Categories: Lists

The 20 Best Metal Drummers of 2024

Recently we’ve seen many heated discussions around drummers and, as a core member of every metal band, we decided to review and think on what would be our top list of Metal Drummers in 2024 to continue this discussion.

Mercedes Lander (Kittie)

Mercedes Lander, renowned for her drumming with Kittie, showcases a talent that reaches beyond the realms of metal. Her versatile skills and energetic style have led her to collaborate with a variety of artists, bringing a fresh and powerful dynamic to every musical project she undertakes.

Blake Richardson (Between the Buried and Me):

Blake Richardson’s progressive approach and technical skills make him a key figure in progressive metal. His complex rhythms and powerful grooves blend seamlessly, driving the band’s innovative sound.

Aaron Kitcher (Infant Annihilator):

Aaron Kitcher’s blistering speed and precision have made him a legend in extreme metal. His incredibly fast and complex drumming defines the brutal sound of his band, pushing the limits of the genre.

Brann Dailor (Mastodon):

Brann Dailor’s unique approach combines technical skill with creative flair, setting him apart. His ability to blend intricate rhythms with powerful grooves has been a trademark of Mastodon’s sound.

Jordan Mancino (Formerly of As I Lay Dying):

Jordan Mancino continues showcasing his energetic and dynamic style through various projects. His powerful drumming has inspired metal drummers worldwide, making him a notable figure in the genre.

Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth):

Dirk Verbeuren’s speed and technicality with Megadeth have solidified his place as one of the top drummers in thrash metal. His fast, precise, and powerful drumming keeps the band’s sound sharp and intense.

Alex Bent (Trivium):

Alex Bent’s powerful and precise drumming has been a key element in Trivium’s recent successes. His technical proficiency and energetic performance style continue to elevate the band’s sound.

Matt Garstka (Animals as Leaders):

Matt Garstka’s complex rhythms and creative approach have been crucial in shaping Animals as Leaders’ progressive metal sound. His technical skills push the boundaries of what is possible in metal drumming.

Luana Dametto (Crypta)

Luana Dametto is best known for her powerful drumming in death metal with Crypta. However, her skills go beyond just metal. She has worked with different artists in various music styles, bringing her unique energy and creativity to every project.

Jay Weinberg (Infectious Groovers, Ex-Slipknot):

Jay Weinberg stepped into Slipknot’s demanding role with impressive skill and energy. His aggressive and precise style has helped maintain the band’s brutal reputation, making him a key figure in modern metal.

Matt Greiner (August Burns Red):

Matt Greiner’s technical proficiency and intricate patterns have been one of the many reasons behind August Burns Red’s success. His innovative approach to drumming has inspired metal drummers worldwide.

Mario Duplantier (Gojira):

Mario Duplantier’s drumming is a masterclass in power, precision, and creativity. His ability to blend intricate rhythms with powerful grooves has been crucial in shaping Gojira’s sound and pushing the boundaries of metal drumming.

Alex Rudinger (Whitechapel, Conquering Dystopia):

Alex Rudinger is known for his incredible precision and technical skills. His work with Whitechapel and Conquering Dystopia showcases his ability to deliver complex, high-speed rhythms that enhance the bands’ aggressive sounds.

Art Cruz (Lamb of God):

Art Cruz’s powerful and precise drumming has been crucial in maintaining Lamb of God’s aggressive reputation as one of metal’s leading bands. His energetic performance style continues to drive the band’s intense sound.

Ben Koller (Converge, Mutoid Man):

Ben Koller is known for his intense and versatile drumming style. His work with Converge and Mutoid Man showcases his ability to blend technical proficiency with raw power, making him a standout figure in the metal and hardcore scenes.

Danny Carey (Tool):

Danny Carey’s drumming is known for its complexity and innovation. His ability to blend intricate rhythms with powerful grooves has made Tool’s music unique and influential, setting him apart as a master drummer.

Greyson Nekrutman (Sepultura):

Greyson Nekrutman is a young drumming sensation known for his incredible speed and precision. His viral online videos showcasing his skills have earned him a large following in the metal world, marking him as a rising star in the genre.

Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs)

While renowned for his progressive metal prowess, Mike Portnoy’s drumming skills transcend into various genres. His technical precision and creative flair have led him to collaborate with numerous artists across different musical styles, infusing each project with his innovative techniques and dynamic energy.

Thomas Haake (Meshuggah):

Thomas Haake is known for his complex rhythms and innovative style. His use of polyrhythms and odd time signatures makes Meshuggah’s music incredibly challenging, defining their unique sound and setting a high standard for metal drumming.

Eloy Casagrande (Slipknot, ex-Sepultura):

Eloy Casagrande blends traditional Brazilian rhythms with metal drumming, creating a unique and powerful sound. His incredible speed, power, and precision bring fresh energy to any band he plays and have been proven time and time again, especially now after he recently joined Slipknot.


What is your list of the best drummers in 2024?

Artists: Animal as Leaders, August Burns Red, Converge, Dream Theater, gojira, infant annihilator, Kittie, Korn, lamb of god, mastodon, megadeth, meshuggah, mutoid man, periphery, Sepultura, slipknot, testament, Tool, Trivium, whitechapel

Daniel Caceiro

Born in Brazil and living in London, I co-founded and manage the UK and US sides of MetalJunkbox, specialising in concert photography, and promoting live events and launches by various artists. I’ve been a photographer since 2016 and I also act as the nerd of the team, taking care of the technical side of the project, and on top of all that, having the worst taste of the trio (or better)!

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