Top 10 Best Metal Drummers of All Time
David "Dave" Lombardo is a Cuban American drummer, best known as a co-founding member of the American thrash metal band Slayer. Slayer is not mainstream as Slipknot and A7X plus Dave is not dead that's why he is number three. The Rev gets voted up only because he is dead. Lombardo was far more advanced heavier and technical than Jimmy. As for Jordison he is also better than The Rev he is very technical and extremely fast, Dave is number one though. Number two should be Mike Portnoy who is equally good as Dave. Joey can come in at number three followed by Ulrich and number four.
Slayer are in fact mainstream, because Metallica made it so, so Dave Lombardo - despite being in 2nd place - has always been the greatest metal drummer in history. The sheer brutality on Reign in Blood, Silent Scream, and the unparalleled technicality shown on South of Heaven is face-melting. I couldn't care less about popularity. Dave Lombardo always has been metal's greatest drummer.
The evil lyrics were hard for a kid raised up in church his whole life to digest. But that beat is so f'ng sick you just can't stop listening. 42 years old now and I still ROCK those beats via 250-300 watts in my car every day coming home from work. Pantera is cool and all that. But NOTHING comes close to that drum beat pissing off everyone around me in traffic daily. Spill the pure virgin blood. Rock on.
Dave lombardo is the best. Those people wgo doesn vote him surely know nothing about metal. Joey jordison? Oh come on! Dave lombardo can eat him alive! Joey jordison is a fake drummer. He ask help for the other two percussionists in the band slipknot and he uses computer effects to his sound. Dave is all natural. Listen to the raining blood of slayer and for sure, youll forget joey jordison. Dave is number one! 2 is portnoy.
Michael Portnoy is an American drummer primarily known as the former drummer, backing vocalist, and a co-founder of the progressive metal/rock band Dream Theater. Known for his technical skill as a drummer, Portnoy has won 30 awards from the Modern Drummer magazine. It is such an amazing feeling to click on a best metal drummers list and see your favourite at number 1. Mike has done so much for me in my personal life (in his work and perseverance in Dream Theater and how much Dream Theater has done for me) and in my drumming, I would be nowhere near as good as I am now without Mike, his drumming inspired me not only to play drums but to enjoy it. Every time I play Octavarium, yes the whole thing on the drums there is just something about it which is just incredible. His drumming and personality has so much energy and flamboyance that without him, Dream Theater were never the same. I love Mike Manginis playing but he lacks that extra element that Mike Portnoy brang to the band. Absolutely number 1
By far the best metal drummer of all time. I want to mention his other competitors in metal drumming, so here is my top 10:
1. Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater)
2. Dave Lombardo (Slayer)
3. Thomas Haake (Meshuggah)
4. Danny Carey (Tool)
5. Joey Jordison (Slipknot)
6. Bill Ward (Black Sabath)
7. Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden)
8. Vinnie Paul (Pantera)
9. Lars Ulrich (Metallica)
10. John Dolmayan (System Of A Down)
(Also, I want to clarify that the only reason I didn't include Neil Peart in this list is because I don't consider Rush to be anything close to metal and it's not because I don't think he is good, in fact he is one of the best drummers of all time, I just don't consider him a metal drummer. Just wanted to get that point acrossed).
First of all... Mike Portnoy is the youngest person ever inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame. Just take a look at who else is on that list... MP is the only metal drummer on there. What mike actually plays is insane, the dance of eternity is crazier that anything anybody else on this list has done. I'm not a huge fan of his live drum solos but some of them are pretty cool. His use of odd-time signatures is deadly, and his use of effects cymbals on off beats and accents are just unreal (intro to 6:00 for example)
I remember the first time I listen Mike Portnoy (Awake album, I'm sure the song was 6:00) My mouth and eyes turned wide open. I was Lars Ulrich and over all Nicko Mc Brain fan, Tool liked me so much, jazz and old school prog drummers liked me too and a couple of times I heard some Meshuggah songs but never though a drummer could do things like Mr. Portnoy played. thanks to him I just became DT fan, and eventually my admiration grew faster than his fills. I think The Rev was a great drummer but for God's sake, new metal fans must listen older bands and put their top ten in a better order. The rev could be easily in a top ten, but Portnoy must be the first! And whats up with Johan Langell former drummer of PoS? An under rated drummer for an under rated band! Langell must be in a top ten too!
