Acclaimed metal drumming sensation Steve Bolognese began making waves in the hard rock/heavy metal music scene in 2005, playing with some high profile acts including Beyond the Embrace (Metal Blade Records), Into Eternity (Century Media Records) and Baptized in Blood (Roadrunner Records. Steve quickly became well known for his extreme versatility and technical ability on the drumset. Steve’s relentless touring schedule has taken him across the globe, making him increasingly popular among fans and musicians alike.
Born in November 1981 and raised in Boston MA, Steve began his musical career at age 16, playing locally throughout the Boston area. At the same time, Steve also began drumset lessons with a local teacher who introduced him to many styles of music and drumming, including jazz, funk, and Latin.
In 2000, looking to take his playing to the next level, Steve began studying with Berklee professor Mike Mangini. He continued to study with Mike regularly for the next 3 years, exploring new elements in music and combining them with his already fusion-inspired style.
In 2004, after receiving an Associate’s degree in liberal studies from Middlesex Community College, Steve joined Beyond the Embrace, and his playing rose to the national level. After completing a full U.S. tour, he returned home and began teaching privately. In 2006, after an extensive audition process, Steve landed the gig with highly-acclaimed progressive metal titans Into Eternity. This took Steve’s playing to the international level. Into Eternity has shared the stage with some of the top metal bands in the world including Megadeth, Dream Theater, Opeth, Symphony X, and Lamb of God.
Continuing his education between gigs, Steve began studying with Berklee /Drummers Collective faculty member Kim Plainfield, and in 2007, Steve was invited to teach at Berklee College of Music’s World Percussion Festival. He has since been invited back each year as a guest instructor and has been a first call substitute for Mike Mangini and Dave Dicenso for each of Berklee’s spring, summer and fall semesters in 2011.
Steve recorded “The Incurable Tragedy,” his first record with Into Eternity, in 2008. This release earned him rave reviews; excerpts from some are listed below.
“Steve Bolognese is one seriously fierce technician. His tensile strength, blistering speed, and machine-like precision make you tired just listening to him (if not jealous). Nevertheless, his attack is fully organic and mindful of the song’s needs.” — DRUM Magazine
“Their new CD, "The Incurable Tragedy," takes their brand of extreme progressive metal to a whole new level of intensity with some great playing, killer riffs, insane vocals, and an intense lyrical concept.” — Mike Portnoy, Ex-Dream Theater, Adrenaline Mob
“Steve's drumming is rock solid, combining undeniable chops with interesting, creative ideas. His playing is spot-on when it comes to progressive metal/progressive death metal. He also happens to be a really nice guy!”— Rod Morgenstein, Dixie Dregs and Winger; Professor, Berklee College of Music
Interviews and transcriptions of Steve’s work have been featured on sickdrummer.com, Modern Drummer and DRUM! Magazines. He has also performed at the NAMM show in Anaheim, CA and has performed drumset clinics at Berklee College of Music.
After touring and accumulating over 7 years of experience as a private drum instructor, Steve relocated to Los Angeles, CA in 2012 where he continues to perform and record.