Paul Mazurkiewicz Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Cannibal Corpse Drummer | MetalForge
Paul Mazurkiewicz (born September 8, 1968, in Buffalo, New York) is an American drummer and co-founder of legendary death metal band Cannibal Corpse, formed in 1988. As one of the most consistent and dedicated drummers in extreme metal, Mazurkiewicz has performed on every Cannibal Corpse album since their 1990 debut "Eaten Back to Life." His drumming style combines relentless blast beats, complex double bass patterns, and groove-oriented sections that have helped define the death metal sound. With Cannibal Corpse being the best-selling death metal band of all time (over 2 million albums sold worldwide), Mazurkiewicz's contribution to the genre is immeasurable. His 35+ years of consistent touring and recording make him one of the most enduring figures in extreme metal history.
Complete biography of Paul Mazurkiewicz, co-founder and drummer of Cannibal Corpse. Explore his 35+ year career, brutal drumming style, and influence on death metal.
Paul Mazurkiewicz Biography
Paul Mazurkiewicz (born September 8, 1968, in Buffalo, New York) is an American drummer and co-founder of legendary death metal band Cannibal Corpse, formed in 1988. As one of the most consistent and dedicated drummers in extreme metal, Mazurkiewicz has performed on every Cannibal Corpse album since their 1990 debut "Eaten Back to Life."
His drumming style combines relentless blast beats, complex double bass patterns, and groove-oriented sections that have helped define the death metal sound. With Cannibal Corpse being the best-selling death metal band of all time (over 2 million albums sold worldwide), Mazurkiewicz's contribution to the genre is immeasurable. His 35+ years of consistent touring and recording make him one of the most enduring figures in extreme metal history.
Career Highlights
- 1988: Co-founded Cannibal Corpse in Buffalo, New York with Chris Barnes, Bob Rusay, Jack Owen, and Alex Webster
- 1990: Released debut album "Eaten Back to Life," establishing Cannibal Corpse's brutal sound
- 1992: Released "Tomb of the Mutilated," featuring the iconic "Hammer Smashed Face"
- 1994: Appeared in the film "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective," performing "Hammer Smashed Face"
- 1995: George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher joined as vocalist; new era began
- 1996: Released "Vile," first album with Corpsegrinder and Rob Barrett
- 2006: Released "Kill," considered one of their most technically proficient albums
- 2012: Released "Torture," showcasing evolved drumming complexity
- 2017: Released "Red Before Black," their 14th studio album
- 2021: Released "Violence Unimagined," demonstrating continued relevance after 30+ years
- 2023: Continues touring extensively; Cannibal Corpse remains death metal's best-selling act
Style & Influences
Paul Mazurkiewicz's drumming style is the foundation of Cannibal Corpse's brutal sound. His approach combines old-school death metal intensity with evolving technical proficiency, maintaining consistency across three decades of extreme metal.
Key Influences:
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): Thrash metal intensity and double bass foundation
- Pete Sandoval (Morbid Angel): Death metal blast beat technique
- Gene Hoglan (Dark Angel/Death): Technical precision in extreme metal
- Neil Peart (Rush): Progressive elements and composition
Signature Techniques:
- Relentless blast beats: Sustained high-speed patterns that define Cannibal Corpse's intensity
- Groove-oriented sections: Contrast brutal blasts with headbang-worthy mid-tempo grooves
- Complex double bass patterns: Intricate kick drum work underlying the wall of sound
- Endurance drumming: Maintaining intensity through 90-minute performances nightly
- Song service: Patterns designed to enhance rather than overshadow the riffs
Gear Highlights
Paul Mazurkiewicz has been associated with Pearl Drums for much of his career, favoring equipment that can withstand the rigors of extensive touring and intense playing.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Pearl Masters Maple Complete
- Snare: Pearl Masters 14"x6.5" Maple
- Cymbals: Sabian AAX Series (14" Stage Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" X-Plosion Crashes, 21" AAX Raw Bell Dry Ride, 18" AAXtreme China)
- Hardware: Pearl Demon Drive double pedal
- Sticks: Vic Firth American Classic 5B
- Heads: Evans
Setup Philosophy:
- Durability is paramount for 200+ shows per year
- Consistent setup across all venues for muscle memory
- Relatively standard kit size for death metal efficiency
- Emphasis on reliability over complexity