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Mark Castillo
Mark Castillo
Mark Castillo
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Key Information

Mark Edward Castillo, (born October 10, 1980) is an American musician. He is a former drummer of the deathcore band Emmure, the hard rock band Crossfade and the progressive metal band Between the Buried and Me, and a founding member and current drummer of American metalcore bands Bury Your Dead and Painless.

Early life

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Castillo attended North Shore Technical High School, Middleton, Massachusetts where he majored in Health Assisting.

Between The Buried and Me

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Castillo played drums on progressive metalcore band Between the Buried and Me's 2003 release The Silent Circus.

Bury Your Dead

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In 2001, Castillo and guitarist Brendan "Slim" MacDonald formed a side-project which would later evolve into Bury Your Dead. Throughout numerous line-up changes Castillo was ever-present in the band as they released five albums via Victory Records before Castillo departed amicably in December 2010 to join Crossfade. Castillo would return from 2011 to 2014 and returning again in 2016.

Crossfade

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Throughout 2010, Crossfade was actively seeking a drummer following the departure of James Branham in 2007, culminating in the band holding auditions in lead-singer Ed Sloan's garage. Castillo would make the long journey to West Columbia, South Carolina and successfully audition, becoming a full-time member of the line-up and going on to perform frequently alongside them throughout 2011. Their June 21, 2011 release We All Bleed was recorded in 2009/10 with Evanescence's Will Hunt performing drums and percussion on the album.

Emmure

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On January 8, 2012, Lambgoat revealed that Castillo had joined Emmure for the recording of their fifth full-length album, Slave to the Game. Later, Castillo confirmed that he would be leaving Crossfade to join Emmure full-time.[1]

On July 2, 2014, it was announced that Castillo had departed the band, and All Shall Perish drummer Adam Pierce would replace him on the band's upcoming tours.[2]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mark Castillo

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from Grokipedia
Mark Edward Castillo (born October 10, 1980) is an American heavy metal drummer, born and raised in , , renowned for his aggressive playing style and contributions to bands across , , and genres. Castillo began drumming at the age of six and has been active professionally since 1987, initially gaining recognition as a co-founder of the band in 2001, where he served as drummer during multiple stints from 2001–2002, 2004–2010, and 2016–2025. His tenure with Bury Your Dead included contributions to all of the band's albums during those periods, solidifying his role in the scene. Beyond , Castillo briefly joined band as drummer from 2003 to 2004, contributing to their early lineup during the recording of the album Silent Circus. He later played with band Crossfade from 2010 to 2012, appearing on their album We All Bleed, and joined deathcore outfit from 2012 to 2014, performing on albums like Slave to the Game. In 2014, Castillo stepped away from Emmure following surgery to address , a health challenge that marked a pivotal moment in his career. Endorsed by major percussion brands such as and Zildjian, he performed and recorded with Bury Your Dead until the band's disbandment in September 2025 while residing in .

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Mark Castillo was born on October 10, 1980, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a household with an older brother named Rick, whose ownership of a provided Castillo's initial exposure to percussion instruments. As a child, Castillo began experimenting with drumming around the age of six or seven by sneaking downstairs to play on his brother's old Ludwig kit in the basement whenever Rick was absent.

Introduction to music and schooling

His introduction to music came at a young age through drumming; around six years old, he began experimenting on his brother's set whenever it was left unattended. By age seven, Castillo was regularly sneaking down to the to play on his brother Rick's old Ludwig kit, fostering an early passion that would define his musical path.

Musical career

Between the Buried and Me and early professional work

In 2003, Mark Castillo joined the progressive metalcore band as their drummer, replacing Will Goodyear amid ongoing lineup adjustments following the group's self-titled debut album. His tenure began in March of that year, marking his entry into professional recording and touring in the scene. Castillo's primary contribution came on the band's second album, The Silent Circus, released on October 7, 2003, via . The album was recorded and mixed by Matthew Ellard at an undisclosed studio in , with the band co-producing and Carl Platter serving as drum technician. Castillo's drumming featured prominently in the album's intricate, mathcore-influenced sound, characterized by pounding staccato patterns, rapid shifts, and complex breaks that supported the band's shifting time signatures and aggressive riffs. Tracks like "Lost Perfection" and "" showcased his technical precision, blending blast beats with dynamic grooves to enhance the progressive elements. Castillo's time with Between the Buried and Me lasted less than a year, ending in December 2003 when he departed due to band dynamics and a desire for a more engaging creative environment, leaving the group after just this one release. This brief stint solidified his reputation for handling demanding progressive material early in his career.

