Brann Dailor Drum Kit & Drum Set — Mastodon Drummer | MetalForge
Brann Dailor (born March 19, 1975, in Rochester, New York) is an American musician best known as the drummer and co-vocalist for Grammy-winning progressive sludge metal band Mastodon. His drumming style combines jazz-influenced fills with progressive rock complexity, creating a distinctive, flowing approach that has influenced a generation of metal drummers. Dailor's drumming is characterized by constant motion—intricate fills that weave around the riffs rather than simply keeping time. His "lead drums" approach treats the drums as a melodic instrument, and his increasingly prominent vocal contributions have added another dimension to Mastodon's sound. He co-founded Mastodon in 2000 with guitarist Bill Kelliher, his longtime collaborator from their days in Lethargy and Today Is the Day.
See exactly what drums, cymbals, and hardware Brann Dailor (Mastodon) uses — complete kit specs and signature gear.
Brann Dailor Biography
Brann Dailor (born March 19, 1975, in Rochester, New York) is an American musician best known as the drummer and co-vocalist for Grammy-winning progressive sludge metal band Mastodon. His drumming style combines jazz-influenced fills with progressive rock complexity, creating a distinctive, flowing approach that has influenced a generation of metal drummers.
Dailor's drumming is characterized by constant motion—intricate fills that weave around the riffs rather than simply keeping time. His "lead drums" approach treats the drums as a melodic instrument, and his increasingly prominent vocal contributions have added another dimension to Mastodon's sound. He co-founded Mastodon in 2000 with guitarist Bill Kelliher, his longtime collaborator from their days in Lethargy and Today Is the Day.
Career Highlights
- 1992: Founded avant-garde metal band Lethargy in Rochester, NY; Bill Kelliher joined on guitar in 1994
- 1996: Joined Today Is the Day, recording "Temple of the Morning Star"
- 2000: Co-founded Mastodon in Atlanta, Georgia
- 2002: Released "Remission," Mastodon's debut album
- 2004: Released "Leviathan," a concept album inspired by Moby Dick
- 2006: Released "Blood Mountain," featuring guest vocals from Josh Homme
- 2009: Released "Crack the Skye," widely considered Mastodon's masterpiece
- 2011: Released "The Hunter," featuring more accessible songwriting
- 2014: Released "Once More 'Round the Sun"
- 2017: Won Grammy for Best Metal Performance for "Sultan's Curse"
- 2021: Released "Hushed and Grim," a double album honoring manager Nick John
- 2024: Continues touring as one of metal's premier live acts
Style & Influences
Brann Dailor's drumming defies conventional metal norms. Rather than locking into static patterns, his style features constantly evolving fills and rhythmic variations that flow through songs like a melodic instrument. He has described his approach as "lead drums."
Key Influences:
- Neil Peart (Rush): Progressive complexity and composition
- Bill Bruford (Yes/King Crimson): Jazz-influenced progressive rock
- Stewart Copeland (The Police): Rhythmic creativity and dynamics
- Gene Hoglan (Death): Technical death metal foundation
Signature Techniques:
- "Lead drums" approach with constant fills and variations
- Jazz-influenced linear patterns and ghost notes
- Melodic tom work creating almost riff-like patterns
- Seamless integration of complex rhythms within heavy contexts
- Use of China cymbals for accents and transitions
- Increasingly prominent vocal contributions (clean and harsh)
Gear Highlights
Brann Dailor is a longtime Tama endorser, using their Starclassic Performer B/B drums. He favors a large setup to accommodate his expansive, melodic tom work.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Tama Starclassic Performer B/B (birch/bubinga)
- Snare: Tama S.L.P. G-Maple 14"x6.5"
- Cymbals: Meinl Byzance series (15" Byzance Dark Hi-Hats, various crashes, 22" Byzance Ride, Classics Custom China)
- Hardware: Tama Speed Cobra double pedal; Tama Iron Cobra Lever Glide hi-hat stand
- Throne: Tama 1st Chair Ergo-Rider
- Sticks: Vater 5B
- Heads: Evans
Setup Characteristics:
- Large kit with multiple rack toms for melodic patterns
- Extensive use of China cymbals for accents
- Quick-response cymbals for fast transition work
- Angled toms for fluid motion between drums