James Owen Sullivan (February 9th, 1981 - December 28th 2009), better known by his stage name "The Rev" (Short for "The Reverend Tholomew Plague") was an American musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the former drummer, backing vocalist and co-founder of the American alternative metal/ metalcore band Avenged Sevenfold. He was also in the metalcore stage of Avenged Sevenfold.
He is often regarded as one of the world's best drummers, especially in the 21st century. He is not only known as one of the best drummers of the bands history, but also crucial to Avenged Sevenfold as a backing vocalist, making the song "A Little Piece Of Heaven" possible. First off, I just want to say I think it's dumb how people are saying "Lars should be number one because if it wasn't for his influence none of these other guys would exist". How the hell do you think any good drummer becomes good? They are influenced by somebody. They listen to other drummers and learn from them. They develop a style that sometimes, not all the time, may sound a tad bit similar to their influences.
Secondly, this is a list for the "Best Metal Drummer" that anybody can vote on. This is basically a list of peoples opinions. Or in other words, a list of popularity. So, that being said I bet more than half the people that voted on this list know little to nothing about drumming. So people are gonna vote on their "favorite" drummer or the drummer from their favorite band.
Third of all, I want to say why I voted for Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan. Some of my reasons may sound hypocritical. The first reason is because he was apart of my favorite band, Avenged ...more
Sympathy? Come on, guys. The Rev is HUGE. Inspiration, master, god, you name it. If you can drum, sure. You have pure talent. Ok. Now try this. Drumming AND singing. The Rev could do it all. Not only was he a drummer and a vocalist for A7X (Avenged Sevenfold), but he was a pianoist and a song writer, too. If it wasn't for The Rev, A7X would not be anywhere NEAR what it is today. So please, I don't think The Rev is number 1 for "sympathy votes". If you want an excuse as to why he's number one, it's because of his fans, his talent, and his music. You don't get to number one by sympathy. You just don't. So stop with that sympathy BS, because it's just a pathetic excuse
Sympathy vote my ass. He is topping the list because he is genuinely a very talented drummer. He recorded the entirety of their first album, Sounding the Seventh Trumpet, in one take! Listen to the beginning of Forgotten Faces, if you don't think he's fast. Joey is good, but all I hear from him is speed. The Rev has speed and complex uniqueness. Not to mention The Rev is one of the most musically talented people of our generation, in general.
James Owen Sullivan: gods drummer in heaven that destroy the demon in the hell including biebers fan. 2009 god need a drummer so he took THE REV cause he knows that when he made THE REV in 1981, he himself cried caused he made an entertainer of the world that can never be replaced. Thank you god for creating THE REV. I am very proud to say that I rather become his son than become a billionaire. Love THE REV FOREVER. By the way JOEY JORDISON, LARS ULRICH, CHRIS ADLER, DAVE LOMBARDO is also great drummers. They also will become gods drummer one day, but not that hentai punkass.
Joey Jordison, was an American musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known for his work as the former drummer and co-songwriter for the heavy metal band Slipknot as well as guitarist in the Horror-punk band Murderdolls. He is the co-founder and drummer for the Blackened Death Metal band Sinsaenum and a Heavy Metal side project VIMIC. Nobody even comes close to Jordinson. If you vote for the Avenged Sevenfold drummer over this "ex" slipknot drummer. I suggest try to notice how perfect the drum beats go with each song. Plus it's basically Slipknot vs. Avenged Sevenfold. If someone would ask me who has the better drummer I might laugh. I mean AVENGE SEVENFOLD, are you kidding me?! They are just the New Metal and REAL metal is ending with Slipknot, Spineshank, older Trivium, Ill Nino, Pantera (best ever).. Tool is my favorite band and I think there drummer is a badass. The most unique drummer I have ever heard.. Tool can't be put in the same category as slipknot and Metal.
I'm kinda like: "what the hell? Joey is the second? ". Well, I mean... HE'S JOEY JORDISON! Now is his time, he is the best. His playing is not only fast and precise, but he knows what is best for a song. He can make it sound better. Dave should be the second, he was the king before Joey showed up. As for the third place, I think it definitely belongs to Lars. He isn't as amazing as he used to be, but his role and the influence he's had in the entire music and drummers around the wolrd is very important. He was one of the first.
