Hannes Grossmann Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Obscura & Necrophagist Drummer | MetalForge
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.
Complete biography of Hannes Grossmann, technical death metal virtuoso known for Obscura, Necrophagist, and Alkaloid. Explore his precision drumming, classical influences, and producer work.
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