Tommy Viator of Disincarnate and Acid Death Has Passed Away

Another loss was felt in the music world yesterday, as it was announced via social media that drummer and keyboardist Tommy Viator has passed away.

Perhaps best known for his work behind the kit on Disincarnate‘s 1993 album Dreams Of The Carrion Kind, Viator’s credits include playing drums on Acid Bath‘s 1996 album Paegan Terrorism Tactics. News of Viator’s death came out in a social media post by guitarist James Murphy, formerly of Disincarnate, Obituary, Death, and Testament.

“RIP Disincarnate drummer Tommy Viator, pictured here to the far left in 1993. I have no idea what happened, I just know that he is gone.

“Tommy was a key element to the band’s sound, with a drumming style all his own… he helped make the Dreams of the Carrion Kind album heavy as hell without a single blast beat, at least not as that technique is known today. He was wearing my leather in this pic, I don’t really remember why.

“We just spoke back at the beginning of April, and he seemed to be in good spirits and having some positive musical activities and plans with musicians local to him near his home in Louisiana. I’m glad we had that conversation, and I’m very glad that I let him know that I appreciated him at the end of it. I would’ve said so much more if I had known, but we never know.”

Our hearts go out to Viator’s friends, family, and former bandmates as they mourn his loss.