Jake Dreyer

Jake Dreyer (born May 2, 1992) is an American musician who is the lead guitarist and songwriter for the progressive metal band Witherfall and former lead guitarist for Iced Earth. He was also a touring and session guitarist for the bands Demons and Wizards, White Wizzard, and Kobra and the Lotus.

Jake Dreyer
Dreyer performing with White Wizzard in 2011
Dreyer performing with White Wizzard in 2011
Background information
Birth nameJacob Daniel Dreyer
Born (1992-05-02) May 2, 1992
OriginPanama City Beach, Florida, U.S.
GenresHeavy metal, rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Guitar
Years active2005–present
Websitejakedreyer.com

Early life

At the age of 6, Dreyer started playing guitar after he heard the AC/DC song "Hells Bells". "I instantly knew that I wanted to do that too. I was hooked," says Dreyer during a July 2011 interview with Noisecreep. "Like anyone else, my tastes broadened over the years. So once I started progressing in my playing, I looked for heavier bands like Megadeth and Testament. In high school, I discovered all of the Shrapnel Records guys, but Yngwie Malmsteen was the first guitarist I heard that really changed my life. There was something about his playing that just pulled me in," remembers Dreyer.[1] Dreyer released four EPs and an album before graduating high school. During that time, he also studied under Chris Broderick (Megadeth, Jag Panzer, Nevermore) and David Shankle, (Manowar), and won the 2007, 2008, and 2009 award for best guitarist of the year.[2]

Career

DeadRingers Guild (2007–2010)

Toward the end of 2007, Dreyer formed the melodic metal band DeadRingers Guild. During their 3 years together as a group, the band went on to release 2 professionally recorded EP's, 2008's DeadRingers Guild and 2010s DeadRingers Guild II[3] and tour across the nation, sharing the stage with many national and international acts such as Paul Di'Anno (Ex-Iron Maiden), Enforcer, Cauldron, and Dark Castle.[4] The former EP contained a single written by Dreyer called "War Path", which become a finalist in the Hard Rock/Metal category of the 2009 Independent Music Awards.[5] The aforementioned award is often referred to as the "indie grammy".[6] In September 2010, Dreyer left DeadRingers Guild to go out to Los Angeles to attend school at the Musicians Institute."Once that happened, the rest of the guys in the band just kind of did their own individual things. There is no bad blood between anybody in the band. I still talk to those guys all the time", Dreyer said in an August 2011 Metal Underground interview.[7]

Jag Panzer (2011)

In July 2011, Dreyer was chosen to replace Christian Lasegue in the power metal band Jag Panzer (Century Media Records). Shortly after welcoming Dreyer into the group, Jag Panzer decided to disband. The unexpected breakup made news worldwide.[8][9] Drummer Rikard Stjernquist said, "One player, 19-year-old Jake Dreyer, submitted videos of him nailing solos from both Chris Broderick and Christian Lasegue. We were ready to welcome Jake into the band, but, unfortunately, that will not happen. There is no doubt in any of our minds that Jake will go on to be a household name in his own right."[10] Despite Christian Lasegue's replacement by the 19-year-old Dreyer, frontman Mark Briody stated,"the decision to split was not due to Lasegue's departure. It's what was best for the band as a collective and its individual members."[11]

Deathriders (2011)

Shortly after Jag Panzer disbanded, Dreyer joined DeathRiders, a heavy metal band fronted by former Anthrax (American band) vocalist, Neil Turbin. The newly formed group soon started preparing for upcoming performances and the future "Stay Screaming" tour. When asked about DeathRiders new lineup, Giovanny Torres-Bass, Peter Vazquez-Drums, Mike Guerrero-Guiter, and Jake Dreyer-Guitar, Turbin stated, "This is the best group of guys I ever had the opportunity to work with! Right from the first time we played together there was an undeniable chemistry that I personally have been searching for, a powerful musical connection that I know the fans are going to feel as well. The musicianship is top-notch."[12] DeathRiders performance was recorded live at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, California on August 23, 2011.[13]

