SALUT MONSIEUR LE DRUMS

Soilwork is a good band. Not 'was', is. People seem to think otherwise for reasons that I can't really figure out. Like In Flames they seem to be crucified because they've had lasting power. Sure they've added more melodic elements and maybe dropped the pace a notch for some songs on more recent albums but to me it's an understandable move. If you're in a band, playing live nightly, at some point you're going to want to mix things up a bit to make your live show more interesting. And frankly, any fan that isn't interested in a band they like evolving, well, they're not really needed as a fan. Not that I really feel as though I have to justify my liking either of these bands as I still think they both make good music. Besides, up until recently the Soilwork guitarists were uncle and nephew, that's something.

Now, of course Soilwork has a load to choose from in terms of songs but this is chaosbeard so you'll probably know what's coming.

Henry Ranta was a wicked drummer, like insanely good. I saw them play on the tour after he quit and when that Daniel whateverhisnameis was filling in and they played Chainheart Machine he made a complete mess of the fill towards the beginning. Later though when I found out that Dirk Verbeuren was joining them it was time to get psyched. This guy is awesome. When you have Gene Hoglan saying that you rule, you rule. This guy is like conservatory technique metal chops with Bonham feel. He doesn't slack on anything but makes it all look really easy. I saw them play again with him and it was like watching a master class. He also looks like a crazy skeleton with headphones on.

Press play below and watch this crazy French bastard rip. Pay attention to his 'high-hat hand', yikes. It's Blind Eye Halo from the newest Soilwork record.


Sidenote: Although Dirk is a permanent member of Soilwork his real project is the band Scarve. They're heavy but a bit more prog. They're good.