So, Dirk, its been a great year for extreme music - Best album you bought this year?
Jesu – Jesu/Dethroned vinyl
And what was the best album you’ve heard this year but never got round to buying?
Brutal Truth – Endtime
Any turkeys for us? What was the worst album you bought this year?
My wife bought the new Lady Gaga and I was very disappointed by that one
That's understandable. Who or what was the best artist you saw in the live arena in 2011?
Prince’s Welcome 2 America tour
How about your most exciting event of the year?
Tied between Devin Townsend Project in London; the first Sick Drummer Camp; Soilwork at Roskilde & Graspop; and Decibel’s monthly flexi.
At the othe end of the scale, tell us about your most yawn-inducing event of 2011?
Editing hours and hours of drums...
Sounds like thirsty work. Assuming you give yourself a little holiday break, what will you be drinking at Midnight on December 31 to see in 2012?
A strong cup of black coffee
And who is your tip to break out of the underground and into the general consciousness in 2012?
The Arcane Order (severely underrated!), Colosso and Anatomy of I
What does 2012 hold in store for you?
New releases with Bent Sea; online drum lessons via BandHappy and RealLesson; lots of Soilwork
And what is your Christmas message to the readers of Metal as Fuck?
Celebrate with a BLAST!