I’m unabashedly a fan of technical drumming.  I love a full sound, like Gavin Harrison, but I also want the drummer to be present, like, all the time.  Last year saw some amazing performances that blended those two styles, and maybe some that fell entirely on one side.

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10. Luke Mastrocola – Transience – “Temple”

Easily the best performance on the album.  Simply masterful.

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9. Jon Teachey – Wilderun – “Sleep at the Edge of the Earth”

A great mix of technical and appropriate

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8. Robert Eisfeldt – Toxic Smile – “Farewell”

The core of all the instrumentals

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7. Jason Rullo – Symphony X – “Underworld”

Not much needs to be said.  Jason is a legendary talent.

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6. Lars Erik Asp – Gazpacho – “Molok”

Combined with the incredible bass, Lars is nothing short of memorable

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5. Geoff Irish – Caligula’s Horse – “Bloom”

A necessity for any drum list for 2015.  Mind-blowing.

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4. Baard Kolstad – Leprous – “The Congregation”

Still in shock that Baard can pull of those beats

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3. Thundra Cafolla – Kingcrow – “Eidos”

Truly a Gavin Harrison level of brilliance here

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2. Blake Coulson – Arcane – “Known/Learned”

There’s just something so full and satisfying in this drum performance

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1. Ben Shanbrom – Earthside – “A Dream in Static”

The absolute best of the year without a single doubt in my mind