---
name: "Matt Garstka"
band: "Animals as Leaders"
genre: "Progressive Metal / Djent"
country: "USA"
primary_brand: "Tama"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/matt-garstka"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Matt Garstka

Matt Garstka is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Animals as Leaders, a defining act in progressive metal / djent.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Matt Garstka |
| Band | Animals as Leaders |
| Genre | Progressive Metal / Djent |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch |
| Signature snare | Tama S.L.P. 14x6" G-Maple |
| Sticks | Vic Firth Matt Garstka Signature |

## Biography

Matt Garstka (born April 27, 1989) is an American drummer known for his virtuosic work with instrumental progressive metal band Animals as Leaders since 2012. His playing seamlessly blends jazz fusion, electronic music, and progressive metal, featuring complex polyrhythms, intricate ghost note patterns, and innovative use of dynamics.

Matt Garstka (born April 27, 1989, in Westfield, Massachusetts) is an American drummer known for his virtuosic work with instrumental progressive metal band Animals as Leaders since 2012. His playing seamlessly blends jazz fusion, electronic music, and progressive metal, featuring complex polyrhythms, intricate ghost note patterns, and innovative use of dynamics.

Garstka joined Animals as Leaders after the departure of original drummer Navene Koperweis, bringing a jazz-educated sensibility to the band's technical instrumental music. His approach—combining traditional grip, linear independence, and a deep understanding of metric modulation—has made him one of the most influential drummers of his generation. Beyond Animals as Leaders, Garstka is an in-demand educator and session musician.

## Band History

- **Animals as Leaders** — 2012–present (current)

## Gear

- **Drums:** Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch
- **Snare:** Tama S.L.P. 14x6" G-Maple
- **Cymbals:** Meinl Byzance Series (15" Dual Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" Extra Dry Medium Crashes, 22" Dual Ride)
- **Hardware:** Tama Speed Cobra 910 Double Pedal
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth Matt Garstka Signature
- **Heads:** Evans

## Notable Performances

- Animals as Leaders - Physical Education (Drum Playthrough) (2014)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drum kit does Matt Garstka play?**

A: Matt Garstka plays a Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch.

**Q: What cymbals does Matt Garstka use?**

A: Matt Garstka uses Meinl Byzance Series (15" Dual Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" Extra Dry Medium Crashes, 22" Dual Ride).

**Q: What band is Matt Garstka in?**

A: Matt Garstka drums for Animals as Leaders, a progressive metal / djent band.

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Matt Garstka on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/matt-garstka)

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