Life after Trivium, the band’s latest EP Struck Dead—the final release to feature Alex—and the fight for his daughter’s life… plus the burning question: Did Alex know? These are just some of the topics covered in this candid and exclusive interview with ex-Trivium drummer Alex Bent.
Drummers Review Ollie Winiberg sits down with Alex to discuss leaving the band, his funniest on-stage moments, what’s next for him, advice for aspiring drummers, and much more.
00:15 – Intro 00:54 – Alex’s Funniest Moments…
01:59 – Leaving Trivium
04:45 – Struck Dead
06:50 – Technical Wizard or Groove Master and Early Trivium Days
09:10 – Did Alex Know? 11:20 – The Drumming Community
14:28 – Alex’s Hero’s & Building His Sound 16:15 – A More Level Playing Field?
18:10 – The Future & Advice For Drummers
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STYX drummer Todd Sucherman has announced the release of his brand-new drum art piece, “Above the Surface,” from his acclaimed Realities of Rhythm and Time collection. Available exclusively during Black Friday week, this highly limited edition merges music and visual art in a rare, collectible release for fans and art enthusiasts alike.
With “Above the Surface,” Sucherman officially steps into the art world, transforming his world-renowned drumming and rhythmic movement into a powerful visual expression.
Sucherman shares: “Above the Surface captures the motion and shapes that come alive on top of the drum set, the dance of the sticks, the sizzle of the cymbals, and the light that brings drama both musically and visually. This piece features the classic Sonor drum logo, and a few select editions include my handwritten drum notation, each preserving a fragment of that energy and feeling. It’s all there, right above the surface.”
Created in collaboration with Los Angeles–based art collective SceneFour, the piece transforms the physical motion of Sucherman’s drumming into a vivid, fine-art expression. Each edition is hand-signed and numbered, underscoring its rarity and collectible appeal.
Once they’re gone, they’re gone! Don’t miss your chance to own one of these rare editions, visit www.scenefourart.com
Sucherman took over drumming duties in STYX a year before the death of John Panozzo in 1996. Sucherman joined STYX as a full-time member after Panozzo died of cirrhosis.
Todd continues to be one of the world’s most in-demand drummers and educators. While recording and touring the world with the multi-platinum rock band STYX for the last 29 years, he’s managed to balance a schedule of recording sessions, masterclasses, clinics, and creating the enormously successful “Rock Drumming Masterclass” for Drumeo. Todd has been recognized by his peers winning many Modern Drummer magazine Readers’ Poll awards through the years, taking top honors in the categories of “Rock Drummer”, “Progressive Rock Drummer”, “Classic Rock Drummer”, “Live Drummer”, “Clinician”, “Educational DVD”, “Recorded Performance” and multiple placements in other categories. In 2020, after playing drums for 49 years, he released his first solo record, “Last Flight Home”.
SceneFour is primarily known as the team responsible for the “rhythm-on-canvas” medium, having released art collections over the last several years with a highly select group of drumming legends, including Bill Ward (BLACK SABBATH),Rick Allen (DEF LEPPARD) and Dave Lombardo (SLAYER).
SceneFour, a Los Angeles design and branding firm, uses LED technology to transfer the musicians’ unique style onto a canvas. The art reportedly provides a “musical fingerprint” that is as unique as an artist’s autograph.
“Each guy’s artwork looks drastically different because their styles and techniques are different,” Cory Danziger, who co-founded SceneFour in 2004 with Ravi Dosaj, a graphic designer, told The New York Times.
“Bill Ward’s artwork is dark and there’s kind of a foreboding element to it, whereas Chad Smith’s has kind of a light and airy feel to his playing. His arms are open and those pieces have a butterfly effect,” Danziger said.
SceneFour has released more than 60 collections and is most notable for the conceptual and release of “rhythm-on-canvas” artwork, a process where drummers create abstract work with SceneFour based upon their movement behind the drum kit.
