Nicholas Barker Interview-Talks Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Drumming & A Lot More!

[@ChernobylAudio666]

🟢🟢 NICK IS CURRENTLY IN HOSPITAL WITH KIDNEY FAILURE. DONATE BELOW ▶▶▶▶ gofund.me/f8f4ee73

[@KyriakosTerzopoulos]

Hey man, any news about Nick's condition?

[@lallijohnslallijohns5124]

Nicholas albums with Cradle and Dimmu Borgir are legendary!

[@infinidominion]

And Old Man's Child's In Defiance of Existence

[@brutallica2944]

Death Cult Armageddon from Dimmu is freaking EPIC!

[@jfkone1976]

@@infinidominion this one is the top performance

[@BOOOOOOOONE]

Been listening to the remaster of Cruelty and the Beast a lot recently. It really does his drum-work justice.

[@lallijohnslallijohns5124]

@@BOOOOOOOONE Yes i agree!

[@RANDOMUPLOADSEVERYWEEK]

I was absolutely blown away by Nick's work on CoF's Cruelty and the Beast!!! 👌🏼

[@BOOOOOOOONE]

Check out the remaster if you haven't already.

[@justinc.7742]

I feel the same way. My dad got me into drums at a young age, then Lars was my big influence until I heard Cruelty and the Beast. I was blown away and he is by far my biggest influence in drumming. As for the remaster I actually perfer the original mix to be honest.

[@EDECO79]

Everyone was. It became legendary for a reason. Dusk and Her Embrace is excellent, also (besides Dani's screeching/noise).

[@bm8584]

Nickolas Barker, one of my favorite drummers ever. An absolute legend.

[@bryanharrison3889]

And he's so humble and down to earth and SO QUICK to reference his inspirations, his heroes, and where he borrowed any ideas he borrowed, unlike so many other musicians.

[@aeterna_victrix]

His cymbal and fill work on Puritanical set the standard for the last two decades of extreme metal drumming.

[@zedtozer0788]

Solid observation, while there has been other great innovation and musicianship around the globe I believe that the popularity of the album really speaks to his contributions.

[@wardozermusic]

indeed

[@hazardeur]

hmm, if you listen to stuff like in their darkened shrines, it has tons and tons of innovative cymbal work as well and was released around the same time. to be fair, puritanical sold probabyl way more so it spread the word more too

[@Paisteuser8]

We love you Nicholas! I’m still very honored you commnted on my drumming video tributed to you last year!

[@Dreibein82]

On which song he commented?

[@Paisteuser8]

@@Dreibein82 the video is called “Nicholas Barker Drumming” I posted the video on Facebook first which is where he commented! I took a snapshot picture of his comment and posted on my channel under the “community” tab.

[@Dreibein82]

@@Paisteuser8 awesome

[@Taserrface]

He did the same thing for 66samus on his Indoctrination drum cover video. Must be honoured 😅

[@sofoclesmefisto]

We must protect Nick Barker at all costs he is THE drummer, been listening Puritanical since it came out 🔥

[@Benobot99]

Same! Still my favourite Metal album and it's been 20 years!

[@Comeswoopfam]

Indoctrination!!!

[@HKKetoRecipes]

What a great interview man!!!!!!

[@grindworker]

my favorite drummer of all time. Congratulations for the interview.

[@metalfactor666]

I met Nick back in 1999 when he was touring with Dimmu Borgir at Variety Arts Theater in L.A. and Showcase Theater. Really cool dude and hung out for a bit after the show. A true legend!!

[@evergray5063]

The 6/8 blast at the end of Kings of the Carnival Creation is one of the best sections of music ever created. He plays it with speed in aggression, but also STYLE. That song is 20 years old now, and still every time it comes on shuffle in my car, during that part, I death grip my steering wheel and grit my teeth, just absorbing the absolute magnificence of it. Still gives me chills.

[@lloydzarathoustra]

I love his drumming so much. His kick triplets are a real trademark. Especially in Dusk, he's doing these "Trrr" beats with the double kick and this is so incredible.

