Drumcorps is the electronic and grindcore project of Aaron Spectre, who starts in suburban Massachusetts playing drums and attending all-ages shows. In 2003, he drops out of college and moves to Berlin, Germany, to begin his music career.

Background

Spectre releases several vinyl 12-inch records and builds an early following through performances at squats and raves across Europe. Drumcorps forms as an attempt to combine electronic production with the force of American hardcore, and the project is associated with breakcore, cybergrind, experimental music, electronic music, and noise.

Releases and recognition

Drumcorps’ debut full-length, Grist, wins an Award of Distinction at the 2007 Prix Ars Electronica. The award is part of a long-running annual prize and places the album among work recognised in the company of artists such as Aphex Twin, Chris Cunningham, and Peter Gabriel.

Performances

Drumcorps develops a reputation for high-energy live shows. In 2008, Spectre travels extensively, plays on four continents, and makes debut performances in Mexico, Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand, while also returning to Russia and Japan.

Later activity

Spectre spends much of 2009 and 2010 finishing a follow-up to Grist and resettling in the United States. For summer 2010, vocalist Leo Miller joins the stage lineup to provide vocals and electronics support; Miller comes from the San Francisco metal band Animosity and has performed internationally since the age of 14.