever since although I took a break for 3 years from 1999 until I teamed up with Emeth in 2002.
SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Tom: We didn’t have one.
SD.com: Ever take any lessons?
Tom: Not much, about 20 lessons when I was 16 from Mario Goossens (Hooverphonic, Monza, Triggerfinger, Clouseau…) I’d like to start again someday when I have some more free time.
SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?
Tom: Naming just 5 drummers is pretty tough, I’d say Dave Weckl, Dennis Chambers, Steve Smith, Derek Roddy, Pete Sandoval
SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?
Tom: Lots and lots of favorites: Chad Wackerman, D. Chambers, D. Weckl, T. Lang, M. Minneman, J. Rabb, S. Smith, J. Blackwell, C. Smith, R. Latham, D. Famularo, T. Igoe, F. Briggs, Culross, Sandoval, Roddy, Longstreth, ……………way too much to mention! Many different drummers in all kinds of musicstyles.
SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation
Tom:
CHAMBERS – HOWE – WOOTEN / Extraction
DEVIL-DRIVER / The fury of our maker’s hand
DEICIDE / The stench of redemption
SLIPKNOT / Iowa
NILE / Black seeds of vengeance
SD.com: Do you practice any specific rudiments or combo’s regularly?
Tom: I’m currently working on speed, playing single strokes with my feet. My steering wheel in my truck (semi – 44ton) is my practice pad for the hands. I’m working 12-15 hours a day so I have to use my time wisely which is why I practice my hands as much as possible while driving.
SD.com: What is your favorite part of your drum kit?
Tom: I love everything on a drumkit but I really like how replacing your snaredrum can change the vibe/feel of your drumsound.
SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…
Tom: Always keep this in mind: “Practice, Patience, Perseverance” And check out Dom Famularo: an unbelievable drummer and source of inspiration! You got a problem, he’s got the answer.
SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Tom: Chad Wackerman with Allan Holdsworth was absolutely insane, Meshuggah was breathtaking…. I’ve seen lots of good shows!
SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what elsw would you want to do with your life?
Tom: It would definately have to involve music, I can’t stand 5 minutes without music. Besides the music, I’ve got a wonderful wife and 2 beautiful kids that I could spend some more time with.
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Tom’s Setup:
TAMA Rockstar Custom fusion kit
22”x18” bass drum
22”x18” bass drum
10”x8” tom
12”x9” tom
14”x11” tom
PEARL
DR-503 rack
14”x5” CS 1450 Chad Smith signature snaredrum
SABIAN cymbals
14” AAX Stage Hats
8” PRO SONIX Splash
10” AAX Splash
15” AAXtreme China
15” AAX Crash
16” AAX Stage Crash
17” AAX Dark Crash
20” AAX Ride
WUHAN cymbals
12” China
AXIS A-longboard pedals
DDRUM Triggers
ALESIS DM-5 module
BALBEX 5A hickory drumsticks
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