To date, rhythm-on-canvas releases include collaborators Mickey Hart (GRATEFUL DEAD),Bill Ward (BLACK SABBATH),Carl Palmer (EMERSON, LAKE AND PALMER),Chad Smith (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS),Mike Mangini (DREAM THEATER),Will Calhoun (LIVING COLOUR),Jose Pasillas (INCUBUS),Mario Duplantier (GOJIRA),Dave Lombardo (SLAYER),Chris Adler (LAMB OF GOD),Cindy Blackman Santana (SANTANA),Sheila E., Carmine Appice (VANILLA FUDGE),Rick Allen (DEF LEPPARD),Frank Waddy (PARLIAMENT),Nick Menza (MEGADETH),Steven Adler (GUNS N’ ROSES),Dave Weckl, Terry Bozzio, Matt Sorum (GUNS N’ ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER),Billy Cobham, Roy Ayers, Mikkey Dee (MOTÖRHEAD),Chris Fehn (SLIPKNOT) and Chad Sexton (311).
SceneFour has expanded the rhythm-on-canvas format to include legendary guitarists. Utilizing a customize glove, SceneFour collaborates with the guitarist to craft visual artwork through the musician’s movement on the fretboard. To date, collaborations with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen, Page Hamilton (HELMET),Scott Ian (ANTHRAX),Gus G. (OZZY OSBOURNE),Steve Lukather (TOTO),Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE) and Frank Gambale have been unveiled.
SceneFour collections are regularly exhibited in galleries throughout the United States, and have been showcased in international museums. As of 2024, there are seven coffee table books chronicling collections released with SceneFour.
The UK Drum Show is very pleased to welcome, Four on the Floor Apparel Co, who will make their exhibiting debut at The UK Drum Show 2026, taking place on the 24th & 25th October at the ACC Liverpool.
Mick Keen – Company Founder
Launched in late 2025, Four on the Floor Apparel Co. is an independent UK apparel brand
created by a drummer, for drummers. Our mission is simple: to celebrate drumming culture
through high-quality, environmentally conscious clothing that reflects the passion, creativity, and identity of the drumming community.
Four on the Floor began with a belief that drummer-focused apparel should feel as authentic as the craft itself. Every design we release is inspired by the energy of live performance, the personality of modern drum culture, and the timeless attitude of rock and alternative music.
Alongside our core collection designs, we also curate limited-run drops throughout the year.
These exclusive designs are produced in small quantities and allow us to experiment with new artwork, themes, and styles. Once a limited piece sells out, it’s gone for good—giving drummers the chance to own something truly unique and collectible. These drops have become an important part of our identity, offering fresh creativity while staying deeply connected to drummer culture.
Quality and sustainability are at the core of everything we do. Our garments are made using premium organic cottons, recycled fibres, and responsibly sourced materials to ensure comfort, durability, and a lighter environmental footprint. We work closely with ethical manufacturers who share our values, ensuring that every item feels great to wear and is made with care for both people and planet.
Four on the Floor is more than apparel—it’s a community built around a shared love for rhythm, expression, and the lifestyle of being a drummer. Whether you’re a touring professional, a weekend player, a student, or a fan of drum-inspired design, we aim to offer clothing that resonates.
We’re excited to bring our pop-up shop to the UK Drum Show 2026, where visitors can explore
our core collection, discover some new limited designs including a one off which will only be
available at the show, and experience the brand in person. We can’t wait to meet fellow
drummers, share our story, and continue building a brand that celebrates the groove at the heart
of every player.
Join the Drummer’s Review team as they take a look at Aerodrums 2 Compact Drum Solution.Filmed September 2025.
Featuring:
MAC, PC, Android, IOS, Chromebook & Meta Quest compatibility,
Drumsticks, Foot Markers, Sensor, Tripod & more included,
Quiet practice whenever / wherever you like.
