10/22/2009: "Haven For the Insane" is mastered! CA is touring with Acheron next month, in the wake of a successful tour with Incantation. Several other surprises are in the works. Stay tuned!
04/05/2009: Updates are coming very soon! New Cardiac Arrest is coming very soon, as is material from Sallah! Other projects are very, very possible. Stay tuned.
05/01/2008: Cadaverous Presence is out, and, to commemorate, I have released one clip of in-studio drum cam footage on my YouTube page. Enjoy!
01/09/2008: Well, time to come out of the holiday hibernation! Updated the Gear section to reflect some minor changes. A lot of new stuff coming up! Check out the Cardiac Arrest page!
10/29/07: Cadaverous Presence is nearly complete! Drum tracks were done at a relaxed pace over four sessions - I was a lot more concerned with the quality of the tracks this time around, since we had time to spare. The extra time spent tracking will save twice as much time during the mixing stage. Also, ALL my drums were mic'd for this one, with the only triggers being used in any capacity being the kicks. Even so, the mic'd bass drum sound is still the primary in the mix, so it's a very organic recording. Guitars (rhythm and lead) are done, and all that is left are bass and vocals. This one is coming together fast.
8/30/07: New videos are coming soon! Cardiac Arrest will be in the studio to record "Cadaverous Prescence" in October. I have now switched to Axis eKit triggers, and Pabst Blue Ribbon exclusively (snicker).
5/17/07: Milwaukee Metalfest XIX was a fucking mess. Doing the Axis booth was fun, as was seeing some of the best shows I've seen in years, but, still...
Kentucky, Central IL, and Detroit are still coming. Stop by and say hello!
4/10/07: Jim is proud to annonuce that he is now endorsed by Grindstix! Jim will be using Grindstix exclusively from now on. Thanks to Ian and all at Grindstix for the support!
4/10/07: From the Cardiac Arrest website:
"Cardiac Arrest is pleased to announce that drummer Jim ".50 Cal" Deabenderfer has been officially endorsed by Axis Percussion! Jim wishes to thank Daryl, Karen, Chuck, and all at Axis for their support. Jim has been playing Axis A Longboard pedals for three years now, and would not use any other pedal with good reason. If you're a drummer, check them out!! In conjunction with the endorsement, Jim is manning a corner of the CA booths for Axis at both the Milwaukee Metalfest and at Central IL Metalfest with lots of freebies - stop by and see what the fuss is about!"
The details: I've been talking to the folks over at Axis for awhile now, and they're the most supportive people in the industry. I had decided that, since we were doing these fests anyway, that I could at least do some promotion for them while I was there. So, I called up Karen and Chuck, and told them my plans. The next thing I know, an endorsement comes up, and I jumped at it. Granted, there's a little more to it than that, but, that's how it went down. My idea to give out free stickers for them morphed into an an endorsement.
I'm shocked that such a reputable company would really want to work with lil' ol' me, but I am extremely flattered by the opportunity. We're talking about possible clinics and other promotion, so stay tuned!
2/21/07: Jim and Cardiac Arrest are pleased to announce that they have been officially endorsed by Warlord Clothing!
Look for new shirts and more details soon!
Jim has been a supporter of Warlord and Bruce since day one, and CA couldn't be happier to be dealing with the premier extreme metal merch menagerie that Warlor has grown into!! Thanks to Bruce and all at Warlord!!
12/09/06: Well, back in the studio, folks: today Cardiac Arrest is in Polymorph Media Studio to record some pre-production tracks for Cadaverous Prescence. The tracks may end up on a promo or split. I'll keep you posted. Also, the Cardiac Arrest Official Forum is up - stop by and say hello!
11/26/06: The Freeport show was awesome last night! Thanks to all the fans that had a kind word - I really appreciate it. In other news, I have been selected to be featured on SickDrummer.com and DrummersZone.com. It's a true honor to be featured alongside a lot of true drumming legends. It's truly a humbling and flattering experience. Be sure to check out all the killer drummers on both pages!
As a result of feedback from fans and SickDrummer members, I am going to produce a few short blast instructional videos with pro sound and video - more to come.
