04/06/05

AQUILES PRIESTER IN TAIWAN

Aquiles and the other members of Angra.

Aquiles' 12 piece Mapex drum set.

"That's the sound I'm talking about!"

Aquiles visits Taiwan
After a long world tour that started in Europe, Mapex endorser Aquiles Priester and his “notorious” vanguard heavy metal band Angra have made it to the birthplace of Mapex Drums. It has been 2 years since Angra’s last performance in Taiwan and local fans were delighted with the concert promoting their newly-released album, “Tempo of Shadows,” which has received positive reviews in local, regional and international magazines.

Always Listed in the Top 5
Angra has always been voted as the best or runner-up heavy metal band in leading magazines such as Portugal’s Rock Brigade and Roadie Crew and in Japan’s renowned Burrn--! Magazine. Most of the members of Angra appear in top 10 players lists. Aquiles himself is always elected as the best metal drummer regionally and has placed fourth worldwide.

20 minutes, 12 pieces.
The afternoon before the concert on 20 March, Aquiles arrived at the venue in Taipei to set up his drum set. In just 20 minutes he replaced the drumheads for the entire 12 pieces drum set, which included two 22” x 18” bass drums, and got the sound he wanted.

That’s the sound I’m talking about!
At the sound check, Aquiles was excited about the new drum Mapex had developed for him. He raved, “Yes! Yea, that’s it! That’s the sound I’m talking about! Just feel the power of the bass drum!” Aquiles asked the sound engineer to eliminate any electronic effects and keep the original sound of the Mapex drum. That was the sound he tuned the drum to and that was the sound he wanted. He described, “It’s just like a cannon without the recoil.” During the performance, the audience felt the powerful punch and solid resonance of the bass drum, especially during Aquiles ending solo. It was apparent that Aquiles was enjoying it and letting the drum speak freely.

Mapex B550 Stands Strong
It’s almost certain that a person would get a serious concussion if they had to withstand an attack generated by Aquiles’ well-developed drumming arms. For Mapex, the concert was a great opportunity to test the B550 boom stand which stood strong against the hurricane of power unleashed by Aquiles’ heavy metal drumming.

Once again, Mapex has provided a ferocious drummer with the reliable, solid hardware and powerful, resonant sound that he needs, allowing him to concentrate on the performance instead of worrying about his gear. The audience and fans in Taiwan will remember this fantastic performance for a long time to come.