[@Taserrface]

Finally a decent barker interview. Been waiting a very very long time for this. Nick you are a legend! Cheers guys

[@lloydzarathoustra]

Same here. I've been waiting for this interview forever.

[@Jonnynoname6]

Funeral in Carpathia is one my favorite songs he plays the intro and then the break is awesome

[@fractallightx]

Absolutely the most useful interview in the whole internet for me. My favourite drummer answers very specific drumming questions and other interesting things for 2 hours straight. THANK YOU SO MUCH for this.

[@JTown66]

The best albums of any of those band is when Barker is playing.

[@carlocorona7821]

An exceptional drummer, unique style, he stands out for his articulate technique, one of the best of all time, I love Nick

[@wanjanechtangroeger]

Such a legend! Thanks for doing this interview with my favourite drummer and answering so many questions!

[@Dreibein82]

Ja, endlich einmal👍

[@FRANKYCOSTANZA]

Thank you for this great interview with the legendary Nick Barker ! The best albums of Cradle and Dimmu are Nick Barker's albums.

[@SteeringWheelHolder34]

It is impossible not to air drum to Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia.

[@Comeswoopfam]

Indoctrination is so badass

[@GeminiWoods]

That album is a fucking masterpiece for drumming.

[@wardozermusic]

lol true

[@fredherring4403]

I mean, it's their best album- The tuning of his drums was just other worldly back in 2001...

[@charnelveil669]

Still worth trying.. 😉

[@AlexeySolovievMusic]

Wonderful Interview! Love Cradle and Dimmu! Congratulations Scott!

[@lukeskywalkerjediknight2125]

Nick is the best Metal drummer. 🤘🏻

[@bobfossil9573]

The drumming on Old Man's Child - In Defiance of Existence is absolutely top class. Nick is a serious talent and for me is one of the best drummers from the UK, in any genre

[@majorpwner241]

"From the UK" lol. He's easily one of the top 3 drummers in the world from all time. I don't even know who I'd pick to compare with him.

[@pedroRodriguesMD]

@@majorpwner241 I put him and Trym from Emperor as the BEST. And I am sad not seing more stuff from them both. Its like " I done, proved I am the best, bye".

[@caprise-music6722]

@@pedroRodriguesMD emperial live ceremony.. dude, what a great concert that is, and Trym kicks ass on that concert

[@dan-kristiankarlsen396]

Thank you so much for this! Probably the drummer i have listened to most in my life. Stated listening to his music almost 20 years ago, and his playing still fascinates me!

[@Abominable_Intelligences]

This kinda looked like a Son/Father moment separated by Quarantine talking about their favorite hobby. Sir Nicolas of House Barker was the inspiration behind my Artillery like drumming! You are beyond Mythic!

[@JaimeNoro]

Awesome interview! Awesome! It was great to hear Nick talk about his CoF period. I still think it's among the very best music in metal to this day. And Dimmu, of course. But CoF was there first, man. Good old days.

[@AutopsySuiteable]

Nick is so cool. Its really cool to see a long form interview like this.

[@emanuelepetrucci9721]

THANK YOU! Thank you CS for interviewing Nick, and Thank you Nick for sharing your experience with us! Dusk and her Embrace is still my favorite anyway!

[@EmperorWelkin]

Two favorite metal drummers of all time: Barker and Trym. Puritanical was on repeat for years after it came out and not once was I ever reminded of Pantera. I'd like to see you do more interviews. Every one you've done so far has been great and I'm not just saying that because we're bald headed beard buddies.

[@danielduarte6086]

those are the best, fully agree. But, as mentioned on the interview, Nick enjoys modulating his drum not only to rhythm but also the sound of guitars, keyboards, etc. This guy is unique on that. Outside metal i only saw that in jazz

[@EDECO79]

Right? Pantera? Lol. 5 minutes alone is a good tune, but I was not thinking that direction at all. I would have guessed Fear Factory for the drum trigger influence.

