Tomas Haake Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Meshuggah Drummer | MetalForge
Tomas Haake Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Tomas Haake, Meshuggah's drummer and architect of the djent movement. Explore his revolutionary polyrhythmic style, the legendary "Blee...
Quick Facts: Tomas Haake
| Band | Meshuggah |
|---|---|
| Genre | Progressive Metal / Djent |
| Country | Sweden |
| Primary brand | Sonor |
| Drum kit | Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech (24"x18" Bass, 10"x8", 12"x9", 13"x10", 16"x14", 18"x16" Toms) |
| Snare | Sonor Tomas Haake Signature 14x6.5" & Artist Series Bronze |
| Sticks | Wincent Tomas Haake Signature |
Tomas Haake Biography
Tomas Haake (born July 13, 1971, in Örebro, Sweden) is the drummer and primary lyricist for Swedish extreme metal band Meshuggah. He is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential drummers in contemporary heavy metal, having pioneered the polyrhythmic drumming style that spawned an entire subgenre known as "djent."
Haake's approach to drumming involves complex polyrhythmic patterns that create the illusion of multiple time signatures occurring simultaneously. His metronomic precision and ability to navigate bewildering rhythmic landscapes while maintaining groove has influenced countless drummers and bands in the progressive and extreme metal communities.
Career Highlights
- 1990: Joined Meshuggah as drummer, replacing Niclas Lundgren
- 1995: Released "Destroy Erase Improve," introducing polyrhythmic concepts to metal
- 1998: Released "Chaosphere," further developing the Meshuggah sound
- 2002: Released "Nothing," influencing the nascent djent movement
- 2005: Released "Catch Thirtythree," an experimental single-track album
- 2008: Released "obZen" featuring "Bleed," one of the most challenging drum tracks ever recorded
- 2012: Released "Koloss," topping metal charts worldwide
- 2016: Released "The Violent Sleep of Reason," recorded live in studio
- 2022: Released "Immutable," continuing Meshuggah's evolution
- 2023: Received Grammy nomination for "Immutable"
Style & Influences
Tomas Haake's drumming style is defined by complex polyrhythmic patterns layered over steady 4/4 time signatures. While his hands often follow unconventional subdivisions and time signatures, his feet typically maintain a consistent pulse, creating the distinctive Meshuggah groove.
Key Influences:
- Tony Williams: Jazz fusion polyrhythms
- Vinnie Colaiuta: Technical precision and versatility
- Terry Bozzio: Progressive approach to metal drumming
- Jazz and Fusion Music: Complex rhythmic concepts
Signature Techniques:
- Polyrhythmic patterns over 4/4 foundation
- Two single bass drum pedals instead of a double pedal (for independence)
- The "Bleed" foot pattern: six months to develop the 32nd note kick pattern
- Syncopated snare patterns that create rhythmic tension
- Use of ghost notes and dynamics within extreme metal context
Gear Highlights
Tomas Haake has been a Sonor Drums endorser for over two decades, using their SQ2 series drums. Notably, he uses two separate single bass drum pedals rather than a traditional double pedal, allowing for greater independence between feet.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech (24"x18" Bass, multiple toms up to 18")
- Snare: Sonor Tomas Haake Signature 14"x6.5" and Artist Series Bronze
- Cymbals: Sabian HHX and AAX series (including signature Compression Hi-Hats)
- Hardware: Two Tama Speed Cobra single pedals (NOT a double pedal)
- Throne: Porter & Davies BC2 with tactile monitoring
- Sticks: Wincent Tomas Haake Signature
- Heads: Remo
Unique Setup Choices:
- Two single pedals for foot independence (can play different rhythms with each foot)
- Porter & Davies throne provides tactile feedback for monitoring
- Sonor Heavy Beech shells for powerful, focused tone
- Sabian Compression Hi-Hats for quick, tight response
Frequently Asked Questions
What drums does Tomas Haake play?
Tomas plays Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech drums with Sabian cymbals and two single bass pedals.
Why does Tomas Haake use two single pedals?
Tomas uses two separate single pedals for greater independence between his feet for polyrhythms.
How long did it take to learn "Bleed"?
Tomas spent six months practicing daily to consistently play the "Bleed" kick pattern live.
What is djent drumming?
Djent drumming features polyrhythmic patterns over a 4/4 foundation, pioneered by Tomas with Meshuggah.
Is Tomas Haake in Meshuggah?
Yes, Tomas has been Meshuggah's drummer and lyricist since 1990.
What drum kit does Tomas Haake use?
Tomas Haake's drum kit is a Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech kit (24"x18" bass drum with toms up to 18"), built around his signature Sonor Tomas Haake 14"x6.5" snare. Instead of a double pedal, the drum kit uses two separate Tama Speed Cobra single pedals for independent foot control, topped with Sabian HHX and AAX cymbals including his signature Compression Hi-Hats.
What drum set does Tomas Haake use?
Tomas Haake's drum set is a Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech configuration centered on his Sonor Tomas Haake Signature 14"x6.5" snare and an Artist Series Bronze snare. The drum set is driven by two independent Tama Speed Cobra single pedals rather than a double pedal, seated on a Porter & Davies BC2 throne that vibrates in sync with the kick for tactile monitoring.
What cymbals does Tomas Haake use?
Tomas Haake uses Sabian HHX and AAX series cymbals, including his signature Sabian Compression Hi-Hats, chosen for their quick, tight response in Meshuggah's polyrhythmic passages.
What pedals does Tomas Haake use?
Tomas Haake uses two separate Tama Speed Cobra single bass drum pedals instead of a traditional double pedal, giving him full independence between his feet to play different rhythmic patterns simultaneously.
What snare drum does Tomas Haake use?
Tomas Haake plays a Sonor Tomas Haake Signature 14"x6.5" snare drum, along with a Sonor Artist Series Bronze snare for added tonal variety.