My name is Tony Corio; I’m currently the drummer of the Scottish Death Metal band Man Must Die. I joined them in January 2017 when I moved to Glasgow from Sicily.
Once I got into the band, the guys had already plenty of new music to work on. We played around Europe, participating in metal festivals such as the Damnation and Stonehenge, and we joined Cannibal Corpse on Irish dates in 2018.
On October 24, 2019, the first EP, “Gagging Order,” came out since I started to play with them. Despite the release, the band was already thinking about a Full-length and, of course, a new tour, but in 2020 unfortunately, we were forced to stop touring due the Covid-19; with this apocalyptic situation, we started working on our fifth album titled “The Pain Behind it All” released on February 17, 2023, by Distortion Music Group, the label owned by Maurizio Iacono of Kataklysm.
I invite you to listen to this new work that represents the most frustrating and darker feelings that each member has experienced during the lockdown.
Tony’s Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyCorio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonycoriodrummer88
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tony_corio
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tonycorio666
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TonyCorio
https://www.facebook.com/ManMustDie
SDM: How old were you when you started playing?
Tony:
I had my first approach to drums when I was about 8 years old, during the rehearsals of my brother’s band, and they suddenly decided to let me play a few songs; after that day, I completely fell in love with it. At age 12, I got my first drum kit ( my parent’s gift ), I remember that the brand was an “Alliance” black, and since that day, I have never stopped studying and practicing.
SDM: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Tony:
Yes, I did. I’ve been part of a few bands during High School, playing in pubs and battle bands.
SDM: Who are your top 5 metal influences?
Tony:
Of course, I had different phases in my drum life, but without any doubts, these Top five had a big influence on me:
1. Vinnie Paul
2. Mike Mangini
3. Richard Christy
4. Igor Cavalera
5. Tom Hunting
SDM: Who are some of your other favorites?
Tony: My current favorites are:
1. Gene Hoglan
2. Derek Roddy
3. George Kollias
4. John Longstreth
5. Dominator
SDM: Let us know 5 bands in your current personal rotation.
Tony:
1. Pantera – Cowboys from Hell
2. Dream Theater – Metropolis Pt.2
3. Death – Scavenger of Human Sorrow
4. Sepultura – Chaos A.D.
5. Exodus – Tempo of the Damned
SDM: What do you do to warm up before a show?
Tony:
Before doing any rudiments, I usually start with a full lower and upper body stretch, especially the wrists and calves, and when I feel warmer and more supple, I move onto the pad. The main exercises I do are alternating singles-doubles at 140bpm, and I try to gradually build the tempo up to a good range of bpm range and keeping it for as many as possible and making sure my forearms are ready for longer runs.
SDM: Do you read music? Regardless of answering yes or no, please tell us how it might have affected your playing.
Tony:
Yes, I do, but lately, I’m doing more playing and less reading. Certainly, the theory can definitely take you to another level.
SDM: Can you tell us about the gear you use?
Tony:
Right now, I’m using in the studio and for live performances, the Italian Vibe Drum Elite Custom series:
Bass Drum 22″x18″ – Tom 12″x8.5″, Floor Tom 16″x14″ – aluminum shell Sound ZERO.
Snare Elite Custom 14×6,5.
The peculiarity of this brand is the material which is aluminum.
Pedals: Pearl Demon drive
Cymbals: All Meinl Classics Custom Extreme Metal”
Sticks: Promark TX747BW American Hickory 747B Super Rock Wood Tip
I use the Roland Tm-2 Acoustic Drum Trigger Module with a Roland RT-30K trigger
Of course, I have more gear that I use and different situations; in fact, I play also other kinds of music.
SDM: If you could give one piece of advice to younger drummers, it would be…
Tony:
Every single talented drummer you have seen in your life was not only a talented drummer but a musician who spent most of his time sitting and studying. If you have a great talent, consider it a gift from God to take care of with love, passion, dedication, and hard work.
SDM: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Tony:
I watched many bands in my life, but the four bands that blew me away for their sound, compactness, and solidity are:
Cannibal Corpse, W.A.S.P, Kiss, and Foreigner.
SDM: Aside from drumming, what else do you like to do?
Tony:
I like to work out, and of course, since I’m Italian (LOL), I have a passion for the cinema and good food.
