---
name: "Mario Duplantier"
band: "Gojira"
genre: "Progressive Death Metal"
country: "France"
primary_brand: "Tama"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/mario-duplantier"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Mario Duplantier

Mario Duplantier is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Gojira, a defining act in progressive death metal.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Mario Duplantier |
| Band | Gojira |
| Genre | Progressive Death Metal |
| Country | France |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic Bubinga (22"x18" Bass Drums x2, 12"x9" & 13"x10" Toms, 16"x16" Floor Tom) |
| Signature snare | Tama S.L.P. 14x6.5" G-Maple |
| Sticks | Tama Mario Duplantier Signature |

## Biography

Mario Duplantier, born in 1981 in Bayonne, France, is the drummer and co-founder of the critically acclaimed progressive death metal band Gojira, which he formed with his brother Joe Duplantier in 1996. Known for his powerful, precise, and incredibly intense drumming style, Mario combines crushing double bass patterns with complex rhythmic structures that complement Gojira's unique blend of death metal and progressive elements. His drumming on albums like "From Mars to Sirius," "The Way of All Flesh," and "Magma" has been praised for its technical excellence and raw energy. Beyond his drumming prowess, Mario is also a talented visual artist who has created artwork for Gojira's albums and merchandise. His approach to drumming emphasizes dynamics, groove, and an almost tribal quality that has helped define Gojira's distinctive sound.

Mario Duplantier (born June 19, 1981, in Ondres, France) is a French drummer and visual artist, best known as the drummer and co-founder of progressive death metal band Gojira, which he formed with his brother Joe Duplantier (vocals/guitar) in 1996 (originally as Godzilla).

Mario's drumming combines crushing power with technical precision, featuring complex double bass patterns and an almost tribal quality that defines Gojira's unique sound. Beyond his drumming, he is a talented visual artist who creates artwork for Gojira's albums, merchandise, and stage productions.

## Band History

- **Gojira** — 1996–present (current)

## Gear

- **Drums:** Tama Starclassic Bubinga (22"x18" Bass Drums x2, 12"x9" & 13"x10" Toms, 16"x16" Floor Tom)
- **Snare:** Tama S.L.P. 14x6.5" G-Maple
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian (14" K Sweet Hi-Hats, 14" A Custom Hi-Hats, 18" K Custom Hybrid Crash, 19" A Custom Crash, 20" K Sweet Crash, 21" Z Custom Mega Bell Ride, 18" & 20" Chinas)
- **Hardware:** Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide Double Pedal, Tama 1st Chair Ergo-Rider Throne
- **Sticks:** Tama Mario Duplantier Signature
- **Heads:** Remo Emperor (toms), Remo Powerstroke 3 (bass drums)

## Notable Performances

- Gojira - Silvera (Live Drum Cam) (2017)
- Gojira - Stranded (Live Drum Cam) (2017)
- Gojira - Flying Whales (Live Drum Cam) (2019)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drums does Mario Duplantier play?**

A: Mario plays Tama Starclassic Bubinga drums with dual 22" bass drums and Zildjian cymbals.

**Q: Does Mario Duplantier create Gojira's artwork?**

A: Yes, Mario creates all album artwork, merchandise designs, and stage visuals for Gojira.

**Q: Are the Duplantier brothers related?**

A: Yes, Mario and Joe Duplantier are brothers who co-founded Gojira in 1996.

**Q: Where is Mario Duplantier from?**

A: Mario was born in Ondres, France and grew up in the Basque region.

**Q: What song is Mario Duplantier most famous for?**

A: "Flying Whales" features some of Mario's most recognized and celebrated drum work.

## Quotes

> "The most important thing for me is to serve the song. Everything I play has to enhance the music, not show off."
>
> — Modern Drummer Magazine (2017)

> "I grew up listening to death metal, but also a lot of jazz and world music. You can hear all of those influences in how I approach the drums."
>
> — Drumeo Interview (2021)

> "Playing with your brother is special. We have this telepathic connection that allows Gojira to be what it is."
>
> — Revolver Magazine (2016)

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Mario Duplantier on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/mario-duplantier)

**More LLM resources:** [Site index](https://metalforge.io/llms.txt) · [Full database](https://metalforge.io/llms-full.txt) · [Drummer markdown index](https://metalforge.io/llms/index.md)

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