Paul Bostaph (Slayer - Former members)
Paul Bostaph (born March 6, 1964 in San Francisco, California) is a heavy metal drummer, who has played for the bands Forbidden (originally known as Forbidden Evil), Slayer, Testament, and Systematic. He is from Newark, California and played with Exodus until March 2007.
Slayer
Following the departure of Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo in 1992, the band were looking for a new drummer. Lombardo's drum teacher was filling in but constantly made errors. After trialling several drummers and listening to hundreds demo tapes, Bostaph was recommended by Slayer guitarist Kerry King's guitar technician. Slayer members listened to Forbidden records, however, they did not see how Bostaph could fit into the Slayer momentum - Lombardo's style being "over the top", while Forbidden was more melodic. Slayer trialled Bostaph with nine songs, and he made only one error on "Angel of Death". Bostaph had to continually practice to improve the strength of his hands and feet; "I respected and loved Dave’s drumming but as a fan, if they got a new drummer and I bought a ticket to a show, I would expect to hear the stuff that Dave does, that’s what I would want. So, I went in and every time I had to learn a new song I would play them exactly how Dave played them"
Bostaph recorded three albums with Slayer, his least favorite is 1994's Divine Intervention. This is due to the guitars not being loud enough as they were in the recording session, moving around to several recording studios, and a producer who had never done any heavy metal music. The producer changed near the end of recording to Toby Wright - Bostaph stating "that record never had any consistency to it although a lot of fans still like it." Bostaph left the band in 1996 to concentrate on his solo project, "The Truth About Seafood" and was replaced by Jon Dette, however, he returned in 1997. His second favorite album is 2001's God Hates Us All; "The whole era that I was with the band that was the album that was the most well-rounded and mixed the best" with Diabolus in Musica.
Bostaph departed from Slayer after the release of God Hates Us All; following a chronic elbow injury he had sustained that would hinder his ability to play. His third last performance with the band is recorded on the DVD War at the Warfield recorded on December 7, 2001. Bostaph is yet to watch it as he feels "It’s like breaking up with a girlfriend" and needs to move on with his life. He still remains friends with Slayer members, and when asked if he would work with them in the future replied "sure".
Systematic
Unwilling to give up music, Bostaph joined Systematic in 2003 - a band which he had previously formed with vocalist Tim Narducci and guitarist Adam Ruppel, before the band were named Systematic and prior to recording Diabolus in Musica. Bostaph introduced the band to Slayer's manager - Rick Sales to help the band gain notice. Since the band needed a drummer in 2003, and his friendship with members Bostaph was willing to help out.
Bostaph toured with Systematic for four months, departing in 2004: "I wasn’t having very much fun and it’s not for me." In 2003 Bostaph sustained an injury to his knee, while playing soccer. After finishing Systematics tour, Bostaph underwent surgery - not touching a drum kit for over a year until he received a phone call from Testament members.
Exodus
Bostaph received a phone call from Exodus' manager, who asked him to join the band. Exodus bassist Michael Butler talked to guitarist Gary Holt if they should recruit Bostaph - Holt knew Bostaph while Exodus toured with Forbidden, as both bands were from the San Francisco Bay Area. When Bostaph received the phone call, two members member had already left Exodus, and drummer Tom Hunting was thinking about leaving. Bostaph knew how to play all the records except for Impact Is Imminent, and recorded drums on the band's 2005 album Shovel Headed Kill Machine.
Bostaph asserts the album is different to the band's previous albums; "It’s so different because Bonded.. was such a landmark record, such a great record that…I watched the band the whole time and I think this is a more, probably, the most brutal record the band has done since Bonded by Blood." Bostaph also says the chemistry between members was very different, due to three out of five members being replaced in one year; "it’s a totally different band than before." The band toured for over a year promoting Shovel Headed Kill Machine, and wished to enter the recording studio to record another as soon as possible. However, on March 28, 2007, Bostaph announced that he parted ways with Exodus; "They now have their original drummer Tom Hunting back in the band. I always said from the start if Tom ever wanted to come back, the drum throne is his. I have the greatest respect for Tom and his playing." Bostaph also announced he is no longer endorsing TAMA drum kits, and is proud to represent Sonor Drums and their products.
Discography
With Forbidden
Forbidden Evil (1988)
Twisted into Form (1990)
With Testament
Return to the Apocalyptic City (1993)
With Slayer
Divine Intervention (1994)
Live Intrusion (1995)
Undisputed Attitude (1996)
Diabolus in Musica (1998)
God Hates Us All (2001)
War at the Warfield (2003)
Systematic
Pleasure to Burn (2003)
With Exodus
Shovel Headed Kill Machine (2005)
