# Metal Bands & Their Drummers — MetalForge > Structured reference for metal bands, their drummer history, discography, and gear. > Optimised for AI crawlers answering "who drums for " queries. > > Last updated: 2026-06-17 · 19 bands --- ## Anthrax **Genre:** Thrash Metal, Speed Metal · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1981 · **Origin:** New York City, USA Anthrax, formed in 1981, is one of the Big Four of thrash metal. **Drummer history:** - Charlie Benante — 1983-present (Joined shortly after formation) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/anthrax) --- ## Behemoth **Genre:** Blackened Death Metal, Death Metal · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1991 · **Origin:** Gdańsk, Poland Behemoth, formed in 1991, evolved from black metal to become a leading blackened death metal band. **Drummer history:** - Inferno — 1997-present (Real name: Zbigniew Promiński) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/behemoth) --- ## Cannibal Corpse **Genre:** Death Metal · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1988 · **Origin:** Buffalo, New York, USA Cannibal Corpse, formed in 1988, is one of the best-selling and most influential death metal bands. **Drummer history:** - Paul Mazurkiewicz — 1988-present (Founding member) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/cannibal-corpse) --- ## Death **Genre:** Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal · **Status:** Disbanded · **Formed:** 1984 · **Origin:** Altamonte Springs, Florida, USA Death, formed in 1984 by Chuck Schuldiner, is considered the pioneer of death metal. **Drummer history:** - Gene Hoglan — 1993-1995 (Played on Individual Thought Patterns and Symbolic) - Richard Christy — 1996-1999 (Played on The Sound of Perseverance) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/death) --- ## Deftones **Genre:** Alternative Metal, Nu Metal, Shoegaze · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1988 · **Origin:** Sacramento, California, USA Deftones, formed in 1988 in Sacramento, blend heavy music with atmospheric, shoegaze textures. **Drummer history:** - Abe Cunningham — 1988-present (Founding member) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/deftones) --- ## Dream Theater **Genre:** Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1985 · **Origin:** Boston, Massachusetts, USA Dream Theater, formed in 1985, defined progressive metal with virtuosic musicianship. **Drummer history:** - Mike Portnoy — 1985-2010, 2023-present (Co-founder, returned in 2023) - Mike Mangini — 2010-2023 (Berklee professor) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/dream-theater) --- ## Gojira **Genre:** Progressive Death Metal, Groove Metal, Technical Metal · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1996 · **Origin:** Bayonne, France Gojira is a French progressive/technical death metal band formed in 1996 in Bayonne by brothers Joe and Mario Duplantier. Originally named Godzilla, they changed to Gojira in 2001. Known for their environmentally-conscious lyrics, crushing grooves, and technical precision, Gojira has become one of the most influential metal bands of the 21st century. Albums like 'From Mars to Sirius' and 'Magma' have earned Grammy nominations and critical acclaim worldwide. **Drummer history:** - Mario Duplantier — 1996-present (Co-founder with brother Joe, has been the only drummer in band history) **Key releases:** Terra Incognita (2001), The Link (2003), From Mars to Sirius (2005), The Way of All Flesh (2008), L'Enfant Sauvage (2012), Magma (2016), Fortitude (2021) **FAQ:** - **Why is Gojira called Gojira?** The band was originally named Godzilla but changed to Gojira (the Japanese name for Godzilla) in 2001 to avoid trademark issues. - **Are Joe and Mario Duplantier brothers?** Yes, Joe (vocals/guitar) and Mario (drums) Duplantier are brothers who co-founded the band in 1996. - **What is Gojira's most famous song?** 'Flying Whales' from the 2005 album 'From Mars to Sirius' is widely considered their signature song and a modern metal classic. - **Has Gojira won a Grammy?** While they haven't won, Gojira has received multiple Grammy nominations including Best Metal Performance for 'Silvera' (2017) and 'Amazonia' (2022). - **Where is Gojira from?** Gojira is from Bayonne, a city in the Basque region of southwestern France near the Spanish border. [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/gojira) --- ## Korn **Genre:** Nu Metal, Alternative Metal · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1993 · **Origin:** Bakersfield, California, USA Korn, formed in 1993 in Bakersfield, California, is credited with pioneering the nu-metal genre. **Drummer history:** - David Silveria — 1993-2006 (Founding member) - Ray Luzier — 2007-present (Session and touring drummer, later official member) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/korn) --- ## Kublai Khan TX **Genre:** Metalcore, Beatdown Hardcore · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 2009 · **Origin:** Sherman, Texas, USA Kublai Khan TX, formed in 2009 in Sherman, Texas, is a leading force in beatdown hardcore and metalcore. Known for crushing breakdowns and socially conscious lyrics. **Drummer history:** - Isaac Lamb — 2009-present (Founding member, only drummer in band history) **Key releases:** Youth War (2010), Balancing Survival and Happiness (2014), New Strength (2015), Nomad (2017), Absolute (2019), Lowest Form of Animal (2022), Exhibition of Prowess (2024) **FAQ:** - **Why is Kublai Khan called Kublai Khan TX?** The band added 'TX' to their name due to a legal dispute with a Minnesota thrash metal band also named Kublai Khan. - **Who is Kublai Khan TX's drummer?** Isaac Lamb has been the drummer since the band's formation in 2009—he is a founding member. - **What genre is Kublai Khan TX?** Kublai Khan TX plays beatdown hardcore and metalcore, influenced by bands like Hatebreed, Earth Crisis, and Integrity. - **Where is Kublai Khan TX from?