White Wizzard (2011–2013)

In September 2011, Dreyer became the new guitarist for the band White Wizzard.[14] Within a month's time, he and the band set out on a nationwide tour as the opening act for Firewind on the "Frets of Fury" tour along with Arsis, and Nightrage.[15] The tour was both well received and attended.[16] Immediately thereafter, the band set out for Bochum, Germany to begin a two-month European tour as direct support for Iced Earth.[17] Upon their arrival home, the band started writing new music. The first song from this collaboration,"Torpedo of Truth" was recorded in May 2012. When asked about the new music, the band posted, "It will feature, beastly rhythm, thunderous melodic bass and some serious shred at a whole new level.[18] Soon thereafter, Dreyer and the band headed to Tokyo to play at Club Quattro for the band's first ever Japanese tour.[19] On June 3, 2013, "The Devil's Cut" was released via Earache Records/Century Media featuring guitar solos by Dreyer.

Kobra and the Lotus (2014–2016)

In June 2014, Dreyer joined Kobra and the Lotus as a touring guitarist in support of the Kiss and Def Leppard 40th Anniversary Summer tour.[20] The following two years with the band included various UK/European tours as well as the recording of the band's double album "Prevail I and II" (Napalm Records) with producer Jacob Hansen in Ribe, Denmark in early Spring 2016.[21]

Demons & Wizards (2019–2021)

On May 28, 2019 it was revealed that Dreyer would be the lead guitarist for the band Demons & Wizards on their "A Magical Encounter with Demons & Wizards" tour beginning May 31 in Germany.[22] Following Jon Schaffer's involvement in the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol, vocalist Hansi Kürsch disbanded the band on February 1, 2021.[23]

Iced Earth (2016–2021)

On September 25, 2016, Dreyer was announced as the new lead guitarist of Iced Earth, replacing Troy Seele, who had left the band in August citing family commitments.[24] Dreyer left the band on February 15, 2021 to focus on Witherfall following Jon Schaffer's involvement in the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol.[25]

Witherfall (2013–present)

On December 12, 2016, Witherfall released the first single "End of Time" off their debut album "Nocturnes and Requiems" available for release on February 10, 2017. Witherfall is the collective brainchild of Dreyer, vocalist Joseph Michael and the late drummer Adam Sagan. With Dreyer and Michael having previously worked together in White Wizzard and Sagan collaborating with Dreyer on the critically acclaimed debut instrumental EP In The Shadows of Madness, the trio combined forces to begin writing the project in 2013.[26]

Solo (2010–present)

In August 2010, Dreyer recorded his first solo instrumental EP In the Shadows of Madness[27] with respected producer JJ Crews of Boogie Tracks in Panama City, Florida. In April 2011, the EP was mastered by mastering pro Maor Appelbaum (Yngwie, Tony McAlpine, Rob Halford) and released a few weeks later.[28] ITSM, which features Adam Sagan (Echoterra, Into Eternity) on drums and Noah Martin (Arsis) on bass guitar showcases Dreyer's many years of study under such masters as Chris Broderick (Megadeth, Jag Panzer, Nevermore), David Shankle (David Shankle Group, Manowar), and Rusty Cooley (Outworld). Positive reviews for ITSM appeared on websites all over the world. "When we first heard the music by guitar monster Jake Dreyer, our ears were immediately hooked to the sonic perfection that this very talented guitar shredder can accomplish note after note"[4] "...Dreyer is ready to become the latest American guitar protégé with his first solo-dubbed album 'In the Shadows of Madness'."[29] As a solo artist, Dreyer is sponsored by Bogner Amplification, EMG, Inc, Kahler tremolo, RockBand Network, and Jackson Guitars.[30] He recorded a series of instructional videos for both Ultimate Guitar Archive and Reignlicks.com.[31][32] which provided step by step instructions on playing featured "licks" of his original music.[33] Dreyer's music has been played in rotation on stations such as Pandora Radio[34] and Front Row Rock,[35] as well as being in the top 10 airplay list for several weeks on Jango.[36][37] In December 2011, ITSM was rated by Apoch's Metal as one of the top 20 EPs of 2011.[38] In November 2011, the 2nd single Harmony of the Spheres was released on the Xbox 360 game, RockBand.[39] In a December 2011 Metal Insider interview, Dreyer was asked,"what accomplishment/award are you most proud of?" He replied, "I would say that my favorite accomplishment so far has been this EP. Just due to the fact that I had such a great time writing and recording it and all the guys that were part of it JJ Crews, Adam Sagan and Noah Martin are all awesome dudes. I am pretty proud of the final product...”[2]