Joey Jordison is the best drummer around, I think he should be on top, he's by very the most concentrated on the pure sound of his art, he plays like a machine gun with pin point accuracy, so far he's been drumming for 39 years! He not a full on show man, he focuses on his technical work, once during a concert he notice one of his drums was the tiniest bit out of tune and DURING THE SONG he tuned the drum whilst playing! If that's not 1st Place worthy then I don't know what is...
I was scrolling down to find the Rev, who is possible at least top 3 greatest modern drummers, to vote for him until I saw Joey. Mike porntoy and Thomas Haake are also really good but listen to Killpop and All Out Life. He is able to keep such a tight beat and work along side the other percussionists. Everything he does ties in perfectly with the other instruments and he is somehow able to find a flawless beat with no issues. I don't know how he does it a robot couldn't keep a better beat than him.
Daniel Edwin "Danny" Carey, born May 10, 1961 in Lawrence, Kansas, is an American drummer and instrumentalist best known for his work in American Grammy Award-winning progressive rock band Tool. He has also contributed to albums by and played with such artists as Zaum, Green Jellÿ, Pigface, Skinny Puppy, Adrian Belew of King Crimson, Carole King, Collide, The Wild Blue Yonder, Lusk, and the Melvins. ...read more. The most creative drummer on this list to be sure. While he doesn't make a conspicuous effort to show off his technical ability and agility so much as Joey Jordison, his rhythms are far more intricate and versatile. Both are very fun and incredible to listen to, but most metal drummers' rhythms get old somewhat quickly, and it's up to the guitarists and vocalists to keep the music interesting and relevant. Tool is so driven by rhythm, and Carey's drumming is absolutely the driving force behind that.
He combines all of the elements that other excellent drummers on this list excel at, but is often a lot more interesting and varied. Is perfectly precise live (I've seen/heard) Very good with complex time signatures. Listen to 3/4 of the way through Forty Six & 2 - then Vicarious - then Ticks and Leeches. Also doesn't simply rely on just 1 or 2 styles.
There isn't anything what would show your abilities as a drummer than odd time signatures and not playing overcrowded if not necessary. If you can beat 140bpm that makes you a good drummer? No, it makes you fast - not the same.
Also Carey is not only a drummer but a songwriter - this isn't very common among drummer - due to the nature of the instrument.
How the hell is Danny Carey below Lars Ulrich!? I understand that Lars is in a more popular band than Danny, but come on! Lars actually admitted to not practicing, and yet he's rated higher than someone who practices for at least two hours a day! Unbelievable.
Gene 'Atomic Clock' Hoglan: Time Does Not Heal, Individual Thought Patterns, Symbolic, Dark Roots of Earth,... He is the reason that maybe one day I try to give some spins to SYL or Dethklok stuff. In one word: Innovation (+ improvisation, precise recording material after two-three takes, it speaks for itself)... Not only bpms, blastbeats or double bass kicking. But there are many, many fantastic drummers: Vinnie Colaiuta, Mike Mangini & Portnoy, Richard Christy, Thomas Lang, Dave Lombardo,... many many other talented guys I have no clue they exist until I try to listen some stuff played by them live (laugh out loud when I read reference to Dyers Eve which was programmed thus they could hardly play it live
Those who praise Joey Jordison and The Rev don't know what they're talking about. There are probably no drummer in the industry today as composed, precise and SLAMMING as Gene Hoglan, though Mike Portnoy, Brann Dailor and Mario Duplantier all give him a run for his money. And why is Ryan Van Poederooyen (DTP) not even on this list (as far as I can see)? He should definitely be in the top 20, if not top 10. Gene, too, deserves a much higher ranking than this.
Gene Hoglan's intense and accurate playing means that he can play extreme metal, and record it in two or three takes. That's a drummer. Most of the above are as sloppy and you could get, excluding Portnoy. But then, Hoglan is ten times better. Listen to any Strapping Young Lad song, Laser Cannon Death Sentence or Biological Warfare.
Praised (and rightly so) for his fast playing, indeed at incredibly high tempos and complexity levels he never puts a foot wrong and seems to have boundless energy. But his creativity is what sets him apart often. Listen to his work on some of Devin Townsend's solo albums, most notably Terria, especially the song 'The Fluke', incredible work.
