JOHN TEMPESTA Breaks Down His Most Iconic Records | Metal Injection

Frank joins John Tempesta at his home studio to break down his most iconic records of his career. From Exodus, Testament, White Zombie, Rob Zombie, The Cult, and more, follow along as John shares anecdotes, memories and never before heard stories behind the legendary albums that shaped the metal genre!
Produced / Filmed by: Frank Godla
Edited by: Nick Forkel
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[@zacharyseibert4526]

Testament's Low album is a masterclass in drumming.🔥

[@stephanea5364]

Spot on, and his work on Exodus Force of Habit is great too.

[@joeywaters7927]

I could NOT agree more. It's not talked about enough. I have been trying to play 'Dog Faced Gods' for years. That is a holy grail song for me.

[@louiscsanko3673]

And James Murphy Shredded alongside John Tempesta's Awesome Drumwork.🤘🤘

[@evancrocker5343]

One of the best heavy metal albums to ever be produced. Blew my young, nubile mind the first time I heard it.

[@zacharyseibert4526]

​@@louiscsanko3673 Oh, hell yeah!🤘

[@butchvito]

Astro Creep: 2000 was my shlt back in the 90's as a kid. I still play that album on a regular. John's drumming on that album smokes. Later in life I went back and discovered his drumming with Testament and Exodus. One of my favorite drummers.

[@ElementalTJ]

WITH THE ROBOT ON THE CD YEAH!

[@justinespi4551]

Album is legendary!

[@saigawesnovember]

I saw White Zombie on that tour in 1995. My friends and myself had decent seats but I bailed on them and jumped the rail and got on the floor,pretty much front row. They were pissed I left them,ha! It was an awesome show!

[@butchvito]

@@saigawesnovember Man, that sounded like a killer time. I remember the Pantera/White Zombie tour in '96. I wanted to go so bad but my mom wouldn't take me. I would have been 11 at the time. I guess the crowds were a little more rowdier compared to today.

[@macabrecreation1067]

​@@ElementalTJ exactly man!!! 😅

[@SDMFdeeger]

That Helmet album he played on was awesome. Saw them live in that tour too, with Frank Bello on bass. Absolutely killer lineup.

[@Sir_Catnip]

Yeah Size Matters was fantastic

[@patrickr.452]

He seems the the most humble, down to earth dude ever. I saw him with the Cult a few years back, he freaking killed it!

[@hugolafhugolaf]

His performance on the Testament Live in London DVD is great.

[@sergioponti8902]

A fantastic drummer and great human being.

[@louiscsanko3673]

John Tempesta is a Drum Beast.🤘🤘

[@burningempire666]

I LOVE "Low" such an overlooked album. I wish they played more songs off that album live. His performance really set the bar high for future drummers in Testament.

[@WarHammer1911A1]

DOG FACED GODS!!!!

[@louiscsanko3673]

Testament Always have the.BEST Musicians in Metal!!!!!

[@The_Absurdistt]

I remember seeing Testament at the Tracadero in S.F. on the Low tour. They play a bunch of songs from the album. Later on, I ended up teching for Dragonlord... never in a million years would I have thought to be in that situation. Good times.

[@DWyn-xq4yf]

Such a natural storyteller, good-natured and positive to listen to share parts of his life. I love his affection for music and the people he played with.

[@RobiRollt1990]

The drumming on exodus’s impact is imminent is superb 😮‍💨😮‍💨 that snare tone,his groove..he was perfect for exodus

[@ryanlust1350]

Blood milk and sky I always thought it was underrated. Such a great song. The whispering and the riffs!

[@snakemouth69]

🤘

[@LikeWhatever]

Absolutely. Quintessential album closer. Got to see Zombie play it in 2005.

[@drumduder]

Oh dude!!! I fucking love that song. Goddamn soundtrack to My high school years.

[@polarnaut9645]

White Zombie was my first rock concert when they came to Anchorage, AK on their Astro Creep tour. It was epic.

[@paultully3041]

Saw them in Auckland New Zealand on that tour, still one of my favourite shows. The opening intro of Electric Head Part 1 playing in total darkness and then the song kicks in and the place fucking erupts

[@stephenholder2082]

John's drumming on testaments live in London dvd,pshhh FUCKING BRILLIANT.

[@keeponlivin81]

Hell yeah. Live in London and Low are a perfect compliment to TestAment's groove and aggression.

[@clayfoster8234]

John’s signature Tama snare drum is absolutely glorious.

