Justin Foley
Encyclopedia
Justin Foley is best known as the drummer of the metalcore
band, Killswitch Engage
. He is also an active member of the band Blood Has Been Shed
along with Killswitch Engage
's lead singer, Howard Jones
. Foley has been quoted as saying his primary influences include John Bonham
, Neil Peart
, Buddy Rich
, Sean Reinert
, and Charlie Benante
.
thrash
/jazz metal band called Red Tide
. Red Tide began as a thrash metal outfit in 1993 then evolved into a jazz metal band in the late 90's. As the primary lyricist and one of the songwriters for Red Tide, Foley earned local celebrityhood. With Red Tide, Foley released at least 5 demo tapes and two CDs. Red Tide disbanded in 2002 as there was a general lack of interest in continuing (cited by interview).
in Simsbury, CT in 1994. He earned his undergraduate degree in percussion at the University of Connecticut
. He proceeded to attend the prestigious Hartt School of Music
and receive his masters degree in percussion. When he is not touring or recording, Justin continues to perform with the Connecticut symphonies.
after the departure of the previous drummer, Tom Gomes
, in October 2003. He has demonstrated his dynamic and powerful mastery of the drums while performing with both bands. He is also known for his unique drumbeats that do not follow the normal metalcore rhythm.
Justin Foley is one of the many advertising artists for Evans drumheads along with such famous drummers as Daniel Erlandsson
, Charlie Benante
, Kevin Talley
, Morgan Rose
, Matthew McDonough
, and Vinnie Paul
among other performers.
Foley will play drums on metalcore band Unearth
's upcoming new album, Darkness in the Light
filling in for departed drummer Derek Kerswill
.
, who he is an avid fan of. He is also an avid fan of The Simpsons
. Justin is also engaged to Jesse lynn Ham. He now lives in Florida. Foley is known for his shaved head and long red beard.
Metalcore
Metalcore is a subgenre of heavy metal combining various elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. The name is a portmanteau of the names of the two genres. The term took on its current meaning in the mid-1990s, describing bands such as Earth Crisis, Deadguy and Integrity...
band, Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1999 after the disbandment of Overcast and Aftershock. Killswitch Engage's current lineup consists of vocalist Howard Jones, bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, and drummer...
. He is also an active member of the band Blood Has Been Shed
Blood Has Been Shed
Blood Has Been Shed is a mathcore group from Connecticut. They formed in 1997. They are known for having two members of Killswitch Engage in the band, though both bands have very different styles. Although Jones and Foley are currently performing with Killswitch Engage, they do not intend to end...
along with Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1999 after the disbandment of Overcast and Aftershock. Killswitch Engage's current lineup consists of vocalist Howard Jones, bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, and drummer...
's lead singer, Howard Jones
Howard Jones (heavy metal musician)
Howard Jones is an American lead singer for the band Killswitch Engage. He was also the lead singer of Blood Has Been Shed before moving onto Killswitch Engage.-Blood Has Been Shed:*I Dwell on Thoughts of You...
. Foley has been quoted as saying his primary influences include John Bonham
John Bonham
John Henry Bonham was an English musician and songwriter, best known as the drummer of Led Zeppelin. Bonham was esteemed for his speed, power, fast right foot, distinctive sound, and "feel" for the groove...
, Neil Peart
Neil Peart
Neil Ellwood Peart , OC, is a Canadian musician and author. He is the drummer for the rock band Rush.Peart grew up in Port Dalhousie, Ontario . During adolescence, he floated from regional band to regional band in pursuit of a career as a full-time drummer...
, Buddy Rich
Buddy Rich
Bernard "Buddy" Rich was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Rich was billed as "the world's greatest drummer" and was known for his virtuosic technique, power, groove, and speed.-Early life:...
, Sean Reinert
Sean Reinert
Sean Reinert is the drummer of Cynic and Æon Spoke. He is known for his technical, original and creative drumming technique....
, and Charlie Benante
Charlie Benante
Charlie Benante is the drummer for the heavy metal bands Anthrax and Stormtroopers of Death .- Career :...
.
Early life
Justin Foley was born in Simsbury, CT in 1979. Before joining Killswitch Engage, Foley participated in a ConnecticutConnecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
thrash
Thrash metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
/jazz metal band called Red Tide
Red Tide (band)
Red Tide was formed in 1992 by guitarist/vocalist Jeff Wu, bassist Jeff Bennett, and drummer Justin Foley. Originally they started out primarily as a thrash metal band. In those early high school days they released 3 demos of pure hardcore/thrash metal. Red Tide went on to play the Simsbury High...
