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December 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 12

There’s a folksy old saying that goes something like, “People sure do make things more difficult than they need to.” We’ve all made that observation at one time or another about others—and, let’s be honest, at times we even make it about ourselves. We should, at least.
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Articles in December 2017

Matt Greiner on August Burns Red’s Phantom Anthem

Pinpoint precision, burning chops, and odd time signatures abound on the veteran metalcore group’s latest offering.

Article by Willie Rose | Photo by Ray Duker
Oct 31, 2017

Black Swamp - Dynamicx Sterling, Live!, and BackBeat Snares

Pristinely crafted wood-shell drums for any professional situation.

by Michael Dawson
Oct 31, 2017

Queens of the Stone Age’s Jon Theodore

It’s been four years since the esteemed ex–Mars Volta drummer began playing in QotSA. Now we’ve been gifted with the multifarious Villains, and at long last we get to hear what he sounds like on a full-length record with the…

Story by David Ciauro | Photos by Andreas Neumann
Oct 31, 2017

Yamaha - Rydeen RDP2F5 Drumset

An excellent entry-level option with quality sound and sturdy hardware.

by Michael Dawson
Oct 31, 2017

Drum Design Knowledge, Part 2: Shell Types and Thicknesses

Last month we discussed hoops. This time we’re discussing the thickness of the shell and what you can expect sonically from the various designs. Drum shells have been made in different thicknesses over the years, from a single half-inch piece…

by Russ Miller
Oct 31, 2017
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John Aldridge

The famed engraver, drum tech, and vintage enthusiast helped start a movement.

by Harry Cangany
Oct 31, 2017

Peter Magadini’s Polyrhythmic Life

Given that rhythm is the playground of drummers, polyrhythms seem to have a particular resonance. The possibilities of two against three, three against four, and beyond are continually explored in jazz, rock, and other styles. For many a drummer across…

by Martin Patmos
Oct 31, 2017

Dressing Up Your Fills

Fresh Ideas to Kick Off the Band

by Powell Randolph
Oct 31, 2017

What’s Your Favorite Prog Drumming Record?

To coincide with this month’s feature on twelve heartland prog-rock drumming albums, we asked our readers and social media followers for their own favorite prog records. Plenty of choices featuring drum legends such as Bill Bruford, Neil Peart, and Phil…

Modern Drummer
Oct 31, 2017

New Gear from Tama, Ahead, Remo and Wuhan!

Tama Lars Ulrich Worldwired Starclassic Drumkit As part of the Starclassic series, this six-piece limited-edition replica kit features 8-ply/7mm maple bass drums and 6-ply/5mm maple toms. This pro-level instrument has the same purple finish as the kit Lars uses on…

Modern Drummer
Oct 31, 2017

Los Cabos - White Hickory, Red Hickory, and Maple Drumsticks

Top-notch products from a smaller Canadian company with big-time aspirations.

by Michael Dawson
Oct 31, 2017

John Blackwell Jr.

On July 4, the drumming world suffered a heavy blow with the passing of John Blackwell Jr. Known for his deep pocket, powerful playing, and visual flash, Blackwell was a renowned performer and educator whose work included tours and recordings…

Story by Drew Schultz | Photo by Miguel Monroy
Oct 31, 2017
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Jon Theodore Style and Analysis

From his days playing mind-melting Mars Volta compositions to his current gig with the rock giants Queens of the Stone Age, Jon Theodore has inspired drummers with powerful grooves, explosive fills, and rock-solid time. His ability to craft the perfect parts…

by Austin Burcham
Oct 31, 2017

Mark Guiliana

Touring is tough. And the ordeal of modern flying has upped the headache factor. But Mark Guiliana has learned to deal: He’s traveling ultra-light and loving it. The Mark Guiliana Jazz Quartet is touring the U.S. and Europe in support…

by Jeff Potter
Oct 31, 2017

Dennis Bryon

Since the mid-’70s, Dennis Bryon’s hypnotic grooves have been responsible for luring most of the civilized world’s population onto the dance floor. Bryon accomplished this feat by playing with one of the most successful groups of all time, the Bee…

Interview by Zoro
Oct 31, 2017

Roy Mayorga With Stone Sour

With the hot new album Hydrograd in hand and health issues put well behind him, the drummer is amped to be back on the road for Stone Sour’s headlining tour.

by Kim Kicks
Oct 31, 2017

Sonor Swinger

When the indie rock group Faux in Love went into the Guilford Sound studio in Guilford, Vermont, to record its latest record, drummer Bruce Black decided to bring this vintage, late-1960s Sonor Swinger setup. According to Black, and confirmed to…

Modern Drummer
Oct 31, 2017

The Circuit - An Ambidextrous Routine for Ultimate Control

https://vimeo.com/239498551 This month we’ll check out a challenging coordination study. The goal of this routine is to become comfortable playing any pattern leading with either side of the body. Right-handed drummers typically play with the right hand on a cymbal,…

by Aaron Edgar
Oct 31, 2017

Fill Displacements

Deepen Your Vocabulary

by Dave DiCenso
Oct 31, 2017
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Paiste - 900 Series Cymbals

Hand-hammered 2002 bronze with a special dark finish for a slightly warmer tone.

by Michael Dawson
Oct 31, 2017

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