This video is drummer, John Paul Andrade, playing ‘Black Dream’ from ‘Kallias.’ In a world where finding a true connection with others and meaning within your art has become a rarity, it was no coincidence when four passionate musicians quickly connected by mutual friends and soon composed what they collectively admitted to being their best and most soulful music. Taken back by the beauty of this feeling, “Kallias,” meaning Beauty in Greek, was born.
The idea wasn’t to start another technical, progressive, or heavy metal band. It became a vision to create a heavy cerebral experience, in listening and visualizing. Nicole Papastavrou and Zaki Ali’s 8-string guitar work nods to Jeff Loomis, Mikael Akerfeldt, and Frederick Thordendall; with twisting riff progressions, charming cleans, tastefully intricate leads, all heavy with emotion. John Paul Andrade’s undeniably precise percussion serves the music on every level, from jazz-influenced melodic sections to satisfyingly odd rhythms for the eager prog-loving ear. Beautifully woven bass lines by Chris Marrone provide an indomitable structure and embrace for each instrument, never overpowering, yet always highlighting. For modern-day prog and metal fans, Kallias can be compared to bands such as Opeth, Meshuggah, and Decapitated.
The quartet holds musical chemistry that is few and far between, that will keep you in the foreground from the beginning with bone-chilling introductions. This is by no means background music. Kallias creates their own genre for a panoramic audio experience that demands the listener’s undivided attention to focus, and feel.
We shot and recorded the video at Ferry Carpets in Newark, NJ. Mixed by Zaki Ali.
Video recorded and edited by Kurt Fowles at Sirius Cinema.
Pictures by Stephanie Aviles.
JP’s Gear:
Mapex Saturn Exotic in Black Maple Burl (Maple/Walnut)
20 x 14, 14 x 14, 10 x 7.5
Mapex Armory Daisy Cutter 14 x 5.5
Remo Heads:
Emperor Pinstripes on toms
P77 Coated on the snare
P3 Coated on kick
Cymbals – Murat Diril:
15” Mosaic Hi-hats
21” Mosaic Crash Ride
24” Renaissance Dark Ride
19” Arena FX Crash
20” Mosaic China
12” Two-Face Stack
17” Two-Face Stack (custom)
Wincent Drumsticks 5BXL
Pearl Demon Drive Pedals with Lowboy Beaters
Tama Glide Rider 1st Chair drum throne in red
Alclair Audio Custom In-Ear Monitors
JP’s Links:
Instagram: @kalliasofficial
Facebook: kalliasmetal – https://www.facebook.com/kalliasmetal/
YouTube: kallias metal – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMHczp-HchdUl2-wQmfPPjg
Personal Instagram: jpandradedrums14
Past SDM Coverage of JP: https://sickdrummermagazine.com/?s=JP+andrade
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