Justin Foley

Justin Foley
File:Justin Foley with Kse.jpg Justin Foley
Background information
Birth name	Justin Foley
Also known as	JayFo
Born	(1976-06-16) June 16, 1976 Simsbury, Connecticut, U.S.
Genres	Metalcore, thrash metal
Occupation(s)	Drummer
Instruments	Drums
Labels	Roadrunner, Ferret Music
Associated acts	Killswitch Engage, Blood Has Been Shed, Red Tide, Unearth, As I Lay Dying
Website	killswitchengage.com

Justin Foley (born June 16, 1976) is an American musician, best known as the drummer of the metalcore band, Killswitch Engage. He is also a former member of the band Blood Has Been Shed along with Killswitch Engage's former lead singer, Howard Jones. Foley has been quoted as saying his primary influences include John Bonham, Neil Peart, and Sean Reinert.

Biography

Early life

Justin Foley was born in Simsbury, CT in 1976. Before joining Killswitch Engage, Foley participated in a Connecticut thrash/jazz metal band called Red Tide. Red Tide began as a thrash metal outfit in 1993 then evolved into a jazz metal band in the late 90's. As the primary lyricist and one of the songwriters for Red Tide, Foley earned local celebrityhood. With Red Tide, Foley released at least 5 demo tapes and two CDs. Red Tide disbanded in 2002 as there was a general lack of interest in continuing (cited by interview).

Education

Foley graduated from Simsbury High School in Simsbury, CT in 1995. He earned his undergraduate degree in percussion at the University of Connecticut. He proceeded to attend the prestigious Hartt School of Music and received his master's degree in percussion.

Killswitch Engage

Foley joined Killswitch Engage after the departure of the previous drummer, Tom Gomes, in October 2003.

Justin Foley is one of the many advertising artists for Evans drumheads along with such famous drummers as Daniel Erlandsson, Charlie Benante, Kevin Talley, Morgan Rose, Matthew McDonough, and Vinnie Paul among other performers.

Foley also plays drums on metalcore band Unearth's 2011 album, Darkness in the Light filling in for departed drummer Derek Kerswill.

Personal

Foley has been quoted as saying that if he did not play drums, he would like to try out for the New York Yankees, who he is an avid fan of. He is also a Simpsons fanatic. Foley is known for his shaved head and long red beard. He is the loving father of 2 cats, Minneaux, Leviathan.

Equipment

• Yamaha Maple / Birch Custom Absolute Drums
  • 20x16" Bass Drum
  • 10x8" Rack Tom
  • 13x11" Floor Tom
  • 15x13" Floor Tom
  • 14" x 6.5" Mike Bordin Signature Snare
• Yamaha Double Pedal
• Evans Drum Heads
• Zildjian Cymbals
  • 19in K Custom Dark China
  • 17in A Custom Projection Crash
  • 18in A Custom Medium Crash
  • 22in A Custom Medium Ride
  • 14in K Custom Session Hihats
  • 10in A Splash
  • 19in A Custom Medium Crash
• Pro-Mark TX5BW drumsticks

Discography

Red Tide

Main article: Red Tide (band)

• Themes of the Cosmic Consciousness (1997)
• Type II (2001)

Blood Has Been Shed

• Spirals (March 11, 2003; Ferret Records)

Killswitch Engage

Main article: Killswitch Engage discography

• The End of Heartache (May 11, 2004; Roadrunner Records)
• As Daylight Dies (November 21, 2006; Roadrunner Records)
• Killswitch Engage (June 30, 2009; Roadrunner Records)
• Disarm The Descent (April 1, 2013; Roadrunner Records)
• Incarnate (2016)

As a guest

• Unearth - Darkness in the Light (July 4, 2011; Metal Blade Records)

References

Template:Roadrunner United