CARL CANEDY Headbanger Todd K Smith / The Cutting Edge Hailing from a small town in upstate New York, Carl Canedy has become one the premier world-class drummers of our time. As an original member of Manowar and legendary metal outfit The Rods, Carl has toured extensively supporting Iron Maiden, Twisted Sister, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions and Rainbow. After 30 years behind his drum kit, Canedy releases his debut solo album appropriately titled Headbanger. The album’s eleven tracks spotlight the drummer as a visionary and dedicated musician. From the innovative “Cult of the Poisoned Mind” to the brutality of “No One Walks Away” and hammering “Madman” Canedy is at the top of his game, passionate, dangerous and intensely powerful. Clever songwriting nods to the past while a modern production attempts to harness the aggression of a man unleashed. A host of guests assist Canedy including such luminaries as Chris Caffery (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Mark Tornillo (TT Quick, Accept) and Joe Comeau (Overkill, Annihilator). Headbanger carries the banner of traditional metal while showcasing Canedy as one of the genres finest drummers still in love with the game. With a career spanning over three decades, Canedy has been an integral force in the genres of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Recording seven studio albums with The Rods and touring internationally bolstered his unique drumming style and thunderous might. It was a young Metallica that learned the essentials of stage dynamics as an opening act for The Rods. Critics praise Canedy’s playing as “fierce”, “over-the-top” and “mind-blowing”. Original Anthrax vocalist Neil Turbin said of the drummer’s skin-bashing skills, “He hits like Mike Tyson, he kicks like Bruce Lee, he will make your ears bleed.” In 1984 Canedy’s powerful assault came into clear focus on the energetic classic, The Rods Live capturing not only the intensity of the band but Canedy as a force on par with Carmine Appice, Cozy Powell and John Bonham. By the mid-eighties, Canedy’s talent as a producer saw him splitting his time with The Rods while working with many rising stars of the American metal scene. His long list of credits include Jack Starr’s Out of the Darkness featuring Rhett Forrester of Riot and Gary Driscoll of Rainbow, Anthrax’s Fistful of Metal, Armed and Dangerous and Spreading the Disease, Exciter’s Violence & Force, Overkill’s Feel the Fire and Possessed’s Beyond the Gates. Canedy’s skill as a writer, lyricist and composer helped forge metal’s dominance in the face of a music industry stale and devoid of originality. While Canedy enjoyed international success, he was quick to guide and influence less experienced bands. Under his tutelage Helstar, Young Turk and Roxx Gang came to national prominence. At the same time, working with legacy acts Blue Cheer and Savoy Brown kept Canedy firmly rooted in his heavy rock heritage. In 2011, The Rods reemerged as true icons with their reunion album Vengeance, featuring Ronnie James Dio. The world tour that followed saw the band sharing the stage with Rock royalty including an appearance at the famed Sweden Rock Festival in front of 30,00 rabid fans. “Carl Canedy is a metal legend,” says Monte Connor, president of Nuclear Blast Records. “His playing on his new album is every bit as vital today as in his heyday, but at the same time, it is evolved.” Raven bassist John Gallagher calls Canedy an “asskicking performer who gives 100%” while guitarist Ross The Boss (The Dictators, Manowar) says “Canedy is one of the finest drummers in the business today. An unbelievable combination of feel, groove, power and technique.” To appreciate Canedy’s contribution to the world of heavy music, one need only listen to Headbanger and CRANK IT UP!