Georgios "George" Kollias is a Greek heavy metal drummer and music teacher best known for his work with American technical death metal band Nile. Seriously, George is only number 10? Do any of you have ANY idea about drumming? Do any of you even know half of these people? My hunch is you're all voting for your favorites, not for the 'best metal drummer'. George is absolutely insane. He can reach 280bpm (proven and recorded) which is badass, and his double bass is insane. His technique is flawless and I have to say he is like a god compared to half of these "number one drummers". I don't even like Nile.
What? People really think that The Rev, Lars Ulrich and Yoshiki Hayashi are beter than George Kollias? No these little girl, who vote for Lars Ulrich just don't know anything about real metal drummin, double bass, blast beats etc. Why George Kollias? Best metal drummer in the world, just listen to his double bass. And I'm not Nile fan!
As much as I dislike Nile's guitar sound, vocals and the fact that you can't hear the bass, I listen to them just because of Kollias's drumming. Don't lie, when you go to a Nile concert, you don't go to see Nile, you go to see George Kollias!
His double bass drumming is so awesome! And he made me play drums (many others too but he mainly) and Lars is not the best. I'm tired of hearing : Who is George Kollias? Especially in school. Even my music teacher didn't know who he is.
Tomas Haake is a Swedish drummer and main songwriter of the experimental metal band Meshuggah. He is known for his polyrhythms and technical ability. In 2012, he was named the 5th best Modern Metal drummer by MetalSucks.net. He was named the number one drummer in the "Metal" category, in the July 2008 edition of Modern Drummer magazine, as decided upon in the magazine's Readers' Poll. Everyone mentioned above are good. Most of them are my favorite. But Tomas is my idol. He is a beast when it comes to drumming and he also writes the insane lyrics if Meshuggah. Okay, I know we're talking about drumming. Let's talk about that. Well he has speed, he has one of the greatest techniques in metal, and he has an influence even on Danny Carey. Listen to Meshuggah and you will fall in love with him, just like I did. Really he deserves top 3.
All the drummers listed above are very talented gentlemen. However, when compared to Haakes tenacity, technical mastery (not the use of the word mastery and not just skill), and the fact that he has two brains (one controlling his arms and one controlling his feet) puts him above the rest when it comes to skill, speed, soul, badassness, or the brain demolishing factor whatever one ranks drumming with.
Why people think just because Joey jordinson is fast he is good!? Most of his crap is so boring! Justin listen to all hope is gone (the song). Almost every full is exactly the same and it gets really boring really fast! Listening to Thomas, you never know what to expect, and yet it always fits perfectly! He truly connects with, and understands the music he plays.
Phenomenal Drummer, it's obvious the majority of people who voted have no idea about drumming like the rev at number 1? Are you kidding me? How is he even above portnoy? Like that's basically his daddy. Like are you gonna tell me he's better than Matt Griener to?! This is ridiculous, Haake and Griener should share #1 straight up.
Michael Henry "Nicko" McBrain is an English musician, best known as the drummer of the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, which he joined in 1982. The opening track of "Where Eagles Dare" famously displays McBrain's ability to use the single drum pedal very quickly just like double pedal. McBrain often employs the back end of his left hand drum stick to get more aggressive sound of the snare drum. He is able to play a variety of styles. the 7/8 riff which follows the second chorus of "Alexander the Great". The 7/4 riff on the song "Brighter Than a Thousand Suns" and the 14/8 riff that follows the second chorus on the song "The Longest Day" are other examples of his versatility.
Clive Burr was their best. Not because he was better than Nicko, because he technically wasn't. But on their debut thru to The Number of the Beast his drumming complemented Murray and Smith's solos much better. The off-crash symbol that introduced solo after solo on The Prisoner was Maiden at their greatest. Yes, Nicko is too loose and freestyle.
I couldn't choose between The Rev (come on - his Double Rides are epic) and Nicko here, but seeing Nicko not even in the top 10 absolutely disgusts me. Never uses Double-Foot pedal (with Face in The Sand being the only exception) and of course... Where Eagles Dare... Listen to that and tell me he shouldn't be in the top 3, let alone top 10!
It seems to me that the list is more about who can hit the double bass pedals faster. This does not make a good drummer. Nicko is one of the few drummers on this list who could play a song like "Where Eagles Dare" with only one bass pedal and continue with a 2 hour concert with no problem without dropping a single beat.
