Drummers; they have the best view in the house and are the essential backbone of a band. Not to mention that drummers have to have the stamina of an Olympic athlete when playing live. As metal, hardcore, and other genres get faster, drummers are tasked with keeping a steady rhythm and flow. Now, the criteria we used may upset some people but it’s the only way to be fair.
1. Each drummer had to have both recorded AND performed live within the past five years.
2. We had to see them live (the only real way to decide to judge this)
10. Matt Nicholls (Bring Me The Horizon)
We’ll be the first to admit that BMTH were a shitty band for their first two albums (Okay, maybe just the first one). Aside from that, the band grew up (literally and musically) on their last two albums, “There Is A Hell…”, and “Sempiternal”. Matt’s drumming may not stand out when compared to the other drummers on this list, but it’s clear that the band is now making music that’s a clear departure from their beginnings.
9. Dan Searle (Architects UK)
Architects are a very underrated band; they have a huge following in their hometown of Europe but are just breaking through here in the US. Fans of mathcore will appreciate Dan’s drumming on their first two records. Their latest record, Daybreaker, sees a return to their technical roots on Hollow Crown.
8. Billy Rymer (The Dillinger Escape Plan)
Billy may have only joined TDEP four years ago but he’s definitely earned his place on this list. His playing includes plenty of polyrythmns and odd time signatures, which is the core of TDEP’s music which is ironic cause Billy played for a wide variety of bands including 311, Alien Ant Farm, and even Kelly Clarkson.
7. Roy Mayorga (Stone Sour)
Roy was the original drummer of Soufly and has played with Sepultura, and very briefly with Ozzy Osbourne. He joined Stone Sour in 2006 and has destroyed the kit since.
6. Ryan “Legs” Leger (Every Time I Die)
After losing their previous drummer due to “personal conflicts” Ryan auditioned for Every Time I Die and laid down some of their best drum work yet on their latest record, “Ex Lives”
5. Blake Richardson (Between the Buried and Me)
Blake used to play in the deathcore band, Glass Casket before joining BTBAM. Noted for his blast beats, odd timing, double bass drumming, and fill-heavy style, Richardson is considered a standout in his field.
4. Branden Morgan (Misery Signals)
Probably the most underrated drummer considering Misery Signals have been a huge influence for newer bands. Their debut record, Of Malice and the Magnum Heart is highly regarded as one of the best metalcore releases ever. Critics and bands have praised the band’s ability on the record in effortlessly blending melody and aggression.
3. Matt Halpern (Periphery)
When Matt isn’t drumming for Periphery, he’s running BandHappy which allows you to take lessons from your favorite musicians online and on-tour. His playing is more focused on the groove then how fast he can play a blast beat. The kit he plays is just what he needs and nothing more; perfect for playing ghost notes.
2. Matt Greiner (August Burns Red)
If want to hear a great drummer who can play fast and also write some jazz parts, Matt is your man. He not only has great complex timing in his hand movements but also uses double bass in an interesting way and really compliments the rest of the music.
1. Chris Adler (Lamb of God)
Little known fact: Chris played bass long before he decided to pick up the drumsticks. His playing style is known for his creative fills and precision double bass and for his often used heel-toe technique. You can tell what band you’re listening to just by hearing his drumming.
