---
name: "Aquiles Priester"
band: "Angra / W.A.S.P."
genre: "Power Metal / Heavy Metal"
country: "Brazil"
primary_brand: "Pearl"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/aquiles-priester"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Aquiles Priester

Aquiles Priester is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Angra / W.A.S.P., a defining act in power metal / heavy metal.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Aquiles Priester |
| Band | Angra / W.A.S.P. |
| All bands | Angra, W.A.S.P. |
| Genre | Power Metal / Heavy Metal |
| Country | Brazil |
| Primary brand | Pearl |
| Drum kit | Pearl Reference Series |
| Signature snare | Pearl Reference 14x6.5" Brass |
| Sticks | Vic Firth Aquiles Priester Signature |

## Biography

Aquiles Priester (born 1971) is a Brazilian drummer renowned for his incredible speed, precision, and showmanship. He is best known for his work with Angra (2000-2012, 2023-present), W.A.S.P. (2006-present), and his own project Hangar. Priester's double bass abilities, complex fills, and ability to maintain blazing speeds for extended periods have made him one of the most celebrated power metal drummers in the world. He has won numerous awards from Brazilian and international music publications and is known for his energetic live performances.

Aquiles Priester (born June 19, 1971, in São Paulo, Brazil) is a Brazilian drummer renowned for his incredible speed, technical precision, and showmanship. He is best known for his work with Brazilian power metal legends Angra (2000-2012, returning 2023), American heavy metal band W.A.S.P. (2006-present), and his own band Hangar.

Priester is considered one of the greatest power metal drummers in the world. His double bass abilities, complex fills, and capacity to maintain blazing speeds for extended periods have earned him numerous awards from Brazilian and international music publications. His energetic live performances and precise studio work have influenced a generation of metal drummers.

## Band History

- **Angra** — 2000–2012
- **W.A.S.P.** — 2014–2021

## Gear

- **Drums:** Pearl Reference Series
- **Snare:** Pearl Reference 14x6.5" Brass
- **Cymbals:** Sabian HHX & AAX Series (14" HHX Evolution Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" HHX X-Plosion Crashes, 21" HHX Groove Ride, 18" AAX Chinese)
- **Hardware:** Pearl Demon Drive Double Pedal, Pearl Icon Rack System
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth Aquiles Priester Signature
- **Heads:** Evans

## Notable Performances

- W.A.S.P. Tour Kit Rundown (2024)
- Aquiles Priester & Thomas Lang Workshop (2025)
- I Wanna Be Somebody - Drum Playthrough (2024)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drum kit does Aquiles Priester play?**

A: Aquiles Priester plays a Pearl Reference Series.

**Q: What cymbals does Aquiles Priester use?**

A: Aquiles Priester uses Sabian HHX & AAX Series (14" HHX Evolution Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" HHX X-Plosion Crashes, 21" HHX Groove Ride, 18" AAX Chinese).

**Q: What band is Aquiles Priester in?**

A: Aquiles Priester drums for Angra / W.A.S.P., a power metal / heavy metal band.

## Quotes

> "Power metal demands power drumming. Every stroke has to hit like thunder."
>
> — Modern Drummer Brazil (2010)

> "Practice and dedication are the only secrets. There are no shortcuts to speed and precision."
>
> — Drummerworld Interview (2015)

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Aquiles Priester on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/aquiles-priester)

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*Last updated: 2026-06-06 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*