Hannes Grossmann Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Obscura & Necrophagist Drummer | MetalForge

Quick Facts: Hannes Grossmann

Hannes Grossmann Biography

Hannes Grossmann (born September 8, 1982, in Freising, Germany) is a German drummer, composer, and producer widely regarded as one of the most technically proficient drummers in extreme metal. His playing combines classical music influences with precision extreme metal technique, creating a unique style that bridges technical death metal with progressive and jazz elements.

Grossmann first gained international recognition as the drummer for Necrophagist (2004-2010), one of the most influential technical death metal bands. He subsequently co-founded Obscura, where he helped define the progressive technical death metal sound. Beyond performing, he is an accomplished composer and producer who has worked on numerous metal productions from his studio in Germany.

Career Highlights

• 1999: Began serious drum studies, combining metal with classical percussion training
• 2004: Joined Necrophagist, replacing Steve Rowe
• 2004: Recorded drum tracks for Necrophagist's "Epitaph," a technical death metal landmark
• 2007: Co-founded Obscura with Steffen Kummerer
• 2007: Joined Ron Jarzombek's Blotted Science project
• 2009: Released "Cosmogenesis" with Obscura, critical acclaim worldwide
• 2011: Released "Omnivium" with Obscura, solidifying the band's reputation
• 2014: Co-founded progressive death metal supergroup Alkaloid
• 2014: Left Obscura to focus on Alkaloid and production work
• 2020: Rejoined Obscura as drummer
• 2021: Released "A Dying Wish" with Obscura

Style & Influences

Hannes Grossmann's drumming style is characterized by extraordinary precision, jazz-influenced sophistication, and classical music sensibilities. His approach to extreme metal drumming emphasizes musicality over pure speed, though he is capable of blistering tempos when required.

Key Influences:
- Steve Gadd: Jazz precision and groove
- Virgil Donati: Technical fusion drumming
- Gene Hoglan (Death): Technical death metal foundation
- Classical Percussion: Orchestral training and compositional thinking

Signature Techniques:
- Jazz-influenced ghost notes and dynamic control within death metal
- Complex polyrhythmic patterns with classical music precision
- Clean, articulate blast beats at extreme tempos
- Tasteful use of odd time signatures that feel natural
- Integration of electronic elements in live and studio settings

Gear Highlights

Hannes Grossmann plays a DW Collectors Series drum kit. His setup emphasizes clarity and projection for dense technical death metal arrangements.

Current Setup:
- Drums: DW Collectors Series
- Snare: DW Collectors 14"x5.5" Maple
- Cymbals: Meinl Byzance Series (14" Byzance Traditional Hi-Hats, 18"/19" Byzance Brilliant Crashes, 21" Byzance Traditional Ride)
- Hardware: DW 9000 Series Double Pedal
- Sticks: Vic Firth American Classic 5B
- Heads: Evans

Studio Work:
- Operates his own recording studio in Germany
- Has produced and mixed numerous metal albums
- Known for achieving natural, organic drum sounds in extreme metal productions

Frequently Asked Questions

What drum kit does Hannes Grossmann use?

Hannes Grossmann plays a DW Collectors Series drum kit — the precision American-made setup behind the hyper-technical, classically-informed drumming that has made him one of death metal's most respected players. It's built around a DW Collectors 14"x5.5" Maple snare.

What drum set does Hannes Grossmann use?

Hannes Grossmann's drum set pairs his DW Collectors shells and maple snare with a DW 9000 Series double pedal, driving the demanding blast-beat and odd-subdivision bass drum patterns his compositions require across Necrophagist, Obscura, and Alkaloid.

What cymbals does Hannes Grossmann play?

Hannes Grossmann plays Meinl Byzance Series cymbals: 14" Byzance Traditional Hi-Hats, 18" and 19" Byzance Brilliant Crashes, and a 21" Byzance Traditional Ride.

What snare does Hannes Grossmann use?

Hannes Grossmann's snare is a DW Collectors 14"x5.5" Maple, delivering a crisp, controlled crack suited to the intricate ghost notes and odd-meter phrasing running through his playing.

What sticks does Hannes Grossmann use?

Hannes Grossmann uses Vic Firth American Classic 5B drumsticks.

What bass drum pedal does Hannes Grossmann use?

Hannes Grossmann drives his blast-beat and odd-subdivision bass drum patterns with a DW 9000 Series double pedal.

What drumheads does Hannes Grossmann use?

Hannes Grossmann uses Evans drumheads across his DW Collectors kit.

What band is Hannes Grossmann in?

Hannes Grossmann drums for Obscura (2007-2014, 2020-present) and Alkaloid (2014-present), and previously drummed for Necrophagist and Blotted Science.

What is Hannes Grossmann's musical background?

Hannes Grossmann holds a degree in classical percussion and music theory, training that informs the jazz-influenced ghost notes and polyrhythmic precision he brings to technical death metal with Necrophagist, Obscura, and Alkaloid.