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Allan Leibowitz: E-Drums vs Acoustic Kits

Join Ollie Winiberg from as he sits down with Allan Leibowitz, founder of Digital Drummer, to discuss the evolving world of electronic drums.

They explore the presence of E-Drum Labs at both The UK Drum Show 2025 and The Europe Drum Show 2026, as well as the ongoing debate between electronic and acoustic kits. Also they discuss the advancements and versatility of modern electronic drums, how personality and preference influence kit choice and the future of electronic drums.

00:14 – Intro

03:16 – E-Drum Labs at The UK Drum Show

06:18 – Electric Kits vs Acoustic Kits & The Advancements of E-Drums

10:19 – Versatility of Electronics

12:45 – What To Expect At The UKDS

15:13 – Does Personality Pick?

18:25 – The Future Of Electronic Drums

25:40 – Wrapping Up & Looking Ahead


Catch up on all episodes of  The UK Drum Show: The Official Podcast
Hosted by the legend, our Main Stage Host, Ollie Winiberg, we’re sitting down with every drummer performing at the UK Drum Show

Eloy Casagrande: “Slipknots New Album Is Cooking”

In this exclusive interview, Slipknot drummer Eloy Casagrande joins Ollie Winiberg from Drummer’s Review to talk about keeping up stamina behind one of the most powerful drum kits in metal, performing behind a mask, dealing with nerves and reflecting on his first ever rehearsal with Slipknot.

Eloy also sheds light on Slipknot’s next album, confirming that “it’s cooking” giving fans a long awaited insight into what’s coming up next for the band!

Beyond Slipknot discussion, Eloy offers advice for aspiring drummers, discusses the importance of the drumming community and shares his excitement about headlining both the The UK Drum Show 2025 and The Europe Drum Show 2026!

Eloy will be appearing on the Main Stage at The UK Drum Show 2025 on both  Sunday 19th October at ACC Liverpool.

Grab your tickets for the UK’s hottest drum event…HERE

00:16 – Intro

01:00 – Keeping Up Stamina & The UK Drum Show

03:45 – Drumming Behind A Mask & Dealing With Nerves

04:44 – Rehearsing With Slipknot For The First Time

08:23 – To Click Or Not To Click?

10:07 – A New Slipknot Album…

14:05 – Advice For Aspiring Drummers

15:39 – The Drumming Community

18:55 – Eloy TERRIFIES Ollie

20:30 – “It’s A Big Responsibility”


Eloy Proudly Plays…

Tama Drums

Paiste Cymbals

Evans Drumheads

Promark Drumsticks

Yamaha Electronics

Se Microphones

IP & T


Catch up on all episodes of  The UK Drum Show: The Official Podcast
Hosted by the legend, our Main Stage Host, Ollie Winiberg, we’re sitting down with every drummer performing at the UK Drum Show

BIOGRAPHY:

Eloy was born in Santo André, SP – Brazil, on January 29, 1991. From an early age, he showed interest in music and, at the age of seven, he started playing drums, influenced by great names in rock and metal. His dedication soon became evident and he had the happy opportunity to take classes with excellent professionals such as: Lenilson Silva, Lauro Lellis, Aquiles Priester and Christiano Rocha.

Still in childhood, he was part of some amateur bands playing cover songs and performing at parties and events.

He also participated in numerous frames of the program “Domingão do Faustão” of Rede Globo, having won the frame “Se Vira nos 30” in his first appearance. He also participated in programs from other broadcasters such as Eliana, Gugu Liberato, Adriane Galisteu, among others.

At only 13 years old, Eloy won the “Batuka International Drum Fest”, the most relevant drum festival in Brazil, which served as a springboard for his career. In 2005, at the age of 14, he won the prestigious international contest “Modern Drummer’s Undiscovered Drummer Contest”, held by Modern Drummer magazine. This recognition opened doors for him to establish himself as a young professional drummer.

