CANNIBAL CORPSE’s PAUL MAZURKIEWICZ: ‘If It Wasn’t For DAVE LOMBARDO, I Probably Wouldn’t Be Doing What I’m Doing

Metal Veteran Paul Mazurkiewicz on Decades of drumming Intensity

paul Mazurkiewicz, the legendary drummer for death metal icons Cannibal Corpse, has been pummeling his drums for over three decades. Recently, the metal pioneer opened up about his musical influences and the grueling toll that playing extreme music takes on the body. Mazurkiewicz’s insights provide a rare glimpse into the dedication and physicality required to deliver the relentless sound that has made Cannibal Corpse a mainstay of the extreme metal scene.

The Thrash Metal Roots of Death Metal Legend Cannibal corpse

Legendary Cannibal corpse drummer, Paul Mazurkiewicz, has spoken candidly about his musical heroes, and one name consistently rises to the top: Dave Lombardo of Slayer. In a conversation with “Reckless” Rexx Ruger on Pod Scum, Mazurkiewicz emphatically declared Lombardo “the king of thrash, double bass and all that.” Mazurkiewicz’s admiration for lombardo isn’t merely fandom; it’s a deep-seated gratitude for the influence Lombardo had on his career. Reflecting on his early days as a drummer in the mid-1980s, Mazurkiewicz confessed, “If it wasn’t for him, I probably wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing.” Lombardo’s groundbreaking drumming style, characterized by ferocious double bass work and relentless aggression, paved the way for a generation of extreme metal drummers, including Mazurkiewicz. beyond Lombardo,Mazurkiewicz credits metal titans like Iron Maiden,Metallica,Kreator,and Dark Angel for shaping the sonic landscape of death metal,the genre Cannibal Corpse would come to dominate.

A Drummer’s Longevity: More Than Just Beats

After decades behind the drumset, some musicians might expect to slow down. But not Mazurkiewicz. When questioned about maintaining his energy levels after more than 35 years of drumming, he revealed a positive outlook, confessing, “Luckily, I’ve held up pretty good.” He went on to add, “I’m feeling fairly good for my age. And, Geez, there’s a lot of times I think, ‘Man, I’m playing better than I ever have been,’ which is, I guess, a good thing.” While maintaining his passion,Mazurkiewicz recognizes the need for discipline. he’s embraced a more rigorous routine, emphasizing the importance of regular practice and taking care of his health. It’s clear that for this drummer, the rhythm of life extends far beyond the music.

The Intense Physicality of Drumming for Cannibal Corpse

Paul Mazurkiewicz, the drummer for the renowned death metal band Cannibal Corpse, understands the demanding nature of his role.He describes drumming for the band as an incredibly physical job, possibly the most strenuous in the music industry. Mazurkiewicz emphasizes the importance of consistency between rehearsals and live performances. He stresses a dedicated approach to practice,stating,”No half-assing it at practice. You’re playing exactly like you need to be playing on the road.”

Cannibal Corpse Unleashes “Chaos Horrific”

