Alex Rudinger - Slipknot - "Left Behind"

In the past, I've cited some of the more extreme metal drummers as being big influences to me during my teen years (Kollias, Longstreth, etc), & they no doubt were/are. But like so many of my fellow Metal Drummers out there, it really first started with Joey Jordison & Slipknot. #Slipknot was the gateway band that got me into everything else, & Joey was the first drummer that I truly idolized. In a way I was actually kind of late in becoming a Slipknot fan - 'Vol.3: The Subliminal Verses' came out in 2004, at which time I was 12. In other words: That album came out right around the time I was discovering my passion for drums, & it was hugely inspirational to me.
 
In short order I went back & listened to 'Iowa' (2001), & the self-titled, 'Slipknot' (1999), quickly becoming just as obsessed with those. I listened to those first Slipknot albums non-stop for a long time, & Joey's drumming was the biggest reason. 'Iowa' specifically became my favorite Slipknot album - there's so much aggression in Joey's playing, Corey Taylor's incredibly sick vocal performance, and just the overall raw grit & anger in the production. That album just absolutely RULES. All of those albums hit me at a very important time in my life - at that age I was so angry, & so unsure of everything. They showed me what a powerful (& positive) outlet Metal could be for people, & they're the first albums that acted as an emotional release from some of those feelings I was having. They had a huge impact on my life & I'm very thankful for them.
 
Needless to say, I was shocked & deeply saddened when I heard about Joey passing away. We lost a legend way too soon, & a true inspiration to many of us. So this is my tribute to him, one of my fave songs from Iowa, "Left Behind". Forever thankful for all the inspiration he brought me, & I hope he's resting peacefully. 

Big thanks to Declan White for the mix here. As mentioned in my last description, Declan's a SICK guy & a SICK engineer. If you're looking for some top-tier mixing, contact Declan via his website (!) -
 
http://www.declanwhite.com

For the record: While this is by no means the most technical song I've learned/recorded, it was actually really tough! Iowa wasn't tracked to a metronome, so I had to map out my own click. If you could see my session.... Lol, it's basically just a constantly fluctuating tempo (Ha!). Had to add subtle tempo changes every bar (or less) to make a usable click. I think those tempo fluctuations are part of what makes Iowa so aggressive & energetic, so I tried my best to emulate them
 
Additional thanks to a buddy who will remain anonymous, for providing me with the stems for "Left Behind". I'm not sure that I'm really supposed to have them, so I don't want to get him in trouble (Lol). But without him, this cover/mix wouldn't have been possible. Big thanks to you brotherman (you know who you are!)

KIT SPECS

#Tama STAR Maple (in Smoky Black)

10x6.5
12x7
14x11
16x13
18x15
20x16
14x6.5 Lars Ulrich Sig

I also used my Tama DynaSync pedals here! I still mainly use/endorse ACD, but as a huge nerd I love messing around with gear. The DynaSyncs felt good for this cover, so I used em' (still used an ACD Driveshaft tho!). One of the reasons I love Dennis (owner/inventor of ACD) is because he's very chill about stuff, & doesn't mind if I occasionally use other pedals. It's one of the reasons I made the move from Trick - just to have that freedom (& it helps that ACDs absolutely RULE!). But I own a lot of different pedals, & in general they're my fave piece of gear to mess around with. So you may see me using the DynaSyncs (or somethin' else) from time to time. But for all you gear-nerds out there, the Darwin is still my main pedal!
 
#Meinl Cymbals (from L to R, if sitting behind the kit)

18" Classics Dark China
18" Byzance Brilliant Medium Crash
14" Byzance Traditional Medium Hi-Hats
8" Byzance Brilliant Splash
10" Classics Custom Extreme Metal Splash
19" Byzance Brilliant Medium/Thin Crash
18" Pure Alloy China
20" MB20 Heavy Bell Ride

#Evans Drumheads

Toms - Clear G2s (batter) Clear G1s (reso)
Snare - Coated Heavyweight Dry (batter) SnareSide300 (reso)
Kick - Clear EQ4 (batter) Evans INK'ed (reso)

Feel free to follow me on your desired social network(s)

http://www.Gumroad.com/AlexRudinger
  / alexrudinger  
  / alexrudingerofficial  
  / alexrudinger  
http://www.AlexRudinger.com

My Podcast
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3t5j9n1
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/RantsAndRevelations

& BIG love to all my #PATREON supporters! Couple new members since my vid last week - shoutout to: Matt Full, Matt Dunn, James, Ian Dubson, & ACB! 'Preciate ya'll signing up, & much love to ALL the Patreon homies!

I proudly endorse Tama Drums / Sticks, Meinl, Evans, Vratim, ACD, Audient, 64Audio, Gator, OnTrigger, TunerFish, & 2Box

As always, thanks for watching!