Before joining Sepultura, Eloy played with several renowned bands and artists. At the age of 15, he joined the band of André Matos, former vocalist of Angra, with whom he recorded the album “Mentalize” (2009). In addition, Eloy was also part of the groups Aclla, Iahweh and 2ois, with which he recorded albums and made national and international tours.
In 2011, Eloy was part of the metal band Glória, participating in the recording of the album “Renascido”, having experienced an emblematic presentation at the Rock In Rio 2011 festival. At the end of this same year, Eloy was invited to join Sepultura, one of the most influential bands in the history of metal. He remained for 13 years in the group, traveling the 5 continents with an average of 100 shows a year. With Sepultura he recorded the albums “The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart” (2013), “Machine Messiah” (2017), and “Quadra” (2020), all widely praised by critics.
In addition to his career with Sepultura, Eloy also ventures into other areas, such as the instrumental music project formed by the duo Casagrande & Hanysz, having released the albums “Hope Refuge” (2021) and “Liminal” (2024). In parallel to the bands, he has also taught Workshops, Masterclasses and classes representing the brands that sponsor him. He held events in South America, North America, Europe and Asia.

In May 2024, Eloy was announced as the new drummer of the American band Slipknot. This new phase in his career represents the recognition of a South American on a global scale, placing him among the great names of the drums on the world stage. He is currently on a world tour with Slipknot, celebrating the band’s 25th Anniversary.

In the periods when he is not on tour, he values daily study and practice. He believes that constant and intimate contact with the instrument is absolutely important. He also performs bodybuilding as a way of preparing and enhancing your performance. He likes to compose a lot and seeks inspiration in the most diverse artistic media and in life itself. In his spare time he dedicates himself to reading, gastronomic tours and visiting museums.

Zultan 25th Anniversary Cymbals – Reviewed

Join the Drummer’s Review team as they take a look at a 25th Anniversary Cymbals from Zultan Cymbals. Filmed August 2025.

Specs:

B20 Bronze Construction

Handmade in Turkey

Raw Bell coupled with polished bow

Price:

22″ Ride, 15″ Hats, 18″ Crash – £618.00

(*all prices correct at time of filming – August 2025)

Zultan Says…”To commemorate our Silver Jubilee, we are thrilled to introduce the new and exclusive ’25’ Cymbal Series. Consisting of 16 all-new models, this series meets the highest musical standards and showcases our craftsmanship and dedication to quality.

More Details:

https://www.zultancymbals.com/


Be sure to catch Zultan at The UK Drum Show this October…tickets available HERE


Zultan Cymbals are available EXCLUSIVELY from Thomann…https://www.thomann.co.uk/cymbals.html


Recording Details:

Filmed at Cube Studios, Cornwall, August 2025.

Microphone selection: 

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.

You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:

Facebook: @DrummersReviewUK

Instagram: @drummersreview

Twitter: @drummersreview


Check out more reviews featuring Zultan Cymbals…

Zultan Impulz Cymbal Set

Zultan 20th Anniversary Cymbals

SABIAN and Todd Sucherman Launch Redlight & Spotlight Crashes

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SABIAN is proud to announce the release of two exciting new crash cymbal collections developed in collaboration with acclaimed Styx drummer Todd Sucherman: the HHX Redlight Crashes and the AA Spotlight Crashes.

18″ HHX RED LIGHT CRASH

Following the success of the HH Sessions Ride, Todd and SABIAN’s design team have once again partnered to create cymbals that meet the demands of today’s drummers both in the studio and on stage.

The HHX Redlight Crashes bring a dark, complex tone with crystalline shimmer, voiced specifically for recording environments. The AA Spotlight Crashes deliver bold projection, clarity, and shimmer—designed to shine under stage lights and cut through any mix. Both collections feature a buttery feel and musical response, offered in 18”, 19”, 20”, and 22” sizes.

“With Redlight, I wanted to design a cymbal that bridges the gap between an Artisan and an AAX—something refined, complex, and perfectly suited to recording,” says Todd Sucherman. “Spotlight, on the other hand, had to be a stage animal—bright, powerful, and alive under the lights. Together, they cover both worlds with a musicality I’m truly proud of.”

