Ryan Van Poederooyen Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Devin Townsend Drummer | MetalForge

Quick Facts: Ryan Van Poederooyen

Ryan Van Poederooyen Biography

Ryan Van Poederooyen is a Canadian drummer who has been the primary drummer for Devin Townsend and his various projects since 1999. His 25+ year collaboration with Townsend makes him one of the most consistent drummer-artist partnerships in progressive metal history.

Van Poederooyen's versatile drumming has adapted to Townsend's constantly evolving musical vision, from the crushing heaviness of "Terria" and "Deconstruction" to the ambient soundscapes of "Ghost" and "Casualties of Cool." His ability to serve Townsend's diverse musical styles while maintaining powerful, precise drumming has made him an integral part of the Devin Townsend sound.

Career Highlights

• 1999: Began collaboration with Devin Townsend
• 2001: Recorded "Terria" with Devin Townsend, acclaimed solo album
• 2003: Recorded "Accelerated Evolution" with Devin Townsend Band
• 2007: Recorded "Ziltoid the Omniscient," cult favorite concept album
• 2009: Joined Devin Townsend Project for new era
• 2011: Recorded "Deconstruction," one of heaviest Townsend albums
• 2012: Recorded "Epicloud," accessible yet powerful album
• 2014: Recorded "Z²: Dark Matters / Sky Blue" double album
• 2019: Recorded "Empath," ambitious and diverse album
• 2022: Recorded "Lightwork" with Devin Townsend
• 2023: Continued touring with Devin Townsend worldwide

Style & Influences

Ryan Van Poederooyen's drumming style is characterized by power, precision, and remarkable versatility. His ability to shift between extreme metal intensity and subtle, ambient playing makes him the perfect drummer for Devin Townsend's eclectic musical vision.

Key Influences:
- Gene Hoglan: Technical death/thrash metal drumming (also a Townsend collaborator)
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): Thrash metal power and speed
- Progressive metal drummers: Complex time signatures and dynamics
- Session drummers: Versatility and adaptability

Signature Techniques:
- Powerful, driving double bass patterns
- Ability to play with extreme dynamics (whisper to crushing)
- Tasteful playing that serves Townsend's complex arrangements
- Seamless transitions between metal and ambient sections
- Professional consistency across diverse musical styles

Gear Highlights

Ryan Van Poederooyen's rig centers on a Pearl Reference Series shell pack, adapted to suit Townsend's diverse musical requirements.

Typical Setup:
- Drums: Pearl Reference Series
- Snare: Pearl Reference 14"x6.5" Brass
- Cymbals: Sabian (AAX, HHX series)
- Hardware: Pearl Demon Drive Double Pedal
- Sticks: Vic Firth (various models)
- Heads: Evans or Remo

Setup Philosophy:
- Versatile setup capable of extreme dynamics
- Reliable equipment for extensive touring
- Adapts configuration to album/tour requirements
- Emphasizes power and clarity across diverse musical styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What drum kit does Ryan Van Poederooyen use?

Ryan Van Poederooyen's rig centers on a Pearl Reference Series shell pack, the workhorse setup behind his role as Devin Townsend's primary drummer across two decades of genre-hopping albums, from ambient soundscapes to full-throttle metal assaults.

What drum set does Ryan Van Poederooyen use?

Ryan Van Poederooyen's drum set is built around a Pearl Reference 14"x6.5" Brass snare, delivering the cutting attack needed to punch through Townsend's dense, layered guitar walls on records like Accelerated Evolution, Synchestra, and Transcendence.

What cymbals does Ryan Van Poederooyen play?

Ryan Van Poederooyen plays Sabian HHX and AAX Series cymbals: 14" HHX Evolution Hi-Hats, 18" and 20" HHX Evolution Crashes, a 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride, and a 19" AAXtreme China.

What snare does Ryan Van Poederooyen use?

Ryan Van Poederooyen's snare is a Pearl Reference 14"x6.5" Brass, delivering the cutting attack needed to punch through Devin Townsend's dense guitar walls.

What sticks does Ryan Van Poederooyen use?

Ryan Van Poederooyen uses Vic Firth American Classic 5B drumsticks.

What bass drum pedal does Ryan Van Poederooyen use?

Ryan Van Poederooyen drives Townsend's crushing riffs with a Pearl Demon Drive double pedal, seated on a Pearl D-3000 throne.

What drumheads does Ryan Van Poederooyen use?

Ryan Van Poederooyen uses Evans drumheads across his Pearl Reference kit.

What band is Ryan Van Poederooyen in?

Ryan Van Poederooyen has been Devin Townsend's primary drummer since 1999, including the Devin Townsend Project era from 2009 to 2018.

How long has Ryan Van Poederooyen played with Devin Townsend?

Ryan Van Poederooyen has been Devin Townsend's primary drummer for more than 25 years, appearing on nearly every solo and band album since 1999 — including "Terria" (2001), "Deconstruction" (2011), and "Lightwork" (2022) — after taking over from Gene Hoglan, Townsend's previous drummer in Strapping Young Lad.