Rich Smith started playing drums at the age of 13. A self taught drummer, he started playing with local band Fallen Idol at the age of 17. Soon after in 1997 he formed his own band Cruel Humanity with whom he recorded 4 promos and in 2004 he recorded one official album 'Creatures of Fear', which was released independently through London based label Shadowflame Productions.



Rich Smith toured the UK fairly extensively where he also performed at high profile events, notably Bloodstock 03 and support slots with Vader, Dark Funeral, Old Man's Child, Green Carnation and The Blood Divine. He parted ways with Cruel Humanity in 2008.



Not content with limiting his drum work to one particular genre, Rich Smith was on the look out for a project that would take him back to his musical roots. In 2006 he was recruited to play drums for up and coming local Power Metal band Metalloid. Rich Smith has been one of the principle driving and promoting forces behind the band for three years which resulted in the band having a large and growing fan base. Most note worthy shows were BOA 2008, Ruskin Arms - Clive Aid and supporting Power Quest on their UK tour in 2008.



Rich being very focused on music, played for many local bands in the Derby area playing many nationwide gigs.



Rich Smith was drummer in UK-based metallers Power Quest between Oktober 2009 – January 2013. He joined the group replacing Francesco Tresca, and stayed until Power Quest disbanded in January 2013. Soon after Rich Smith joined multinational heavy metal band Raven Lord, replacing Larry Paterson on drums.