Justin Foley
Justin Foley |
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Justin Foley (born 1976) 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.
Biography
Early life
Justin Foley was born in Simsbury, CT in 1976. Before joining Killswitch Engage, Foley participated in a Connecticut 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 due to personal disagreements and the inability to work as a team.
Education
Foley graduated from Simsbury High School 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.
Killswitch Engage
Foley joined Killswitch Engage 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.
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.
Personal
Foley has been quoted as saying that if he did not play drums, he would like to try out for the New York Yankees, who he is an avid fan of. He is also an avid fan of The Simpsons. Justin is also engaged. He now lives in St. Louis, Missouri. Foley is known for his shaved head and long red beard.
Equipment
- Yamaha Oak Custom Drums
- 20x17" Bass Drum
- 10x8" Rack Tom
- 13x10" Floor Tom
- 15x12" Floor Tom (custom)
- 14" x 6.5" Mike Bordin Signature Snare
- Yamaha Subkick
- Yamaha Double Pedal
- Evans 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-Mark drumsticks
Discography
Albums
- Blood Has Been Shed - Novella of Uriel (February 20th, 2001; Ferret Records)
- Blood Has Been Shed - Spirals (March 11th, 2003; Ferret Records)
- Killswitch Engage - The End of Heartache (May 11th, 2004; Roadrunner Records)
- Killswitch Engage - As Daylight Dies (November 21st, 2006; Roadrunner Records)
- Killswitch Engage - Killswitch Engage (June 30th, 2009; Roadrunner Records)
- 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)