Jim Deabenderfer began drumming at around ten years of age: bashing anything in sight with psuedo drum sticks.  Once he became serious in 1991, he began various projects as most young musicians do.

Once he relocated to Western Pennsylvania with his family in late 1992, Jim found a myriad of musicians to keep him busy, as would prove over the coming years.  It would be his late 1970's Premier jazz five piece kit (refurbished and revitalized completely by hand by his late father, David Deabenderfer) that would serve him for the next five years.  First was Obstinate Direction (thrash/grind, 1994-1995), then Socio-Deviate (hardcore/death metal, 1995-1996).  Both of these projects were shortlived, but were integral to Jim's growth as a musician and live performer.

Lethal Prayer welcomed Jim to the fold (under the psudeonym Azazael) in summer of 1997.  Jim left the band in early 1998 due to legal entanglements (much to his regret), and also made a failed attempt to return to LP in 1999.  Belial's professionalism and dedication to the craft rubbed off on Jim, and the two have remained in close contact ever sinc

During his stint with Lethal Prayer, Jim began a solo project (also under his pseudonymn Azazael), Blood of Kingu.  This was Jim's first attempts at real songwriting, with surprising results.  Jim later recorded a pro demo track in 2003. 

Mi'Gauss asked Jim to fill in on bass for them in early fall, 1998.  Shortly after the offer was made, Jill McEntee (then Daily) offered Jim a vocalist position for an all-star lineup of Funerus.  It was a tremendous experience, and one of the best shows Jim will ever remember (attendees were treated to a Blood of Kingu song at the end, courtesy of Belial and Jim) Also during this time with Mi'Gauss, he also moonlighted with black metallers Eternal Winter, and experimented with prog-jazz trio Remain Calm. 

Sathanas enlisted Jim's help briefly in 1999.  He bowed out shortly after.  This also marked the last time he would pick up the sticks for nearly four years.

Increasing financial difficulties forced Jim into a difficult decision: he joined the United States Marine Corps in June, 2000.  During that time, he regained his self confidence, sense of pride, and learned much about fitness, endurance, and himself.  In spring of 2003, Jim bought his second drumkit, a Pearl Export ELX (see more on the Gear page). 

In January 2005, Jim started AXIOM.  AXIOM pushed Jim's drumming ability to a level he never thought possible, and will always look back on the experience favorably. 

In July of 2005, while AXIOM was still active, Cardiac Arrest guitarist/vocalist Adam Scott propositioned Jim with filling in for the deathgrinders.  Jim learned a nine song set in less than three rehearsals, and the stage was set.  Upon AXIOM's untimely demise, Jim was made a permanent member of Cardiac Arrest.  This, of all the projects Jim has encountered over the years, is by far the best fit for his style: brutal, old school, fast, grinding death metal.


   Drumming for CA has definitely begun a new era for Jim’s musical

career.  Since Jim joined the band, Cardiac Arrest has shared the stage with Malas, Severed, Criminales, Ezurate, Ancient Gods, Mortem, Rellik, Fallen Empire, In Autumn, Fleshgrind (for what would prove to be their final show!), Solace, Moral Decay, Dead for Days, Bound & Gagged, Funeral Fuck Toy, Gorgasm, Mordrid, Disrobe, Mutilated, Solidification, Morningstar, Midget Parade, Wounds of Ruin, and others.  Jim entered Mercenary Digital Studio with Cardiac Arrest and recorded their 2005 promo.  By the time the Chicago Metal Devastation Fest 1 occurred Halloween of 2005, the scene was abuzz with what Jim and CA were up to.  It wasn't long after a triumphant appearance at CMD1 that former members of Gorespawn sought Jim’s services in an as-yet-unnamed death/doom metal project as a sessionist.  The project has grown into a progressive one, with tempos and textures all over the shop. 

   2006 was a busy year for Jim.  Jim and CA played nearly two dozen shows in their native Chicago (on top of out of state obligations), despite other complications.  CA recorded their debut CD, “Morgue Mutilations” (Redrum Records), in spring of 2006.  Jim recorded all ten of his drum tracks in one six hour session, with eight of the ten songs being first take!  Shortly after the session, Jim severly injured his left ankle, severing a ligament.  After playing with the injury for some months, it was determined that surgery was necessary.  The surgery put Jim out for three months.  In August of 2006, Jim and CA made a triumphant live comeback, released their CD, and laid the groundwork for better opportunities. 

   By January 2007, CA had become one of the top death metal bands in Chicago, opening for bands such as Destruction, Municipal Waste, Into Eternity, Estuary, Putrid Pile, Lividity, Unmerciful, Vital Remains, Acheron, Incantation, Funerus, and Resurrection.  Word in the scene spread quickly, and CA had already done an East Coast tour (w/ExDementia), in addition to festival dates: Mayhem in May (KY), Metal Mayhem 3 (IL), and Milwaukee Metalfest XIX (WI, main stage second day).  Appearances at the Central IL Metalfest and the Detroit Metalfest were also extremely successful. 

   2008 saw the release of CA's second record, Cadaverous Presence, met by a massive wave of industry and fan support.   Named Grind On Webzine's record of the year 2008, Cadaverous Presesnce showcased even more dynamic drumming, and jackhammering blast beats that were fast becoming Jim's trademark.  Running the festival circuit in Los Angeles, Central Illinois, St. Paul, and Chicago,  CA continued to ply theur live trade with devastating effect. 

Jim lent his talents to Anal Blast from July 2008 to February 2009.   A great experience that simply did not last long enough.  Rest in Peace, Don.

In October 2008, Jim joined Chicago extreme thrashers SALLAH., and is currently in writing mode with the band for the follow up to Fortune & Glory.

   2009 was a landmark year as well, marking the recording of CA's third full length, Haven for the Insane, as well as several tours and festival appearances.  By February 2010, CA had signed with Ibex Moon Records, opening the door wide open for the next chapter of Jim's career.

   Jim is proud to say that Axis Percussion and Grindstix have both endorsed him since Spring of 2007.  He fully stands behind their products, and uses them exclusively.

In February 2011, Jim left Cardiac Arrest and Sallah to pursue other areas of his life. He is stll a (somewhat inactive) drummer.

 

- October 2011