[@kristianniemann8716]

Awesome interview man. Im a huge Barker fan (even though I'm a guitar player) , the dude is a legend. Well done!!

[@KarmaKazi666]

I feel really happy that I fully understand all the shorthand/references made to his song/album history

[@xellakov]

I'm so happy to see Nicholas, incredible, one of a kind musician.

[@KSdrummerofficial]

Still one of the best drummers and down to earth guy outthere! Pure inspiration. Really hope he will do an tour with dimmu again one day.

[@jfkone1976]

That would be an absolute dream come true

[@majorpwner241]

The entire Puritanical lineup back is what would make me care about Dimmu Borgir again.

[@btfilther]

Amazing and open conversation. Nick is an inspiration. Absolutely unique style and pure talent. His drumming is really musical, not just hammering. I am really happy about that interview because Nick has always shying away the cameras. Brilliant musician.

[@СтаниславТкачук-м4н]

Nick is the man! Love his drumming on Cradle records!

[@Comeswoopfam]

What’s his best work in cradle? What album?

[@ВикторГончаров-ж5э]

По моему мнению, я думаю что .EP. Vempir or dark...

[@matteogaraventa2694]

What an am impressive interview, from start to finish! Absolutely loved it!!! Scott, really spot-on questions and format. It makes so much of a difference when the right questions are being asked...and the result has been absolutely astonishing. Thank you so much!!! Nick is an absolute legend and it is rare to know about his life, his passions and his anectodes: I loved every single moment of Nick speaking about himself. Can't wait to hear more about this living legend. Nick, you absolutely rule!!! Thanks again for this golden 110 mins!

[@christiansuarez227]

Epic interview! Glad I stumbled upon your channel. I never comment on anything, but I was compelled to do so for this. Nick was a huge inspiration for me as well. His drumming was something from another world. Cradle and Dimmu was how I got into that genre of music. I was a teen at the time. Thanks for sharing this and thank you Nick for everything you've done. Your music has helped me get through bullshit. Still does. Such a chill dude. Badass!!!!

[@Simon53188]

Heard his playing on Cruelty And The Beast made me want to play double bass and blast beasts. True inspiration.

[@40fit38]

Met Nick on 70K tons Metal Cruise 2020 and he was down to earth, humble, and a super cool guy. I was so happy to thank him in person for his work. Thank you Nick!! Cheers!

[@arunmohan9424]

♥️ love Nicholas Barker! Truly incredible drummer but such a humble person!!!

[@kleepo7733]

Definitely my favorite cradle of filth is when he was the drummer. So much Dynamics and power involved. Saw him live once with DB and it was totally insane. A complete powerhouse of speed and technique. 👍

[@lloydzarathoustra]

I've been listening to "A Gothic Romance (Red Roses For The Devil'S Whore)" from CoF for days, the drum parts in here are divine. The Chinese cymbal, the snare sound, his cymbal work, etc. Nic is one of the best "Metal" drummers in History. Period.

[@RytkösenJussi]

My introduction to him was at cofs vempire ep. I was speecless and still i am.. 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@tomquareme3787]

Finally, the interview the world deserved! Thank you for doing this, you are wonderful! (Nice Emperor shirt, I have the same)

[@jakubkrasowski3531]

I think I've been waiting for him getting interviewed by a drummer my whole life. Fleshing out all the details connected with recording those legendary parts is priceless.

[@CaptainAlbatross]

Nick Barker influenced me and my drumming so much, he has this certain vibe and feel in his playing that most extreme drummers lack. The playing on early Cradle-albums is absolute perfection and I'd give my left nut to see him do a playthrough of some of the songs of off Dusk. Not that he'd have anything to do with my left nut, but still. Great interview man.

[@TheCarTakerGarage]

Now that was an awesome interview.One of my favourite drummers all time right there. Thanx alot for putting this one together.Greetings from Norway ,Stefan

[@DanielBull]

Nick is definitely a heavy hitter, I remember during rehearsals back in the early demo days of COF in Colchester having to sit in a chair in front of his kit to stop it moving across the floor. Gaffer tape just didn't cut it ;) Even back then Nick was totally awesome, it was no surprise to me years later when I bought Puritanical to see in the credits that the exceptional drumming was down to Nick.