Christopher James Adler is an American drummer, best known as a member and founder of the groove metal band Lamb of God, and Grammy Award winning member of Megadeth. By far the best metal drummer out there. He plays every bit of his drum set. He commands so much attention when he plays as well as every other member in Lamb of God. Go youtube this guy and try and tell me a reason he shouldn't be the number one metal drummer. The rev was a great drummer but not even close to the skill level of Chris Adler. Tomas Haake from Meshuggag is probably the only one who could run a close race as far as metal drummers go
Clearly only drummers should be voting for best drummer (of any genre). Popularity and talent are not mutually exclusive. But then neither are technical execution and soul. Niel Pert is technically adept but John Bonham is 100% soul. That said, Chris Adler is on of the most technically adept and soulful rhythmic composers in metal. And many of the drummers in the industry are saying so.
Chris Adler doesn't need to mess around being the fastest drummer. His style of playing is unlike any other metal drummer out there and like some have said, his kick technique is nuts. Perfect showcase of his talent can be heard in Blood of the Scribe and Now You've Got Something to Die For. By far my favorite drummer of all time.
Can start fills with right or left hand, can start kick patterns with right or left foot. Its not about speed, people! Its about versatility. Techniques. Coordination. Lars was a good stock thrash drummer for his time, and influenced millions. But this isn't a popularity contest! Its about drumming abilities. Chris Adler wins.
William Thomas "Bill" Ward is an English musician and visual artist, best known as the original drummer for the British heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Bill should be at least in the top 5, that guy was amazing, hell I don't even play drums but he is the only drummer that really got to me because he stand's out from the rest... Don't believe me? Listen to war pigs, beyond the walls of sleep or just about any Sabbath song.
Absoulute legend in the making, Bill Ward was and is still the most inspiring metal drummer today, he's a one of a kind and his skill's where most incredibly shown on stage or wherever he played. Bill Ward is a monster on the drums and again his skill's show it all, god bless him and Black Sabbath
Thanks to all those who realize what an amazing drummer Bill Ward really was. He was the first true heavy metal drummer and created a sound that would not only change drumming but music itself. Easily could be #1.
I'm mortified at this list. A7x #1 and slipknot #2 and bill ward is at 18? Pathetic that kids can't appreciate the old drummers. By the way, slipknot has 4 percussionists, which is why they sound good to you. Bill Ward is better than all them combined
Brann Timothy Dailor is an American drummer/singer best known as a member of the Atlanta, Georgia metal band Mastodon, in which he is the drummer, backing vocalist, lead vocalist and primary lyricist. Danny Carey is my favorite and I really want to upvote him for a higher spot than 5, but Brann Dailor is criminally far down on this list. It really is sad that the fact that Mastodon isn't as well known as some of the other bands puts Brann at such a disadvantage. His drumming is DEFINETILY enough to place him higher on the list, but just to add he also has one of the greatest voices in the entire genre! Sometimes it's insane how he manages to sing while holding some insane beats and put in cool fills.
Brann and Danny should be up in the top 3 with Mike Portnoy. Mario Duplantier also deserves to be close up there!
His drumming is absolutely awe-inspiring, especially the fills (Capillarian Crest). He is an energetic drummer who also possesses the versatility, a unique technique, and most importantly a good sense of control. In addition, he bears a calm and composed temperament, which simply makes him a quintessential role model for any youngsters out there. This guy really inspires me to begin drumming lessons at the earliest possible time and batter the heck out of the drums.
Crazy that drummers like joey jordison are higher than brann on this list. Brann brings to metal what not many other drummers do. He makes pin point drum rolls fit and jazz influenced beats fit in places where they wouldn't normally fit in a song. Not many drummers are recognizable as soon as you hear them like brann is! Key part of the band and a killer voice too!
Brann Dailor is #1 for me. As a non-drummer, he's the only one who's drum tracks I can listen to all the way through without getting bored. They're compositions in themselves rather than just beats. He's constantly adding rolls & fills which sound totally spontaneous & keep you guessing all the way through. God Bless Him!
Lars Ulrich is a Danish drummer and one of the founding members of the American thrash metal band Metallica. A true musical genius! People always hate on Lars and say he's a bad drummer, but the man change the essence of drumming not to mention is if not one of the biggest drumming influences in the world. People complain because he changed his whole approach, but it's for the better good in my opinion. I'll say this if he's so bad how the hell did they sell over 130 million albums and sell out stadiums left and right? I started listening to Metallica back in 84 and yes I was a tad upset after And Justice, however listening to everything they play and how this man is so in tuned with James Hatfield is mind blowing.
