# Metal Drummer Endorsement News — MetalForge Brand endorsement changes for professional metal drummers. See https://metalforge.io/endorsement-news > Last updated: 2026-06-19 · 15 drummers tracked · 21 brands --- ## Current Endorsements by Brand ### Ahead - Lars Ulrich (Metallica) — Drumsticks — since 1996 (signature model) — /drummer/lars-ulrich ### DW - Jay Weinberg (Suicidal Tendencies) — Hardware/Pedals — since 2014 — /drummer/jay-weinberg ### Evans - Joey Jordison (Slipknot) — Drumheads — since 2005 — /drummer/joey-jordison - George Kollias (Nile) — Drumheads — since 2000s — /drummer/george-kollias - Eloy Casagrande (Slipknot) — Drumheads — since 2010s — /drummer/eloy-casagrande - Jay Weinberg (Suicidal Tendencies) — Drumheads — since 2014 — /drummer/jay-weinberg - Danny Carey (Tool) — Drumheads — since 2000s — /drummer/danny-carey - Brann Dailor (Mastodon) — Drumheads — since 2000s — /drummer/brann-dailor - Chris Adler (ex-Lamb of God / Firstborne) — Drumheads — since 2000s — /drummer/chris-adler - Matt Halpern (Periphery) — Drumheads — since 2010s — /drummer/matt-halpern - Inferno (Behemoth) — Drumheads — since 2000s — /drummer/inferno - Charlie Benante (Anthrax / Pantera (touring)) — Drumheads — since 2000s — /drummer/charlie-benante ### Mandala - Danny Carey (Tool) — Electronics — since 2000s — /drummer/danny-carey ### Mapex - Chris Adler (ex-Lamb of God / Firstborne) — Drums — since 2010s (signature model) — /drummer/chris-adler ### Meinl - Mario Duplantier (Gojira) — Cymbals — since 2010s — /drummer/mario-duplantier - Brann Dailor (Mastodon) — Cymbals — since 2000s — /drummer/brann-dailor - Chris Adler (ex-Lamb of God / Firstborne) — Cymbals — since 2000s — /drummer/chris-adler - Matt Halpern (Periphery) — Cymbals — since 2010s (signature model) — /drummer/matt-halpern ### Monolit - Inferno (Behemoth) — Hardware/Pedals — since 2010s — /drummer/inferno ### Paiste - Joey Jordison (Slipknot) — Cymbals — since 2000 — /drummer/joey-jordison - Dave Lombardo (Slayer / Dead Cross) — Cymbals — since 2000s — /drummer/dave-lombardo - Eloy Casagrande (Slipknot) — Cymbals — since 2005 — /drummer/eloy-casagrande - Danny Carey (Tool) — Cymbals — since 1990s (signature model) — /drummer/danny-carey - Inferno (Behemoth) — Cymbals — since 2000s — /drummer/inferno - Charlie Benante (Anthrax / Pantera (touring)) — Cymbals — since 1980s — /drummer/charlie-benante ### Pearl - Joey Jordison (Slipknot) — Drums — since 2010 — /drummer/joey-jordison - Joey Jordison (Slipknot) — Hardware/Pedals — since 2010 — /drummer/joey-jordison - Dave Lombardo (Slayer / Dead Cross) — Drums — since 2000s — /drummer/dave-lombardo - George Kollias (Nile) — Drums — since 2000s — /drummer/george-kollias - George Kollias (Nile) — Hardware/Pedals — since 2010s (signature model) — /drummer/george-kollias - Matt Halpern (Periphery) — Drums — since 2015 (signature model) — /drummer/matt-halpern - Inferno (Behemoth) — Drums — since 2000s — /drummer/inferno ### Promark - Joey Jordison (Slipknot) — Drumsticks — since 2008 (signature model) — /drummer/joey-jordison - Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) — Drumsticks — since 2000s — /drummer/mike-portnoy - Chris Adler (ex-Lamb of God / Firstborne) — Drumsticks — since 2000s (signature model) — /drummer/chris-adler - Matt Halpern (Periphery) — Drumsticks — since 2015 (signature model) — /drummer/matt-halpern ### Remo - Lars Ulrich (Metallica) — Drumheads — since 1986 — /drummer/lars-ulrich - Tomas Haake (Meshuggah) — Drumheads — since 2000s — /drummer/tomas-haake - Dave Lombardo (Slayer / Dead Cross) — Drumheads — since 1980s — /drummer/dave-lombardo - Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) — Drumheads — since 1980s — /drummer/mike-portnoy - Mario Duplantier (Gojira) — Drumheads — since 2010s — /drummer/mario-duplantier ### SJC Custom Drums - Jay Weinberg (Suicidal Tendencies) — Drums — since 2014 — /drummer/jay-weinberg ### Sabian - Tomas Haake (Meshuggah) — Cymbals — since 2000s — /drummer/tomas-haake - Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) — Cymbals — since 1980s — /drummer/mike-portnoy ### Sonor - Tomas Haake (Meshuggah) — Drums — since 2005 — /drummer/tomas-haake - Danny Carey (Tool) — Drums — since 2000s — /drummer/danny-carey ### Tama - Lars Ulrich (Metallica) — Drums — since 1986 (signature model) — /drummer/lars-ulrich - Lars Ulrich (Metallica) — Hardware/Pedals — since 1990s — /drummer/lars-ulrich - Tomas Haake (Meshuggah) — Hardware/Pedals — since 2010s — /drummer/tomas-haake - Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) — Drums — since 1980s — /drummer/mike-portnoy - Mario Duplantier (Gojira) — Drums — since 2010s — /drummer/mario-duplantier - Brann Dailor (Mastodon) — Drums — since 2000s — /drummer/brann-dailor - Brann Dailor (Mastodon) — Hardware/Pedals — since 2010s — /drummer/brann-dailor - Charlie Benante (Anthrax / Pantera (touring)) — Drums — since 1980s — /drummer/charlie-benante - Charlie Benante (Anthrax / Pantera (touring)) — Hardware/Pedals — since 2010s — /drummer/charlie-benante ### Trick - Chris Adler (ex-Lamb of God / Firstborne) — Hardware/Pedals — since 2010s — /drummer/chris-adler ### Vater - Jay Weinberg (Suicidal Tendencies) — Drumsticks — since 2014 — /drummer/jay-weinberg - Brann Dailor (Mastodon) — Drumsticks — since 2000s — /drummer/brann-dailor ### Vic Firth - Dave Lombardo (Slayer / Dead Cross) — Drumsticks — since 1990s — /drummer/dave-lombardo - George Kollias (Nile) — Drumsticks — since 2000s — /drummer/george-kollias - Eloy Casagrande (Slipknot) — Drumsticks — since 2010s — /drummer/eloy-casagrande - Danny Carey (Tool) — Drumsticks — since 2000s (signature model) — /drummer/danny-carey - Mario Duplantier (Gojira) — Drumsticks — since 2010s — /drummer/mario-duplantier - Inferno (Behemoth) — Drumsticks — since 2000s — /drummer/inferno - Charlie Benante (Anthrax / Pantera (touring)) — Drumsticks — since 1990s — /drummer/charlie-benante ### Wincent - Tomas Haake (Meshuggah) — Drumsticks — since 2010 (signature model) — /drummer/tomas-haake ### Yamaha - Eloy Casagrande (Slipknot) — Drums — since 2010s — /drummer/eloy-casagrande ### Zildjian - Lars Ulrich (Metallica) — Cymbals — since 1981 — /drummer/lars-ulrich - George Kollias (Nile) — Cymbals — since 2000s — /drummer/george-kollias - Jay Weinberg (Suicidal Tendencies) — Cymbals — since 2014 — /drummer/jay-weinberg --- ## Recent Endorsement News ### Eloy Casagrande Joins Slipknot — 2024-04-01 Former Sepultura drummer Eloy Casagrande replaces Jay Weinberg as Slipknot's new drummer. He maintains his existing endorsements with Yamaha drums, Paiste cymbals, and Evans heads. **Brands retained:** Yamaha, Paiste, Evans **Source:** Official Slipknot announcement **Profile:** https://metalforge.io/drummer/eloy-casagrande ### Jay Weinberg Joins Suicidal Tendencies — 2024-01-15 Following his departure from Slipknot in November 2023, Jay Weinberg joins Suicidal Tendencies and Infectious Grooves. He continues with SJC drums, Zildjian cymbals, and Vater sticks. **Brands retained:** SJC Custom Drums, Zildjian, Vater, Evans **Source:** Suicidal Tendencies announcement **Profile:** https://metalforge.io/drummer/jay-weinberg ### Mike Portnoy Returns to Dream Theater — 2023-10-26 Legendary drummer Mike Portnoy rejoins Dream Theater after 13 years, continuing his longtime partnerships with Tama drums and Sabian cymbals. This marks one of metal's most anticipated reunions. **Brands retained:** Tama, Sabian, Promark, Remo **Source:** Dream Theater official **Profile:** https://metalforge.io/drummer/mike-portnoy ### Charlie Benante Drums for Pantera Reunion — 2022-12-01 Charlie Benante steps in to fill the legendary drum throne left by the late Vinnie Paul for Pantera's reunion tours. He continues using his Tama kit setup with Paiste cymbals. **Brands retained:** Tama, Paiste, Vic Firth, Evans **Source:** Pantera reunion announcement **Profile:** https://metalforge.io/drummer/charlie-benante ### Art Cruz Replaces Chris Adler in Lamb of God — 2019-07-19 Following Chris Adler's departure, Art Cruz becomes Lamb of God's permanent drummer. He uses Pearl drums, Meinl cymbals, and Promark sticks. **Brands signed:** Pearl, Meinl, Promark, Evans **Source:** Lamb of God announcement **Profile:** https://metalforge.io/drummer/art-cruz ### Alex Bent Joins Trivium — 2016-07-15 After several drummer changes, Trivium finds stability with Alex Bent. He brings his Pearl Masters setup and Zildjian cymbals to the band. **Brands signed:** Pearl, Zildjian, Vic Firth, Evans **Source:** Trivium official **Profile:** https://metalforge.io/drummer/alex-bent --- ## Endorsement Timelines by Drummer ### Lars Ulrich (Metallica) - **1981** (Cymbals): Signed with Zildjian — Started with Zildjian A series cymbals when forming Metallica - **1984** (Drums): Switched from Camco to Tama — Upgraded from Camco to Tama Artstar II during Ride the Lightning era - **1996** (Drumsticks): Signature product: Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature Aluminum Sticks — First signature drumstick, made with aluminum for durability - **2000** (Drums): Signature product: Tama LU1465 Signature Snare Drum — 14x6.5" signature snare drum with steel shell - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich ### Joey Jordison (Slipknot) - **1999** (Drums): Signed with Pearl — Signed with Pearl after Slipknot debut album success - **1999** (Cymbals): Switched from Zildjian to Paiste — Switched to Paiste RUDE series for heavier, more aggressive sound - **2008** (Drumsticks): Switched from Ahead to Promark — Moved from Ahead aluminum sticks to Promark signature wood sticks - **2010** (Drums): Signature product: Pearl Joey Jordison Signature Snare 13x6.5" — Signature snare with unique blood splatter finish - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/joey-jordison ### Tomas Haake (Meshuggah) - **2005** (Drums): Signed with Sonor — Long-term partnership with Sonor for SQ2 series drums - **2010** (Drumsticks): Signature product: Wincent Tomas Haake Signature Sticks — Custom signature sticks designed for polymetric playing - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/tomas-haake ### Dave Lombardo (Slayer / Dead Cross) - **1981** (Drums): Signed with Pearl — First kit was Pearl Maxwin, started long relationship with Pearl - **1986** (Drums): Renewed Pearl deal — Continued with Pearl through Reign in Blood era - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/dave-lombardo ### George Kollias (Nile) - **2015** (Hardware/Pedals): Signature product: Pearl Demon XR Bass Drum Pedals — Co-designed signature bass drum pedals with Pearl for extreme speed - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/george-kollias ### Eloy Casagrande (Slipknot) - **2005** (Cymbals): Signed with