Need Drummer for Classic Prog/Metal type of Lineup

Middletown MD

Description

Current Lead and Rhythm Guitarists, and Singer, are looking to fill out a practice group and hopefully gigging group (when our music is ready). Based on our time, we want to limit most practices to areas around Frederick, Howard, or (northern) Montgomery County. We're intermediate experienced but weekend warrior types (in mid-40s), and we have families. We have a loose goal of small gigs later this year, maybe more when ready, but no pressure to rush in quickly. Music quality determines what happens and when. We are focusing mostly on heavy covers from around 1975 to 1985, with a little variety outside of those. We'll use mostly clean vocals, probably in our own style, instead of a close copy. Progressive thinking and reflection about both the good and bad (imperfect human) struggle within us -- we prefer that honest type of material. We like heavy music, but we are not a dark or death metal band, and obsession with darkness or evil themes is not what we do or who we are. We want good times and positive attitudes (even with serious music). So we are leaning towards songs which are more critical, instead of promoting a side -- something that even “doom bands” like Black Sabbath have done sometimes. There can be jams and fun songs too (but just not the dumb party type of songs which you hear too often). A few original songs are welcome, but will only work in a venue if those can really hang with the classic material. This is a "niche tribute" type of idea, not just for one band or decade. We can blend influences from both the classic UK (i.e., NWOBHM) and USA (i.e., early Thrash) Metal type of influences, and pay homage to many of those influences. Songs will definitely include deep tracks and a few hits. Some preferred bands are Sabbath, Deep Purple, Maiden, Priest, Thin Lizzy, Scorpions, UFO, or similar from the UK and europe. We plan to include influences like BOC, Rush, (early) Van Halen, Megadeth, Metallica, or Ozzy & Randy (the ultimate UK / USA hybrid). Eventually, we might integrate some of our recent influences...but let’s talk more about specific songs after you contact me first. From a drumming perspective, if we can find someone who is equally comfortable with the 70s, 80s, and later drumming influences (good with both blues/funk type of beats and also some technical and progressive rhythms, using either single or double-kick drums), then we can cover a lot more ground. If you are better at one of those, that’s no problem as long as you understand that we plan to go into several styles, and you want to try that too. Personally, I would rather have a soulful drummer, who accents the right places often, than someone who wants to play only fast and loud like a machine. Each approach can work sometimes though. We want to practice in person once a week (and maybe can do more, depending on schedules). We have tried using a combination of in-person and video type (Zoom or Google) meetings, to work out some practice goals. What happens later, depends on how well this blends. There’s lots of other band types popping up, but who else wants to keep the Classic Metal flame burning?