Price:
£599.00
(*all prices correct at time of filming – September 2025)
Aerodrums Says…”Meet Aerodrums 2 – a compact drum solution! Expressive as any high end electronic drum kit, with a versatile design for playing at any volume and in any environment. Whether you’re a seasoned drummer or just starting out, Aerodrums 2 is the ultimate instrument to play more.Aerodrums 2’s portability allows you to take your instrument with you wherever you go. Its lightweight design makes it easy to pack and transport, while its compact size means it won’t take up much space in your bag.“
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Drummers Review is sad to report the death of legendary drummer Jack DeJohnette at the age of 83.
Although renowned as a hugely influential figure as a drummer, DeJohnette began his musical career as a pianist, learning the instrument as a child, before switching to drums in his early teens. It’s his mastery of both instruments that informed DeJohnette’s unique approach to rhythms, and resulted in his long career in some of the most important and influential bands in the history of jazz. The list of jazz musicians who enjoyed the input of DeJonette’s unique approach to rhythm is far too long to list, but without doubt he is best remembered for his time with Miles Davis, which coincided with the trumpet legend’s move into jazz fusion. DeJohnette was the principal drummer on Davis’s seminal Bitches Brew album, as well as Miles Davis At Filmore, where his surging drum patterns drove the band to extremes of improvisational skill which rightly assumed mythical status with the passing of time.
Jack DeJohnette never allowed himself to be tied to any musical genre or style for any length of time, and it is the sheer variety and complexity of his output that has assured his reputation as one of the greatest jazz musicians of the twentieth century. Stints with Sun Ra And His Arkestra, John Coltrane, and Charles Lloyd, were followed with extended collaborations with pianist Keith Jarrett, as well as time with Stan Getz, which led to his work with Davis.
DeJohnette also excelled as a band leader in his own right. He worked with a number of different sets of musicians, sometimes overlapping with each other, Directions, and Special Edition being two of the more fruitful of his many collaborations. But it was his Standards Trio, with Keith Jarrett and Gary Peacock that grew to be one of the best known and most influential jazz trios, lasting from the early 1980’s, through to 2014.
DeJohnette always believed in being as open as possible to opportunities to work in different areas of music. He played with jazz legends such as Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, and Bill Evans, fusion artists Pat Matheny and John Scofield, and rock artists Carlos Santana and Bruce Hornsby.
With a playing style that embraced and influenced Swing, Fusion, Free Jazz, and World Grooves, DeJohnette always delighted in moving between genres and sub-genres, keeping his interest as high, and his playing as adventurous as possible.
Citing his early days as a pianist as a major influence on his rhythmic and melodic senses, Jack DeJohnette will be remembered as a musician who didn’t so much break down barriers between different musical genres, but far more as a player who simply refused to see them as being there in the first place. His constant drive to explore different areas of the musical spectrum kept him at the forefront of experimentation and development throughout his long and illustrious career. The timeline of that career is covered by the release of the Forces Of Nature: Live At Slugs’ album, which was recorded back in 1966, featuring McCoy Tyner, Joe Henderson, and Henry Grimes, but only came out in 2024. And Jack DeJohnette continued attracting plaudits for his output until almost the end of his career, his Skyline album, released in 2021, won the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album.
Jack DeJohnette will be remembered as a drummer, composer, band leader, and constant explorer of the outer boundaries of music in all its myriad forms.
Drummers Review sends condolences to Jack’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Check out just some of the highlights from The UK Drum Show 2025 at the ACC Liverpool, that took place on the 18th & 19th October 2025.
Did you join us? If you couldn’t make it, come and join us next year in Liverpool, when The UK Drum Show returns to the ACC Liverpool on the 24th & 25th October 2026. For further information check out – www.theukdrumshow.com
Join the Drummer’s Review team as they take a look at a selection of Limited-Edition Meinl Byzance Brilliant Polyphonic cymbals.Filmed September 2025.
