Jake Dreyer

Last updated

Jake Dreyer
Jake Dreyer.jpg
Dreyer performing with White Wizzard in 2011
Background information
Birth nameJacob Daniel Dreyer
Born (1992-05-02) May 2, 1992 (age 31)
Origin Panama City Beach, Florida, U.S.
Genres Heavy metal, rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Guitar
Years active2005–present
Website jakedreyer.com

Jake Dreyer (born May 2, 1992) is an American musician who is the lead guitarist and songwriter for the progressive metal band Witherfall and former lead guitarist for Iced Earth. He was also a touring and session guitarist for the bands Demons and Wizards, White Wizzard, and Kobra and the Lotus.

Contents

Early life

At the age of 6, Dreyer started playing guitar after he heard the AC/DC song "Hells Bells". "I instantly knew that I wanted to do that too. I was hooked," says Dreyer during a July 2011 interview with Noisecreep. "Like anyone else, my tastes broadened over the years. So once I started progressing in my playing, I looked for heavier bands like Megadeth and Testament. In high school, I discovered all of the Shrapnel Records guys, but Yngwie Malmsteen was the first guitarist I heard that really changed my life. There was something about his playing that just pulled me in," remembers Dreyer. [1] Dreyer released four EPs and an album before graduating high school. During that time, he also studied under Chris Broderick (Megadeth, Jag Panzer, Nevermore) and David Shankle, (Manowar), and won the 2007, 2008, and 2009 award for best guitarist of the year. [2]

Career

DeadRingers Guild (2007–2010)

Toward the end of 2007, Dreyer formed the melodic metal band DeadRingers Guild. During their 3 years together as a group, the band went on to release 2 professionally recorded EP's, 2008's DeadRingers Guild and 2010s DeadRingers Guild II [3] and tour across the nation, sharing the stage with many national and international acts such as Paul Di'Anno (Ex-Iron Maiden), Enforcer, Cauldron, and Dark Castle. [4] The former EP contained a single written by Dreyer called "War Path", which become a finalist in the Hard Rock/Metal category of the 2009 Independent Music Awards. [5] The aforementioned award is often referred to as the "indie grammy". [6] In September 2010, Dreyer left DeadRingers Guild to go out to Los Angeles to attend school at the Musicians Institute."Once that happened, the rest of the guys in the band just kind of did their own individual things. There is no bad blood between anybody in the band. I still talk to those guys all the time", Dreyer said in an August 2011 Metal Underground interview. [7]

Jag Panzer (2011)

In July 2011, Dreyer was chosen to replace Christian Lasegue in the power metal band Jag Panzer (Century Media Records). Shortly after welcoming Dreyer into the group, Jag Panzer decided to disband. The unexpected breakup made news worldwide. [8] [9] Drummer Rikard Stjernquist said, "One player, 19-year-old Jake Dreyer, submitted videos of him nailing solos from both Chris Broderick and Christian Lasegue. We were ready to welcome Jake into the band, but, unfortunately, that will not happen. There is no doubt in any of our minds that Jake will go on to be a household name in his own right." [10] Despite Christian Lasegue's replacement by the 19-year-old Dreyer, frontman Mark Briody stated,"the decision to split was not due to Lasegue's departure. It's what was best for the band as a collective and its individual members." [11]

Deathriders (2011)

Shortly after Jag Panzer disbanded, Dreyer joined DeathRiders, a heavy metal band fronted by former Anthrax (American band) vocalist, Neil Turbin. The newly formed group soon started preparing for upcoming performances and the future "Stay Screaming" tour. When asked about DeathRiders new lineup, Giovanny Torres-Bass, Peter Vazquez-Drums, Mike Guerrero-Guiter, and Jake Dreyer-Guitar, Turbin stated, "This is the best group of guys I ever had the opportunity to work with! Right from the first time we played together there was an undeniable chemistry that I personally have been searching for, a powerful musical connection that I know the fans are going to feel as well. The musicianship is top-notch." [12] DeathRiders performance was recorded live at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, California on August 23, 2011. [13]

White Wizzard (2011–2013)

In September 2011, Dreyer became the new guitarist for the band White Wizzard. [14] Within a month's time, he and the band set out on a nationwide tour as the opening act for Firewind on the "Frets of Fury" tour along with Arsis, and Nightrage. [15] The tour was both well received and attended. [16] Immediately thereafter, the band set out for Bochum, Germany to begin a two-month European tour as direct support for Iced Earth. [17] Upon their arrival home, the band started writing new music. The first song from this collaboration,"Torpedo of Truth" was recorded in May 2012. When asked about the new music, the band posted, "It will feature, beastly rhythm, thunderous melodic bass and some serious shred at a whole new level. [18] Soon thereafter, Dreyer and the band headed to Tokyo to play at Club Quattro for the band's first ever Japanese tour. [19] On June 3, 2013, "The Devil's Cut" was released via Earache Records/Century Media featuring guitar solos by Dreyer.

Kobra and the Lotus (2014–2016)

In June 2014, Dreyer joined Kobra and the Lotus as a touring guitarist in support of the Kiss and Def Leppard 40th Anniversary Summer tour. [20] The following two years with the band included various UK/European tours as well as the recording of the band's double album "Prevail I and II" (Napalm Records) with producer Jacob Hansen in Ribe, Denmark in early Spring 2016. [21]

Demons & Wizards (2019–2021)

On May 28, 2019 it was revealed that Dreyer would be the lead guitarist for the band Demons & Wizards on their "A Magical Encounter with Demons & Wizards" tour beginning May 31 in Germany. [22] Following Jon Schaffer's involvement in the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol, vocalist Hansi Kürsch disbanded the band on February 1, 2021. [23]

Iced Earth (2016–2021)

On September 25, 2016, Dreyer was announced as the new lead guitarist of Iced Earth, replacing Troy Seele, who had left the band in August citing family commitments. [24] Dreyer left the band on February 15, 2021 to focus on Witherfall following Jon Schaffer's involvement in the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol. [25]

Witherfall (2013–present)

On December 12, 2016, Witherfall released the first single "End of Time" off their debut album "Nocturnes and Requiems" available for release on February 10, 2017. Witherfall is the collective brainchild of Dreyer, vocalist Joseph Michael and the late drummer Adam Sagan. With Dreyer and Michael having previously worked together in White Wizzard and Sagan collaborating with Dreyer on the critically acclaimed debut instrumental EP In The Shadows of Madness, the trio combined forces to begin writing the project in 2013. [26]

Solo (2010–present)

In August 2010, Dreyer recorded his first solo instrumental EP In the Shadows of Madness [27] with respected producer JJ Crews of Boogie Tracks in Panama City, Florida. In April 2011, the EP was mastered by mastering pro Maor Appelbaum (Yngwie, Tony McAlpine, Rob Halford) and released a few weeks later. [28] ITSM, which features Adam Sagan (Echoterra, Into Eternity) on drums and Noah Martin (Arsis) on bass guitar showcases Dreyer's many years of study under such masters as Chris Broderick (Megadeth, Jag Panzer, Nevermore), David Shankle (David Shankle Group, Manowar), and Rusty Cooley (Outworld). Positive reviews for ITSM appeared on websites all over the world. "When we first heard the music by guitar monster Jake Dreyer, our ears were immediately hooked to the sonic perfection that this very talented guitar shredder can accomplish note after note" [4] "...Dreyer is ready to become the latest American guitar protégé with his first solo-dubbed album 'In the Shadows of Madness'." [29] As a solo artist, Dreyer is sponsored by Bogner Amplification, EMG, Inc, Kahler tremolo, RockBand Network, and Jackson Guitars. [30] He recorded a series of instructional videos for both Ultimate Guitar Archive and Reignlicks.com. [31] [32] which provided step by step instructions on playing featured "licks" of his original music. [33] Dreyer's music has been played in rotation on stations such as Pandora Radio [34] and Front Row Rock, [35] as well as being in the top 10 airplay list for several weeks on Jango. [36] [37] In December 2011, ITSM was rated by Apoch's Metal as one of the top 20 EPs of 2011. [38] In November 2011, the 2nd single Harmony of the Spheres was released on the Xbox 360 game, RockBand. [39] In a December 2011 Metal Insider interview, Dreyer was asked,"what accomplishment/award are you most proud of?" He replied, "I would say that my favorite accomplishment so far has been this EP. Just due to the fact that I had such a great time writing and recording it and all the guys that were part of it JJ Crews, Adam Sagan and Noah Martin are all awesome dudes. I am pretty proud of the final product...” [2]

Other

In late December 2011, Dreyer assisted Chris Broderick at the Skolnick/Broderick Winter Guitar Retreat in New York. In January 2012, he checked in with Jackson guitars.com to talk about his time with Broderick and the whole experience: “We got up on stage and jammed Jason Becker's "Perpetual Burn" on the last night. It was a great time!". [40] In September 2011, Dreyer became a guest columnist for Guitar World.com: Getting Ready to Record: The Do’s and Don’ts (September 7, 2011) and the Do’s and Don’ts of Playing Live (February 13, 2012). [41] He also took part in many artist interviews and stories. [42] [43]

Equipment

Rack/Effects

Discography

Witherfall

Iced Earth

Demons & Wizards


Kobra and the Lotus

White Wizzard

Solo

DeadRingers Guild

Note

Dreyer and his musical work is registered with ASCAP. [44]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthrax (American band)</span> American thrash metal band

Anthrax is an American thrash metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by rhythm guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. The group is considered one of the leaders of the thrash metal scene from the 1980s and is part of the "Big Four" of the genre, along with Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer. They were also one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the East Coast. The band's current lineup consists of Scott Ian, drummer Charlie Benante, bassist Frank Bello, vocalist Joey Belladonna and lead guitarist Jonathan Donais. Anthrax's lineup has changed numerous times over their career, leaving Ian as the only constant member of the band. Ian and Benante are the only two members to appear on all of Anthrax's albums, while Bello has been a member of Anthrax since 1984, replacing Lilker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sanctuary (band)</span> American thrash/power metal band

Sanctuary is an American thrash/power metal band, formed in 1985 in Seattle, Washington. They were broken up from 1992 to 2010. The band consists of Lenny Rutledge (guitar), Joseph Michael (vocals), George Hernandez (bass), and Dave Budbill (drums). The lead vocalist position was held by Warrel Dane until his death in 2017. They have released four studio albums and one live EP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morbid Angel</span> American death metal band

Morbid Angel is an American death metal band based in Tampa, Florida, formed in 1983 by guitarist, primary composer and sole remaining original member Trey Azagthoth, vocalist and bassist Dallas Ward, and drummer Mike Browning. Widely considered one of the most influential bands in the genre and important in the transition of death metal from its thrash metal roots, they were one of the first bands to incorporate guttural vocals, up-tempo blast beats, multiple tempo changes and a dark atmosphere. They have been described as one of "the most influential and emulated bands in death metal", alongside Obituary, Death, Cynic, Autopsy and Deicide, and have been cited as an influence by many later bands. They were also the first death metal band to experience mainstream success in connection with being signed to Giant Records in 1992, heavy rotation of their music videos on MTV, and having the music video for the song "God of Emptiness" shown on an episode of Beavis and Butt-Head. Their first three albums – Altars of Madness (1989), Blessed Are the Sick (1991), and Covenant (1993) – are considered classics in the death metal genre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iced Earth</span> American heavy metal band

Iced Earth is an American heavy metal band formed in Tampa, Florida, and currently based in Columbus, Indiana. They were formed in 1984 under the name the Rose, then Purgatory, by guitarist and main songwriter Jon Schaffer and original drummer Greg Seymour. Iced Earth released their debut album in 1990 and have since released twelve studio albums, four EPs, three compilations, three box sets, three live albums and eleven music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vader (band)</span> Polish death metal band

Vader is a Polish death metal band from Olsztyn. Formed in 1983, the group was founded by then-bassist Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek and guitarist Zbigniew "Vika" Wróblewski. Vader went through several lineup changes over the years, with Wiwczarek as the only constant member. Since 2022, the band has comprised Wiwczarek on lead guitar and vocals, rhythm guitarist Marek "Spider" Pająk, bassist Tomasz "Hal" Halicki, and drummer Michał Andrzejczyk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shadows Fall</span> American metal band

Shadows Fall is an American metal band from Boston, Massachusetts, formed in 1996. Although Shadows Fall has experienced several line-up changes, for most of its recording career, Shadows Fall has been composed of Jon Donais, Matt Bachand, Paul Romanko (bass), Brian Fair, and Jason Bittner (drums).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kiko Loureiro</span> Brazilian guitarist

Pedro Henrique "Kiko" Loureiro is a Brazilian guitarist. He has been a member of several heavy metal bands, including Angra and Megadeth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jag Panzer</span> American power metal band

Jag Panzer is an American power metal band from Colorado Springs, Colorado.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Broderick</span> American guitarist

Christopher Alan Broderick is an American musician, best known as a former guitarist of the heavy metal band Megadeth. He is also formerly the lead guitarist and keyboardist for Jag Panzer, appearing on four of the band's albums, The Age of Mastery, Thane to the Throne, Mechanized Warfare and Casting the Stones. Prior to joining Megadeth and while still in Jag Panzer, he served as a touring guitarist for Nevermore from 2001 to 2003, and again between 2006 and 2007. Following his departure from Megadeth, Broderick formed Act of Defiance in 2014. He joined Swedish metal band In Flames in 2019 as a touring guitarist, before becoming the band's permanent rhythm guitarist in 2022.

<i>Decade of the Nail Spiked Bat</i> 2003 studio album of re-recorded songs by Jag Panzer

Decade of the Nail Spiked Bat is the seventh studio album by American power metal band Jag Panzer, released in 2003. It comprises re-recordings of songs from the band's previous studio releases: the Jag Panzer EP (1983), Ample Destruction (1984), and Dissident Alliance (1994), two songs previously released on compilations, as well as the Shadow Thief demo and the album Chain of Command, both of which were previously unreleased at the time of the album's release. The album title comes from a line from the song "Licensed to Kill", which was originally released on Ample Destruction and was re-recorded for the album.

S.A. Slayer, originally known as Slayer, was an American heavy metal band formed in San Antonio, Texas, in 1981 by the former Blitzkrieg guitar duo Robert "Bob Dog" Catlin and Art Villarreal, bassist Don Van Stavern, drummer Dave McClain, and vocalist Chris Cronk. The latter was soon replaced by Steve Cooper and the band signed a record deal with local upstart label Rainforest Records and proceeded to record six songs for a proposed EP at B.O.S.S. Studios with producer/engineer duo Bob O'Neill and Rick Shrieves. The Prepare to Die EP was released in 1983 and "Slayer" became one of the top metal draws of the Texas scene. The band changed their name to S.A. Slayer following a cease and desist lawsuit from founder of Metal Blade Records, Brian Slagel, on behalf of thrash metal legends Slayer. However band member Don Van Stavern denies that the band received a cease and desist letter, while Brian Slagel, denies having sent a cease and desist letter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White Wizzard</span> American heavy metal band

White Wizzard is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, formed in 2007. They have released one EP and four albums: Over the Top released in 2010, Flying Tigers released in 2011, The Devil's Cut released in 2013, and Infernal Overdrive released 2018. Throughout the band's history, it has undergone numerous lineup changes, with only Jon Leon remaining a stable member of the band. The end of the band was announced by Jon Leon in April 2018, however, he announced that he was reassembling the band in March 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marek Pająk</span> Polish musician

Marek Pająk is a Polish musician. In 2010, he joined death metal band Vader as their rhythm guitarist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deathriders</span> Musical artist

DeathRiders is an American heavy metal band based in Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in 2001 to support lead vocalist Neil Turbin's solo album Threatcon Delta and is named after Neil's song lyric "Deathrider" which was the first song on the album 'Fistful of Metal' which Turbin wrote in his time as the lead singer of Anthrax.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skull Fist</span> Canadian heavy metal band

Skull Fist is a Canadian heavy metal band formed in Toronto.

Holy Grail is an American heavy metal band from Pasadena, California, formed in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nevermore</span> American heavy metal band

Nevermore was an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington, formed in 1991. The band has been inactive since 2011, due to personal issues between the band members. Vocalist Warrel Dane died in December 2017, ending hopes of a reunion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joseph Michael</span> American singer

Joseph Michael is an American singer. He is best known as the lead singer and songwriter of the band Witherfall, and for being the lead singer of Sanctuary. He is also a former member of White Wizzard, Midnight Reign and Peppermint Creeps.

References

  1. ↑ "Jake Dreyer Guitar God in the Making". interview. Noisecreep. July 1, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  2. 1 2 "Guitarist Jake Dreyer on the Current State of Instrumental Music". Interview. Metal Insider. July 15, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  3. ↑ "2009 IMA Finalist Press". news article. Panama City News Herald. December 11, 2008. Retrieved May 5, 2012.[ permanent dead link ]
  4. 1 2 "Exclusive Interview with Jake Dreyer: Confessions of a Shreddie". interview. HornsUp. July 11, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  5. ↑ "Deadringers Guild: 8th Annual Program – Hard Rock/Metal Song IMA Nominee". article. Independent Music Awards. 2008. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  6. ↑ "Metal Guitarist JAKE DRYER Releases Debut Solo EP". release article. Braingell. June 14, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  7. ↑ "Jake Dreyer Details Recording Solo Debut "In the Shadows of Madness"". interview. metal underground archives. September 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  8. ↑ "JAG PANZER Discography". discography. Speed n Power. 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  9. ↑ "JAG PANZER Disbands". article. The Gauntlet. July 25, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  10. ↑ "JAG PANZER Disbands". article. Blabbermouth. July 25, 2011. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  11. ↑ "Jag Panzer Breaks Up". news. Noisecreep. July 25, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  12. ↑ "NEIL TURBIN's DEATHRIDERS Unveil New Lineup at Hollywood Concert (Video)". News Article. Metal4all.com. September 1, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  13. ↑ Ronnie (August 26, 2011). "DEATHRIDERS Feat. NEIL TURBIN Debuts New Lineup". Music News Video. Braingell Radio. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  14. ↑ "Guitarist Jake Dreyer Comments on Joining White Wizzard". Article. Metal Insider. September 8, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  15. ↑ "Firewind Announces 'Frets of Fury' Fall Tour, Adds Ticket Info". News Article. Guitar World. June 22, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  16. ↑ "Concert Review: White Wizzard October 10, 2011Atlanta, GA". Review article. Thegreatsouthernbrainfart.com. October 10, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  17. ↑ "Iced Earth to be supported by White Wizzard on European Tour". Blabbermouth.net. September 14, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.[ permanent dead link ]
  18. ↑ "WHITE WIZZARD To Record New Song in Early May". News article#163267. Blabbermouth.net. April 22, 2012. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  19. ↑ "White Wizzard to be Joined by Singer Wyatt Anderson for Tokyo Performance". Blabbermouth.net. April 20, 2012. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Guitarist Jake Dreyer to Fill in For Kobra and the Lotus on Tour with Def Leppard and KISS". Bravewords.com. June 18, 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  21. ↑ "Kobra and the Lotus Release New Double Album As Separate Volumes". Antimusic.com. August 14, 2016. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  22. ↑ "Demons & Wizards announce touring lineup for upcoming summer shows". metalinsider.net. May 29, 2019. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  23. ↑ "JON SCHAFFER's Longtime Friend And Bandmate HANSI KÜRSCH Officially Quits DEMONS & WIZARDS Project". Blabbermouth.net. February 1, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  24. ↑ "Iced Earth introduce new guitarist". Moshville Times. September 25, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
  25. ↑ "ICED EARTH Guitarist JAKE DREYER Distances Himself From Band, Says He Is Focusing Solely On WITHERFALL". Blabbermouth.net. February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  26. ↑ "ICED EARTH, Ex-WHITE WIZZARD, INTO ETERNITY Members Join Forces In WITHERFALL". blabbermouth.net. December 21, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  27. ↑ "In the Shadows of Madness Album Information". Allmusic. 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  28. ↑ "Maro Appelbaum Clients". Clients page. maroapplebaum. April 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  29. ↑ "Jake Dreyer "In the Shadows of Madness"". Review article. MetalUnderground.com. July 26, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  30. ↑ "Jake Dreyer". Biography Page. JDD Music. 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  31. ↑ "Jake Dreyer Guitar Lesson". Ultimate Guitar TV. March 29, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  32. ↑ "Gear Review Jake Dreyer on his Bogner Ecstasy Head". Pure Grain Audio. November 17, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  33. ↑ "Music News Round Up July 27". PCM Music. July 27, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  34. ↑ "Jake Dreyer in the Shadows of Madness". Radio. PandoraRadio. 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  35. ↑ "Jake Dryer Exclusive Album Stream, "In The Shadows of Madness"". Stream. SkullsNBones Network. July 28, 2011. Archived from the original on April 16, 2015. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  36. ↑ "Jango Airplay Top 10". Ratings List. Jango Airplay. June 1, 2011. Archived from the original on November 29, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  37. ↑ "Jango Airplay Top 10". Jangoairplay.com. March 13, 2012. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  38. ↑ "Apoch's Metal Top 20 EPs of the Year". list. Apochs.net. December 2011. Archived from the original on April 21, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  39. ↑ "Jake Dreyer's Harmony of the Spheres Now Available on Rockband". Metal Insider. November 21, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  40. ↑ "White Wizzard's Jake Dreyer Checks In". Jackson Guitar.com. January 18, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  41. ↑ "The Do's and Don'ts of Playing Live and Getting Ready to Record: The Do's and Don'ts". Guitar World.com. February 13, 2012 [September 7, 2011]. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  42. ↑ "Jake Dreyer: Guitar God in the Making". Interview. Noisecreep.com. July 1, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  43. ↑ Deathbringer (July 5, 2011). "Pit Stories: Slayer Retains The Crown For King Of The Mosh Pits". Stories. Metal Underground. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  44. ↑ "ASCAP-Jake Dreyer". ASCAP. 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.