Aquiles Priester Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Angra & W.A.S.P. Drummer | MetalForge
Aquiles Priester Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Aquiles Priester, acclaimed power metal drummer for Angra, W.A.S.P., and Hangar. Explore his incredible speed, double bass mastery, and...
Quick Facts: Aquiles Priester
| Band | Angra / W.A.S.P. |
|---|---|
| All bands | Angra, W.A.S.P. |
| Genre | Power Metal / Heavy Metal |
| Country | Brazil |
| Primary brand | Mapex |
| Drum kit | Mapex Saturn Evolution All Maple (signature kit) |
| Sticks | ProMark Aquiles Priester Signature |
Aquiles Priester Biography
Aquiles Priester (born June 19, 1971, in São Paulo, Brazil) is a Brazilian drummer renowned for his incredible speed, technical precision, and showmanship. He is best known for his work with Brazilian power metal legends Angra (2000-2012, returning 2023), American heavy metal band W.A.S.P. (2006-present), and his own band Hangar.
Priester is considered one of the greatest power metal drummers in the world. His double bass abilities, complex fills, and capacity to maintain blazing speeds for extended periods have earned him numerous awards from Brazilian and international music publications. His energetic live performances and precise studio work have influenced a generation of metal drummers.
Career Highlights
- 1996: Founded Hangar, Brazilian power metal band
- 2000: Joined Angra, replacing Ricardo Confessori
- 2001: Recorded "Rebirth" with Angra, a power metal landmark
- 2004: Released "Temple of Shadows" with Angra, critically acclaimed
- 2006: Joined W.A.S.P. as touring and studio drummer
- 2007: Released "Aurora Consurgens" with Angra
- 2009: Released "Babylon" with W.A.S.P.
- 2010: Released "Aqua" with Angra
- 2012: Left Angra; continued with W.A.S.P. and Hangar
- 2015: Released "Golgotha" with W.A.S.P.
- 2023: Returned to Angra for their latest album cycle
Style & Influences
Aquiles Priester's drumming style combines extreme speed with musicality and showmanship. His double bass technique is among the most impressive in metal, capable of sustained patterns at 220+ BPM while maintaining clarity and groove.
Key Influences:
- Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden): Galloping rhythms and power metal foundation
- Lars Ulrich (Metallica): Thrash metal energy
- Neil Peart (Rush): Progressive complexity and precision
- Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater): Progressive metal drumming concepts
Signature Techniques:
- Blazing double bass patterns at extreme speeds
- Complex fills that navigate progressive song structures
- Powerful snare accents and dynamic control
- Showmanship during live performances
- Clean execution of technically demanding passages
Gear Highlights
Aquiles Priester plays a Mapex Saturn Evolution signature kit paired with his own ProMark signature sticks. His setup is designed for both extreme speed and powerful stage presence during high-energy performances.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Mapex Saturn Evolution All Maple (Aquiles Priester signature kit)
- Cymbals: Paiste (custom red-coated set, including his 18" Psychoctopus Giga Bell Ride)
- Hardware: DW 9000 Series double pedal, DW 9000 Series hi-hat stand, Gibraltar racks
- Sticks: ProMark Aquiles Priester Signature
- Heads: Remo Coated Ambassador / Powerstroke 3
Signature Product Features:
- ProMark signature sticks designed for speed and power
- Mapex Saturn Evolution kit — the first Brazilian-drummer signature kit from a global drum brand
- DW 9000 double pedal for rapid-fire double bass
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Aquiles Priester use?
Aquiles Priester's drum kit is the Mapex Saturn Evolution All Maple — his own signature kit, and the first Brazilian-drummer signature kit released by a global drum brand. It is topped with Paiste cymbals (a custom red-coated set) and driven by a DW 9000 Series double pedal.
What drum set does Aquiles Priester use?
Aquiles Priester's drum set is his Mapex Saturn Evolution All Maple signature kit. The drum set carries a custom red-coated Paiste cymbal setup, a DW 9000 Series double pedal, and his signature ProMark sticks.
What cymbals does Aquiles Priester use?
Aquiles Priester uses Paiste cymbals, playing a custom red-coated set that includes his 18" Psychoctopus Giga Bell Ride.
What hi-hats does Aquiles Priester use?
Aquiles Priester plays Paiste hi-hats from his custom red-coated set, delivering the bright, articulate chick sound that keeps pace with his rapid single- and double-stroke fills.
What snare drum does Aquiles Priester play?
Aquiles Priester plays the snare from his Mapex Saturn Evolution All Maple signature kit, prized for a bright, cutting crack that keeps his rapid single- and double-stroke fills audible through dense progressive power metal arrangements.
What bass drum pedals does Aquiles Priester use?
Aquiles Priester uses a DW 9000 Series double bass drum pedal, mounted alongside a DW 9000 Series hi-hat stand and Gibraltar racks, delivering the sustained, high-speed double-bass patterns his playing is known for.
What band is Aquiles Priester in?
Aquiles Priester is best known for his work with Angra (2000-2012, 2023-present) and W.A.S.P. (2006-present), along with his own project Hangar.
What drumsticks does Aquiles Priester use?
Aquiles Priester uses his own ProMark Aquiles Priester Signature drumsticks.
What drumheads does Aquiles Priester use?
Aquiles Priester uses Remo Coated Ambassador / Powerstroke 3 drumheads across his Mapex Saturn Evolution All Maple kit.
What hardware does Aquiles Priester use?
Aquiles Priester mounts his DW 9000 Series double pedal and DW 9000 Series hi-hat stand on Gibraltar racks, supporting his Mapex Saturn Evolution kit on world tours.