[@assshakerstudios549]

Man....Tempesta is exactly how we all where in the 90's... I miss that man! Fuck I'm old.

[@Frankenberry]

One of the greatest... Most underrated... Most groove oriented metal drummers of all time

[@abledrummer]

He has played on many many classic albums...amazing career

[@erakattack]

17:08 It's great to hear his perspective on the Hellbilly tour. I saw them 3 times on that album cycle. That first headline tour, that show set the standard for spectacle for me. The wait before Zombie took the stage was torture. It felt like an hour. Probably because they were testing everything to make sure it would go right. When the curtain dropped for Superbeast to reveal that massive stage set with that thundering pulse of the opening riff, massive screens with flames and the band chunking away on that groove. I was like 15 and it was the most insane thing I'd ever seen. The crowd was so excited. Those Zombie shows were the only crowds I ever thought I might actually die in lol. I'll never forget those shows.

[@vincentdenismusic]

It's almost a footnote, but John's drumming on the Iommi track "Meat" is just stellar!

[@sightlesswisdom2559]

That TESTAMENT LOW album is still one of their best IMHO and one of my all time favorites. Just listen to the first 8 seconds of Dog Faced Gods to hear how heavy Tempesta can play. Unfortunately that is an extremely under-rated album from an Under Rated band.

[@zacharyseibert4526]

Low is a fuckin banger!

[@Lezetmusic]

I wholeheartedly agree! Low is their best album and Tempesta's playing on it was magical .

[@ps-yk8su]

Every song in that album is good

[@snakemouth69]

Not underrated my man- those of us that know, KNOW!!! 🔥🔥🔥🤘1💀3🤘🔥🔥🔥

[@overlook237]

Practice... and Low are def their best stuff.

[@JCordoba1001]

John was the second drummer I saw live with Helmet opening for Chevelle. Him and Morgan Rose are the reason I picked up the drums!

[@IraSiegel]

Killer drummer. First saw him with Exodus in ‘92. Love his work on Testament Low and the White Zombie record too.

[@taskmaster65]

Testament 'Low' is a thrashterpiece. I love that album with a passion!

[@GrahamsYouTube]

The true measure of an amazing drummer, being able to to play across different styles and still leave their own mark, and zero ego

[@Crowbar11115]

I was lucky enough to catch the Pantera/White Zombie tour. Unreal show!

[@matthewblackwood4704]

I saw White Zombie with Pantera in 1996, it was awesome, I was right up front and caught a sticker postcard that Rob tossed into the crowd.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Wasn't that the tour with Trouble?

[@scottreynolds5455]

Thanks John, for your ability communicate and tell your story. This is priceless. Way to go MJ.

[@bobinchainz]

This dudes been on some of the best damn albums I’ve ever put in my ears . Ones that I listen to often and I’m just now finding out about it

[@mikeh2373]

Dude lived the life and landed amazing drum spots- awesome video

[@thegusb1]

Great interview, John is such a cool guy and a great, great drummer...Thank you

[@icedtorres]

Wish he'd rejoin Testament. Fav band and he's my favorite drummer they've ever had. I love Gene and Dave but his stuff sounds killer on Low and First strike still deadly!

[@snakemouth69]

Tempesta is one of my favorite drummers and the albums he’s played on are like a perfect list of my favorite albums ever. I usually leave my heroes be, but I was getting on my motorcycle after a Cult show about 12 years ago and John strolled by. Almost like an involuntary reaction I called out his name and he turned around, I told him how badass he was and rattled off the list off all the badass stuff he’s done that I love in the span of about 6 seconds. He smiled, nodded his head, said thanks and it was nice to meet me. I nodded back as he turned and strolled on. As I rode off on my motorcycle I only had one regret- I wished I would have laid a 20 in his hand so he could have had a drink and a meal on me. 🤘🔥🔥🔥1💀3🔥🔥🔥🤘

[@jamesellams]

Astro creep is an absolute classic album. Love it so much.

[@andrewyoussef2267]

What a great drummer man. What a great attitude.

[@jcdrums2798]

finally , we have all the same story, always the same falling in love with this beautiful instrument ....drumming it's my path, my life.

[@LITSOUL1]

That was AWESOME John! I laughed and smiled all the way through!

[@romusromulus]

Not a single people listened to Low went on without looking in the jacket for who the hell is playing the drums. Still hasn't topped.

[@Jcruzer70]

Extremely well-rounded and impressive resume that he's racked up. 🤘🤘🤘

[@jeremystone7709]

I was just looking up information on you the other evening. You sir are a phenomenal drummer. Astro Creep, Low etc. I've not been the biggest Exodus fan but everything else you have done has blown my mind. Much love.

