Andrea
Some people view drumming as a calling. It is an industry where many are called, but few are chosen. Carland Blake Richardson is among the few with a true calling. He has been one of the most influential metal drummers for many years, creating incredible pieces with each project he works on.
Blake Richardson is an American Progressive drummer known for his involvement with Between The Buried and Me‘s a progressive metal band. He is also a former drummer for the deathcore band Glass Casket. Richardson joined Between the Buried and Me in early 2005 to replace their former drummer, Jason Roe.
Early life and career
Richardson went to middle school in Calvary Baptist Day School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Later, he joined Mt. Tabor High School, where he performed an annual drum solo for a school club project called ‘Spartan Spectacular.
Richardson has been playing drums since he was 11 years old. He immediately becomes a famous fan of 90s grunge music. His inspiration was fueled by bands like Soundgarden, Nirvana, and Smashing Pumpkins. His drumming passion kept growing as years went by, setting him at a high level faster than any other drummer has.
He attended lessons for several years from Robert Crutchfield, a local jazz drummer who was also known for his unique styles. Richardson used this opportunity to develop his skills and started playing more seriously. He joined his first band, Glass Casket, at the age of 17. The band enabled him to tour the whole of the US before graduating high school in 2003. He then attended NC State University for two years. Richardson received an offer to play drums for home-state friends Between the Buried and Me, where he helped start the band’s third full-length album. The album was called “Alaska,” and his writing skills helped develop it fully.
He dropped out of school in 2005 to become a full-time drummer. Ever since, he has been touring relentlessly with the band. The drummer has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the industry. He has worked with friends Black Dahlia Murder, Bleeding Through, Everytime I Die, and Dillinger Escape Plan. He has been a fundamental tool in elevating glory, helping them get a spot on Ozzfest 2006 with System of a Down and Ozzy Osborne.
The band went on what seemed like an endless tour to support his first album with them before they started writing their fourth studio album, “Color.” With this album, the band grew more famous. Richardson also grew developed his skills into a more progressive metal element. He has helped the band develop a new sound and a ground-breaking new album, earning them a spot on the first-ever “Progressive Nation Tour.” This tour features Dream Theater, Opeth, and Three, some of the best bands ever.
Style
Richard’s style is quite unique. It appears as a fusion of death metal elements with jazz influences. This can be noticed through his blast beats, odd timing, double-bass moves, and a fill-heavy style. He is considered an influencer in his field.