Lars is a remarkable drummer. Just listen to any song of Metallica's and listen how he switches constantly to different time signatures. Anyone who is a true Metallica fan would know that. Lars has his own unique style even after over 25 years no one can match his exact style of playing, he is untouchable in a way. I can't say he is the world's best drummer but he does deserve the top 5 spot he is in now.
Well, Lars used to be a great drummer and also amazing artist. Lots of drummers were influenced by his drumming. But, let's be honest people. He doesn't practice much even he realized that his skills have been damaged through years and he can't even play his own songs such as Dyers eve. He admitted this fact in one of his interviews and I also consider recent Lars not an amazing drummer.
I voted for Lars because he plays in such a way that it just blends in the music. If this was the list of fastest drummer then he is a no no. But since this is the list of best drummers, he gets my vote. Fast doesn't make good bros/girls. He has contributed the band to be one of the best band ever. Just name a song in which he doesn't do the perfect match to the riff and vocals.
Mario Duplantier is a French musician and artist best known as the drummer of technical death metal band Gojira. Definitely deserves top 5 at LEAST. By far my favorite musician. Plays with so much groove but with pristine precision. Manages god-like accuracy without sounding robotic at all. Gojira is one of the best (if not the best) modern metal bands.
He completely melts your mind when you're listening to Gojira, ICONIC. Extremely technical, fast, precise, and jaw-dropping in every way. Just listen to heaviest matter of the universe or any other song for that matter.
Mario should definitely be higher on this list. Have you ever seen him live? He doesn't play like most death metal drummers, lightly tapping the toms and snare, he puts in emotion, headbangs, feels the music and overall steals the show! Also, he Does. Not. . Up. #21? How the hell?
Best modern metal drummer in the world! He is an innovator and a genius! No one touches him right now. The guy has studied jazz drumming for 6 years! How can you compete with that?
Obviously the people voting here have never actually listened to any music let alone metal. There are very few men that can compare with Blake and the few that can are depressingly low on the list as well.
Watch 'Blake Richardson recording Obfuscation' on YouTube, you'll realise why he deserves a spot on this list!
He's definitely number one in my opinion. Watch Telos demonstration on YouTube. Enough said!
Wow... Not one on here knows metal.
Vincent Paul Abbott, better known as "Vinnie Paul" (March 11, 1964 - June 22nd, 2018) was an American professional drummer and producer. Alongside his late brother Dimebag Darrell, he co-founded the Heavy Metal Bands Pantera and Damageplan, with whom he would find success with in the former. After the passing of Dimebag and the dissolution of Damageplan, Vinnie would later join another band, Hellyeah.
Vinnie died of a heart attack in June 2018. I'm not sure who made this list but the only one in the top ten that should be there is Dave Lombardo! He should be #1 and what is the Rev and Jordison doing in the top 3? Drumming isn't just speed you fools! Watch Vinnie Paul play behind some of the heaviest riffs of all time, he plays some sick off beat licks that blend beautifully and turn on the speed when he needs to. Like Lombardo he doesn't just throw all together in a blurred mess they hit with intensity fast or slow that makes you rock your body. You need to give the right people the respect they have earned, this isn't a popularity contest! Work on your ear for music before you make a list like this! UNREAL!
What people forget is that Pantera are a band. And they were one of the tightest bands of all time because of Darrell Abbott and Vinnie Paul, because they never used pro-tools to manipulate their tightness, just pro-skills. They became a bit too loose on Far Beyond Driven, but Cowboys and Vulgar were tight as a fish's ass.
I wouldn't say Vince is the greatest but to be able to back Dimebag isn't an easy task. He has a different approach to drumming. He doesn't gimmick around with fast and unnecessary beats. He keeps it simple but tight! No space for errors! He's sometimes fast like a machine gun too.
Above all, he's one badass killer drummer!
Vince knew how to let a song breath, instead of filling it unnecessary double kick and noodley business. Death Metal drummers need to learn from guys like Vinnie Paul and Dave Lombardo and know when to groove instead of blast. Sometimes less is truly more.