Bury Your Dead

Mark Castillo co-founded in late as a alongside Brendan "Slim" MacDonald while both were members of the band , initially focusing on heavy influences from acts like and to channel their more aggressive musical ideas. After an early stint as the band's from to 2002, Castillo departed to join , leaving the group amid initial lineup instability as they developed their sound. He rejoined in 2004, aligning with the band's signing to and contributing to their major-label debut album Cover Your Tracks, where his dynamic percussion drove the record's blend of hardcore breakdowns and melodic elements. Castillo's role solidified during the 2004–2010 period, marked by frequent tours and the release of three more Victory Records albums that showcased the band's evolution toward a polished metalcore style with chaotic energy. On Beauty and the Breakdown (2006), his spastic, high-speed drumming—featuring rapid blast beats and intricate fills—provided the rhythmic backbone for tracks like "House of Straw," helping the album achieve critical notice for its intensity and accessibility. He continued this approach on the self-titled Bury Your Dead (2008), emphasizing tight, aggressive patterns that supported vocalist Mat Bruso's return and the band's shift to heavier riffs, and on It's Nothing Personal (2009), where his adaptable style accommodated growing nu-metal influences while maintaining hardcore mosh-pit drive. These four Victory releases highlighted Castillo's ability to tailor his playing to the genre's demands, from relentless double-kick assaults in breakdowns to subtle groove variations that enhanced the band's emotional dynamics. Amid ongoing band instability, including vocal and lineup shifts, Castillo briefly returned in 2011 to record drums for Mosh 'N Roll on Mediaskare Records, recapturing the group's raw hardcore roots with fast-paced, breakdown-heavy tracks before departing later that year due to scheduling conflicts. He rejoined more permanently from 2016 to 2025, supporting reunion efforts that included sporadic shows and the 2019 EP We Are Bury Your Dead, where his drumming retained its signature ferocity amid a matured lineup featuring bassist Aaron Patrick and guitarist Chris Towning. This era emphasized live performances over new material, allowing Castillo to refine his metalcore adaptations for enduring fan favorites. Key events defined Castillo's tenure, including his 2010 exit for other commitments, which prompted temporary replacements, and subsequent returns driven by the band's persistent lineup flux and desire for original continuity. The 2025 farewell activities culminated his involvement, with the band's final performance on September 20, 2025, at the , where Castillo waved goodbye to the crowd amid emotional tributes from bandmates, including vocalist Mat Bruso.

Crossfade and Emmure

In November 2010, Mark Castillo joined Crossfade as their drummer following a period of auditions, marking a shift from his prior commitments. He contributed to the band's 2011 touring schedule, including performances supporting their self-titled sophomore album (2011), where his drumming emphasized steady grooves and dynamic fills suited to the group's style. This tenure allowed Castillo to adapt his technique to more accessible, radio-friendly rhythms compared to the intensity of his earlier work. Castillo's time with Crossfade was short-lived due to overlapping opportunities, leading him to depart in January 2012 to focus on full-time. He had briefly left earlier to join Crossfade, seeking a change in musical direction toward stability. On January 8, 2012, it was announced that Castillo had joined , where he provided drums for their fifth album, Slave to the Game (2012), infusing the record with aggressive, high-speed patterns including blast beats characteristic of . His playing on tracks like "Protoman" highlighted rapid double-kick work and breakdowns, contrasting the groove-oriented approach he employed in Crossfade. During his two-and-a-half-year stint with , Castillo toured extensively and adapted to the band's relentless live energy, though scheduling conflicts from his prior commitments had initially limited his Crossfade involvement. He left on July 2, 2014, citing health challenges including progressive in his left ear, which culminated in surgery for a ; the departure was described as amicable. This move reflected Castillo's pursuit of more intense opportunities while navigating personal and professional transitions.

Painless and later projects

Following his departure from Emmure in 2014, Mark Castillo co-founded the band Painless in 2018 alongside former Emmure bandmates guitarist Jesse Ketive, guitarist Mike Mulholland, and bassist Mark Davis, with vocalist Jake Shaw (formerly of Defiler) joining as the frontman. The group self-released their debut EP, No Help, on June 22, 2018, featuring tracks that showcased a blend of aggressive riffs and melodic elements. Key singles from this period included "Ominous Wind," accompanied by a released in June 2018, and "Hungry," with its official video premiering in October 2018. Painless represents a stylistic shift for Castillo, moving toward a more varied sound with diverse textures and collaborative songwriting that diverges from Emmure's heavier influences, emphasizing natural musical evolution among the members. As of 2024, Castillo remains the band's , contributing to their ongoing post--leaning approach that incorporates broader hardcore and melodic dynamics. Beyond Painless, Castillo has pursued as a DJ, live performer, and studio based in , since around 2020, including appearances at local events such as celebrations and community gatherings. As of 2025, following the disbandment of , no new major band projects have been announced, with his focus continuing on session drumming and performance work. His session drumming work builds on earlier availability for hire announced in , though specific recent contributions remain undocumented in public records.

Personal life and legacy

Relationships and challenges

Mark Castillo has been in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Hillary Reed, with whom he shared a home in New Hartford, Connecticut. On October 18, 2023, their residence—a small farm owned by Reed—was completely destroyed by a fire, resulting in the total loss of personal belongings, though insurance covered the structure itself. Neither Castillo nor Reed was injured, and the animals on the property were unharmed, but the couple faced immediate challenges including displacement, lost wages, and the need to replace irreplaceable items and provide for animal care. In response, a campaign organized by friends and Angie Bruso raised funds to help the couple cover essentials such as , furniture, and temporary housing, highlighting community support for Castillo's kindness and humility within the music scene. Following the fire, Castillo relocated to . In 2014, Castillo underwent cochlear implant surgery to address progressive hearing loss, which led him to leave Emmure.