[@gumballm3]

untrue, he put his toms and cymbals so close to him to not have to hit hard. fast yes - hard hitter no - I saw them 8 times live with this drummer

[@DantGryet]

​@@gumballm3 liar

[@Mrvegas6666]

Wow....Nick F'n Barker!!! I love this interview. Fav drummer of all time!

[@felixarzuaga5805]

Badass interview!!! One of my all time drummers!! Nick “the Beast” Barker. 💪🏽🤘🏽🔥 wish you the best man! Living Legend

[@stacy_greyko]

how happy you are. look at this😍😄🤗

[@PeterLes69]

I love you Nicholas. You have a unique style and have brought a mass of brilliant ideas to all the bands you have played. Your drumming is very distinctive. You are an icon. You are an inspiration.

[@johnmcaulay5938]

Nicholas Barker is a great guy. Excellent drummer and real metal head. A Legend.

[@lloydzarathoustra]

One of my hugest influences as a drummer myself. Nic is unbeatable. He did the best in Cradle and in Dimmu. He's completely original, versatile and eclectic.

[@MIKEPGH]

Love Nick. I actually had his presence in my car and I drove us and others to a bar.

[@marcuscramus1155]

I love Nicks sound and im not even a drummer. I still got chills with vempire and i Will always follow his projects. He's a metal hero!

[@gerryrowe6389]

This is probably Nicks best interview, certainly from what I can find online , great talent

[@vladzorin1006]

And I started because of his work in Dimmu, thank's Nick you are an inspiration.

[@Benobot99]

Puritanical is still my favourite Metal album after all these years. Major props to Nick for slaying on the kit! Amazing interview.

[@despot666]

Takes me back to my youth. I absolutely wore out my Dusk CD and the opening to Funeral in Carpathia still gives me chills. Great memories listening to all of Nick’s early-ish work. Thanks for this.

[@mikhailwesthallen4356]

Im 39 now first heard nick when i was 13 on principle ' still my favourite drummer' this is gold'

[@RetroCynical]

Nick is such a chill dude. I met him for the first time in 99 when he was filling in on drums for Borknagar on their tour with Emperor and talked with him a couple of times during his time in Dimmu in the years that followed. Definitely a drummer that deserves far more recognition than what he receives.

[@NIJHR]

this guy is a legend

[@dandanby101]

Great to see more Nick Barker content

[@philipmikolsmusic]

Great interview! I'm not a huge fan of extreme metal but Puritanical is an absolutely perfect album and Death Cult Armageddon is a close second.

[@AllAboutEthics]

Holy cow, how extensive! Thanks so much to the both of you. A humble legend.

[@Bottna]

That Old Man's Child album rocked. Hope to see Nick and Galder create a new album in the future. Just needs to happen! 💪

[@da5e]

Been a fan for a quarter of a century. Good to see Barker getting some recognition-one of the best. Play fast or die!

[@blodbotina]

The competition is so tough, Tier S artists like Horgh or Hellhammer, but dare I say it, being a notch above the Tier S, makes you the greatest drummer of all times, Nick. Thank you so much for all your work, it's absolutely priceless.

[@666Ekinox]

Hellhammer is a better drummer ;)

[@behindthen0thing525]

What's tier S

[@majorpwner241]

@@666Ekinox Nah, Hellhammer is not better than Nick. He's close, but not nearly as technically accomplished. He has killer speed though.

[@666Ekinox]

@@majorpwner241 I think nick has a bit more speed, some of the blasts on PEM are really fast. But Hellhammer cymbals play in arcturus have more technique.

[@NightSide1349]

@@majorpwner241 Have you heard Hellhammer other projects? Listen to his stuff with (Arcturus, Shining, Winds, Age of Silence) But Nick Barker is also an extremely good drummer.

[@rip666able]

Im happy seeing him doing well. Cheers and thanks for this interview!