Featuring:
15″ Hats
10″ Splash
18″ & 20″ Crashes
22″ Ride
Specs:
Brilliant finish
B20 bronze alloy construction
Un-lathed bells
Hand hammered
Price:
22″ Ride – £605.00
15″ Hats – £569.00
10″ Splash – £175.00
18″ Crash – £405.00
20″ Crash – £499.00
(*all prices correct at time of filming – September 2025)
Meinl Says…”Limited-edition Byzance Polyphonic brilliant cymbals keep the traditional design – thin edges, lathed body, raw bell – while the buffed brilliant finish darkens high end for a warmer spread. Perfect for funk, pop, fusion, and rock.“
Kick In – SE BL8 (classic character on switch)
Kick Out – V KICK (classic character on both switches)
Snare Top – V7X
Snare Bottom – VBEAT
Hi-Hats / Ride – SE8
Overheads – RN17 – stereo – spaced pair
Room Mics – RNR1 – stereo – XY
***HUGE THANKS TO SE MICROPHONES FOR SUPPLYING THE MICS USED IN THIS REVIEW***
Processing Details:
Recorded through SSL Origin preamps with no EQ
Mixed using only fab-filter pro Q3 for EQ and pro C2 for compression (lightly on kick and snare)
For more completely impartial HD video reviews, along with interviews with some of the biggest names in drumming, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released.
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ProMark artist Jake Sommers, drummer for country superstar Luke Combs, shares his journey from Long Island to Nashville — and how determination and timing shaped his path to becoming a professional drummer.
After moving to Nashville in 2013, Sommers quickly found himself immersed in the city’s bustling scene. What began as impromptu gigs on Lower Broadway led to his first show with Combs — a college fraternity party — and eventually, to a decade-long career behind one of country music’s biggest voices.
“I came to town for a weekend and fell in love with it,” Sommers recalls. “My second day here, I got invited to a party on Music Row, met some players, and within 48 hours I had my first gig. It all just snowballed from there.”
Now a seasoned touring drummer, Sommers shares his philosophy on consistency and sound, and why his ProMark 747B Forward Balance sticks and EVANS Drumheads have become staples of his setup.
“I found a stick that felt like home,” he says. “The 747B fits perfectly in my hand — perfect weight, perfect diameter. And with EVANS, the heads just last forever. The EMAD kick head gives me that low-end thump with plenty of attack. It just works.”
2025 sets an important milestone in SONOR’s 150-year history. It’s a year dedicated to the company’s legacy, past and tradition, but also the time to look towards innovation, evolution, and new creative horizons, as they are as much a part of SONOR’s tradition and DNA.
In 2025, we are thrilled to introduce our brand-new Made in Germany drum series: MOMENTUM. This line combines the best of all our German-made drums, bringing together the most popular SONOR shell construction, shell materials and hardware features with fresh veneers, timeless wrap finishes and proven matte lacquer finishes.
Built on 150 years of craftsmanship and experience – and developed with a sharp eye on today’s market needs – MOMENTUM is our next step into the future of serially produced drums Made in Germany.
Sonor artist Jost Nickel
MOMENTUM marks more than a product launch – it’s a defining moment where tradition meets progress. A series that lays the foundation for our next chapter.
Available in maple, birch, or beech, the MOMENTUM shells feature SONOR’s most popular 9-ply (6mm) shell construction on all drums. Every wood type is available in an elegant semi gloss veneer, sleek matte lacquers or timeless high-quality Delmar wrap – designed to meet both visual and acoustic expectations.
The four available finishes – Red Pearl (wrap), Satin Pure White (matte lacquer), GT Black (matte lacquer), and California Burl (semi gloss veneer) – bring together favourites from past series with fresh, modern inspiration. California Burl is a completely new finish, making its debut with the MOMENTUM series and launching exclusively with this kit.
