Aaron Comess, the drummer for Spin Doctors, recently took on a challenge that any drummer would find daunting: playing Avenged Sevenfold's 'Afterlife' for the first time. This isn't just any song; it's a track originally mastered by the late, legendary drummer Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan. The task was part of Drumeo's 'For the First Time' series, where drummers are pitted against drumless tracks they've never heard, asked to come up with an arrangement on the spot.
What makes Comess's performance particularly fascinating is his approach. He leaned heavily on backbeat-driven rock playing, a style that contrasts sharply with the bells and whistles common in heavy metal drumming, especially in bands that draw from the progressive music well. Despite this, Comess's performance felt much the same as the original, showcasing the shared sensibilities of seemingly quite different players.
Comess credited his quick success to meticulously charting the song. He replaced the double bass with more pocket-driven grooves, but his approach was based on his first instincts, which wound up feeling much the same as the original. This is a testament to the versatility and adaptability of a skilled drummer.
The Spin Doctors are currently supporting Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms on a US tour, with tickets available. Avenged Sevenfold, meanwhile, are set to kick off their co-headlining North American tour with Good Charlotte on July 25th. The full video of Comess taking on 'Afterlife' is available for those looking to start their drum journey, with Drumeo offering a 30-day free trial.
What makes this story particularly intriguing is the contrast between Comess's style and the original song. While some drummers might be intimidated by the complexity of 'Afterlife', Comess embraced it, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. This is a reminder that drumming is an art form that requires both technical skill and creativity, and that sometimes, the best way to learn is to dive in and explore.
In my opinion, Comess's performance is a testament to the power of practice and preparation. By meticulously charting the song, he was able to quickly grasp the nuances of 'Afterlife' and deliver a performance that felt authentic and true to the original. This is a valuable lesson for any musician, not just drummers, and it highlights the importance of taking the time to understand and internalize the music you're playing.
One thing that immediately stands out is the shared sensibilities between Comess and Sullivan. Despite their different styles and approaches, they both managed to capture the essence of 'Afterlife'. This is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to learn is to study the masters and try to understand their approach, rather than just copying their style. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared love of music that brings people together.
What many people don't realize is that drumming is a deeply personal art form. Each drummer has their own unique style and approach, shaped by their experiences, influences, and musical background. Comess's performance is a great example of this, as it showcases his own voice and style, while still paying homage to the original song. This is a reminder that music is a deeply personal and subjective art form, and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to playing an instrument.
If you take a step back and think about it, Comess's performance is a great example of how music can bring people together. Despite their different backgrounds and styles, Comess and Sullivan were able to create something that felt authentic and true to the original. This is a testament to the power of music to connect people and create a shared experience.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the contrast between Comess's backbeat-driven rock playing and the double bass-heavy original song. This highlights the versatility of drumming and the different styles that can be used to convey the same emotional and musical message. It's a reminder that music is a deeply expressive art form, and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to playing an instrument.
What this really suggests is that drumming is a deeply personal and creative art form, and that each drummer has their own unique voice and style. Comess's performance is a great example of this, as it showcases his own voice and style, while still paying homage to the original song. This is a reminder that music is a deeply personal and subjective art form, and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to playing an instrument.
In conclusion, Aaron Comess's performance of Avenged Sevenfold's 'Afterlife' is a testament to the power of practice, preparation, and creativity. It showcases his versatility and adaptability, while also paying homage to the original song. This is a great example of how music can bring people together and create a shared experience, and it highlights the importance of taking the time to understand and internalize the music you're playing.