He plays for Kamelot, a symphonic metal band. Many of their songs must mix the beauty and melody of classical rhythms with the drive and aggression of metal. It takes an unbelievable drummer to do this with the amount of feel he does. He has the ability to balance four on the four thunder with technical flavour without distracting from the song. He plays to the needs of the music, not his own ego. He's perfect for his band and his genre, while the philosophy of his drumming can be applied to any other. Any drummer will tell you that these are among the most important qualities to look for in a drummer, and sets him apart from the other technical beasts of the metal genre. (Note: his drumming live easily matches or exceeds that which is recorded. That compliment for Casey also extends to the whole band. )
Being probably the most dedicated and personalized drummer ever, Casey's progressive style has so many various implementations it makes him easily the best for intricacy as well as rhythmically. He deserves number one for easily being the better battery in the music industry. Take all these so-called mainstream "metal idols" off the top because that's what Casey Grillo is. I would agree with anyone who calls him king. So go listen to Kamelot and Casey, not people who know how to just crash their cymbals and gallop the double bass as fast as possible.
Casey is by far one of the best and most versatile drummers of this day and age... Massively underrated and deserves a load more credit and recognition than he gets... Superior technique and playing to the likes of other metal drummers (including joey jordison... Don't get me wrong I love joeys playing but Casey just leaves him in his dust). Also a very humble man who makes time for his fans and is always happy to talk and share his opinions and knowledge with those who wish to hear it... The man is the king!
The absolute best a true monster on a drum set! I am blessed to get to watch him perform all the time as he plays with my boys in Tampa. He is a magician and most of all a truly great person and humble too humble in my opinion because I always tell him that I'm honored to be his friend.
Nick Menza (1964-2016) was a professional drummer best known for his work in Megadeth from 1989-1998 and in 2004. He recorded drums on four of Megadeth's albums "Rust In Peace", "Countdown To Extinction", "Youthanasia", and "Cryptic Writings". I wouldn't say he's the best heavy metal drummer out there, but he fits with the band really well, I've never seen anyone who's able to do that, in fact most of metal drummers just playing fast, and doesn't give a crap about what other bands member are playing. I would listen to Menza's more simpler beats and drum fills rather than listening to Joey Jordison's boring solo (joey plays only one drum fill, and repeats over and over again) Another good Metal drummer is Thomas Lang, who is more legendary and more technical than Menza. I vote for Menza because he's work impress me the most
Wait what? He deserves a place in top10! He was the drummer of the two legendary albums such as rust in piece and countdown to extinction! He is underrated and his technique is good. Also with Mustaine he is my favorite band member! Credit to menza!
I think he is the best understand sound and is a real master in techniques related to drums and also what can make it soud better... Nick perfectly fits in heavy metal category and to megadeth... It is the best in enjoying the show as well as playen in shows for me he is the best... At least best than any drummer megadeth has ever got...
To see Nick Menza at number 20 is sad. He is top 10 material. The drumming on Holy Wars alone earns him number the number 1 spot. And songs like Rust In Peace... Polaris, Five Magics, and Poison Was The Cure I mean come on...20?
John Dolmayan is a Lebanese-born Armenian-American songwriter and drummer. He is best known as the drummer of System of a Down. During System's hiatus, he made a solo album based solo on covers called These Grey Men, which featured vocal performances from Serj Tankian, M. Shadows, Franky Perez, Jonathan Dorr, Jonah Perry Nimoy, and Sirusho. Tom Morello provided guitar work on Street Spirit. Dolmayan and Serj have argued on social media, due to their drastically different political beliefs. Dolmayan really should be higher on this list. With all his work with different musicians. John's rhythms are spot on and he can keep a fast beat. Plus he does some pretty good drumming on those timbales which is very unique for a metal drummer. Instead if showing off with a blast beat I think a drummer with skills in different areas of the percussion deserves #1
One of the best drummers I have ever heard in my life, if you listen to the Toxicity album. I can guarantee you that you will understand why he by far one of the best drummers out there. He never miss a beat live
I would probably have to say John is probably my drum idol, and his drum technique is my top 3, his drum lines in songs like revenga, chop suey and toxicity are legendary and recognisable by everyone, this man deserves to be higher!
John Dolmayan is a crazy good drummer! Some of the beats that he does for System of a Down are incredible! I love is style of music and the way he plays drums is mind boggling!
