EP360 Zack Simmons on Acid Bath Reunion, Goatwhore, and Extreme Metal Drumming

Tom sits down with Zack Simmons of Acid Bath, Goatwhore, and Bringers of Disease for a deep discussion about the long-awaited Acid Bath reunion, preparing to perform iconic material, touring realities, drum influences, and life in extreme music.Zack talks about first discovering Acid Bath as a teenager in the early 2000s and the surreal experience of eventually joining a band he grew up admiring. He discusses working closely with Sammy Duet to revive the material, the pressure of honoring the original songs, and the intense rehearsal process leading up to the reunion shows.The conversation also explores Zack’s work with Goatwhore and Bringers of Disease, balancing multiple projects, and how touring schedules impact longevity for heavy bands. Zack shares stories about filling in for High on Fire, performing in Athens, Greece, and the physical demands of playing back-to-back drum sets in extreme metal environments.Tom and Zack also discuss:Black Sabbath and Motörhead influencesOzzy-era Sabbath and classic heavy music foundationsDave Lombardo, Tommy Aldridge, and Mickey DeeTour burnout and maintaining momentumBlast beats versus groove-oriented drummingThe evolution of modern touring cultureSouthern rock influences and underground metal historyIf you enjoy conversations about sludge metal, doom metal, death metal drumming, underground touring culture, and the legacy of Acid Bath, this episode delivers a detailed look into one of heavy music’s most respected modern drummers.