Other

In late December 2011, Dreyer assisted Chris Broderick at the Skolnick/Broderick Winter Guitar Retreat in New York. In January 2012, he checked in with Jackson guitars.com to talk about his time with Broderick and the whole experience: “We got up on stage and jammed Jason Becker's "Perpetual Burn" on the last night. It was a great time!".[40] In September 2011, Dreyer became a guest columnist for Guitar World.com: Getting Ready to Record: The Do’s and Don’ts (September 7, 2011) and the Do’s and Don’ts of Playing Live (February 13, 2012).[41] He also took part in many artist interviews and stories.[42][43]

Equipment
  • Jackson CS KV7 (Purple quilt top) with Dimarzio D-Activator's and a Kahler 2317 tremolo
  • Jackson KV2 (Black Ghost Flame)
  • Jackson SL7 (Natural Stained Black)
  • Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature (Natural)
  • Charvel San Dimas (Tobacco Burst)
  • Charvel DK 24 (Matte Green)
  • Amp:Bogner Ecstasy
  • Head: Bogner Uber-Cab;
  • Soldano SLO 100
  • Kemper (Live)

Rack/Effects
  • Furman Power Conditioner
  • Shure ULX S4 Wireless
  • DigiTech TSR-12 (Reverb Only)
  • Dunlop Rack Wah
  • Korg DTR2000

Discography

Witherfall
  • Nocturnes and Requiems (2017)
  • A Prelude to Sorrow (2018)
  • Vintage (EP) (2019)
  • The Other Side (Ep) (2021)
  • Curse of Autumn (2021)

Iced Earth

Demons & Wizards


Kobra and the Lotus

White Wizzard

Solo
  • In the Shadows of Madness (EP) (2011)

DeadRingers Guild
  • Demo 2008 (2008)
  • DeadRingers Guild II (2010)

Note

Dreyer and his musical work is registered with ASCAP.[44]