11/7/06: Please check out my new blasting tip video. More are forthcoming. CMD III fucking ruled! I want to personally extend my sincerest thanks to the Unholy Trio, Wookie, Jimmy Rot, the entire YOTI crew, all the bands that played throughout the weekend, and most of all, the FANS!! You fuckers CRUSH! To all the supporters that swung by to talk: THANK YOU! If I didn;t have enough time to talk, I can't apologize enough. Thanks for the support! We have some killer video footage will make it onto the website shortly.
Morgue Mutilations is OUT! Despite our better judgment, CA is now in full swing with plans to record our second full length next year!
I am also smack-dab in the middle of tracking the Variant Strain CD; as a result of which, Kai and I have decided to partner up and run PolyMorph Studios together (Kai as lead engineer, and myself as manager and production). Bands that need clear and powerful recording at a more than fair price need to contact me.
9/5/06: Well, the surgery was a success, and by now, most of you know that I am back to playing 100%. Thank you all for the support.
Morgue Mutilations is finished! Go to Cardiac Arrest's Myspace or the CA Website to check it out! Although I am pleased with the performance, the overall drum sound is not to my liking. If any of you have questions about this, let me know.
In addition to helping write the second Cardiac Arrest LP, I am resuming work on both the Variant Strain and Blood of Kingu projects as time permites this fall. Of the two, recording VS has priority for now, as it is a prior commitment.
6/09/06: Long stories made short:
-Morgue Mutilations is nearly completed. Release on Redrum Records in August.
-CA opening for Origin on August 25th! WHOOT!
-Side Project with Kai named: Variant Strain. CD to be recorded late summer/early fall.
And now the "big news": I am having surgery on my left ankle to repair extensive ligament damage after several sprains. I will be in a cast for a month after the surgery (to take place on June 26th), in a boot or brace for a time, and then back to 100% in about a total of three months. The docs assure me that playing drums with my left foot can resume as soon as four weeks after the operation, but I can go one-footed a week after the surgery.
I am sure to be online a lot during all this, so keep in touch!
5/12/06: Well, not much to talk about except a small gear update: I got some Beato Pro 3 Cordura bags for my kit. Musician’s Friend hooked me up with bags for the entire kit (including a 47” hardware bag for the entire ICON rack) for under $250. These are some heavy duty, high quality bags. I’d have paid triple for the SKB cases I want, and I am not prepared to make that kind of investment until I get a much nicer kit (cases should never cost more than half of what your shells are worth). While I was at it, I grabbed a couple of essentials: Evans’ ratcheting drum key (get one NOW), Vater stickbag (enough room for eight or so pairs of sticks, a single pair stick holder, and a multi-stick holder!) I’m also getting an SKB X2 shallow rack for my DM5 – finally. We’re finishing tracking in the studio tomorrow, so I’m getting awful excited!
4/21/06: So, today was the first day of sessions for the "Morgue Mutilations" full length. We had a great time. Most of the songs were done in one take; I felt horrible when they were not (old school I guess). I caved in to technology: everything was triggered in addition to being mic'd. The primary reason behind this is that Scott (Creekmore. SUPER DELUXE SOUND ENGINEER/proprietor of Mercenary Digital Studios) has sampled all my drums, and will re-trigger (?) all those sounds to coincide with my performance, to blend it with the mic'd hits for consistency, the same way guitar players double track guitars, except this is all done at the same time. I went into the studio saying "NO TRIGGERS", but after explaining this new process to me, I was much more open to the idea.
On our way out from off-loading, I managed to roll and sprain my left ankle - again. Not nearly as bad as the time in January, but definitely immobilizing for a few days. I should be on track in a few days. Also, some announcments regarding the second guitar slot of Cardiac Arrest are forthcoming - WE HAVE MADE A DECISION. Keep your eyse/ears peeled for details. Thanks for the support!
3/08/06: I want to thank all the fans for their continued support of Cardiac Arrest, particularly all the drummers out there. Your words of encouragement inspire me! Keep it coming! In drum geek news, I have posted a new tip for all of you curious about my blasts. Also, I have converted all my compatible cymbal stands to use Vater SlickNuts (basically all but my ride, hi-hats; and my 12/14/16” chinas use them). It saves a TON of time onstage. I also swapped out an ADAM two-pair stick holder for a Vater multi-stick holder, when the ADAM’s rubber stopper fell off at a gig, rendering the thing useless. I keep the multi-stick holder on my hi-hat stand, and a Vater single pair holder on my far right, by my main chinas. Keep those sticks handy, kids!