. Red Tide began as a thrash metal outfit in 1993 then evolved into a jazz metal band in the late 90's. As the primary lyricist and one of the songwriters for Red Tide, Foley earned local celebrityhood. With Red Tide, Foley released at least 5 demo tapes and two CDs. Red Tide disbanded in 2002 as there was a general lack of interest in continuing (cited by interview).
Education
Foley graduated from Simsbury High SchoolSimsbury High School
Simsbury High School is a public school located in Simsbury, Connecticut. The school was ranked number 3 in Connecticut Magazine's list of Top Connecticut Public High Schools. It was also included in list of Newsweek magazine's 2009 top 1500 public schools, as well as earning the top and second...
in Simsbury, CT in 1994. He earned his undergraduate degree in percussion at the University of Connecticut
University of Connecticut
The admission rate to the University of Connecticut is about 50% and has been steadily decreasing, with about 28,000 prospective students applying for admission to the freshman class in recent years. Approximately 40,000 prospective students tour the main campus in Storrs annually...
. He proceeded to attend the prestigious Hartt School of Music
Hartt School
The Hartt School is the comprehensive performing arts conservatory of the University of Hartford located in West Hartford, Connecticut, United States that offers innovative degree programs in music, dance, and theatre...
and receive his masters degree in percussion. When he is not touring or recording, Justin continues to perform with the Connecticut symphonies.
Killswitch Engage
Foley joined Killswitch EngageKillswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1999 after the disbandment of Overcast and Aftershock. Killswitch Engage's current lineup consists of vocalist Howard Jones, bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, and drummer...
after the departure of the previous drummer, Tom Gomes
Tom Gomes
Tom Gomes is a former drummer for the metalcore bands Aftershock, Catchthirteen, and Killswitch Engage.He joined Killswitch Engage after the completion of the recording of their 2002 record, Alive or Just Breathing, and participated in the Road Rage UK tour of 2002 and the Ozzfest of 2003, after...
, in October 2003. He has demonstrated his dynamic and powerful mastery of the drums while performing with both bands. He is also known for his unique drumbeats that do not follow the normal metalcore rhythm.
Justin Foley is one of the many advertising artists for Evans drumheads along with such famous drummers as Daniel Erlandsson
Daniel Erlandsson
Daniel John Erlandsson is the drummer in the melodic death metal band Arch Enemy.His early work includes drumming on the In Flames album Subterranean...
, Charlie Benante
Charlie Benante
Charlie Benante is the drummer for the heavy metal bands Anthrax and Stormtroopers of Death .- Career :...
, Kevin Talley
Kevin Talley
Kevin Talley is an American death metal drummer. He has performed with Dying Fetus, Misery Index and Chimaira, and he is currently the drummer for the bands Dååth, Six Feet Under and Nothnegal.- History :...
, Morgan Rose
Morgan Rose
Morgan Jay Rose is an American drummer, record producer and founding member of the Atlanta-based alternative metal band Sevendust. He is also responsible for much of the background "screaming" vocals.-Career:...
, Matthew McDonough
Matthew McDonough
Matthew McDonough is the drummer for heavy metal band Mudvayne. McDonough is the band's original drummer and has appeared and performed on every release by Mudvayne...
, and Vinnie Paul
Vinnie Paul
Vincent Paul Abbott, also known as "Vinnie Paul" is a heavy metal drummer and producer who is currently a member of supergroup Hellyeah, but is best known for being a member, and co-founder, of the heavy metal band Pantera...
among other performers.
Foley will play drums on metalcore band Unearth
Unearth
Unearth is an American metalcore band from Winthrop, Massachusetts. Formed in 1998, the group has released five studio albums. Their fourth record, The March was released on October 14, 2008 meeting with high positive reception by many...
's upcoming new album, Darkness in the Light
Darkness in the Light
Darkness In the Light is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Unearth. The album was released on July 5, 2011, in Europe through Metal Blade Records...
filling in for departed drummer Derek Kerswill
Derek Kerswill
Derek Kerswill is an American musician best known for his drumming in the bands Unearth, Seemless, Kingdom of Sorrow, and multiple fill-ins/studio projects.-Biography:Derek has been playing drums since the age of 9...
.
Personal
Foley has been quoted as saying that if he did not play drums, he would like to try out for the New York YankeesNew York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, who he is an avid fan of. He is also an avid fan of The Simpsons
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
. Justin is also engaged to Jesse lynn Ham. He now lives in Florida. Foley is known for his shaved head and long red beard.
Equipment
- YamahaYamaha DrumsYamaha Drums is a subsidiary of the Yamaha Corporation founded in 1967. The company manufactures acoustic and electronic drum kits as well as percussion instruments, marching band equipment, and drum hardware.-Production:...
