Navene Koperweis is perhaps best known for playing drums in the instrumental progressive metal outfit Animals as Leaders. He left the band in 2012 on amicable terms to strike out on his own in pursuit of experiments blending traditional drums with electronic music in a brand new way. He caught up with Navene to get a list of the 10 albums that really influenced his developing style mashup of electronic and acoustic drum virtuosity.
Dying Fetus, Destroy the Opposition
I can’t think of making death metal without this album being there to show me how to slam properly.
Mats Morgan Band, Thanks for Flying With Us
Truly awesome experience right here. Definitely got me thinking on mixing electronic with live.
Air, Talkie Walkie
Probably the longest standing album I’ve ever listened to. Still one I throw on from time to time and has helped to shape my melodic voice.
Siriusmo, The Uninvited Guest
One that has given me so many ideas about how expressive one can be with melody.
Fredrik Thordendal’s Special Defects, Sol Niger Within
THE MOST influential album of all time! Something I truly did not know was allowed before hearing. Just really opened my whole world with how far one can go with heavy music.
Allan Holdsworth, Secrets
Brillant guitar work that has influenced a generation and beautiful dark melodies that I can’t get enough of.
Frank Zappa, Zappa in New York
This album has “The Black Page” on it — NEED I say more?
Necrophagist, Epitaph
They really set the standard for being a death metal band in the 21st century.
Candiria, Process of Self Development
Truly ahead of its time. Much respect for this band in my formative years.
Phace, Deep Space
This album showed me what truly dark and heavy Drum and Bass is all about.
Thanks, Navene!
Here’s a link to the Navene K Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/navenek
And here’s his SoundCloud account: