Nick Barker | |
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![]() Barker in 2013 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Nicholas Howard Barker |
Born | Chesterfield, England [1] | 25 April 1973
Genres | |
Occupation | Drummer |
Years active | 1990–present |
Nicholas Howard Barker (born 1973) is an English extreme metal drummer best known for his work in Cradle of Filth from 1993 to 1999, Dimmu Borgir from 1999 to 2004, Brujeria from 2003 to 2005 and from 2016 to 2022, and Shining from 2022 to 2023. Currently he is the drummer for Borstal, Liquid Graveyard, Twilight of the Gods, and United Forces.
Barker was born on 25 April 1973. [2] His career started as a touring drum tech for Cancer, for whom he filled in on drums at live shows when Carl Stokes suffered an injury in 1993.
He joined Cradle of Filth as a full time member later in 1993 replacing Was Sarginson and playing on the first four albums. [3] After leaving in 1999, he joined Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir. After being removed from the line-up, [4] Barker went on to play with Brujeria, Old Man's Child, Lock Up, Gaahl and King ov Hell, Ancient, Atrocity, Leaves' Eyes. [5] In 2007 he recorded with Winter's Thrall, on their EP In:Through:Out.
On Dimmu Borgir's 2002 World Misanthropy video, Barker mentioned the following names as influences on his playing style: Neil Peart (Rush), Gene Hoglan (Dark Angel, Death, Strapping Young Lad), Clive Burr, Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), Dave Lombardo (Slayer), and Pete Sandoval (Morbid Angel).
In 2011, Barker joined Los Angeles death metal band Sadistic Intent, replacing longtime drummer Emilio Marquèz.
As of 2012 [update] Barker was drumming in United Forces, featuring two former members of Stormtroopers of Death, vocalist Billy Milano and bassist Dan Lilker, and guitarist Anton Reisenegger. [6] Barker also joined Voices, featuring former members of Akercocke, as live drummer for their tour of the United Kingdom with Winterfylleth.
In July 2023 it was announced that Barker was battling kidney failure. [7]