How to Sound Like Aquiles Priester — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drum kit does Aquiles Priester use?

Aquiles Priester currently plays a Trick Drums custom maple kit for Angra touring and recording (from his 2023 return). His configuration includes 22" bass drums in a double-bass setup, three rack toms (10", 12", 13"), and two floor toms (16" and 18"). Earlier in his career he played Mapex Saturn Series drums (used on Rebirth and Temple of Shadows) and Pearl Reference Series kits during his W.A.S.P. years.

What cymbals does Aquiles Priester use with Angra?

Aquiles Priester currently plays Ufip cymbals. His Angra setup includes 14" hi-hats, 16", 18", and 20" crashes, a 21" ride, an 18" China, and a 10" splash. The hi-hats deliver the tight, articulate response needed for fast hi-hat patterns when the kick is running at 180+ BPM. In his classic Angra era (Rebirth through Aqua), he used Sabian HHX Series.

What double pedal does Aquiles Priester use?

Aquiles Priester currently uses the DW 9000 Series double pedal. Its ball-bearing cam system provides smooth, consistent action across the full tempo range — critical when sustaining double-bass patterns at 180–220+ BPM across long live sets. Earlier in his career he used the Axis A double pedal, known for its extremely light, fast action, which is ideal for building extreme double-bass speed.

How does Aquiles Priester sustain double bass at 180+ BPM?

Aquiles' core technique is relaxation-based: he keeps his ankles completely loose, lets the beaters return freely on rebound after each stroke, and maintains a neutral upper body that doesn't fight the tempo. He has stated that speed comes from freedom, not force — any tension in the legs, hips, or upper body creates both a speed ceiling and accelerated fatigue. The technique involves eliminating muscular resistance, not increasing muscular effort.

What are the best Angra songs to learn Aquiles Priester's drumming?

Start with 'Spread Your Fire' from Rebirth (2001) — it showcases the relaxation-based even double bass at ~182 BPM in its purest form. For progressive arrangement navigation, 'Heroes of Sand' from Temple of Shadows (2004) demonstrates how he moves through blast beats, double-bass runs, lyrical grooves, and atmospheric sections within the same composition. Both are available as drum transcriptions online and have drum-cam or lesson breakdowns from Aquiles himself.

What sticks does Aquiles Priester play?

Aquiles Priester plays Vater Fusion 55A sticks — a balanced stick between 5A and 5B weight that provides both power and control at high tempos. The Fusion profile distributes mass toward the shoulder for authority on accented hits without the full weight of a 5B. A Vic Firth Aquiles Priester Signature stick bearing his name has also been associated with his setup. Either Promark 5B or Vater Fusion are solid starting points for his style.

How did Aquiles Priester develop his neoclassical drumming style?

Aquiles grew up in São Paulo, Brazil, and developed his technique through intensive double-bass practice built entirely around the relaxation principle — playing slower with complete freedom before chasing speed. His major influences include Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), Neil Peart (Rush), and Brazilian metal drummers who came before him. He joined Angra in 2000, stepping into a band whose compositions demanded both extreme physical endurance and the musical sensitivity to navigate complex neoclassical arrangements. His Inside My Drums lesson series documents his technique approach in his own words.