Brann Dailor Drum Setup — Mastodon Gear Guide | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drums does Brann Dailor use?

Brann Dailor's long-time drum kit is the Tama Starclassic Maple series. The Starclassic Maple's 100% maple shell construction provides the warm, resonant tone his melodic drumming style demands — these drums are tuned to sing, not just to punch. His configuration typically includes a single 22" bass drum (he is notably a single-kick player), three rack toms (10", 12", 13"), and a 16" floor tom. The Tama setup was used across Mastodon's defining albums from Leviathan (2004) through Emperor of Sand (2017). For full profile and career breakdown: [Brann Dailor at MetalForge](/drummer/brann-dailor).

What cymbals does Brann Dailor use?

Brann Dailor plays Istanbul Agop cymbals, primarily from the Traditional series — hand-hammered Turkish cymbals known for their warm, complex, dark character. His setup includes 14" Traditional hi-hats, crashes in 18" and 20", and a 22" Traditional Ride. Istanbul Agop's warmth and musical complexity suit Dailor's compositional drumming philosophy: cymbals that sing and develop tonally rather than simply attacking and decaying. Zildjian cymbals have also appeared in his setup across various eras, particularly for specific accent needs. For more on Mastodon's sonic approach, see [Mastodon at MetalForge](/bands/mastodon).

What sticks does Brann Dailor use?

Brann Dailor uses Vater drumsticks, typically in American hickory models suited to his melodic, dynamic playing style. Vater's hickory construction balances the power needed for Mastodon's heavier passages with the sensitivity his extensive ghost note work and nuanced cymbal playing require. Vater's lineup across their hickory range provides Dailor the feel and balance point for a player who needs precision at low velocities as much as power at high ones. For drumstick recommendations in a progressive metal context, see the [drumsticks gear guide at MetalForge](/gear/sticks).

What makes Brann Dailor's drumming style unique?

Brann Dailor's drumming is unique for applying a jazz-influenced melodic vocabulary to heavy metal — toms used as melodic instruments (tuned in musical intervals and integrated throughout grooves, not just fills), extensive ghost note work derived from jazz's constant-hand-motion technique, and a single-bass-drum groove philosophy in a genre dominated by double-kick speed. His playing treats the drum kit as a compositional instrument equal to the guitars, producing drum parts that function as counter-melodies to the riff work rather than mere rhythmic support. He also sings — complex harmonies and leads — while executing technically demanding drum parts simultaneously. Combined, these qualities make his playing identifiable within seconds. For technique breakdowns and lick analysis: [Brann Dailor Signature Licks at MetalForge](/drummers/brann-dailor/licks).

What albums show Brann Dailor's best drumming?

The five albums that most comprehensively showcase Brann Dailor's drumming are: Leviathan (2004) — "Hearts Alive" and "Aqua Dementia" introduce his melodic tom language; Blood Mountain (2006) — aggressive complexity across the full album; Crack the Skye (2009) — the career peak, with "The Czar," "Oblivion," and "Pendulous Skin" among the most melodically sophisticated drum performances in metal; The Hunter (2011) — where his dual drummer-vocalist role becomes central; Emperor of Sand (2017) — Grammy-nominated, emotionally resonant, with "Show Yourself" demonstrating how melodic drumming can anchor a radio-accessible metal song. Start with Crack the Skye for the most complete demonstration of his capabilities. See [Mastodon discography at MetalForge](/bands/mastodon) for album-by-album breakdowns.

Does Brann Dailor use double bass?

No — Brann Dailor plays a single bass drum with a single pedal, one of his most distinctive choices in a metal genre saturated with double-bass players. His single-kick approach focuses on precise groove placement and feel rather than double-kick velocity, giving his bass drum work a musical quality that double-kick speed often sacrifices. Mastodon's rhythmic foundation is built on Dailor's creative single-pedal patterns rather than double-bass saturation. This choice reflects his jazz-influenced philosophy: the foot is a groove instrument, not a speed demonstration. For double-bass drumming technique context, see the [double-bass technique overview at MetalForge](/technique/double-bass).