Groove
Juggernaut

Groove Juggernaut (Stephen D Haaker) is a rock drummer based in Los Angeles. His alternative metal band Cartographer is playing select shows this fall in support of their highly anticipated sophomore EP (Jan 2025). Stephen is also the original touring drummer for Loveless and played on several songs from their new album. When not on the road, he works as a session drummer and producer. The Vanguard is his primary recording studio, designed and managed by bandmate Nick Morzov. Nick and Stephen are always experimenting, refining their craft as they write and track for Cartographer, Loveless, and many others. For indie projects, he works closely with Brett Grossman, co-producing dozens of songs for bands like Sister Speak, Angela Petrilli, and Aaron Durr. Brett is a seasoned musician and mixing engineer. Together, they produce uniquely detailed and personal records, guiding the artist from demo to master with passion and transparency. Sergeant Haaker has been in Los Angeles since leaving the U.S. Army Band in 2014. He performed thousands of shows with many different groups including the Army's first heavy metal band, "The Four Horsemen of the Arockalypse". His debut tour was a 13 month mission in Iraq, playing metal covers for troops and locals. He recalls, "The first real show I ever played was for 200 soldiers at a tiny outpost. They built us a small stage outside, pulled up armored trucks to use as stage lights, and drank non-alcoholic beer as they moshed and raged to Killswitch Engage and Lamb of God covers. It was clearly desperately needed... I started taking music seriously after that." Upon return, he performed all around Richmond, VA with big bands, jazz combos, country ensembles, and lots of wedding bands--further developing his vast repertoire and unique sound. ​​ The moniker Groove Juggernaut started as a reference to Stephen's diverse style, forged by intensive on-the-job training and refined by countless hours of study and practice. The term has since become synonymous with his indomitable spirit. Undeniable passion and humble confidence birthed by failure and triumph alike has created a juggernaut--forever learning, exploring and grooving.