Karl Sanders of NILE Discusses Pickleball: Karl Sanders of the death metal band NILE recently shared his passion for pickleball during an interview on Side Jams With Bryan Reesman. Sanders revealed that he plays with a CANNIBAL CORPSE paddle and discussed how the sport has brought a sense of community and positivity into his life.
Sanders’ Pickleball Journey
Sanders, who used to play tennis with NILE’s original drummer Pete Hammoura, began playing pickleball after Hammoura’s hip problems made tennis difficult. Sanders’ wife had gifted him a pickleball paddle, and the two decided to try it out. It quickly became a favorite activity, not just for Sanders, but for Hammoura as well.
“There’s a social aspect to the game, and it somehow is a game that encourages sportsmanship and politeness with your opponents,” (Sanders told Reesman).
He went on to explain that the closeness of the game, especially in doubles, fosters a sense of community and respect among players.
Positive Impact of Pickleball
Sanders emphasized how pickleball has restored his faith in humanity. He was disheartened by the way people treated each other after the pandemic but found that the sport brings out the best in people.
“Pickleball has restored my faith in humanity,” (Sanders),
noting that players act with kindness and civility, something he doesn’t always see in everyday life.
“Put those same people on a pickleball court together, and they act like civilized human beings who care about one another,” (Sanders),
reflecting on the unexpected positive behaviors he’s witnessed on the court.
NILE’s Latest Release and Upcoming Tour
While pickleball has become a personal passion for Sanders, his main focus remains NILE’s music. The band released their tenth album, The Underworld Awaits Us All, in August 2024 through Napalm Records. The album, known for its technicality and brutality, was produced at Sanders’ Serpent Headed Studios and mixes complex themes of life and death.
In addition to the album release, NILE has announced an upcoming 2025 USA co-headline tour with SIX FEET UNDER. The tour begins on January 7, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, and will feature support from PSYCROPTIC and EMBRYONIC AUTOPSY. This tour is set to bring the band’s powerful death metal sound to audiences across the country.
Impact of Sanders’ Dual Passions
Sanders’ love for pickleball and his musical career highlight how both his artistic expression and personal interests intersect. By sharing his thoughts on the sport’s positive impact, Sanders has shown how activities outside of work can enhance one’s life. His dual passions—pickleball and death metal—reveal the importance of finding joy in diverse experiences, no matter the intensity or style.
News in Brief: Karl Sanders of NILE Discusses Pickleball
Karl Sanders of NILE shared his passion for pickleball in an interview, highlighting its positive impact on his life and sense of community. He emphasized the sport’s encouragement of sportsmanship and civility. While passionate about pickleball, Sanders remains focused on NILE’s music, with a new album and tour upcoming.
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