15 Metalcore Drummers That you should be Listening To Right Now
- Kirsty Shepherd
- May 5
- 7 min read
drummers, the backbone to every band. if you don't have a good one the whole world will know; but if you do, the world will be yours.
one of the things that I personally find the most interesting about drummers, and something you will notice throughout the videos below, is that you could give 30 drummers free reign over a warehouse filled with cymbals, bells, kick drums etc. and no two setups would look the same, or be played in the same style.
the keepers of rhythm, drummers lay the very foundation for the overall sound of the music, maintain the tempo and enhance the dynamics of any performance.
This is going to be a controversial list, as anything dedicated to metalcore tends to be; but here is my list of 15 established metalcore drummers that if you aren't already, you should be listening to, in no particular order.
Andrew Tkaczyk - the Ghost inside (usa)
Andrew has been the drummer for 'the ghost inside' since 2011 and has recorded 4 of 6 albums released thus far. in November 2015 'the Ghost Inside' band and crew members were involved in a horrific bus accident that left several crew dead and Andrew with an amputation of his right leg to the knee. rest in peace to those lost. after 2 years hiatus for recovery, he was back into it, and the band have since released two albums, "the Ghost Inside" (2021) and "searching for solace" (2024.)
I saw andrew perform at 'parkway drive' this year and he was incredible to watch, so much energy, passion and precision.
Luke Holland - falling in reverse (usa)
self taught drummer Luke Holland has had a long career, including studio/tour drumming, a YouTube channel, along with several bands including 'oceans will part', 'the word alive' and since 2020 'falling in reverse.' in March last year Luke suffered from a burn during a show from a malfunctioning pyro display. "Welp, that was a first. Arm is burnt to SHIT from the stage pyro. Sorry we had to stop twice because of the fire malfunction" - Luke Holland via x. a video of the incident at stone temple can be found on luke's youtube channel 'Luke Holland drums' with the tongue in cheek title "watch the world (Luke) burn."
to read about my experience seeing Luke & Christian coma, follow the link to my 'falling in reverse', brisbane concert review.
Parkway Drive - Ben Gordon (australia)
mostly self-taught drummer, Ben Gordon has been playing drums since the age of 11. Ben was a member of several smaller local bands before forming 'parkway drive' in 2002 at the age of 16. he is now infamous for his firey Drum cage performances and known to have played through gastro and injury. viva the underdogs!
the first time i saw parkway drive was in 2009 at riverstage in brisbane; I have seen them several times since, including their anniversary tour this year. they are always amazing and it is so fun to watch them grow into the powerhouses that they are today.
Nick Folio - bad omens (usa)
while drums aren't the only instrument nick plays, he has been the 'bad omens' drummer since 2015. Nick is infamous for playing through food poisoning and illness to the point of never missing a show & smoking while playing on stage. "folio" has a stand out hard hitting style of playing while using a combination of a traditional kit and drum pad.
while I did miss their stand alone tour to Australia, I did get to see 'bad omens' play at knotfest in 2023. Nick went 1000% for the whole set and it was very interesting to watch.
'bad omens' are said to be in the process of recording a new album and to celebrate we made a list of their heaviest songs to date, where you can really see nick's skills shine. you will find the link below.
Jerod Boyd - miss May I (usa)
Jerod has been playing drums since the age of 14. in his earlier years he was influenced by pop punk style drumming and eventually his style developed into something much heavier. Jerod has been a member of 'miss May i' since 2006.
"I remember eight years old getting my first drumset from my mom for Christmas. It was a red Groove Percussion kit from Walmart. But, boy, did I love it! After starting up marching band in high school I just had to get a new drumkit. I wanted something amazing, so I got a Pearl Session Custom kit. It was a great kit for my sixteen-year-old self at the time. I toured with that kit for a bit, but soon after I endorsed a different company and I had to sell it. It was a great kit, and I learned so much on it. RIP “Green Machine.” - Jerod via moderdrummer.com
I recently saw jerod perform at knotfest, Brisbane. he was incredible to watch, his passion and technique were evident, even from the stands, and with the sun blasting into his face.
ii - sleep token (england)
due to respect for his anonymity I won't be searching into ii to find out more than the most basic information. iI has been releasing music with 'sleep token' since 2019, while using a combination of a traditional kit and a drum pad. they are set to release their fourth album "even in arcadia" on May 9th.
matt greiner - August Burns Red (usa)
matt is a founding member of 'august Burns red' and has been releasing music with them since 2003. greiner started his own drum company in 2012, 'greiner&kilmer', the company has since closed down, however they made some beautiful pieces in the time they were trading. matt offers drumming lessons through his website https://mattgreinerlessons.com/
I saw Matt perform with 'august Burns red' in 2009 with parkway drive at river stage, Brisbane. matt was so fun to watch, and I found myself watching him more than anyone else throughout their performance.
