Chris York

Killing Addiction

Chris York

About

Paiste Artist Since
August 2009

Nationality
United States

Main Affiliations
Killing Addiction
Stereoside
Epidemic
Chris Ryals Band

„Paiste cymbals are by far the most durable and amazing sounding cymbals I have ever played. Across the vast series of cymbals, you can easily find the exact sound and tone you are looking for.“

Setup

Chris York

Cymbals listed from left to right

16" Alpha Rock Crash (discontinued)
14" Alpha Rock Hats (discontinued)
18" Alpha Rock Crash (discontinued)
8" Alpha Thin Splash (discontinued)
17" Alpha Rock Crash (discontinued)
22" Alpha Rock Ride (discontinued)
18" Alpha China (discontinued)
18" Alpha Rock Crash (discontinued)

Videos & Pics

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Biography

Chris York is a drummer who has, since the age of 14, been exploring the world of drumming and conquering many of it’s styles of playing. Beginning early by learning jazz and big band swing from his teacher, Chris began to develop the intense passion, soul, and versatility that shows through today in his playing style. Exploring into the rock and metal world, Chris became more versatile, diving head first into new and experimental styles. His hard work paid off in 1992, Chris was approached by the death metal band, Killing Addiction and was asked to take over the throne. In 1993, they released their debut album, “Omega Factor”, which took off immediately, selling over 10,000 copies in their first week. Killing Addiction continued to tour and write new music, releasing their second album, “Dark Tomorrow”, in 1994. Killing Addiction became a staple in the death metal scene and was a force to be reckoned with until 1997 when they disbanded. Refusing to quit, Chris dove back into the rock scene and began playing with long time friend and guitar player, Ben Foster. Together they formed the band, 60 Cycle Hum and released their album in 2002. With a solid touring schedule, 60 Cycle Hum quickly gained ground throughout the Southeast. After a few line-up changes, Chris and Ben formed Stereoside, a four piece rock powerhouse. Stereoside began writing new material and produced their first album, “Wake Up”, in 2005. Another impressive tour schedule evolved, including a two month tour with Drowning Pool, Stereoside was making their presence known. In 2006, with Chris anchored securely behind the skins, Stereoside picked up their new singer, Jeff Shields. With their passion to write and play, Stereoside began writing new music and in March 2007, Stereoside signed with indie label Bieler Bros. They immediately entered the studio and recorded their debut album, “So Long”. In May 2007, with Stereoside’s single, “Sinner” impacting radio, they hit the road. Getting great response from radio and fans across the country, a relentless touring schedule was born. Playing alongside Hinder, Buckcherry, Papa Roach, Shinedown, Saliva, 10 Years, Alter Bridge, Sevendust, Nonpoint, Framing Hanley, Drowning Pool, Rev Theory, Black Stone Cherry and many more. In June 2008, with Stereoside in full stride, they released their second single, “So Long”. Stereoside continued to tour with great success as “So Long” rose into the top 25 on the charts. In May 2009, Stereoside released the powerful, fun rocking song “On Our Way” and in June 2009 the album “So Long” was released in Japan. Stereoside went back in the studio in 2010 and began working on the next record. In August they released the self titled 'Stereoside' album, which charted at No 48 on Heatseakers Albums. Their first single, Trailer Park Scum, took off on the radio and again Stereoside took to the road. A solid tour schedule picked up easily where they left off and continued on the road when their second single, Amazing, was released to radio. Without losing stride, Stereoside stayed on the road til the end of 2012, when industry and label issues forced Chris to make a difficult decision and leave the band. After a short few months off, Chris was back on the kit, jamming with some old friends playing cover songs and looking to get back on the stage. They were working on band names when Chris was approached by his old bandmates in Killing Addiction, and was asked to do a reunion show. With Xtreem Music label in Italy wanting to release Omega Factor as a 20th anniversary edition, he obliged and they began to rework the old tunes. There was an overwhelming response to the reunion show and things were working out well, and they began to write new songs. The cover band still worked on songs and named the band, Not Your Hero. Not Your Hero started booking shows and began playing out regularly. Chris carefully and meticulously weaved the two bands practice and show schedules together. Making ample time to do both bands. In 2014, Killing Addiction released a two song EP, "When Death Becomes An Art". Getting great reviews and support they continued writing and playing shows. In late 2015, Stereoside approached Chris and asked if he would record drums for their new album. With his passion for drums and recording, it was a fairly easy decision. He was sent the songs, learned them, practiced them and recorded the album in 3 weeks. After mixing and mastering were completed, Stereoside released their 4th album, "Hellbent", on August 26, 2016. Adding another thunderous recording to his arsenal of drum performances. With Not Your Hero and Killing Addiction still working and playing regularly, it was time again for Killing Addiction to enter the studio. Recording a monstrous four song EP named, "Shores of Oblivion", which was released Oct 20, 2016 through Xtreem records. They continued to play out in support of their EP, even after the passing of original guitar player, Chad. In early 2019, Killing Addiction began writing, looking to do a full length album again. With things slowing up with Not Your Hero, Chris was approached by long time friend and bassist, Clint, to join his rock cover band, Epidemic. Chris, with his passion of playing and performing live, agreed, and learned their songs and began playing out live. In early 2020, Killing Addiction entered the studio to record their blistering 9 track album. In a brutal two and a half week session, Chris had completed his tracks. Then Covid hit and put the brakes on everything for a while, but with perseverance and determination, Chris slowly got the wheels moving again with Killing Addiction and Epidemic. Killing Addiction will release their new album, "Mind of a New God", mid summer 2021. Epidemic is currently booking for 2021, as well as Killing Addiction. Not Your Hero will come to a close this year but Chris has another fill in project, Chris Ryals Band to fill the vacancy. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, energy, passion, and soul to his playing. Whether it’s pop, thrash, death metal, or just good ole rock and roll, Chris brings it all to the table. With his powerful style and love of playing, he has undoubtedly made his mark amongst drummers, bands and fans.

