---
name: "Ryan Van Poederooyen"
band: "Devin Townsend Project"
genre: "Progressive Metal / Extreme Metal"
country: "Canada"
primary_brand: "Pearl"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/ryan-van-poederooyen"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Ryan Van Poederooyen

Ryan Van Poederooyen is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Devin Townsend Project, a defining act in progressive metal / extreme metal.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Ryan Van Poederooyen |
| Band | Devin Townsend Project |
| Genre | Progressive Metal / Extreme Metal |
| Country | Canada |
| Primary brand | Pearl |
| Drum kit | Pearl Reference Series |
| Signature snare | Pearl Reference 14x6.5" Brass |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 5B |

## Biography

Ryan Van Poederooyen is a Canadian drummer best known for his longtime collaboration with Devin Townsend in the Devin Townsend Band and Devin Townsend Project. A Montreal native, Van Poederooyen's powerful yet dynamic drumming style has been central to Townsend's music since the early 2000s. His ability to navigate Townsend's complex, genre-defying compositions—from ambient passages to crushing metal sections—showcases his versatility. Key albums include "Accelerated Evolution," "Synchestra," "Addicted," "Deconstruction," and "Transcendence." Van Poederooyen combines heavy metal power with prog-rock finesse, featuring creative tom patterns, tasteful cymbal work, and thunderous double bass. He has also worked as a session drummer and drum teacher in the Montreal area.

Ryan Van Poederooyen is a Canadian drummer who has been the primary drummer for Devin Townsend and his various projects since 1999. His 25+ year collaboration with Townsend makes him one of the most consistent drummer-artist partnerships in progressive metal history.

Van Poederooyen's versatile drumming has adapted to Townsend's constantly evolving musical vision, from the crushing heaviness of "Terria" and "Deconstruction" to the ambient soundscapes of "Ghost" and "Casualties of Cool." His ability to serve Townsend's diverse musical styles while maintaining powerful, precise drumming has made him an integral part of the Devin Townsend sound.

## Band History

- **Devin Townsend Project** — 2009–2018

## Gear

- **Drums:** Pearl Reference Series
- **Snare:** Pearl Reference 14x6.5" Brass
- **Cymbals:** Sabian HHX & AAX Series (14" HHX Evolution Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" HHX Evolution Crashes, 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride, 19" AAXtreme China)
- **Hardware:** Pearl Demon Drive Double Pedal, Pearl D-3000 Throne
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth American Classic 5B
- **Heads:** Evans

## Notable Performances

- Regulator - Barcelona Drum Cam (2017)
- Higher - Dallas Drum Cam (2016)
- Failure - Drum Breakdown (2020)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drum kit does Ryan Van Poederooyen play?**

A: Ryan Van Poederooyen plays a Pearl Reference Series.

**Q: What cymbals does Ryan Van Poederooyen use?**

A: Ryan Van Poederooyen uses Sabian HHX & AAX Series (14" HHX Evolution Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" HHX Evolution Crashes, 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride, 19" AAXtreme China).

**Q: What band is Ryan Van Poederooyen in?**

A: Ryan Van Poederooyen drums for Devin Townsend Project, a progressive metal / extreme metal band.

## Quotes

> "Working with Devin is never boring. Every album is a completely different challenge."
>
> — Modern Drummer Magazine (2015)

> "I try to approach each song as a unique puzzle. What does the music need from me?"
>
> — Canadian Musician (2018)

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Ryan Van Poederooyen on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/ryan-van-poederooyen)

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