Charlie Koryn’s journey through the world of extreme music is rooted in his Maltese heritage. Born to a family of Maltese immigrants in San Diego, California, Charlie’s recent visit to Malta marked a poignant connection to his ancestry. It was his first time in the homeland of his grandfather, where he not only reconnected with family but also made his debut appearance on Maltese radio. From a young boy influenced by his cultural roots to a renowned drummer and studio engineer, Charlie's story is one of passion, dedication, and a deep appreciation for his Maltese lineage.
Charlie Koryn, a name that has become synonymous with extreme music, recently visited Malta for the first time, to visit his Maltese relatives. His visit was marked by his first appearance in a Maltese radio studio, where he shared the story of his fascinating journey—from a young boy banging on pots and pans in San Diego to a renowned drummer, studio engineer, and instructor in the extreme metal genre.
Charlie Koryn, born and raised in San Diego, California, to a family of Maltese immigrants, developed a passion for drumming at an exceptionally young age. He vividly remembers being just two or three years old when he first experienced live music. The sounds of a band playing beneath his apartment would mesmerize him, even as he sat in the kitchen sink during baths. Sensing his early interest, his mother gifted him a toy drum set, paving the way for a lifelong connection to percussion. Though his memories of those early days are hazy, their influence was undeniably profound. As Charlie describes it, drumming "found him," rather than the other way around.
Charlie's professional journey began in his teenage years with the formation of the death metal band Ascended Dead in 2011. At just 17, still in high school, he joined the band, which would become the cornerstone of his career. This was the first group where he felt truly challenged, playing alongside musicians who were either on his level or more advanced. Ascended Dead wasn't just another local band; it was where Charlie honed his skills, recorded albums, and embarked on tours that would take him across the United States and eventually the world.
His time with Ascended Dead was a turning point, leading to opportunities to play with other prominent bands in the extreme metal scene. Charlie's ability to adapt and bring his unique drumming style to various groups made him a sought-after musician.
Charlie's love for extreme music was a natural progression from his early influences. His first drum teacher introduced him to classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, but as Charlie grew, so did his appetite for more aggressive, high-energy music. Skateboarding, another of his passions, played a role in this, providing an outlet for his boundless energy and naturally drawing him toward the fast-paced rhythms of extreme metal.
Each band Charlie has played with, from Ascended Dead to Bloodsoaked and Funebrarum, has allowed him to explore different facets of his musical personality. While his own bands give him the freedom to express himself fully, playing with other groups requires him to step into different roles, akin to an actor taking on diverse characters. This versatility has been key to his success across multiple projects.
In addition to his career as a performer, Charlie has built a reputation as a skilled studio engineer and drum instructor. His interest in audio engineering began out of necessity; early recording sessions with Ascended Dead often left him dissatisfied with the results. Determined to take control of his sound, Charlie delved into the technical side of music production, eventually establishing his own studio where he now records and mixes for bands worldwide.
Teaching is another passion for Charlie. When he's not on tour, he dedicates time to passing on his knowledge to the next generation of drummers. He credits much of his own development to the drummers he studied with and sees teaching as a way to give back to the community that shaped him.
Despite his busy schedule, which includes extensive touring, recording, and teaching, Charlie understands the importance of balance. While he thrives on being productive, he also recognizes the potential for burnout and strives to find time for his other passions, such as skateboarding, surfing, and paragliding.
Charlie’s extensive touring has played a significant role in his growth as a musician. From small dive bars to massive festivals like Wacken Open Air, each performance is a stepping stone in his journey. He views every show, regardless of size, as equally important, knowing that each opportunity could lead to the next big break.
Charlie Koryn's journey is far from over. With upcoming tours in Europe with Ascended Dead and in the U.S. with Morbid Angel, along with plans to continue teaching and possibly conducting master classes, his schedule remains as packed as ever. Yet, he remains committed to his craft, always seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow.
As Charlie reflects on his career, his advice to young musicians is clear: take every opportunity seriously but ensure that you're passionate about what you do. His life is a testament to the rewards of hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for music. And with any luck, he might soon be back in Malta—not just for a visit, but to perform on stage, sharing his extraordinary talent with new audiences.
Links to listen to Charlie Koryn's interview and selective music:
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