[@simonr9870]

John tempesta was always an influence and I remember when i first begin playing watching his video on drummerworld and being amazed at how good he is.

[@lairofhorrors1756]

Guy is Amazing, such a fantastic attitude about everything! Just loves playing drums and living life 💀

[@BIGEUSMC]

I love hearing these stories.

[@jessepiper1135]

Such a cool dude. One of my all time favs.

[@billybobtexas]

Astro Creep was a landmark record for me.. its incredible and your drumming is insane. Bravo!

[@louiscsanko3673]

Cozy Powell [ RIP]. Great that John Mentioned such a Drum Legend.

[@ps-yk8su]

He played on Long Cold Winter, uncredited

[@TonyPuleo1]

Fantastic video, John is one hell of a cool human. I love that you can put the man in LA and He is still a NY guinea 😎👊🏽🇮🇹

[@bettaplayitkool3817]

Saw him last night, playing with Cult, amazing drummer.

[@arjunapartha]

Amazing legendary story of a drum legend. I was in Hollywood for all of it. One wish- HELMET-size matters ; legendary album of legendary performances… but how , HOW did You get the bass player from Anthrax for a helmet record AND how did you know that would be Perfect!

[@pedromedina1802]

John Tempesta has the groove …his drumming in Testament is of off the charts

[@davidcurtis4478]

John this is awesome dude, really enjoyed listening to the stories and how things came about. Rock on! 🤘🤘

[@realmsofmetal75]

Impact Is Imminent is one of my all-time favorites...super underrated!

[@DerekWrites]

What a fun, low-key guy, seems like a real decent human being in addition to being a beast on the set

[@sundogvideos79]

What a great interview with such a nice talented and humble musician! Damn! I like him even more now!

[@PeterVeillon]

Now I know what you get if you were to mix David Duchovny and Jeff Goldblum together.

[@Captainslow556]

Electric head Part 1 was my favorite on that white zombie album

[@steevidrums]

Man what a cool fucking dude!!! Loved this video. I remember having the Anthrax live VHS video when I was kid (think it was called Oedivukafesin) and John made an appearance on one of the back stage clips as Charlie's tech. And seeing how he's done so well! Love that he's got a Premier 252 pedal, I used to have one back in the 90s, doesn't look much but was an awesome pedal. And that collection of snares, holy cow.

[@johncameron7247]

Great drummer. Met him when he was an Anthrax roadie. Saw him playing with White Zombie on the Astro Creep tour, absolutely killed it. Great to know he’s still going strong…👍

[@jessestrobel2]

This is great. Lot of insight into the whole Zombie stuff.

[@jessestrobel2]

More than anything from the other guys might I add.

[@snapascrew]

I love john! Toured with him last year and he was super cool and chill! Hell of a drummer too!!

[@groundhogday1]

Love this interview with this great drummer

[@Goldie1977]

An amazing drummer. Low is a metal masterclass. Love the grooves on Astro too🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@thomasclarke2880]

White Zombie also played the Sunstroke Festival in Dublin right before the Donnington and Reading shows. Managed to catch the first two. Loved it.

[@bayareathrasher666]

love from the Bay Johnny...Toms shoes were huge to fill dude and you did great!

[@keithbeef]

Some interesting stories in there. John is a really cool guy, thanks.

[@xx7secondsxx]

I remember when I was like 12 or 13... my bro n cuz n friends had a band. MISFITS cover band. I was eventually in in a few weeks. The TAMA drums we eventually scored! Came with a tape! It was John and Kenny Arnoff. The video was sooo rad cause WZ was looong gone! Was right before RZ came out. Life time ago! I just remember thinking about how rad John was! Do this is SIIICCCKK to watch!🤘🎸🤘🎸🤘🍻🍻

[@tomflynn2912]

Kick ass drummer! Kick ass person! Gave my son his broken drumstick after his Zombie concert in Worchester, still have it!!

[@louiscsanko3673]

Exodus- " Impact is imminent " is a Great Album.🤘🤘

[@Jeffmetal42]

Absolutely! I had that on cassette as a wee lad. Listened to it regularly. 🤘

[@Denmark_1974]

The best Exodus album.

[@josephnotoempire2949]

A technician who plays across multiple sub-genres. In a word, a musician.

[@jeffreypullis696]

Groove, and rock!

