Aquiles Priester Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Angra & W.A.S.P. Drummer | MetalForge
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.
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 influence on power metal drumming.
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: Evans
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