---
name: "Tomas Haake"
band: "Meshuggah"
genre: "Progressive Metal / Djent"
country: "Sweden"
primary_brand: "Sonor"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/tomas-haake"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Tomas Haake

Tomas Haake is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Meshuggah, a defining act in progressive metal / djent.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Tomas Haake |
| Band | Meshuggah |
| Genre | Progressive Metal / Djent |
| Country | Sweden |
| Primary brand | Sonor |
| Drum kit | Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech (24"x18" Bass, 10"x8", 12"x9", 13"x10", 16"x14", 18"x16" Toms) |
| Signature snare | Sonor Tomas Haake Signature 14x6.5" & Artist Series Bronze |
| Sticks | Wincent Tomas Haake Signature |

## Biography

Tomas Haake, born in 1971, is the drummer and primary lyricist for Swedish extreme metal band Meshuggah. His polyrhythmic drumming style, characterized by complex time signatures and intricate patterns, has been hugely influential in the development of djent and progressive metal. He is known for his metronomic precision and innovative approach.

Tomas Haake (born July 13, 1971, in Örebro, Sweden) is the drummer and primary lyricist for Swedish extreme metal band Meshuggah. He is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential drummers in contemporary heavy metal, having pioneered the polyrhythmic drumming style that spawned an entire subgenre known as "djent."

Haake's approach to drumming involves complex polyrhythmic patterns that create the illusion of multiple time signatures occurring simultaneously. His metronomic precision and ability to navigate bewildering rhythmic landscapes while maintaining groove has influenced countless drummers and bands in the progressive and extreme metal communities.

## Band History

- **Meshuggah** — 1990–present (current)

## Gear

- **Drums:** Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech (24"x18" Bass, 10"x8", 12"x9", 13"x10", 16"x14", 18"x16" Toms)
- **Snare:** Sonor Tomas Haake Signature 14x6.5" & Artist Series Bronze
- **Cymbals:** Sabian HHX & AAX Series (14" HHX Compression Hi-Hats, 15" Artisan Hi-Hats, 19" & 20" & 21" HHX Stage Crashes, 22" Legacy Ride, 19" AAXtreme China)
- **Hardware:** Tama Speed Cobra Single Pedals (x2), Porter & Davies BC2 Throne
- **Sticks:** Wincent Tomas Haake Signature
- **Heads:** Remo

## Notable Performances

- Bleed - Wincent Drumsticks (8.1M views) (2013)
- Clockworks - Official Drum Playthrough (2016)
- Drumming Footage - New England Metal Fest (Official) (2008)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drums does Tomas Haake play?**

A: Tomas plays Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech drums with Sabian cymbals and two single bass pedals.

**Q: Why does Tomas Haake use two single pedals?**

A: Tomas uses two separate single pedals for greater independence between his feet for polyrhythms.

**Q: How long did it take to learn "Bleed"?**

A: Tomas spent six months practicing daily to consistently play the "Bleed" kick pattern live.

**Q: What is djent drumming?**

A: Djent drumming features polyrhythmic patterns over a 4/4 foundation, pioneered by Tomas with Meshuggah.

**Q: Is Tomas Haake in Meshuggah?**

A: Yes, Tomas has been Meshuggah's drummer and lyricist since 1990.

## Quotes

> "The polyrhythmic approach came from wanting to create something that felt both mechanical and organic at the same time."
>
> — Modern Drummer Magazine (2012)

> "I use two single pedals instead of a double pedal because I want more independence and control over each foot."
>
> — Drumeo Interview (2019)

> "'Bleed' took me six months of daily practice to play consistently. Some things just take time."
>
> — Gear Gods Interview (2017)

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Tomas Haake on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/tomas-haake)

**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)*