I wanted to send a shout out to my one-man ROT crew and drum tech, Dave “SAW” Richards. Your help is invaluable on the road, and your friendship much appreciated at home. Thanks for everything, bro, and welcome into the family (officially)!
CA’s show at Champs on the 4th was very good: we recorded the performance, and Kai messed with it. It sounds killer! Look for some samples soon! You won’t believe the bass drum sound!
And now the bad news: Larry Mollick, Sr., father of my close friend, Blood Of Kingu producer Tony Mollick, died after a lengthy battle with cancer on Tuesday evening. Larry was an old schooler if I ever met one. He loved Italian food, beer, women, and cigarettes. He and I broke bread a few times, and I certainly saw where Tony “got it" from. I lost my father to cancer as well, and I truly felt that, if anyone could have beat cancer, it was Larry. This news saddens me deeply. My thoughts and love are with Tony and his family; drinks are raised for Larry. I will miss you, sir. Rest in Peace.
2/20/06: Well, there are a few updates here. First off, I have completely revamped my cymbal layout. I am now using Wuhan China Cymbals exclusively. Simply put, for the money, you will not find a better sounding line of chinas. They stand out perfectly against my Z Customs, and I reccomend them to everyone. I currently use a 12", 14", 16", and a 20" on the kit.
I have also changed my stick size from flip-flopping between 2B's and 5A's to exclusively using 5B's. I'm still using Vater nylon tipped; I just decided it was time for some uniformity. Everything's been documented and charted - go to the Gear page for more details.
I have also decided to fully endorse Musician's Friend, rather than casually reccomend them. Why? It's simple. I can depend on them to get me what I need at the best price, when I need it. That's the key. Too many retailers have ridiculous shipping times, and, frankly, I am sick of it. So, if at all possible, I go to Musician's Friend for all my gear.
I got some more tracks done with Kai and Mike (I know, finally, right?) - we're up to three pretty much done. More as it develops.
Finally, I would also like to say a big, big thanks to everyone that braved the sub-zero temperatures to come see CA play at DePaul University on the 18th! You are truly our die-hard fans, and we will not forget it. Thank you.
1/16/06: Thanks again to all you sick fuckers who turned out on the 13th and 14th! Both of these shows went awesome! Thanks again to Jeff, Jimmy, and Tony @ YOTI; Frank, Brian, and Matt @ Champs; and, of course, thanks go to Whorrid (great "tour" guys!), Rellik, Blutige Nacht, and Clad in Darkness. You all did very well under less than perfect conditions. Thanks for being pros, and being metal! GRIND!
1/04/06: Happy New Year! Check out the updated Bio, and I'll see you crazy fucks on the 13th and 14th!
12/13/05: Today, December 13th, is the fourth anniversary of Chuck Schuldiner’s tragic death. I often think of Chuck, but, obviously, today his passing is particularly vivid memory. I had the pleasure of meeting Chuck through Tim Aymar some years ago (Tim and I worked together during his early involvement with Control Denied), on the Sound of Perseverence tour. He was once of the most generous, kind, genuine people I have ever met, period. His music has always been, and remains, a strong influence on me as a musician, drummer, vocalist, and songwriter. I doubt that any force in metal could ever exert more of an impact than Chuck’s work has. This part of December is difficult for me, as we were all losing Chuck , I was losing my father, David Deabenderfer, to cancer. My father died barely two weeks after Chuck, on December 29th, 2001. These two men were great inspirations to me in music, and in life. My hat is off, my glass is raised, and the horns are up for them both. This month, as with every December, my heart is with Jane Schuldiner, and my mother, Marilyn.
12/07/05: I have posted the preproduction track from the post-Gorespawn project I've been working on. Check it out! I recorded it using Kai's in-house kit - the only piece of equipment of mine I used were my sticks, so if it sounds stiff, that's probably part of it. Also, a big, big thanks to everyone who came out to The Jam Space in DeKalb (without a doubt the fastest I have ever played - I had a kid ask me if I was doing gravity blasts!) on Friday, and Ye Olde Towne Inn in Mt. Prospect on Saturday. These were some the best shows I have ever played. The doors are starting to open up for Cardiac Arrest - stay metal, stay true!
