Mario Duplantier Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Gojira Drummer | MetalForge
Mario Duplantier (born June 19, 1981, in Ondres, France) is a French drummer and visual artist, best known as the drummer and co-founder of progressive death metal band Gojira, which he formed with his brother Joe Duplantier (vocals/guitar) in 1996 (originally as Godzilla). Mario's drumming combines crushing power with technical precision, featuring complex double bass patterns and an almost tribal quality that defines Gojira's unique sound. Beyond his drumming, he is a talented visual artist who creates artwork for Gojira's albums, merchandise, and stage productions.
Mario Duplantier's complete Tama & Zildjian drum kit breakdown: dual 22" Starclassic Bubinga bass drums, S.L.P. G-Maple snare, K Custom/A Custom cymbals & Iron Cobra double pedal — Gojira's full gear setup.
Mario Duplantier Biography
Mario Duplantier (born June 19, 1981, in Ondres, France) is a French drummer and visual artist, best known as the drummer and co-founder of progressive death metal band Gojira, which he formed with his brother Joe Duplantier (vocals/guitar) in 1996 (originally as Godzilla).
Mario's drumming combines crushing power with technical precision, featuring complex double bass patterns and an almost tribal quality that defines Gojira's unique sound. Beyond his drumming, he is a talented visual artist who creates artwork for Gojira's albums, merchandise, and stage productions.
Career Highlights
- 1996: Formed Godzilla (later Gojira) with brother Joe in Bayonne, France
- 2001: Released debut album "Terra Incognita" (as Gojira)
- 2005: Released "From Mars to Sirius," international breakthrough
- 2008: Released "The Way of All Flesh," critical acclaim worldwide
- 2012: Released "L'Enfant Sauvage," Gojira's first Grammy nomination
- 2016: Released "Magma," reaching #1 on Billboard Hard Rock chart
- 2021: Released "Fortitude," achieving mainstream success
- 2022: Won "Best Metal Performance" Grammy nomination for "Amazonia"
Style & Influences
Mario Duplantier's drumming style is characterized by incredible power, tribal rhythmic elements, and seamless integration with Gojira's intricate guitar work. His playing emphasizes dynamics and groove within an extreme metal framework.
Key Influences:
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): Thrash metal foundation
- Igor Cavalera (Sepultura): Brazilian tribal metal approach
- Meshuggah: Polyrhythmic complexity
- World percussion: Tribal and ethnic rhythms
Signature Techniques:
- Powerful, syncopated double bass patterns
- Tribal-influenced rhythms and polyrhythms
- Pick scrape and tom-based grooves
- Dynamic control within extreme metal context
- "Wall of sound" approach with precise articulation
Gear Highlights
Mario Duplantier is a Tama Drums and Zildjian Cymbals endorser. He uses dual bass drums, driven by a Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide double pedal, for visual impact and tonal reasons.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Tama Starclassic Bubinga (dual 22"x18" bass drums)
- Snare: Tama S.L.P. 14"x6.5" G-Maple
- Cymbals: Zildjian (14" K Sweet Hi-Hats, various K Custom and A Custom crashes, 21" Z Custom Mega Bell Ride)
- Hardware: Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide Double Pedal
- Throne: Tama 1st Chair Ergo-Rider
- Sticks: Tama Mario Duplantier Signature
- Heads: Remo
Visual Artist Work:
- Creates all Gojira album artwork and merchandise designs
- Designs stage visuals and projections
- His art features organic, spiritual, and environmental themes