Fortitude Drum Setup: Mario Duplantier's Custom Mapex Kit (Gojira, 2021) | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drum kit did Mario Duplantier use on Fortitude?

On Fortitude (2021), Mario Duplantier played a custom Mapex drum kit, marking his transition from the Pearl Reference Pure drums 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 custom Mapex setup paired with Paiste Signature cymbals and DW hardware. Andy Wallace's mixing on Fortitude gave the Mapex 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 significant evolution from Magma. The primary change was from Pearl Reference Pure drums (Magma) to a custom Mapex kit (Fortitude) — a shift that introduced greater dimensional resonance and tonal complexity suited to Fortitude's more ambitious arrangements. Cymbals remained Paiste Signature (continuity from Magma). Hardware evolved from Pearl Eliminator pedals to DW 9000 series. 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 custom Mapex 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 custom Mapex 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.