CHRIS SEVEN ANTONOPOULOS

Ferocious, proficient, flashy and hypnotic are some words that come to mind about drummer Chris "Seven" Antonopoulos. His playing is a hybrid of brash technical brilliance and arena showmanship. Seven began his career in Dallas's Hellafied Funk Crew, playing alongside bassist "Bobzilla" (ex-Damageplan, Hellyeah). In 2000, Seven joined Vanilla Ice for four years of blistering, groove metal and non-stop touring. 2004 then saw him join Los Angeles industrial rock outfit Opiate for the Masses, and for a 2006 jaunt, Seven joined Al Jourgensen's Revolting Cocks for three months supporting Ministry. Seven had four amazing years with Opiate, and he joined symphonic metal masterminds Leaves Eyes in the October 2008, which is his new full-time gig.

He constantly flips sticks and hits each cymbal with unbridled emotion. "To me, going to a rock and roll show and seeing the drummer kick *** is what it's all about. The vibe and performance are key. The live concert experience is about more than the songs. It's about your senses being bombarded. It's about that moment of five thousand kids grooving to the same tune. Spitting, throwing sticks and bleeding on your kit is all part of it."

Seven has some serious soul. "My aggression and ferocity come from having to get something out emotionally. Playing drums is my personal outlet for that. I play drums to get those emotions out. I integrate that personal exorcism into what I'm doing behind a drum kit." It's nothing short of an explosive concoction, and he becomes larger than life through his style. "In a lot of ways, I'm a frontman who happens to play drums. That's always what I wanted to be. Drums were what I was naturally drawn to. I can express the feelings that I have through this instrument."

– Rick Florino