Hector De Santiago - as blood runs black (usa)
Hector "lech" de Santiago has been drumming for 'as blood runs black' since 2003. The band went on hiatus between 2014 and 2021 and has alluded to new music coming. Hector has released three albums with the band. Hector has an unrelenting & hard hitting drumming style, he is amazing with the use of silence and fills.
Mitch Fogarty - alpha Wolf (Australia)
Mitch started his career as a session drummer before officially signing on as drummer for 'alpha Wolf' in 2018, and has since recorded two albums with them. Mitch has since joined in partnership to create a snare drum.
"The Bendu is an artistic collaboration between Mitch Fogarty of Alphawolf and Nostra Drum Provisions resulting in a high-end snare drum build to the exacting standards of Mitch, Ben and Matt." - brisbanedrums.com.au
I saw Mitch perform at knotfest 2023; he was immaculate, energy through the roof and his skills were definitely on display that day.
Ali Richardson - bleed from within/sylosis (scotland)
Ali started his drumming journey at the age of 13. he is a founding member of the 2005 band 'bleed from within' and joined 'sylosis' in 2015.
Ali is relentless behind the drum kit and plays with a raw power style that is undeniably impressive. he was nominated for rhythms 'best new drummer' in 2016. Ali was previously drummer of the bands 'bodicea's Grave', and 'Cities and Skylines.'
Gabe Helguera - I PREVAIL (usa)
Gabe has been the drummer for 'I prevail' since 2017. he is the founder and lead instructor of drumbeatsonline, and provides lesson for beginners up to advanced players.
"Gabe Helguera here. I teach online drum lessons over at drumbeatsonline.com and I play drums for the 2 time Grammy nominated band I Prevail. I'm incredibly passionate about helping other drummers build their confidence behind the kit as well as teaching them how to simply rock out and have fun." - pearldrum.com
I got to see Gabe perform at parkway drives concert in Brisbane this year, and he honestly pulled focused for quite a bit of the set. his enthusiasm makes him very entertaining to watch.
Jordan Mather - make them suffer (Australia)
england born Jordan, started playing drums at 12 years old. he started playing for 'saviour' in 2012 and by 2017 he was the official drummer of 'make them suffer'. Jordan has an unrelenting and versatile style of playing that makes it never a dull moment to listen to.
I got to see 'make them suffer' perform at good things 2023. they were absolutely amazing to watch and to this day they are one of my all time favourite performances.
Christian Coma - black veil brides (usa)
Christian began his drum journey at the age of 9. he was previously the drummer of 'silent civilian' and has been the drummer of 'black veil brides' since 2010. he is know for his flamboyant and energetic drums style.
I was lucky enough to see Christian perform at falling in reverse earlier this year. he is a true showman, and if he can find a second to throw or twirl his drumsticks he will.
Mat Nicholls - bring me the horizon (england)
mat nicholls is a self taught drummer, and his drumming style has changed over the year as he has learnt more and become more comfortable in his own style. he has been a member of 'bring me the horizon' since their foremation in 2004. 'bring me the horizon' has been at the forefront of metalcore since their introduction to the scene, and remain at their peak today.
I have seen 'bring me the horizon' several times now and they are always amazing. their shows are next level and you will forget the outside world exists while it is happening.
Alex Shelnutt - A Day To Remember (usa)
Alex joined 'a day to remember' at 15 years old in 2006, and has been a member of the band since.
"Alex: I never took lessons. I taught myself. So, I don’t really know the technical terms, but how I learned, I played and listened to songs that I liked. I got the feel of them and practised over and over – practised for hours a day. On tour, before we play I stretch, I do a few paradiddles, the standard things like that." - WordPress.com
I have seen 'ADTR' multiple times now and they are always so fun to watch. Alex has a playful and multi-genre style of playing drums that makes for an entertaining performance.
who is your favourite metalcore drummer right now? who would you add to the list?
