Tomek “Tzargath” Zuchlke

Keep up with Tomek here:

www.myspace.com/sociopathy

I took up playing drums when I was in high school, even though I had never listened to Metal or played any instruments before. Despite that, I wanted to unwind and find out who I really was. It was important for me to move forward, so I started taking lessons from a jazz drummer and at that time I set up my first band. Later on, I started experimenting with my music and it resulted in forming Sociopathy. We’ve just had our new album Animalism recorded – sort of a big thing for me.

Tomek Zuchlke Interveiw:

SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?

Tomek: I started out when I was seventeen. It was a bit late as for someone who had almost no experience with playing drums, but I was very determined.

 

 

SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?

Tomek: No, never. Too bad, cause it could have been fun.

 

 

SD.com: Who are your top 5 metal influences?

Tomek:

1.Miroslav Musicant

2.Gene Hoglan

3.John Longstreth

4.Zbigniew Robert Promiñski

5.Tomasz Pilasiewicz

 

 

 

 

SD.com: Who are some other of your favorites?

Tomek: Decapitated, Sceptic, Virgin Snatch, Behemoth, Cannibal Corpse, Testament, Krisiun, Vital Remains, Cephalic Carnage, Vader, Hate, Hate Eternal, Morbid Angel, Suffering, Gorgasm, Azarath, Death, Deicide, Dying Fetus, Dies Irae, Yattering, Insision

 

 

SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation

Tomek:

DEATH – Symbolic
SLAYER – Reign In Blood
AZARATH – Infernal Blasting
ORIGIN – Antithesis
GORGASM – Masticate To Dominate

 

 

SD.com: What do you do to warm up before a show?

Tomek: Nothing extraordinary, I think. It’s important to avoid straining, so I do a decent warm up of my joints, especially wrists. Oh, and of course, working on my calves has proven to be very effective.

 

 

 

 

SD.com: Do you read music? Regardless of answering yes or no, please tell us how it might have effected your playing?

Tomek: Yes. I know there are people who play music without being able to read it, but I don’t wanna limit myself in such a way. Besides, it’s not that hard as some people assume. Reading music lets you get broader perspective and in my case, it also allows me to spot what I’m doing wrong.

 

 

SD.com: Can you tell us about the gear you use?

Tomek: Sure, I use sonor drums, axis longbords, Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals, vic firth or pro mark.

 

 

SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…

Tomek: I know this may sound trite, but it’s actually true. Fight for your dreams and never give up! Oh, and listen to more experienced drummers’ advices. You might find that their tips come in handy for you, too!

 

 

SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?

Tomek: It’s hard to choose, the most significant one for me was my teacher’s performance. Miroslav Musicant was the one who inspired me to begin playing drums in the first place. I was completely hooked when I saw him playing. As a teacher he proved to be really encouraging, and what’s more, he professionally guided me through the training.

 

 

SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?

Tomek: I’m a fulltime firefighter, so I guess this is my plan B. I’m also into diving, but still, giving up on drums is really hard for me to imagine. It gives me a lot of satisfaction and I’ve never felt better!