When it comes to hardware, MOMENTUM combines the best of our proven innovations – including the acclaimed ProLite T.A.R. tom mounts and our advanced Sound Sustainer system, already known from the SQ1 series, on floor toms.
Other Features
Made in Germany
9-ply, 6mm Medium Shell Construction on all Bass Drums, Toms, Floor Toms, Snare Drums
Different Finish Options (Wrap, Veneer, Lacquer) and Shall Materials (Beech, Birch, Maple) offer a broad Price Range:
Beech is the most affordable Shell Material, followed by Birch and Maple
Wrap is the most affordable Finish Option, followed by Veneer and Lacquer
Overall, a Red Pearl MOMENTUMBeech Kit is the most affordable, a GT Black or Satin Pure White MOMENTUM Maple Kit the most expensive, with all other variants spread in between
Prices for Shell Sets equal to Sum of individual components
Snare Drums feature SONOR’s outstanding Dual Glide System
Roland announces the V-Drums 3 and 5 Series, two all-new electronic drum kit lineups based around the powerful V31 and V51 sound modules. These next-generation modules are part of a unified ecosystem with the flagship V71 from the V-Drums 7 Series, providing full cross-compatibility across V-Drums modules for the first time. Players can drum with core onboard sounds created for the V-Drums 7 Series and stay inspired with a growing library of curated drumming content on Roland Cloud, including multi-layered V-Drums Instrument Expansions based on premium DW drum sets. V-Drums 3 and 5 Series kits also offer additional features like newly developed pads, updated hardware, wireless app integration, and more.
V31, V51, and V71 V-Drums Modules: Unified Sound, Unmatched Expression
Released in 2024 to wide acclaim, the V-Drums 7 Series and V71 module debuted an entirely new onboard sound library created in collaboration with Drum Workshop (DW), bringing unmatched realism and creative command to V-Drums. The V31 and V51 modules feature the same internal engine as the V71, providing drummers a unified sound experience with identical sounds and expansion path options.
Crafted from a hand-picked selection of the world’s finest drum sets, the sounds in each module deliver the detail, punch, and sonic quality found in top professional drum sample libraries for computer-based production. Multi-layer sample playback and round-robin randomization ensure natural sound with no “machine-gun” effect. Roland’s proprietary behavior modeling adds the finishing touch, refining the sound with smooth, artifact-free transitions for every articulation and over 16,000 variations in dynamic response with Roland digital pads.
The V-Drums 3, 5, and 7 Series platforms offer two ways to play: the module’s expandable sound library and DW Soundworks software for computer-based drumming. Six months of Roland Cloud Ultimate membership is included with purchase, providing untethered access to DW Soundworks and related content, V-Drums Instrument Expansions, newly developed V-Drums Kit Packs, and more. Users can subscribe after the trial ends or purchase their favorite selections with Lifetime Keys.
The V31, V51, and V71 modules include built-in Roland wireless adapters, allowing users to audition and download sound content directly via the Roland Cloud Connect app on a mobile device. Modules can be updated wirelessly, making it simple to stay up to date with the latest system software. Bluetooth audio/MIDI is available to jam with songs on a smartphone, play along with video lessons, and more. Each module also includes an integrated USB audio/MIDI interface to communicate with DW Soundworks, dedicated editor software apps, and DAW platforms to record multi-channel audio over a single cable. (V31 and V51 Editor software for macOS and Windows will be available in late 2025.)
The new V-Drums Play app for iOS and Android (available in late 2025) will enable users to control essential module functions from a smartphone, including kit selection, metronome settings, and recording. The optional RSH-10 V-Drums Smartphone Holder provides a solid solution for mounting a phone to an accessible location within the kit, offering secure attachment for intense drumming sessions and a highly adjustable design for easy positioning.
All modules also provide detailed customization tools to edit and process sounds, plus onboard coach mode features for practice and skill development. Kit and module purchases include Drum Pass, an exclusive Roland bundle of 100 Melodics™ interactive lessons specially developed for V-Drums players.