References
  1. "Jake Dreyer Guitar God in the Making". interview. Noisecreep. July 1, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  2. "Guitarist Jake Dreyer on the Current State of Instrumental Music". Interview. Metal Insider. July 15, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  3. "2009 IMA Finalist Press". news article. Panama City News Herald. December 11, 2008. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  4. "Exclusive Interview with Jake Dreyer: Confessions of a Shreddie". interview. HornsUp. July 11, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  5. "Deadringers Guild: 8th Annual Program – Hard Rock/Metal Song IMA Nominee". article. Independent Music Awards. 2008. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  6. "Metal Guitarist JAKE DRYER Releases Debut Solo EP". release article. Braingell. June 14, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  7. "Jake Dreyer Details Recording Solo Debut "In the Shadows of Madness"". interview. metal underground archives. September 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  8. "JAG PANZER Discography". discography. Speed n Power. 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  9. "JAG PANZER Disbands". article. The Gauntlet. July 25, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  10. "JAG PANZER Disbands". article. Blabbermouth. July 25, 2011. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  11. "Jag Panzer Breaks Up". news. Noisecreep. July 25, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  12. "NEIL TURBIN's DEATHRIDERS Unveil New Lineup at Hollywood Concert (Video)". News Article. Metal4all.com. September 1, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  13. Ronnie (August 26, 2011). "DEATHRIDERS Feat. NEIL TURBIN Debuts New Lineup". Music News Video. Braingell Radio. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  14. "Guitarist Jake Dreyer Comments on Joining White Wizzard". Article. Metal Insider. September 8, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  15. "Firewind Announces 'Frets of Fury' Fall Tour, Adds Ticket Info". News Article. Guitar World. June 22, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  16. "Concert Review: White Wizzard October 10, 2011Atlanta, GA". Review article. Thegreatsouthernbrainfart.com. October 10, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  17. "Iced Earth to be supported by White Wizzard on European Tour". Blabbermouth.net. September 14, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  18. "WHITE WIZZARD To Record New Song in Early May". News article#163267. Blabbermouth.net. April 22, 2012. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  19. "White Wizzard to be Joined by Singer Wyatt Anderson for Tokyo Performance". Blabbermouth.net. April 20, 2012. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  20. "Guitarist Jake Dreyer to Fill in For Kobra and the Lotus on Tour with Def Leppard and KISS". Bravewords.com. June 18, 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  21. "Kobra and the Lotus Release New Double Album As Separate Volumes". Antimusic.com. August 14, 2016. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  22. "Demons & Wizards announce touring lineup for upcoming summer shows". metalinsider.net. May 29, 2019. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  23. "JON SCHAFFER's Longtime Friend And Bandmate HANSI KÜRSCH Officially Quits DEMONS & WIZARDS Project". Blabbermouth.net. February 1, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  24. "Iced Earth introduce new guitarist". Moshville Times. September 25, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
  25. "ICED EARTH Guitarist JAKE DREYER Distances Himself From Band, Says He Is Focusing Solely On WITHERFALL". Blabbermouth.net. February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  26. "ICED EARTH, Ex-WHITE WIZZARD, INTO ETERNITY Members Join Forces In WITHERFALL". blabbermouth.net. December 21, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  27. "In the Shadows of Madness Album Information". Allmusic. 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  28. "Maro Appelbaum Clients". Clients page. maroapplebaum. April 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  29. "Jake Dreyer "In the Shadows of Madness"". Review article. MetalUnderground.com. July 26, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  30. "Jake Dreyer". Biography Page. JDD Music. 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  31. "Jake Dreyer Guitar Lesson". Ultimate Guitar TV. March 29, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  32. "Gear Review Jake Dreyer on his Bogner Ecstasy Head". Pure Grain Audio. November 17, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  33. "Music News Round Up July 27". PCM Music. July 27, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  34. "Jake Dreyer in the Shadows of Madness". Radio. PandoraRadio. 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  35. "Jake Dryer Exclusive Album Stream, "In The Shadows of Madness"". Stream. SkullsNBones Network. July 28, 2011. Archived from the original on April 16, 2015. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  36. "Jango Airplay Top 10". Ratings List. Jango Airplay. June 1, 2011. Archived from the original on November 29, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  37. "Jango Airplay Top 10". Jangoairplay.com. March 13, 2012. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  38. "Apoch's Metal Top 20 EPs of the Year". list. Apochs.net. December 2011. Archived from the original on April 21, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  39. "Jake Dreyer's Harmony of the Spheres Now Available on Rockband". Metal Insider. November 21, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  40. "White Wizzard's Jake Dreyer Checks In". Jackson Guitar.com. January 18, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  41. "The Do's and Don'ts of Playing Live and Getting Ready to Record: The Do's and Don'ts". Guitar World.com. February 13, 2012 [September 7, 2011]. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  42. "Jake Dreyer: Guitar God in the Making". Interview. Noisecreep.com. July 1, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  43. Deathbringer (July 5, 2011). "Pit Stories: Slayer Retains The Crown For King Of The Mosh Pits". Stories. Metal Underground. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  44. "ASCAP-Jake Dreyer". ASCAP. 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
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