[@nahtaivel93]

This is the best interview I've seen with him. Thanks for having done it.

[@redfogwhitefrost2583]

He was the drummer that made me fall in love with drumming in black metal when I was a kid. Im a guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist, so I never pursued that route, but I always really appreciated the role percussion played in music. He cemented that respect.

[@danpitts152]

Thank you for this interview!! Another 40 somthing year old drummer who holds Nick in the highest regard and has been a massive influence over the years

[@ddseir1443]

A great and unique drummer. Good interview too.

[@jaymelt9037]

Nick, thank you for your gift to us. When you give us art that we enjoy you are enhancing our lives! You are amazing to watch, a blessing to technical precision and craft and a genuine cool dude. 😎 Be blessed brother.

[@PaulKretz]

*Absolutely blown away by his work on Dimmu 2001!*

[@Forlorn81]

Loved the interview Scott- just subscribed to your channel and am crossing my fingers for a second interview to Mr Barker:) Thank you for this detailed, most in depth and off the cuff conversation. It's not every day that we get to learn so much inside information ( including the real hardcore, bladdery bits at the end 🤘)from the mouth of the giant of a drummer himself- Nick your drumming and musicianship have really set the bar really high in the extreme metal world and you will always be a big part of the sound that makes those Cradle of Filth and Dimmu albums pure magic, to this day. I'm a guitarist myself, and I find your drumming a real inspiration for my own playing. To be a top notch musician is to be able to serve the song , as opposed to show off just how good you are as a player. And this is where you excel at Nick: you're a terrific drummer, but you're an even better musician! "Funeral in Carpathia", "Summer dying fast" or " cruelty brought thee orchids" to name but a few, will always be spinning in my playlist! Thank u for the music and regards from Portugal

[@JaimeNoro]

Sem tirar nem pôr! Bora formar uma banda com o Barker!

[@Forlorn81]

@@JaimeNoro será k ele alinhava😆? N conhecia o teu canal- grandes instrumentais de Cradle! És tu k tocas tudo?

[@JaimeNoro]

@@Forlorn81 sei que era capaz de dar o meu tomate esquerdo para ter o gajo a tocar comigo ahah Obrigado! Toco guitarra e baixo, o resto é programado via midi. Mas ya, leva uma volta do caraças em termos de produção para não soar a plástico. Por acaso já n faço nada disso há algum tempo...

[@Forlorn81]

@@JaimeNoro save ur balls, mate:) excelente som/ produção/ guitarras, mesmo! saudações filthianas

[@GiulioAnichini1982]

Total legend. Also, I love every single Dimmu album and I think Nick did a hell of a job on Puritanical - an absolutely amazing record, no doubts.

[@cochleaaudio9234]

Hrodiriks from Obskkvlt here. We recorded our album with Nick in 2018. Absolutely fantastic interview, Chernobyl Studios, really in-depth. I've listened carefully to each sentence, amazing stories and lots of info. Nick is a MONSTER musician, terrific drummer, and a true creative artist, he just makes music shine when he arranges with his drumming. What an honor to work with him. I've been a crazy fan from the 90s of his drumming in CoF, Dimmu... may be he is inspired by guitars, but me as a guitarist I can say that I'm inspired by his drumming. This interview is two hours of pure joy.

[@garyyoung9085]

Fantastic to see him! He made those Dimmu albums special imo

[@netito619]

THE MASTER OF MASTERS!!!! MR NICK BARKER IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE AN INSPIRATION FOR US DRUMMERS!! GREAT INTERVIEW CONGRATS!

[@drumsmarcello]

Great interview bro , finally a lot of questions about great past !