V-Drums 5 Series: Creativity Unleashed
Designed for serious drummers, the V-Drums 5 Series delivers pro-level performance for home, studio, and stage. The V51 module in every kit hits the sweet spot within the latest V-Drums universe, offering full Roland digital pad support and robust I/O in an efficient hardware command center. V-Drums 5 Series kits come in a variety of models for different styles, from the traditional vibe of V-Drums Acoustic Design to the high-tech profiles of classic V-Drums sets.
The VAD516 V-Drums Acoustic Design kit is the pinnacle of the V-Drums 5 Series, combining the immersive look, feel, and stage presence of an acoustic drum set with Roland’s groundbreaking digital snare (PD-14DSX), ride (CY-18DR), and hi-hat (VH-14D) pads and advanced V-Drums features. Outfitted with attractive Midnight Sparkle wraps, this five-piece kit includes two rack toms (PDA100-MS and PDA120-MS), a floor tom (PDA140F-MS), and the newly developed KD-20-MS, a full-size 20-inch kick drum with the same high-res triggering as the KD-22 from the V-Drums 7 Series.
As the mid-level kit in the V-Drums 5 Series lineup, the TD516 combines premium sound and flexibility with a spacious footprint, enhanced playability, and digital pad integration. Equipped with digital snare (PD-140DS), ride (CY-18DR), and hi-hat (VH-14D) pads and a large kick pad (KD-12), it’s made for drummers who want a refined playing experience without the flagship expense.
The TD513 is the entry point into the V-Drums 5 Series, offering high-end expression and performance in a streamlined, accessible setup. Featuring redesigned tom pads (two PD-8H and one PD-10H) for enhanced feel, a highly responsive 12-inch snare pad (PD-12P), and the new MDS-Standard 3 stand, the TD513 provides an authentic drumming experience coupled with serious customization tools to personalize the sound.
V-Drums 3 Series: Next-Level Drumming Starts Here
The V-Drums 3 Series brings advanced V-Drums expression and flexibility to three compact kits for daily practice, home recording, and tight spaces. Based around the streamlined V31 module, each kit features updated components for enhanced playability and powerful tools for skill development and jamming. The V31 also includes a dedicated digital trigger input that allows users to upgrade their setup with a high-resolution Roland digital snare, ride, or hi-hat pad.
The VAD316 brings the acclaimed V-Drums Acoustic Design experience to the V-Drums 3 Series. With a 12-inch snare (PDA-120LS), shallow-depth wood tom shells (two PDA100L-BK and one PDA120L-BK), and a full-size kick drum (KD-18-BK), this kit offers the stage presence, feel, and familiar layout of a traditional acoustic set—but with complete volume control.
The mid-level TD316 is filled with pro-inspired enhancements that provide an immersive playing setup in a modest footprint. A 12-inch snare pad (PD-12P), upgraded tom pads (two PD-8H and one PD-10H), three cymbal pads (two CY-12C-T crash and one CY-14R-T ride), and stand-mounted VH-10 hi-hats offer a familiar, acoustic-style feel, while the new MDS-Compact 2 stand features a wider layout for increased setup flexibility.
The TD313 delivers high-end V-Drums sound and feel in a space-saving format that’s perfect for home practice and studio sessions. Featuring a 12-inch snare pad (PDX-12), upgraded tom pads (two PD-8H and one PD-10H), and a rock-solid kick pad (KD-10), this kit provides a realistic and rewarding playing experience for dedicated students and drumming enthusiasts.
Availability & Pricing
The Roland V-Drums 3 and 5 Series are available now as follows in *USD: VAD516 $5,799.99; TD516 $3,699.99; TD513 $2,699.99; V51 $1,899.99; VAD316 $3,399.99; TD316 $1,999.99; TD313 $1,699.99; V31 $999.99.
To learn more about the V-Drums 3, 5, and 7 Series, visit Roland.com.