11/20/05: So, last night I got cracking again with Kai and Mike (formerly of Gorespawn) on our little atmospheric death... thing. It's sounding really killer. I may post a small sample of the rehearsal we cut last night, with their permission. Talked to a few people over the weekend that I was very pleasantly surprised to hear from. I won't name names, but I want to say that it was good to talk to you!
11/12/05: Last night's show was KILLER! thanks to everyone that made it. Amsterdamn pulled off the set like a pro, and the crowd was great.
To Nate of Wounds of Ruin: great job last night, little brother! I appreciate the motivation, and will gladly share the stage with you anytime. I also want to call out Jimmy Genenz (ex-Fleshgrind) for going above and beyond the call as a metal brother. Thanks so much for your support; it will never be forgotten.
11/09/05: Interesting news: Mark is taking a medically-forced hiatus from Cardiac Arrest, and, while we wait for his recovery, Amsterdamn (AXIOM) is filling in! I much prefer this situation to bringing in a stranger. I have been working with Mike and Kai of Gorespawn, and the material we are working on is a major departure from either of our main bands. It's very doomy and dark - more as it comes. Also, I've been working with Javi and an old friend, Tony Mollick, on Templar Knights. Yes, it is power metal. Thanks for the support, and keep checking back. As soon as I free up some server space, I am going to post some old drumming videos!
10/11/05: I apologize for the lack of updates here of late(in fact, aside from this update, all I did was add a Tip). I've been busy with making sure the Cardiac Arrest site is good to go, plus I just started some college courses (who'd have thought?). Since the El Ranchito gig, we did have a great show with Fleshgrind and Dead for Days. Highlight Horns to Jim of Fleshgrind and Matt of Moral Decay for being extra supportive! Voodoo Productions put on a killer show! Thanks, bro!
In other news, I have been approached by Kai and Mike from GoreSpawn to do a blackened doom/death recording this winter. After hearing the scratch tracks, I am definitely interested. I will keep you all updated. This stuff is definitely a throwback to my days with Eternal Winter and Sathanas.
Also, recent events have forced me to strongly consider finally getting the Blood of Kingu album done. I have a lot of folks saying they are interested, but we will see who delivers the goods when I need it most. As always, thanks for checking back, and Grind On!
9/12/05: Well, another show under our collective belt occured last night at the aptly-named El Ranchito. Extra Special thanks to all those who came out, and STAYED out! We truly appreciate the support! Horns and cold Old Style to Rellik, Fallen Empire, Fallen Saviour, and In Autumn [Alfonso fucking rules! Best Security in the west side!] for the killer lineup!
To those I told to "not bother showing up":
I apologize immensly, and I owe you a beer. Pictures to come soon, and anyone in the clan can catch the video at my house this Saturday!
Check out the sample from the new CA Promo on the Media page!
8/26/05: The Cardiac Arrest site is updated to hell and back, so go check it out! There are a lot more pics from the shows, and MERCH!
In other news, we are going to Mercenary Digital Studios tomorrow to record the "Death ROTted Promo Fall 2005". We are going to rerecord "Underworld Hate" and "Carnage Your Fate", and offer up our murderous version of "Zombie Ritual". This will be the first time I've been in a studio session since Blood of Kingu, so, it should be interesting.
8/20/05: Check out the new Tips page. I got the idea when I came across some drum tips I posted on Drum Tips.com, of all places. So, when I make a realization or a discovery, or just want to pass something I think might be useful, it will be posted there. Enjoy. See you all tonight at Cafe Lura!
8/14/05: To those that came out to the Cardiac Arrest Underground Metal Party show tonight, thank you so much! The show was among the sickest I have ever seen, let alone participated in (for pics, click here). Extra special thanks go out to my Latinos Satanico de Muerto crew(You know who you are...) for fucking shit up, big time! Killer pit! We are looking forward to seeing you all the Cafe Lura gig with Mortem and Ancient Gods on the 20th (click here for flyer).
8/13/05: .50 Caliber Drummer goes online! Welcome to my homepage. After over ten years of solid semiprofessional playing, I thought that I was long overdue for a page of my own. Part of the decision came from the fact that I have never had a cyberhome of my own, save Horns Up or whatever band I have been in at the time (those last, ya know). After the whole thing with AXIOM went down, I figured it was "Me Time". Enjoy!
