Fortitude Drum Setup: Mario Duplantier's Tama Starclassic Bubinga (Gojira, 2021) | MetalForge
Mario Duplantier recorded Fortitude (2021) on a Tama Starclassic Bubinga kit with a Tama S.L.P. G-Maple snare.
Discover Mario Duplantier's complete drum setup on Gojira's Fortitude (2021). Full breakdown of his Tama Starclassic Bubinga kit, Zildjian cymbal endorsement...
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit did Mario Duplantier use on Fortitude?
On Fortitude (2021), Mario Duplantier played a Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum kit, continuing to refine the same kit used on Magma (2016). His configuration maintained the signature Gojira approach: two independent 22" x 18" bass drums (single pedals, not a double pedal), 10" and 12" rack toms, and 14" and 16" floor toms. The Tama Starclassic Bubinga setup paired with Zildjian K Custom/A Custom cymbals and Tama hardware. Andy Wallace's mixing on Fortitude gave the Bubinga kit its full dimensional impact on record — the most sonically complete drum sound of Mario's recorded career to date.
Was "Amazonia" from Fortitude nominated for a Grammy?
Yes. "Amazonia" by Gojira, from the album Fortitude (2021), was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 65th Grammy Awards (2023). The track is an environmental anthem and features one of Mario Duplantier's most physically powerful recorded drum performances — a relentless, anthemic groove that drives the track's message with uncompromising intensity. The nomination followed Gojira's first Grammy nomination for "Silvera" from Magma at the 59th Grammy Awards (2017), establishing the band as consistent Grammy contenders in the metal performance category.
How does the Fortitude drum setup compare to the Magma era?
The Fortitude drum setup represents a refinement of the same setup used on Magma. Mario continued playing the Tama Starclassic Bubinga kit (Magma and Fortitude alike) but with a more dimensional voicing — a refinement that introduced greater dimensional resonance and tonal complexity suited to Fortitude's more ambitious arrangements. Cymbals remained Zildjian K Custom/A Custom (continuity from Magma). Hardware remained Tama Iron Cobra pedals throughout. The most transformative addition, however, was Andy Wallace as mixing engineer — his work on Fortitude elevated the drum sound to a new professional standard compared to Magma's Joe Duplantier-mixed approach, giving every element of the Tama Starclassic Bubinga setup maximum sonic impact.
Who produced and mixed the drums on Fortitude?
Fortitude was self-produced by Joe Duplantier at Silver Cord Studio in New York — continuing Gojira's tradition of complete creative control. The key difference from previous albums was the addition of Andy Wallace as mixing engineer. Wallace, whose credits include Nirvana's Nevermind, Rage Against the Machine's debut album, System of a Down's Toxicity, and Jeff Buckley's Grace, brought world-class mixing expertise that gave Mario's Tama Starclassic Bubinga kit its maximum sonic potential. The combination of Joe's intimate production knowledge and Wallace's mix engineering produced the most polished and powerful drum sound in Gojira's catalog.