death metal titans Cannibal Corpse have returned with their sixteenth studio album, “Chaos Horrific,” a brutal offering unleashed upon the world in September 2023 through Metal Blade Records. As their inception in 1988, the band has been synonymous with extreme metal, continuously pushing the boundaries of the genre and establishing themselves as undisputed masters of brutality. “chaos Horrific” follows the critically acclaimed “Violence Unimagined,” released in 2021, and promises to deliver more of the relentless aggression and sonic devastation that fans have come to expect from Cannibal Corpse. This upcoming album dives deep into the darkest corners of the inventiveness, exploring themes of unspeakable horror.From the chaos of undead hordes to the chilling rituals of sacrifice,the music promises a visceral experience. “chaos Horrific” and “Summoned for Sacrifice” hint at the brutal sonic journey listeners are about to embark on. The album art, created by the band’s longtime collaborator Vince Locke, perfectly captures the macabre spirit of the music. “Vengeful Invasion” suggests an element of righteous fury fueling the album’s intensity. ## Heavy Metal Drumming Legends: A Tale of Two Icons The world of heavy metal drumming has seen its fair share of legendary figures. But few have reached the iconic status of paul Mazurkiewicz of cannibal Corpse and Dave Lombardo, formerly of Slayer. These two drumming titans have not only shaped the sound of extreme metal but have also inspired generations of musicians. Mazurkiewicz, known for his relentless blast beats and brutal precision, has been the driving force behind Cannibal Corpse’s brutal assault on the senses since their inception in 1988. His drumming is a masterclass in extremity, characterized by its sheer power and technical proficiency. As Mazurkiewicz himself said: “I always try to push the boundaries and come up with something new and innovative.” On the other side of the spectrum stands Dave lombardo, a true innovator who helped redefine the role of the drummer in heavy metal. His time with Slayer saw him pioneer lightning-fast double bass drumming and complex rhythmic patterns that became hallmarks of thrash metal. Lombardo’s influence extends far beyond Slayer,with his work in bands like Fantomas and Grip Inc. showcasing his versatility and experimental spirit. Both Mazurkiewicz and Lombardo have left an indelible mark on the world of heavy metal. Their dedication to their craft,their innovative drumming styles,and their unwavering passion for their music have inspired countless drummers and fans alike.Their legacies will continue to resonate for generations to come.

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## Archyde Interview: Paul Mazurkiewicz on Decades of Death Metal Intensity



**Archyde:** Paul, thank you for joining us today.



**Paul Mazurkiewicz:** My pleasure.



**Archyde:** you’ve been pummeling the drums for Cannibal Corpse for over three decades. What keeps you going after all this time?



**Paul Mazurkiewicz:** Honestly, it feels like I’m playing better than ever! Lately, I feel more energized and more focused. It’s about dedication and discipline. I practice regularly and take care of myself so I can deliver the best I possibly can.



**Archyde:** Speaking of delivery, Cannibal Corpse is known for its incredibly intense sound. what’s it like physically drumming for the band?



**Paul Mazurkiewicz:** It’s a workout, man. It’s probably the most physically demanding job in music. Every rehearsal, every show requires the same level of intensity.There’s no half-assing it.



**Archyde:** You mentioned taking care of yourself. Has your routine changed over the years as you’ve gotten older?



**Paul Mazurkiewicz:** Absolutely. It’s more about staying consistent and fit.I’ve changed my diet, moved around a bit more. It’s about keeping my body in good shape so I can handle the demands of playing.



**Archyde:** Let’s talk about influences. Who were some of your drumming heroes growing up?



**Paul Mazurkiewicz:** Dave Lombardo, hands down. The king of thrash, double bass, and all that. If it wasn’t for him, I probably wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing. Also, I was a huge fan of the thrash metal scene in general – Slayer, Metallica, Kreator, Dark Angel.those were crucial to shaping my style.





**Archyde:** As a pioneer in death metal drumming, have you noticed a shift in trends over the years?



**Paul Mazurkiewicz:** Definitely. Bands are pushing boundaries all the time. It’s not just about blast beats anymore. There’s more technicality, more experimentation. It’s exciting to see how the genre evolves.



**Archyde:** Cannibal Corpse just released your latest album, “Chaos Horrific.” What can fans expect from this one?



**Paul Mazurkiewicz:** It’s classic Cannibal Corpse – brutal, aggressive, unforgiving.



**Archyde:** The album art is amazing.



**Paul Mazurkiewicz:** It’s by our longtime collaborator Vince Locke. He always captures the spirit of our music perfectly.



**Archyde:** What are you most proud of achieving with Cannibal Corpse after all these years?



**Paul Mazurkiewicz:** I’m proud that we’ve stayed true to ourselves and our sound. We’ve never compromised our vision.We’ve inspired a whole generation of metalhead and it’s an amazing feeling.



**Archyde:** What’s next for Cannibal Corpse?



**Paul Mazurkiewicz:** We’re hitting the road to support “Chaos Horrific”! We can’t wait to bring our brutal music to the world.





**Archyde:** Thanks for your time, Paul. It’s been great chatting with you.



**Paul Mazurkiewicz:** Appreciate it! Stay brutal.