Paiste — Became Paiste artist at age 17, youngest to sign with the brand at the time - **2024** (Drums): Signed (Yamaha) — Maintained Yamaha endorsement after joining Slipknot - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/eloy-casagrande ### Jay Weinberg (Suicidal Tendencies) - **2014** (Drums): Signed with SJC Custom Drums — Joined SJC when becoming Slipknot drummer - **2023** (Drums): Ended SJC endorsement — Left Slipknot in November 2023, maintained all endorsements - **2024** (Drums): Renewed SJC Custom Drums deal — Continued with SJC after joining Suicidal Tendencies - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/jay-weinberg ### Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) - **1985** (Drums): Signed with Tama — One of the longest-running Tama endorsements in metal - **1985** (Cymbals): Signed with Sabian — Long-term Sabian artist with signature cymbals - **2023** (Drums): Renewed Tama deal — Returned to Dream Theater with same Tama setup after 13 years - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/mike-portnoy ### Danny Carey (Tool) - **2000** (Cymbals): Signature product: Paiste Dry Heavy Ride - Monad — Signature ride cymbal with unique sound characteristics - **2005** (Drumsticks): Signature product: Vic Firth Danny Carey Signature Sticks — Custom signature sticks designed for dynamic playing - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/danny-carey ### Mario Duplantier (Gojira) - **2010** (Drums): Signed with Tama — Signed with Tama during The Way of All Flesh touring cycle - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/mario-duplantier ### Brann Dailor (Mastodon) - **2002** (Drums): Signed with Tama — Joined Tama family during Remission era - **2004** (Cymbals): Signed with Meinl — Switched to Meinl for their dark, complex tones - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/brann-dailor ### Chris Adler (ex-Lamb of God / Firstborne) - **2005** (Drums): Signature product: Mapex Warbird Signature Snare — Signature snare designed for aggressive attack - **2008** (Drumsticks): Signature product: Promark TX5AXW Chris Adler Signature — Signature sticks with modified 5AX design - **2019** (Drums): Ended Mapex endorsement — Left Lamb of God due to Musician's Dystonia, continued with Mapex for Firstborne - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/chris-adler ### Matt Halpern (Periphery) - **2010** (Drums): Signed with Yamaha — Initial endorsement with Yamaha during early Periphery days - **2015** (Drums): Switched from Yamaha to Pearl — Switched to Pearl with signature snare drum deal - **2016** (Cymbals): Signature product: Meinl Artist Concept Double Down Stack — Signature cymbal stack for djent-style playing - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/matt-halpern ### Inferno (Behemoth) - **2005** (Drums): Signed with Pearl — Long-term Pearl endorser through Behemoth's rise - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/inferno ### Charlie Benante (Anthrax / Pantera (touring)) - **1985** (Drums): Signed with Tama — Pioneer of thrash drumming, early Tama endorser - **2022** (Drums): Renewed Tama deal — Continued with Tama for Pantera reunion tours - Profile: https://metalforge.io/drummer/charlie-benante --- ## More Resources - [Endorsement News Feed](https://metalforge.io/endorsement-news) - [Endorsement Hub](https://metalforge.io/llms/endorsements.md) - [Gear News](https://metalforge.io/llms/gear-news.md) - [All LLM Resources](https://metalforge.io/llms/index.md) *Last updated: 2026-06-19 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*