# Remo Drumheads — Which Metal Drummers Use Remo? > MetalForge's guide to the professional metal drummers who play Remo drumheads. > Last updated: 2026-07-05 Remo is one of the two dominant drumhead makers in professional metal, alongside Evans. Founded in 1957, Remo pioneered the synthetic (Mylar) drumhead and remains a staple across heavy, progressive, and extreme metal kits. 18 metal drummers in the MetalForge database run Remo heads — most simply specify "Remo" across their kit, while a handful name a specific model (Emperor, Powerstroke 3, Ambassador) for a particular drum. --- ## Pro Metal Drummers Who Use Remo Drumheads - **[Lars Ulrich](https://metalforge.io/drummers/lars-ulrich)** — Metallica — Remo (standard configuration) - **[Tomas Haake](https://metalforge.io/drummers/tomas-haake)** — Meshuggah — Remo (standard configuration) - **[John Otto](https://metalforge.io/drummers/john-otto)** — Limp Bizkit — Remo Emperor Coated - **[Mario Duplantier](https://metalforge.io/drummers/mario-duplantier)** — Gojira — Remo Emperor (toms), Remo Powerstroke 3 (bass drums) - **[Alex Bent](https://metalforge.io/drummers/alex-bent)** — ex-Trivium / Arkaik / Dragonlord — Remo (standard configuration) - **[Morgan Ågren](https://metalforge.io/drummers/morgan-agren)** — Mats/Morgan Band / Kaipa — Remo (standard configuration) - **[Bill Ward](https://metalforge.io/drummers/bill-ward)** — Black Sabbath — Remo (standard configuration) - **[Ben Koller](https://metalforge.io/drummers/ben-koller)** — Converge / Mutoid Man / Killer Be Killed — Remo (standard configuration) - **[Martin Lopez](https://metalforge.io/drummers/martin-lopez)** — Soen / ex-Opeth — Remo (standard configuration) - **[Nicko McBrain](https://metalforge.io/drummers/nicko-mcbrain)** — Iron Maiden — Remo Emperor - **[Scott Travis](https://metalforge.io/drummers/scott-travis)** — Judas Priest — Remo (standard configuration) - **[Mikkey Dee](https://metalforge.io/drummers/mikkey-dee)** — Scorpions / Motörhead — Remo (standard configuration) - **[Frost](https://metalforge.io/drummers/frost)** — Satyricon / 1349 — Remo (standard configuration) - **[Gavin Harrison](https://metalforge.io/drummers/gavin-harrison)** — Porcupine Tree / King Crimson — Remo Ambassador - **[Abe Cunningham](https://metalforge.io/drummers/abe-cunningham)** — Deftones — Remo (standard configuration) - **[Jaska Raatikainen](https://metalforge.io/drummers/jaska-raatikainen)** — Children of Bodom — Remo (standard configuration) - **[Kevin Talley](https://metalforge.io/drummers/kevin-talley)** — Dying Fetus / Misery Index / Six Feet Under — Remo (standard configuration) - **[Martin Axenrot](https://metalforge.io/drummers/martin-axenrot)** — Opeth — Remo (standard configuration) See all 18 drummers on the [Remo drummers-using page](https://metalforge.io/gear/remo/all-drumheads/drummers-using). --- ## About Remo Drumheads Remo's catalog covers a wide range of tonal profiles used across metal's sub-genres: - **Ambassador:** Single-ply, medium-weight — Remo's classic all-purpose head, favored for a natural, open tone - **Emperor:** 2-ply construction for added durability and a fuller low end — a common metal touring choice (Nicko McBrain, Mario Duplantier) - **Emperor Coated:** Adds a coated finish for a warmer snare crack (John Otto) - **Powerstroke 3:** Built-in dampening ring for bass drums, delivering a focused, punchy attack with minimal ringing - **Pinstripe:** Double-ply with a built-in air-lock dampening layer, popular for a drier, more controlled tone - **Price range:** Approximately $110–$170 for a full kit set (batter + resonant heads), depending on sizes and models Remo's heritage as the original Mylar drumhead manufacturer means its heads remain a benchmark for consistency and durability — a major reason legacy acts like Black Sabbath (Bill Ward) and Iron Maiden (Nicko McBrain) have stuck with the brand for decades. --- ## Why Metal Drummers Choose Remo Remo heads are prized for their durability and consistent response across genres, from Bill Ward's foundational heavy metal work with Black Sabbath to Tomas Haake's polyrhythmic precision with Meshuggah. The 2-ply Emperor is a favorite for drummers who need a fuller low end without sacrificing attack — Mario Duplantier (Gojira) runs Emperor heads on his toms specifically for their balance of punch and control at extreme tempos, while pairing Powerstroke 3 heads on his bass drums for a focused, non-ringing low end. Nicko McBrain's decades-long use of Remo Emperor heads with Iron Maiden speaks to the brand's reliability across thousands of live shows. For drummers spanning classic heavy metal, djent, and black metal alike, Remo's reputation for a natural, road-durable tone keeps it a top choice alongside Evans. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Which metal drummers use Remo drumheads?** A: 18 metal drummers in the MetalForge database play Remo, including Lars Ulrich, Tomas Haake, Bill Ward, Nicko McBrain, Mikkey Dee, and Mario Duplantier. Most run the standard Remo configuration across their kit; a few — John Otto (Emperor Coated), Nicko McBrain (Emperor), Gavin Harrison (Ambassador), and Mario Duplantier (Emperor + Powerstroke 3) — specify particular models. **Q: Is Remo good for metal drumming?** A: Yes — Remo is one of the two industry-standard drumhead brands in metal (alongside Evans), used across classic heavy metal, progressive metal, and extreme metal by 18 of the drummers MetalForge tracks. Its Emperor and Powerstroke lines are built for the high-impact rimshots and low-end punch that heavy and death metal drumming demands. **Q: Remo vs Evans — which is better for metal drums?** A: Both are proven touring-grade choices; MetalForge tracks 18 drummers using Remo and 31 using Evans. Remo's Emperor and Powerstroke 3 lines (used by Mario Duplantier of Gojira and Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden) are prized for durability and a slightly more open tone, while Evans' Hydraulic and Black Chrome lines are popular for a more controlled, dampened attack. The choice mostly comes down to a drummer's tuning preference rather than one brand being objectively superior for metal. See the [Evans drummers-using page](https://metalforge.io/gear/evans/all-drumheads/drummers-using) for the Evans roster. **Q: How much do Remo drumheads cost?** A: A full kit set of Remo heads (batter + resonant, 5-6 drums) runs approximately $110–$170 street price. Individual heads range from $15 (single tom batter) to $40+ (bass drum batter/resonant pair). Check Thomann (EU) or Sweetwater (US) for current pricing. **Q: What's the best Remo drumhead for metal?** A: For most metal styles, the Remo Emperor (2-ply, clear or coated) on toms and snare paired with a Powerstroke 3 on the bass drum is the standard touring configuration — the same setup Mario Duplantier runs with Gojira. See our [Best Drum Heads for Metal guide](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-heads-for-metal) for a full breakdown by sub-genre. --- [Full Remo drummers page → metalforge.io/gear/remo/all-drumheads/drummers-using](https://metalforge.io/gear/remo/all-drumheads/drummers-using) *Source: [MetalForge Gear Guides](https://metalforge.io/gear)*