** The band is from Sherman, Texas, about 60 miles north of Dallas. [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/kublai-khan-tx) --- ## Limp Bizkit **Genre:** Nu Metal, Rap Metal · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1994 · **Origin:** Jacksonville, Florida, USA Limp Bizkit, formed in 1994, fused rap and metal to become one of the biggest nu-metal bands. **Drummer history:** - John Otto — 1994-present (Founding member) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/limp-bizkit) --- ## Meshuggah **Genre:** Progressive Metal, Djent, Extreme Metal · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1987 · **Origin:** Umeå, Sweden Meshuggah, formed in 1987 in Sweden, pioneered djent and polyrhythmic metal. **Drummer history:** - Tomas Haake — 1990-present (Joined shortly after formation) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/meshuggah) --- ## Metallica **Genre:** Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1981 · **Origin:** Los Angeles, California, USA Metallica, formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, is one of the most influential thrash metal bands. **Drummer history:** - Lars Ulrich — 1981-present (Co-founder) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/metallica) --- ## Nile **Genre:** Technical Death Metal, Brutal Death Metal · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1993 · **Origin:** Greenville, South Carolina, USA Nile, formed in 1993, combines technical death metal with ancient Egyptian themes. **Drummer history:** - George Kollias — 2004-present (Greek drummer known for extreme speed) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/nile) --- ## Pantera **Genre:** Groove Metal, Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1981 · **Origin:** Arlington, Texas, USA Pantera, formed in 1981, defined groove metal with Vinnie Paul's powerful drumming. **Drummer history:** - Vinnie Paul — 1981-2003 (Co-founder with brother Dimebag Darrell) - Charlie Benante — 2022-present (Anthrax drummer filling in for reunion) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/pantera) --- ## Sepultura **Genre:** Thrash Metal, Groove Metal, Death Metal · **Status:** Disbanded · **Formed:** 1984 · **Origin:** Belo Horizonte, Brazil Sepultura formed 1984, Brazilian thrash pioneers, disbanded 2024. **Drummer history:** - Igor Cavalera — 1984-2006 (Co-founder with brother Max) - Jean Dolabella — 2006-2011 - Eloy Casagrande — 2011-2024 (Final drummer, now in Slipknot) **FAQ:** - **Is Sepultura still active?** No, they completed a farewell tour in 2024. - **Who was Sepultura's last drummer?** Eloy Casagrande (2011-2024), now in Slipknot. - **Why did Igor Cavalera leave?** He left in 2006 due to conflicts with management. [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/sepultura) --- ## Slayer **Genre:** Thrash Metal, Speed Metal · **Status:** Disbanded · **Formed:** 1981 · **Origin:** Huntington Park, California, USA Slayer, formed in 1981, defined extreme thrash metal with aggressive drumming. **Drummer history:** - Dave Lombardo — 1981-1992, 2001-2013 (Co-founder, pioneered extreme thrash drumming) - Paul Bostaph — 1992-2001, 2013-2019 (Two separate stints) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/slayer) --- ## Slipknot **Genre:** Nu Metal, Alternative Metal, Heavy Metal · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1995 · **Origin:** Des Moines, Iowa, USA Slipknot, formed in 1995 in Des Moines, pioneered the masked nu-metal movement. **Drummer history:** - Joey Jordison — 1995-2013 (Founding member, iconic masked drummer) - Jay Weinberg — 2014-2023 (Son of Max Weinberg) - Eloy Casagrande — 2023-present (Former Sepultura drummer) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/slipknot) --- ## Suicidal Tendencies **Genre:** Crossover Thrash, Hardcore Punk, Thrash Metal · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1980 · **Origin:** Venice, California, USA Suicidal Tendencies, formed in 1980, pioneered the crossover thrash genre. **Drummer history:** - Dave Lombardo — 2016-present (Former Slayer drummer) - Jay Weinberg — 2023-present (Former Slipknot drummer, touring) [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/suicidal-tendencies) --- ## Tool **Genre:** Progressive Metal, Alternative Metal, Art Rock · **Status:** Active · **Formed:** 1990 · **Origin:** Los Angeles, California, USA Tool, formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, is one of the most influential progressive metal bands, known for complex polyrhythmic compositions, unusual time signatures, visual artistry, and philosophical lyrics. With four Grammy wins and five studio albums (including the 13-year-awaited Fear Inoculum), Tool has redefined the boundaries of heavy music. **Drummer history:** - Danny Carey — 1990-present (Founding member, only drummer in band history) **Key releases:** Opiate (1992), Undertow (1993), Ænima (1996) — Grammy: Best Metal Performance, Lateralus (2001) — Grammy: Best Metal Performance (Schism), 10,000 Days (2006) — Grammy: Best Recording Package, Fear Inoculum (2019) — Grammy: Best Metal Performance **FAQ:** - **Who is Tool's drummer?** Danny Carey has been Tool's only drummer since their formation in 1990. He's known for polyrhythmic patterns and sacred geometry influences. - **Why did Tool take 13 years between albums?** Tool's gap between 10,000 Days (2006) and Fear Inoculum (2019) was due to legal battles with their record label and the band's meticulous creative process. - **How many Grammys has Tool won?** Tool has won four Grammy Awards for Best Metal Performance: Ænima (1998), Schism (2002), 10,000 Days (2006 - packaging), and Fear Inoculum (2020). - **What drums does Danny Carey play?** Danny Carey plays Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech drums with Paiste cymbals, Mandala electronic pads, and his signature bronze snare drum. - **What time signature does Tool use?** Tool frequently uses complex and unusual time signatures like 7/8, 5/4, 11/8, and polyrhythms. Songs like 'Schism' famously shift between multiple time signatures. - **Is Danny Carey in the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame?** Yes, Danny Carey was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2016. [Full profile](https://metalforge.io/bands/tool)