Mike Mangini is an American drummer. Since 2010, he has been a member of progressive metal band Dream Theater, following the departure of founding drummer Mike Portnoy. Mangini kicks it off in the new 2012 Dream Theater album. With 4 World's Fastest Drummer Records, and his insane technical abilities, I think Mike Mangini deserves a spot in the Top 10. He preforms a mind-blowing keyboard-drum duet in 'Illumination Theory', and consistently finds a way to impress me more than even Rudess or Petrucci. Great start for Mike Mangini, and I expect that he'll continue to impress everybody.
One of the most musical drummers, with amazing rhythmic perception and a unique style of playing, other times subtle, other times in your face. Probably the most versatile and non-egoistic drummers in the metal world.
Mangini on 20? That clearly says everything about this poll. This guy is not only the best metal drummer, he is the best drummer in the world! Nobody can match his technique, everybody who has seen him with DT knows that this guy is GOD! Rank 20? Bull!
This guy is the best thing happened to Dream Theater...after mike portnoy left DT, this guy carried his legacy...one of the fastest and most technical drummers in the world...he deserves at least 10th place..other drummers cannot even compete with this guy!
Mark Scott Travis is a Grammy Award winning American rock musician, best known as the drummer for the English heavy metal band Judas Priest and the American heavy metal band Racer X. Scott is a powerhouse, as his notorious solo on PainKiller will rip your face off, but he's also much more technical than many of the drummers on this list. Definitely in the top 10. (Anyone else confused why you have to go beyond the top 5 to find Judas Priest on any list? )
Of course, the Painkiller solo is an insane drum experience, but come on guy, look at his lives, he'll show you that his techniques are more stronger than only one song!
Scott is THE master of the drums in a Heavy Metal band.
This should be in the top 10, not 21. He had an epic drumming solo in Painkiller, but besides that, I guess he is still pretty good.
Yeah, Painkiller is awesome. He double-basses like a crazy motherf*#! Er. Think he should be in the top 10, at least.
More fastest and technical drummer! Morbid Angel it is one of the most brutal and technical band ever in METAL! They are one of the few death metal bands that influences most death metal bands in times! Summarizing they have great technical, heavier and fastest metal! Without Pete Sandoval in the band it's not the same! They to be back with old school metal they have before the last album! The album it's not bad but it is not MORBID ANGEL old shool!
Yes. When I first heard him on Altars of Madness and Blessed Are The Sick/Wicked? (I forget), it was out of this world. It's one of those 'you had to see it to believe it' sort of things.
I definitely like some of these other guys but Pete is by by far my favorite. Its obvious through his music, he loves playing.
Paul Mazurkiewicz is an American drummer best known as a member for death metal band Cannibal Corpse. Mazurkiewicz was originally the drummer for the band, Tirant Sin, alongside two other future Cannibal Corpse members Chris Barnes and Bob Rusay. Who cares about speed and technic, Paul sounds better, a lot of CC songs wouldn't be without his sound.
He is my favorite
Matt Cameron is an American composer, and musician. He is mostly famous for being the drummer of the three grunge bands Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Temple of the Dog. God, Avenged Sevenfold fans are really polluting the metal world. Yeah, we get it, he died young. Keith Moon and John Bonham died young, but that's not why they got all their respect. It was because they were amazing. Not dissing the Rev here, just dissing the stupid teenagers that vote for him because he's dead and he was in their favorite band. Anyway, HOW IS MATT THIS LOW? Seriously, he is top 20 at least, no questions asked. The only ones I can see besting him are Dave Lombardo and Danny Carey (Although I'm a fan of Scott Travis, Bill Ward, Nick Menza, Nicko McBrain, Brann Dailor, etc.).
Matt is like my Mum's Sunday dinner. Simplest ingredients, nothing fancy and most satisfying meal ever. Thanks Matt
Probably the most underrated drummer of all time.
Speed, power and unbelievable control. Along with some others that spring to mind he doesn't always get the recognition he deserves in this genre in my opinion. Also check out his work with MaYaN, it's seriously good. He deserves to be way higher on this list.
He makes honor to his nickname "The beast", it's totally amazing when you discover at the end of the a show that he is completely wet because of sweating. Is a real monster on stage and he shows tons of energy when he's playing.
Respect for this incredible drummer.
Listen to Kingdom of Heaven on the album Design Your Universe. His drums are sick AND he's the one doing most of the grunts and growls. He's seriously underrated!
This guy is way under appreciated. In my opinion he is at the top. Way higher than Lars. His work is great, speed, control, endurance, he's got everything.