Setup Cymbals

  • Details

    Sizes: 24"
    Volume: Loud
    Weight: Heavy

    Sound character: Bright, full, warm, deep, somewhat dry, powerful. Wide range, clean mix. Heavy response, very balanced feel. Clear, cutting stick sound over big, full wash. Extremely loud, cutting ride with an enormous, big, loud and deep sounding bell. This special ride cymbal was created by Paiste's Sound Development team in collaboration with John Dolmayan, one of today's most influential Rock drummers.

  • Sounds
  • Details

    Sizes: 20"
    Volume: Loud
    Weight: Heavy

    Sound character: Bright, strong and full. Medium range, clean mix. Defined, clear, fairly glassy ping with a controllable wash. Cutting, massive bell sound. Perfectly suited for powerful playing at higher volume levels.

  • Sounds
  • Details

    Sizes: 14"
    Volume: Medium
    Weight: Medium

    Sound character: Bright, cutting, glassy with a warm touch. Fairly bright range, clean mix. Quite soft feel, responsive. Full, energetic open sound, sharp chick sound. Versatile hi-hat for fast and precise playing.

  • Sounds
  • Details

    Sizes: 18", 20"
    Volume: Loud
    Weight: Heavy

    Sound character: Full, forceful, powerful, slightly trashy. Wide range, fairly complex mix. Rather soft playing feel. Hefty, powerful attack with a saturated, menacing crash sound. Quite deep, beefy bell sound. Strong, loud, yet unintrusive cymbal. Ideal for crash ride patterns in very loud settings.

  • Sounds
  • Details

    Sizes: 14"
    Volume: Loud
    Weight: Heavy

    Sound character: Medium bright, raw, full, energetic. Wide range, complex mix. Heavy, full feel. Raw, full, loud open sound. Tight, full, cutting chick sound. Versatile, all-round hi-hat for loud playing.

  • Sounds
  • Details

    Sizes: 18", 20"
    Volume: Loud
    Weight: Medium

    Sound character: Bright, silky, metallic, full, slightly trashy and very powerful. Wide range, fairly clean mix. Comfortable, responsive and somewhat soft feel. Exotic type of china that also offers the sound and function of a crash cymbal. Its unique shape makes both the bell and downward turned china edge accessible at once. Provides a strong, sizzling and deep layered china sound that is perfectly suited for any styles of Rock music and for other unique applications and percussive settings.

  • Sounds
  • Details

    Sizes: 10"
    Volume: Loud
    Weight: Heavy

    Sound character: Bright, full, high pitched, energetic. Wide range, complex mix. Strong feel, explosive, strong splash with quick response. A pair of these would make an excellent mini hi-hat.

  • Sounds