Matt Garstka Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Animals as Leaders Drummer | MetalForge
Matt Garstka (born April 27, 1989, in Westfield, Massachusetts) is an American drummer known for his virtuosic work with instrumental progressive metal band Animals as Leaders since 2012. His playing seamlessly blends jazz fusion, electronic music, and progressive metal, featuring complex polyrhythms, intricate ghost note patterns, and innovative use of dynamics. Garstka joined Animals as Leaders after the departure of original drummer Navene Koperweis, bringing a jazz-educated sensibility to the band's technical instrumental music. His approach—combining traditional grip, linear independence, and a deep understanding of metric modulation—has made him one of the most influential drummers of his generation. Beyond Animals as Leaders, Garstka is an in-demand educator and session musician.
Complete biography of Matt Garstka, Animals as Leaders' virtuosic drummer. Explore his jazz-fusion approach, polyrhythmic mastery, and influence on modern progressive metal drumming.
Matt Garstka Biography
Matt Garstka (born April 27, 1989, in Westfield, Massachusetts) is an American drummer known for his virtuosic work with instrumental progressive metal band Animals as Leaders since 2012. His playing seamlessly blends jazz fusion, electronic music, and progressive metal, featuring complex polyrhythms, intricate ghost note patterns, and innovative use of dynamics.
Garstka joined Animals as Leaders after the departure of original drummer Navene Koperweis, bringing a jazz-educated sensibility to the band's technical instrumental music. His approach—combining traditional grip, linear independence, and a deep understanding of metric modulation—has made him one of the most influential drummers of his generation. Beyond Animals as Leaders, Garstka is an in-demand educator and session musician.
Career Highlights
- 1989: Born April 27 in Westfield, Massachusetts
- 2007: Began studying at Berklee College of Music
- 2012: Joined Animals as Leaders, replacing Navene Koperweis
- 2014: Released "The Joy of Motion" with Animals as Leaders, first album with band
- 2016: Released "The Madness of Many" to critical acclaim
- 2017: Featured on Modern Drummer magazine cover
- 2018: Began extensive educational content creation and clinic touring
- 2019: Named one of the most influential drummers of the decade by multiple publications
- 2022: Released "Parrhesia" with Animals as Leaders
- 2023: Continues international touring and education
Style & Influences
Matt Garstka's drumming represents a new paradigm in progressive metal—combining jazz sophistication with heavy music intensity. His approach emphasizes feel and groove within complex frameworks, making intricate patterns accessible and musical.
Key Influences:
- Vinnie Colaiuta: Jazz fusion versatility
- Steve Gadd: Precision and feel
- Tony Williams: Jazz innovation
- Jojo Mayer: Electronic-influenced acoustic drumming
- Aaron Spears: Gospel chops and independence
Signature Techniques:
- Linear independence: Each limb operating independently in different patterns
- Ghost note vocabulary: Extensive use of subtle notes for texture
- Metric modulation: Seamlessly shifting between tempos and feels
- Traditional grip in metal: Unusual choice that influences his touch
- Polyrhythmic stacking: Layering multiple rhythmic cycles simultaneously
- Dynamic contrast: Extreme range from whisper-quiet to powerful accents
Gear Highlights
Matt Garstka is endorsed by Meinl Cymbals and DW Drums, having switched from Tama to a DW custom shop kit in September 2021. His setup reflects his fusion approach—versatile, dynamic, and designed for the full range of expression required by Animals as Leaders' music.
Current Setup:
- Drums: DW Collector's Series (mixed Collector's Series wood species and shell configurations, per DW custom shop)
- Snare: DW Collector's Series Purpleheart
- Cymbals: Meinl Byzance series (including Dual Hi-Hats, Extra Dry crashes, Sand rides)
- Hardware: Tama Speed Cobra 910 double pedal
- Sticks: Vic Firth Matt Garstka Signature
- Heads: Evans
Setup Philosophy:
- Smaller drums for responsiveness and articulation
- Meinl Byzance cymbals for dark, complex overtones
- Traditional grip influences positioning and angles
- Minimal setup compared to many progressive drummers
- Focus on quality of sound over quantity of drums