Aquiles Priester Drum Kit Evolution — Complete Gear History | MetalForge
How Aquiles Priester's drum setup evolved from 1996 to today. Every kit change across Angra / W.A.S.P.'s discography.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has Aquiles Priester's drum kit changed over the years?
Aquiles Priester's setup evolved across 4 distinct eras with Angra / W.A.S.P., from the "Hangar & Pre-Angra" (1996–2000) to their current setup. See the full era-by-era gear breakdown on MetalForge.
What was Aquiles Priester's first drum kit?
Aquiles Priester's earliest documented setup was during the "Hangar & Pre-Angra" (1996–2000). Born June 19, 1971, in São Paulo, Brazil, Aquiles Priester founded power metal band Hangar in 1996, the project that would remain a constant throughout his career even as he joined larger international acts. These early years established the foundation of his signature technique: a relaxation-based approach to double bass that let him sustain even 16th-note patterns at extreme tempos without the tension that creates a speed ceiling for most drummers. Priester's playing during this period drew on influences including Nicko McBrain's galloping rhythms, Lars Ulrich's thrash energy, and Neil Peart's progressive precision, building the neoclassical double-bass vocabulary that would define his 2000 audition for Angra.
How many gear eras does Aquiles Priester have documented?
MetalForge documents 4 distinct gear eras for Aquiles Priester, spanning 1996-Present.