Behind the Kit: Tom Moylan

Dublin’s underground metal scene is alive and thrashing, and at the heart of its pounding rhythm is Tom, a powerhouse drummer known for holding down the relentless beats in multiple well-known thrash bands. Currently, he splits his time between Ghosts of War, a high-energy Slayer cover band, Saint Slaughter, which recently went on hiatus, and Psykosis, who are gearing up to release their second album, Mind Games, on May 1st. With over a decade behind the kit, Tom has built a reputation as one of Dublin’s most formidable thrash drummers. From early musical influences to playing some of the biggest stages in metal, his journey is one of passion, persistence, and unrelenting energy. Years of gigging, recording, and refining his craft have laid the groundwork for his continued impact on the scene.

Growing up in a household steeped in diverse musical tastes, Tom was surrounded by everything from The Eagles and Simon & Garfunkel to Metallica and Pantera. But it was his older brother, Declan, who served as Tom's primary influence, particularly when it came to heavier music. Declan opened the floodgates, introducing him to bands like Led Zeppelin, RHCP, and Megadeth, igniting Tom's passion for metal. Declan's support extended beyond just music discovery; he was a constant presence, attending shows whenever possible and even helping Tom lug gear. However, it wasn’t until he sat behind a drum kit at 16 that Tom realized he had a natural knack for rhythm. A simple AC/DC beat was the gateway, and by 18, he had his own drum kit-a decision that would shape the rest of his life.

Tom Moylan 2025 (photo by IED)

Thrash metal, with its sheer speed and raw aggression, called to him like nothing else. As Tom puts it, "The best way I can describe thrash metal? It’s like the dance music of heavy metal - it makes people wanna go nuts and mosh and jump around like a lunatic." This raw energy and visceral response are at the core of thrash's appeal. Born in the early 1980s, thrash metal emerged as a faster, more aggressive evolution of heavy metal, blending the intensity of hardcore punk with the technical proficiency of metal. Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax-often referred to as "The Big Four" of thrash-pioneered this sound, pushing the boundaries of speed, complexity, and aggression. Their influence is undeniable, and it's particularly fascinating that someone born in the 1990s, well after thrash metal's 1980s peak, is so passionately dedicated to the genre.

It speaks volumes about the enduring energy and timeless appeal of thrash, that a new generation, like Tom and his peers, are keeping this music alive and thriving close to 35 years later. The defining moment for Tom came when he first heard Slayer’s "Seasons In The Abyss." Dave Lombardo’s precise yet ferocious drumming solidified Tom’s determination to master the instrument. From there, he dove deep into the craft, drawing influence from legends like Igor Cavalera (Sepultura), Nick Menza (Megadeth), and Gene Hoglan (Death, Testament, Dark Angel).

Like many musicians, Tom’s early days involved jamming with school friends, playing Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes covers. However, it was his time with Saint Slaughter that truly shaped him as a musician. Joining Psykosis in 2016, Tom found himself in a faster, more aggressive musical environment, one that pushed his stamina and precision to new limits. He learned to control his energy, ensuring he didn’t burn out in the first three songs of a set. Whether in the studio or on stage, his goal remained the same: precision, consistency, and delivering an unforgettable performance.

Tom Moylan – Rehearsal Drumming Feb 2025 (1/2)

“Something that took me a really long time to learn was how to pace myself throughout a gig. It’s no use blowing all your steam during the first three songs and then having nothing left in the tank for the remainder of the show. So stretching, warming up and staying well hydrated before sitting down to play, be it at practice or at a gig is also very important”

Having been part of the metal scene for many years, Tom has seen its evolution. While the underground scene remains strong, Dublin still doesn’t have enough venues dedicated to live rock and metal music. There are places that cater to the scene, but the demand far outweighs the number of available venues. This shortage has led to a rise in DIY gigs, where bands and organizers set up pop-up shows in spaces that aren’t traditionally designed for live music.

Scenes like punk and hardcore have adapted by hosting gigs in unconventional locations around areas like Phibsborough, often using venues without proper stages or sound systems. These grassroots efforts, as highlighted by Harry Press in an article, which you can read here, have helped sustain the heavy music scene-but they also highlight the need for more dedicated spaces where bands can develop and grow.

Tom looking Metal AF (Photo by IED)

He points to Limerick’s "Siege of Limerick" festival as a prime example of how a committed local scene, supported by dedicated spaces, can thrive. The biannual, free-entry festival, organized by Bad Reputation Ireland, has become a cornerstone of the Irish metal scene, bringing together both Irish and international bands across genres like death, black, doom, and thrash metal. Hosted in Dolans, a venue known for embracing heavy music, the festival proves that with the right infrastructure and passionate organizers, underground metal can flourish outside the mainstream.

Despite challenges, Tom remains optimistic. The internet has made it easier for bands to share their music, but it also means revenue comes largely from merch sales rather than album purchases. Nevertheless, Dublin’s metal scene continues to churn out talented musicians, with younger players demonstrating incredible skill levels at an early age.

Among Tom’s career highlights, playing Bloodstock 2016 in the UK stands out. It was only his second show with Psykosis, and the nerves were almost overwhelming-an intense mix of excitement and pressure. Sitting behind the kit, staring out at the massive crowd, he felt the weight of expectation. But as soon as he locked into the first beat, the adrenaline took over. Over the years, he’s had the chance to open for legendary acts like Sodom, Diamond Head, and Sacred Reich-moments of validation that remind him why he dedicates himself so fully to the world of metal.

Beyond the music, what keeps Tom invested in the scene is the sense of community. "These are my people," he says. His bandmates and friends aren’t just colleagues-they’re a support system, a second family. This camaraderie, coupled with the constant drive to push Psykosis to new heights, fuels his passion.

Right now, Psykosis is gearing up for a string of shows with The Troops Of Doom across Ireland and the UK, leading up to the release of their second album, “Mind Games”, on May 1st. While Tom is also involved in some "top secret" projects, details remain under wraps-for now. If anyone out there has the inside scoop on what he's up to, drop us a message-we’d love to get the exclusive!

Tom Moylan – Rehearsal Drumming Feb 2025 (2/2)

For those looking to break into the metal scene, Tom offers some sage advice: "Practice like your life depends on it." Metal drumming is an unforgiving discipline, speed, endurance, and precision are all non-negotiable. The drummer is the backbone of any metal band, and without rock-solid timing and relentless energy, the entire performance suffers. Beyond technical proficiency, Tom stresses the importance of developing a personal style, investing in reliable gear, and above all, having fun with the music despite the grueling hours of practice and physical demand it requires.

If given the chance to share the stage with any band, past or present, Tom’s answer is instant: Slayer, with Dave Lombardo behind the kit. Not just for the performance itself, but for the opportunity to study the drumming icon up close and thank him for his profound influence.

Follow Tom and Psykosis on social media for updates on new music, shows, and all things thrash:

• Instagram: Psykosis Thrash Metal

• Facebook: Psykosis

• Spotify: Psykosis on Spotify

• Merch Store: Bigcartel

With unshakable dedication and an unrelenting passion for thrash, Tom continues to drive the pulse of Dublin’s metal scene. Juggling his role in three bands, he brings the same intensity and precision to each project, solidifying his reputation as one of the hardest-working drummers in the scene. And with Mind Games on the horizon, there’s no doubt that Psykosis is set to make an even bigger impact in the world of heavy music.