Oak Custom Drums- 20x17" Bass Drum
- 10x8" Rack Tom
- 13x10" Floor Tom
- 15x12" Floor Tom (custom)
- 14" x 6.5" Mike Bordin Signature Snare
- YamahaYamahaYamaha may refer to:* Yamaha Corporation, a Japanese company with a wide range of products and services** Yamaha Motor Company, a Japanese motorized vehicle-producing company...
Subkick - YamahaYamahaYamaha may refer to:* Yamaha Corporation, a Japanese company with a wide range of products and services** Yamaha Motor Company, a Japanese motorized vehicle-producing company...
Double Pedal - EvansD'AddarioD'Addario is a manufacturer of musical instrument strings, primarily guitar strings, currently headquartered in Farmingdale, Long Island, New York...
Drum Heads - Zildjian Cymbals
- 19in K Custom Dark China
- 16in A Custom Projection Crash
- 18in A Custom Medium Crash
- 22in A Custom Medium Ride
- 14in K Custom Session Hihats
- 10in A Splash
- 19in A Custom Crash
- Pro-MarkPro-MarkPro-Mark is a Houston, Texas-based American drumstick company owned by founder Herb Brochstein. It is a widely known stick company generally played in drum set, drum and bugle corps and concert bands.-History:...
TX5BW drumsticks
Discography
Albums- UnearthUnearthUnearth is an American metalcore band from Winthrop, Massachusetts. Formed in 1998, the group has released five studio albums. Their fourth record, The March was released on October 14, 2008 meeting with high positive reception by many...
- Darkness in the LightDarkness in the LightDarkness In the Light is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Unearth. The album was released on July 5, 2011, in Europe through Metal Blade Records...
(July 4, 2011; Metal Blade RecordsMetal Blade RecordsMetal Blade Records is a record label which was founded by Brian Slagel in 1982. The U.S. corporate office for Metal Blade is located in Agoura Hills, California. It also has offices in Arizona, Germany, Japan, Canada, and the UK. The label is distributed in the U.S. by Sony BMG Music...
) - Blood Has Been ShedBlood Has Been ShedBlood Has Been Shed is a mathcore group from Connecticut. They formed in 1997. They are known for having two members of Killswitch Engage in the band, though both bands have very different styles. Although Jones and Foley are currently performing with Killswitch Engage, they do not intend to end...
- Novella of Uriel (February 20, 2001; Ferret Records) - Blood Has Been ShedBlood Has Been ShedBlood Has Been Shed is a mathcore group from Connecticut. They formed in 1997. They are known for having two members of Killswitch Engage in the band, though both bands have very different styles. Although Jones and Foley are currently performing with Killswitch Engage, they do not intend to end...
- Spirals (March 11, 2003; Ferret Records) - Killswitch EngageKillswitch EngageKillswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1999 after the disbandment of Overcast and Aftershock. Killswitch Engage's current lineup consists of vocalist Howard Jones, bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, and drummer...
- The End of HeartacheThe End of HeartacheThe End of Heartache is the third studio album by American metalcore band Killswitch Engage. It was released on May 11, 2004 through Roadrunner Records. It is the first album to feature lead vocalist Howard Jones from the mathcore band Blood Has Been Shed after Jesse Leach's departure from the band...
(May 11, 2004; Roadrunner RecordsRoadrunner RecordsRoadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
) - Killswitch EngageKillswitch EngageKillswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1999 after the disbandment of Overcast and Aftershock. Killswitch Engage's current lineup consists of vocalist Howard Jones, bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, and drummer...
- As Daylight DiesAs Daylight DiesAs Daylight Dies is the fourth studio album by American metalcore band Killswitch Engage. It was released on November 21, 2006 through Roadrunner Records. It was produced by Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel.- Background and release :...
(November 21, 2006; Roadrunner RecordsRoadrunner RecordsRoadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
) - Killswitch EngageKillswitch EngageKillswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1999 after the disbandment of Overcast and Aftershock. Killswitch Engage's current lineup consists of vocalist Howard Jones, bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, and drummer...
- Killswitch EngageKillswitch Engage (2009 album)Killswitch Engage is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Killswitch Engage. It was released on June 30, 2009 through Roadrunner Records. It is the band's second album to be self-titled, the first being their debut album of the same name. It was produced by Adam Dutkiewicz and Brendan...
(June 30, 2009; Roadrunner RecordsRoadrunner RecordsRoadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
) - Red Tide - Type 2 (August 2001; Encrypted Records)
- Red Tide - Themes of the Cosmic Consciousness (1997; Self released)
- Red Tide - Hybrid / Limited Production (1996)
- Red Tide - Expressions Demo Tape (1995)
- Red Tide - Steps to the End Demo Tape (1994)
- Red Tide - Ideal Creation Demo Tape (1994)
- Red Tide - Peculiar Institution Demo Tape (1993)