[@nathanwalsh3028]

I still remember reading in the back of anthrax among the living seeing his name as Tech for Charlie...I also remember him playing in White Zombie at some dude's house in his backyard on MTV!! Honestly though my favorite Recording of his is the Helmet record he did!! Killer performances!!!

[@christophercheney1006]

What's bugged out, and irritating, is the fact that Testament never plays any songs off that record live. Not even "Dog Faced Gods", which is the track that everyone flipped out about when that record dropped.

[@doublea7054]

Low is a favorite album + saw them live on that tour. Killer!

[@picklesthedrummer6772]

Oh yeah-you were one of the guys who influenced me to buy two 24 inch kick drums-still play them today!!!

[@joesmith9216]

He played with the best bands, what a career.

[@themog4911]

I have one of his Tama snare drums, you can see iot in the background, red JT badge :) Awesome dude, awesome drummer 🤘

[@JockeLundgrenTV]

Fantastic. Thank you very much!!

[@shaunhanlon7359]

Love this! Great drummer and a great man 🙌❤🙏

[@remygaron8311]

Loved every sec of it thanks for being an influence for me growing up bought every almost cd s. Of you playing in it love your snare collection 🤟🏼🤟🏼🥁🇨🇦

[@marswillrule2431]

Born in 64. Love came out in 85. Wore a love shirt as a teen. Drummer math.

[@aridesouza11]

Tempesta is with totally sure one of the must importants drummers of metal history e rock music 🤘🏻💀🤘🏻🥁 Luna’s barking in the end 🤣

[@nelsonventura7374]

Mr. John Tempesta! Amazing drummer,amazing person!

[@DVSNTHERE]

Hey! I know this guy! Met him at Drum City Guitarland in Wheatridge when he started playing withExodus on Impact is immanant. He was so cool! I was wearing my State of Euphoria shirt that shows the guys and he was like, Hey... I know those guys! Didn;t see Exodus that night but went home and watched Oidvinikufesin and there John was. So cool. Thank you John! I bet that Charlie still cant catch his sticks

[@nbryan7003]

Love John's playing. Electric head, super charger heaven.🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@Sheisthedevilyouknowwho-ft9we]

Low by Testament. If you could wear out a cd....... I bought it fall(ish) 1994. Low was played a lot on top 9 at 9, thank God 106.3 the Blaze was heavy back then. I'd love to see John play live w/them , Legions in Hiding, P.C. etc. I think he wrote the drum part for New Eyes Of Old on Demonic. (A track they had worked on, didn't release on Low). Even Hoglan playing it, 😂 it sounds like Tempesta's style. I love finding live concerts where he joined them 2004 london, 2003 wacken , lots more. Sails of charon , draw the line, which I didn't know about til 10 years ago, he's on there too, w/James Murphy

[@frankjaz5451]

Without a doubt one of the coolest dudes in the drum industry!!!!

[@michael-rn8xv]

What a bunch of great rekkids

[@postlex]

What a great video.

[@spazemunky]

I love this guy. I wish I was his buddy. Seems like such an easy guy to be in a band with.

[@DJSmoothie]

"Feeding Time At The Zoo" ....epic.

[@jeremiahdaluperit4026]

I went to the war of gargantuas tour in San diego eyehategod opened for you guys and pantera. Absolutely amazing show I had vip passes

[@edsegura6399]

Excellent stories. Great guy

[@jeffreypullis696]

I never knew he played for Exodus, but I knew White Zombie he played too!

[@babayaga8513]

I love Force of Habit & impact is imminent album. They are my all time thrash best.

[@Beaver-be8vk]

More human than human was THE song that got me into heavy metal.

[@cheapentertainmentvideo7308]

I was eight when “Astro Creep 2000” was released. Among the many things that grabbed my attention about that album, the drumming was a major attention getter for me. I joined school band around the time “Hellbilly Deluxe” came out. I remember wanting to be as good as Lars Ulrich & John Tempesta. A truly underrated drummer. I’m so glad he’s with The Cult.

[@sprinkleddonuts6094]

Lars!!?? Ok…

[@stevelowry794]

John seems like a great guy, very down to earth and humble. What a resume. Cheers to you John! Love your work bud!

[@nipulkradmsinatagras8293]

*I find it hard to believe that he was that scary looking monster playing along with a couple of giant robots on that "Dragula" music video.*

[@juliolopez6289]

Saw White Zombie back in 94 at Coney Island High in the Village.God I miss this band.

[@louiscsanko3673]

Testament- " Low" Rules.🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@andymacminn1983]

Aye, I'm wearing a Astro-Creep 2000 shirt right now!🤘🏻💀