Matt Greiner Drum Kit & Gear Setup — August Burns Red Drummer | MetalForge
Matt Greiner (born May 2, 1985, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania) is an American drummer and founding member of metalcore band August Burns Red. Since the band's formation in 2003, Greiner has established himself as one of the most innovative and influential drummers in the metalcore genre, known for his complex patterns, powerful playing, and creative use of dynamics. His work with August Burns Red has earned a Grammy nomination and widespread critical acclaim. Greiner is also known for his Pearl signature snare drum and his contributions to drum education through clinics and social media content. His approach combines technical proficiency with musicality, influencing countless drummers in the heavy music scene.
Complete biography of Matt Greiner, founding drummer of August Burns Red. Explore his innovative metalcore style, Grammy-nominated work, signature snare drum, and influence on modern metal drumming.
Matt Greiner Biography
Matt Greiner (born May 2, 1985, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania) is an American drummer and founding member of metalcore band August Burns Red. Since the band's formation in 2003, Greiner has established himself as one of the most innovative and influential drummers in the metalcore genre, known for his complex patterns, powerful playing, and creative use of dynamics.
His work with August Burns Red has earned a Grammy nomination and widespread critical acclaim. Greiner is also known for his Pearl signature snare drum and his contributions to drum education through clinics and social media content. His approach combines technical proficiency with musicality, influencing countless drummers in the heavy music scene.
Career Highlights
- 2003: Co-founded August Burns Red in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- 2005: Released debut album "Thrill Seeker" on Solid State Records
- 2007: Released "Messengers," establishing ABR as metalcore leaders
- 2009: Released "Constellations," reaching #24 on Billboard 200
- 2011: Released "Leveler," reaching #11 on Billboard 200
- 2015: Released "Found in Far Away Places," Grammy-nominated
- 2017: Received Pearl Drums Matt Greiner Signature Snare
- 2019: Released "Guardians," reaching #9 on Billboard 200
- 2020: Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance ("Defender")
- 2023: Released "Death Below" to critical acclaim
Style & Influences
Matt Greiner's drumming style is characterized by powerful, precise playing with a unique approach to metalcore rhythms. He incorporates jazz-influenced dynamics, creative cymbal work, and intricate kick patterns while maintaining the heavy foundation that metalcore demands.
Key Influences:
- Chris Adler (Lamb of God): Groove metal precision and kick patterns
- Danny Carey (Tool): Progressive approach and musicality
- Tony Royster Jr.: Jazz fusion technique
- Brann Dailor (Mastodon): Progressive metal creativity
Signature Techniques:
- Rapid-fire double bass with distinctive patterns
- Creative use of stack cymbals and effects
- Dynamic range from delicate to crushing
- Complex hi-hat and ride patterns
- Seamless odd time signature integration
Gear Highlights
Matt Greiner has been a Mapex Drums and Paiste Cymbals endorser since 2016, when he switched from his earlier Pearl/Meinl setup for August Burns Red's technically demanding metalcore sets.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Mapex Black Panther Design Lab (maple/walnut hybrid)
- Snare: Mapex Black Panther 14"x5.5" Maple
- Cymbals: Paiste Formula 602 (14" Hi-Hats, 16"/17"/18" Crashes, 22" Ride, 18" China, 10" Splash)
- Hardware: DW 9000 Series double pedal, DW 9100 throne
- Sticks: Vic Firth Matt Greiner Signature
- Heads: Evans G2 / EMAD2
Signature Products:
- Mapex Black Panther 14"x5.5" Maple snare, anchoring August Burns Red's arrangements
- Vic Firth Matt Greiner Signature sticks designed for power and control
- Known for extensive use of Paiste Formula 602 cymbals for metalcore tone