Impact on metalcore and farewell activities

Mark Castillo contributed to diverse heavy music subgenres through his work with bands including (progressive metal), (metalcore), Crossfade (hard rock), and (deathcore). His versatility drew from influences in metal, hip-hop, and R&B. In a 2011 Modern Drummer feature, Castillo detailed his technique, emphasizing a foundation built from years of heavy band experience and a preference for dynamic setups like his Crush chameleon kit with heads and , which allowed him to navigate the demands of varied ensembles. Castillo's involvement in Bury Your Dead's farewell activities marked a poignant closure to his touring era with the band. In April 2025, during a teased by vocalist Mat Bruso as a potential "one last show," Castillo waved goodbye to the crowd, an emotional moment hinting at his possible final appearance amid lineup changes. The band's definitive farewell came on September 20, 2025, at the Metal & Hardcore Festival, where Castillo performed alongside Bruso, Brendan "Slim" MacDonald, and Aaron Patrick, delivering a 13-song set including classics like "House of Straw." Bruso publicly praised Castillo during the show, affirming the drummer's foundational role in the band's 24-year history.

References

  1. https://sabian.com/artist/mark-castillo/
  2. https://zildjian.com/blogs/artist/mark-castillo
  3. https://www.metal-archives.com/artists/Mark_Castillo/704109
  4. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mn0000399190
  5. https://www.metalsucks.net/2014/07/02/drummer-mark-castillo-receives-cochlear-implant-quits-emmure/
  6. https://lambgoat.com/news/49660/watch-bury-your-dead-perform-final-show-ever-at-new-england-metal-and-hardcore-festival-2025/
  7. https://www.discogs.com/artist/1516054-Mark-Edward-Castillo
  8. https://www.moderndrummer.com/2011/07/mark-castillo-of-crossfade/
  9. https://www.progarchives.com/album-reviews.asp?id=11758
  10. https://lambgoat.com/news/2995/between-the-buried-and-me-loses-drummer/
  11. https://www.discogs.com/release/2037512-Between-The-Buried-And-Me-The-Silent-Circus
  12. https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/music-reviews/between-the-buried-and-me-the-silent-circus-remix-remaster/
  13. https://spectrumculture.com/2020/08/12/between-the-buried-and-me-the-silent-circus-review/
  14. https://bravewords.com/news/between-the-buried-and-me-drummer-quits-in-search-of-fun
  15. https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/east-valley/2008/03/13/bury-your-dead-undeterred-by/52488339007/
  16. https://open.spotify.com/artist/2cGTjGiqVo9E2NQIz3lP9D
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/14802982-Bury-Your-Dead-Cover-Your-Tracks
  18. https://victoryrecords.com/artist/bury-your-dead/
  19. https://www.metalexpressradio.com/2006/07/11/bury-your-dead-beauty-and-the-breakdown/
  20. https://www.discogs.com/master/753070-Bury-Your-Dead-Its-Nothing-Personal
  21. https://www.punknews.org/review/5499/bury-your-dead-beauty-and-the-breakdown
  22. https://blowthescene.com/interviews/bury-your-dead-interview.html
  23. https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2019/10/23/bury-your-dead-we-are-bury-your-dead/
  24. https://www.metalsucks.net/2025/04/14/bury-your-deads-matt-bruso-wants-to-properly-send-the-band-off/
  25. https://blabbermouth.net/news/crossfade-joined-by-bury-your-dead-drummer
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IToIyftFlLg
  27. https://www.altpress.com/exclusive_emmure_announce_new_album_slave_to_the_game/
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06hXGGmxZ7s
  29. https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2014/07/03/ex-between-the-buried-and-mebury-your-dead-drummer-mark-castillo-is-now-an-ex-emmure-drummer/
  30. https://lambgoat.com/news/22815/emmure-drummer-mark-castillo-quits-band
  31. https://metalinjection.net/av/ex-emmure-members-form-new-band-painless
  32. https://www.theprp.com/2018/05/28/news/ex-emmure-members-launch-new-band-painless/
  33. https://metalnoise.net/2018/06/news-painless-drop-debut-song-ominous-wind
  34. https://v13.net/2018/06/ex-defiler-frontman-jake-shaw-on-new-band-painless-featuring-ex-emmure-members/
  35. https://www.explorefarmington.com/stories/celebrate-the-new-year-in-farmington
  36. https://patch.com/connecticut/westhartford/youre-luck-local-choral-group-hosts-good-luck-themed-party
  37. https://lambgoat.com/news/3586/bury-your-dead-drummer-available-for-hire/
  38. https://www.gofundme.com/f/mark-and-hillary-recover-from-a-house-fire
  39. https://metalinjection.net/news/bummer-alert/bury-your-dead-drummer-mark-castillo-loses-home-in-fire
  40. https://www.metalsucks.net/2023/10/19/gofundme-started-to-help-bury-your-deads-mark-castillo-following-house-fire/
  41. https://themosh.net/bury-your-deads-mat-bruso-teases-one-last-show/
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