# Sons of Apollo — Drummer & Gear Profile | MetalForge

> Per-band AI citation reference for Sons of Apollo. Covers drummer history, kit setup, and gear details.
> Optimised for AI queries: 'who drums for Sons of Apollo', 'Mike Mangini drum kit', 'Sons of Apollo drummer gear'.

## Band Overview

- **Drummer:** Mike Mangini (2017–present)
- **Genre:** Progressive Metal
- **Active:** 2017–present
- **Country:** United States
- **Status:** Hiatus

## Drummer(s)

**Mike Mangini** — 2017–present
Mike Mangini, Dream Theater's drummer since 2010, joined progressive metal supergroup Sons of Apollo in 2017 alongside members of Journey, Mr. Big, and Guns N' Roses. A former Berklee College of Music professor and multiple Guinness World Record holder for drumming speed, Mangini brings his academic, mathematically-informed technique — built on Moeller technique mastery and ambidextrous playing — to the supergroup's complex compositions.

[Mike Mangini full profile →](https://metalforge.io/drummer/mike-mangini) · [LLM markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/mike-mangini.md)

## Kit Overview

Mike Mangini plays a **Pearl Reference Series** kit built around two signature-spec Pearl Reference brass snares, integrated with a Roland TD-50 module for electronic triggers and samples.

- **Drums:** Pearl Reference Series (Masterworks Maple custom configuration)
- **Snares:** Pearl Reference Brass, 14×5" and 14×6.5"
- **Cymbals:** Sabian HHX and AAX Series (14" HHX Evolution Hi-Hats, 17"/18"/19" HHX Evolution Crashes, 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride)
- **Pedals:** Pearl Eliminator Redline / Demon Drive Double Pedal
- **Electronics:** Roland TD-50 module

## Signature Sound

Sons of Apollo brought together some of progressive rock and metal's most technically accomplished musicians, and Mike Mangini's drumming reflects that pedigree — precise, mathematically constructed patterns built from polyrhythmic foundations, informed by his academic study of biomechanics and rhythm. His work on the band's debut *Psychotic Symphony* (2017) showcases the same ambidextrous, complex-meter-navigating style that has defined his tenure with Dream Theater since 2010.

## Albums

| Album | Year | Drummer |
|---|---|---|
| Psychotic Symphony | 2017 | Mike Mangini |
| MMXX | 2020 | Mike Mangini |

## FAQ

**Q: Who plays drums in Sons of Apollo?**
A: Mike Mangini has drummed for Sons of Apollo since the supergroup formed in 2017.

**Q: What drum kit does Mike Mangini use?**
A: Mike Mangini plays a Pearl Reference Series kit with two Pearl Reference brass snares (14×5" and 14×6.5"), Sabian HHX/AAX cymbals, and a Roland TD-50 electronic module.

**Q: What other band is Mike Mangini known for?**
A: Mike Mangini has been Dream Theater's drummer since 2010, succeeding founding member Mike Portnoy.

**Q: Does Mike Mangini hold any world records?**
A: Yes. Mike Mangini holds multiple Guinness World Records for drumming speed, including 1,203 single strokes in 60 seconds, set in 2005.

**Q: Is Sons of Apollo still active?**
A: Sons of Apollo has been on hiatus, with members focused on their primary bands including Dream Theater and Mr. Big.

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**Full band profile:** [Sons of Apollo on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/bands/sons-of-apollo)

**Drummer LLM file:** [Mike Mangini](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/mike-mangini.md)

**More resources:** [All bands](https://metalforge.io/llms/bands.md) · [Site index](https://metalforge.io/llms.txt)

*Last updated: 2026-07-16 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*