---
name: "Blake Richardson"
band: "Between the Buried and Me"
genre: "Progressive Metal / Technical Death Metal"
country: "USA"
primary_brand: "Tama"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/blake-richardson"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Blake Richardson

Blake Richardson is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Between the Buried and Me, a defining act in progressive metal / technical death metal.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Blake Richardson |
| Band | Between the Buried and Me |
| Genre | Progressive Metal / Technical Death Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic Bubinga (Custom Finish) |
| Signature snare | Tama STARPHONIC 14x6" Brass |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 3A |

## Biography

Cartland Blake Richardson (born June 29, 1984) is the drummer for American progressive metal band Between the Buried and Me, as well as Glass Casket. Joining BTBAM in early 2005, Richardson replaced former drummer Jason Roe and has been integral to the band's evolution ever since. His drumming is characterized by a fusion of death metal precision with jazz influences, featuring complex blast beats, odd time signatures, and fill-heavy arrangements. Richardson's work on landmark albums like "Colors," "The Great Misdirect," and "Colors II" has earned him Grammy nominations and widespread acclaim. Inspired by drummers like Terry Bozzio, Dennis Chambers, and Tomas Haake, he is considered one of the most creative and technically proficient drummers in modern progressive metal.

Blake Richardson (born February 25, 1984, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina) is an American drummer known for his work with progressive metal band Between the Buried and Me (BTBAM) since 2005. He is widely regarded as one of the most technically proficient and creative drummers in progressive metal, capable of seamlessly blending extreme metal intensity with jazz, fusion, and experimental elements.

Richardson's work on landmark albums like "Colors," "The Great Misdirect," and "The Parallax" series has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following among drummers. His ability to navigate complex compositions while maintaining musicality and groove has made him an influential figure in modern progressive metal.

## Band History

- **Between the Buried and Me** — 2005–present (current)

## Gear

- **Drums:** Tama Starclassic Bubinga (Custom Finish)
- **Snare:** Tama STARPHONIC 14x6" Brass
- **Cymbals:** Sabian (14" HHX Evolution Hi-Hats, 18" HHX Evolution Crash, 17" & 21" AAX Holy Chinas, 21" HH Raw Bell Dry Ride, 10" HH Duo Splash, 9" Radia Cup Chime)
- **Hardware:** Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide Single Pedals (x2), Tama Hardware
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth American Classic 3A
- **Heads:** Evans (Hybrid on snare, EMAD on kicks, EC2 SST on toms)

## Notable Performances

- Voice of Trespass - Live Drum Playthrough (2019)
- BTBAM Grooves & Fills Breakdown (2020)
- Recording Obfuscation (2018)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What band is Blake Richardson in?**

A: Blake Richardson is the drummer for progressive metal band Between the Buried and Me since 2005.

**Q: What is Blake Richardson's most famous album?**

A: Between the Buried and Me's "Colors" (2007) is widely considered Blake Richardson's most iconic work and a landmark progressive metal album.

**Q: What cymbals does Blake Richardson use?**

A: Blake Richardson uses Meinl Byzance cymbals, known for their complex tones suitable for progressive music.

**Q: What style does Blake Richardson play?**

A: Blake Richardson plays progressive metal, seamlessly blending death metal, jazz fusion, and experimental elements within BTBAM's genre-defying compositions.

## Quotes

> "I try to approach drums melodically. Every fill, every pattern should have a musical purpose."
>
> — Modern Drummer Magazine (2012)

> "Playing with Mike Portnoy at Progressive Nation 2008 was a dream come true. That guy is a legend."
>
> — Drumeo Interview (2021)

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Blake Richardson on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/blake-richardson)

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