Hushed and Grim Drum Setup: Brann Dailor's Grammy-Nominated Kit on Mastodon's 2021 Double Album | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drums does Brann Dailor use on Hushed and Grim?

Brann Dailor recorded Mastodon's Hushed and Grim (2021) using a Pearl Reference Pure drum kit — a switch from the Tama Starclassic Maple he used on Emperor of Sand (2017). The configuration featured a single 20 inch bass drum — a shift down from the 22 inch used on Emperor of Sand — with three rack toms at 10, 12, and 13 inches, and a 16 inch floor tom. The Pearl Reference Pure uses pure maple shells throughout, producing a warm, present fundamental tone that suits the melodic tom language Dailor brings to all Mastodon records. The 20 inch kick configuration produces a tighter, more focused kick sound suited to the album's denser, heavier arrangements.

What cymbals does Brann Dailor play on Hushed and Grim?

On Hushed and Grim (2021), Brann Dailor used Zildjian A Custom and Z Custom cymbals — a significant change from the Meinl Byzance palette he used on Emperor of Sand (2017). The setup included Zildjian A Custom 14 inch hi-hats, an A Custom 18 inch crash, a Z Custom 20 inch crash, an A Custom 22 inch ride, a Z Custom 18 inch china, and an A Custom 10 inch splash. The Zildjian A Custom series features a brilliant finish that increases high-frequency response for a brighter, more cutting attack compared to the dark, atmospheric Meinl Byzance. The Z Custom series adds even greater aggression for the album's heaviest accent points.

How is Brann's 2021 kit different from the Emperor of Sand era?

Brann Dailor's Hushed and Grim (2021) setup differs from his Emperor of Sand (2017) rig in three significant ways. First, the drum kit shifted from Tama Starclassic Maple to Pearl Reference Pure — comparable quality, different tonal character. Second, the bass drum configuration changed from 22 inches to 20 inches, producing a tighter, more focused kick sound better suited to the double album's denser arrangements. Third, the cymbal palette shifted from Meinl Byzance (dark, warm, atmospheric) to Zildjian A Custom plus Z Custom (brighter, more aggressive attack) — a change that reflects the album's wider dynamic range and heavier material compared to the emotionally restrained Emperor of Sand. The single-kick philosophy and melodic tom approach remained consistent across both eras.

Was Hushed and Grim nominated for a Grammy?

Yes. Mastodon received a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance at the 65th Grammy Awards (2023) for 'The Beast' from Hushed and Grim. The nomination recognised the album's technical and compositional quality — Mastodon's most ambitious release, a 15-track double album running 86 minutes. While the band had previously won the Grammy for Best Metal Performance at the 60th Grammy Awards (2018) for 'Sultan's Curse' from Emperor of Sand, the Hushed and Grim nomination confirmed that their commitment to progressive ambition on a double-album scale continued to be recognised at the industry's highest level.

Why did Brann Dailor switch to a 20-inch bass drum for Hushed and Grim?

Brann Dailor's switch from a 22 inch to a 20 inch bass drum for Hushed and Grim (2021) was a deliberate sonic choice suited to the double album's musical demands. A 20 inch kick produces a tighter fundamental with faster attack and less sustain bloom than a 22 inch, which provides rhythmic clarity in Mastodon's densely layered arrangements across 15 tracks. Where the 22 inch kick on Emperor of Sand produced a full, round anchoring tone suited to that album's atmospheric and groove-forward character, the 20 inch Reference Pure kick cuts through the complex guitar work of Hushed and Grim with precision — each kick placement registers as a clear rhythmic event rather than a low-frequency wash. The change reflects how gear choices serve musical context rather than personal preference alone.

What is the full track listing of Hushed and Grim?

Mastodon's Hushed and Grim (2021) is a 15-track double album: 1. Pain with an Anchor, 2. The Crux, 3. Sickle and Peace, 4. More Than I Could Chew, 5. The Beast, 6. Pushing the Tides, 7. Skeleton of Splendor, 8. Teardrinker, 9. Had It All, 10. Savage Lands, 11. Gobblers of Dregs, 12. Eyes of Serpents, 13. Dagger, 14. Tide Shifter, 15. Not That At All. The album was released on October 29, 2021, on Reprise Records and peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard 200.