[@pyre6955]

I always adored Nick's drumming and I could listen to him talk for hours, such a great dude! Great interview man, really enjoyed it! 🤘🏻 PS: multiple kidney stones survivor here, cheers! 😅☄️

[@ricklieffering241]

Thanks alot for this great interview. I think that a lot of fans and drummers we're waiting for this, because of alot unanswered questions on the Dimmu era, which shows what a monumental album Puritanical really was. I've been a fan of Nick since Cruelty, which was my first encounter with more extreme metal. I had been drumming for about a year and Nick's playing made me wanna up the ante. I played Cruelty over and over and later listned the shit out of Puritanical, Deathcult and Old Man's Child and absorbed his playing into mine, or at least at some point try to emulate his playing. He's been a constant influence in my drumming career over 20 years and I couldn't thank him enough for the inspiration and music hé brought forth. I had the privilege of playing Lock Up's preshow once in Holland at the Dynamo venue in Eindhoven. Where I borrowed some sticks for his soundcheck, but was just too awestruck to ask for a photo. They killed of course and I cherish the evening till this day. Thanks Nick for being awesome!

[@nicholaslynch522]

Nick Barker will always be one of my favourite drummers. I met him at the Mean Fiddler 16 years ago while he was touring with Soilwork (drum techingfor them) He made time for me, got a picture with him and he was a gentleman! Awesome player.

[@balrogDCLXVI]

Dammit, I've been waiting literally since 1995 for this interview, that's when I fell in love with Nick's drumming in Cradle! Great interview, extra respect for the time stamps!

[@Pa666Ne]

Great interview. Nick is the man.

[@hewhoshallnotbenamed8228]

Barker is one of my FAVORITE drummer; he techniques are so powerful!

[@Btheavy]

Such a nice dude. Had the absolute honor of meeting him when he played with lockup, in Buffalo New York like 6 years ago.

[@eddiemperor]

Nick im glad you and family are well, glad to hear from you, you are an incredible musician and many bands you have touched your mastery to have shined because of you, you are a legendary Musician and a total Machine. God bless your talent and you.

[@thewelshbeersnob2783]

Shit, its fuckin Beethoven

[@DianaTrubetskaya]

I love your music, Beethoven!! But you fucked me with your 30th Sonata! 😡

[@DianaTrubetskaya]

I knew you are metalhead....

[@eddiemperor]

@@DianaTrubetskaya If you can't handle the Fire stay out of the Kitchen.

[@eddiemperor]

@@DianaTrubetskaya I'm not a ''Metalhead'' I'm a Music Lover.

[@smallfaucet]

Such a rad dude, humble, skilled and well spoken too.

[@davidsantiago.8581]

Nick..the beast..My favorite...i wish i could meet him some day and even hug him...Nick...la bestia ...uff.. still remember the 1st time I heard the middle blast on DEVILS PATH...BRRRRRRRRRR..TRA TRA TRA..BRRRR.. ..

[@stacy_greyko]

it's a pity that I didn't film how you jumped when he agreed to an interview🤣🤣🤣

[@ChernobylAudio666]

Yes, it was pretty amazing when he agreed!

[@blacknessfallsmusic969]

Awesome interview!!

[@MultiMikey81]

just a quick confirmation of what you said about nick's hitting power ' i saw him live when i was just 15 in 96 on the vempire mini tour at bradford rio's ; i was in front row watching nick directly under stuart ' and he hit that hard there was an airwave you could feel coming off his playing it was like being under a helicopter pure power im 42 now play drums myself in bands and have seen a million bands ' but it still remains my favourite drum performance of all time; literally the greatest ive ever seen long live nick barker

[@ReaperCore15]

Thank you for the interview man ! Awesome to listen to !

[@Ze7Nigmar]

Hard to pick an album where Nicks drums are impeccable but, hands down I love his work on In Defiance of Existence by Old Man's Child! Great interview dude 🤘🤘

[@skafazzation666]

Nick Barker absolute legend. Massive respect

[@timholt78]

What an awesome interview! It was great hearing Nick give some insights to the recordings of early Cradle. Thank you for this.

[@OthonasDrums]

great interview!!!fucking hilarious too with the Whitsnake song....fucking cried laughing man holy shit ..... Nick BArker and Mike Portnoy my 2 favorite drummers.......Nick made me listen to songs i didnt even like,just to listen what he played...His creativity with the fills and cymbals is incredible