Top Ten Modern Drummers

Without drummers, rock music would just be electric guitar and vocals. Drumming provides the beat and most of the rhythm, but we rarely know who we are listening too. This is in no way a definitive list, because music is by its nature subjective. Here are ten modern rock drummers who are considered masters of their craft that you might hear on 94.3 Loudwire.

Mike Portnoy

Drums For: Dream Theater, Stone Sour, Avenged Sevenfold

Mike Portnoy tops the list as the drummer for Dream Theater. He also picked up his sticks for Avenged Sevenfold when Jimmy Sullivan passed away. He is known for his near-metronome timing and insanely complicated drum set.

Morgan Rose

Drums For: Sevendust

Morgan Rose has been listed by Drum Magazine and Drummerworld Magazine as one of the top 100 drummers of all time. He is well known for the braids that flail around his head when he drums.

Brann Dailor

Drums For: Mastodon

Brann Dailor is considered to have a jazzy and progressive style when he drums for the progressive rock band Mastodon. Dave Grohl once stated that he thought Dailor was one of the best drummers in the world.

Chad Smith

Drums For: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Smith is known for his ability to piece together hard rock drumming with a dash of funk. He is also known for looking like Will Ferrell, but don't ask him about that; he hates it.

Danny Carey

Drums For: Tool

There is something so unique and original about Tool's sound, and part of it comes from Danny Carey. It's hard to mention the progressive metal genre without mentioning Tool.

Ray Luzier

Drums For: Korn

Luzier joined Korn after original drummer David Silveria left. After his audition, he was immediately asked by the other members to be their full-time drummer.

Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan

Drummed For: Avenged Sevenfold

The Rev was the drummer for Avenged Sevefold. He passed away in 2009 for apparent drug complications and alcohol. He is known for his speed as well as his ability to double-bass.

Dave Grohl

Drums For: Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age

This dude is everywhere. When the first Foo Fighters album came out, he re-recorded almost every instrument and track for the entire album, including the drums. He has the uncanny ability to play any instrument, and his talent shows.

Gavin Harrison

Drums For: Porcupine Tree, Iggy Pop

Harrison is most known for playing with Porcupine Tree and King Crimson, as well as occasionally doing live drums for Iggy Pop's live shows. From 2007-2010 he won "Best Progressive Drummer of the Year" from Modern Drummer Magazine.

 Chris Adler

Drums For: Lamb Of God

Look at that epic goatee. Seriously, that this is magnificent. He has been drumming for Lamb of God since 2000, which is when they got their official start. He is best known for his fast double bass technique.