“Working with Todd is always inspiring—he pushes us to refine every detail,” adds Randy Ross, SABIAN’s Head of R&D. “Redlight and Spotlight show the full spectrum of what cymbals can be today: one line optimized for the studio, the other for live performance. It’s a complete solution for modern drummers.”

Stacey Montgomery-Clark, SABIAN’s VP of Sales & Marketing, comments: “Todd’s credibility as both a recording and touring artist makes this launch incredibly exciting for dealers and players alike. These cymbals aren’t just artist pieces—they’re built to sell, with appeal across every playing style and genre.”

For additional information click here

RAY HEARNE: The Haken Sticksman Talks Extreme Limb Independence & 51 Time Signature Changes

What happens when you sit down with Ray Hearne, the powerhouse drummer of Haken? You get talk of extreme limb independence, ridiculous time signatures, brand-new signature cymbals, and a whole lot of laughs along the way.

Ray welcomed me into his brand new drum studio, which he jokingly calls “Pinewood Studios” thanks to the sheer amount of pinewood he’s built into the space. I was honoured to be the first person to film there. The room itself is a drummer’s paradise: large, well-lit, and lined with drums from various Haken tours, each one immaculately looked after. We set up in front of his striking red acrylic Natal kit, and I couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed when Ray invited me to have a go — let’s just say he’s world-class while I’m… well, not quite in the same league!

Our conversation covered everything from limb independence to whether Haken’s infamous instrumental “Nil by Mouth” could be seen as this generation’s “Dance of Eternity.” Ray shared his thoughts on education, teaching, and the common bad habits he spots in students, along with how he helps them overcome those hurdles. He also broke down his drum kit for us and spoke about his signature Samsun cymbals. Beyond the gear, Ray reflected on his legacy, offered advice for aspiring drummers, and emphasised the importance of attending live shows.

00:55 – Limb Independence

02:42 – Is Nil By Mouth This Generations Dance Of Eternity?

06:40 – Education, Teaching, Practicing & Bad Habits

09:30 – Overcoming Struggles

10:30 – Ray’s Kit Breakdown

14:18 – Signature Cymbals

15:10 – The Mike Tyson Answer

17:30 – Advice For Aspiring Drummers

19:10 – Classical Music & The Importance of Attending Live Shows

Somewhere in the middle of all this, Ray cooked me lunch — pasta with smoked tofu — so yes, I can officially say I’ve been cooked for by a drumming legend. We even filmed some other exciting content that I can’t reveal just yet… but keep your eyes peeled…


Ray Proudly Plays…

Natal Drums

Samsun Cymbals

Evans Drumheads

Techra Drumsticks

Cympad

Roland Electronics


For more interviews with some of the biggest names in drumming along with completely impartial, HD video reviews, 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.

You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:

Facebook: @DrummersReviewUK

Instagram: @drummersreview

Twitter: @drummersreview

MIKE MANGINI: Dream Theater, Monolith, Grammy Parties & Drumming Advice

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Join Ollie Winiberg for an in‑depth chat with Mike Mangini, where he shares his insane coordination secrets and how cognitive science shapes his drumming, scaling down his kits, insights on A View From The Top Of The World, the design of his drum kit for his new band Monolith, mastering critical thinking, hilarious stories about taking his Grammy to parties for tequila shots, and valuable advice for aspiring drummers. Whether you’re a drummer, a prog fan, or just curious about the mind of a Grammy-winning musician, this interview is packed with technical wisdom, laughs, and behind-the-scenes stories.

00:18 – Intro

01:10 – Coordination Secrets and Cognitive Science

05:30 – “Everything Is Technical”

08:48 – Scaling Down Kits & A View From The Top of The World

15:00 – The Design of the Monolith Kit

17:00 – Handing Back To Portnoy, Leaving Dream Theater & Understanding Critical Thinking

24:38 – Tequila Shots From His Grammy!

37:35 – Advice For Aspiring Drummers


Mike Proudly Plays…

Pearl Drums

Zildjian Cymbals

Remo Drumheads

Vater Drumsticks

Roland Electronics Modules, Pedals and Pads

Samsom Electronics and Audio Accessories

Zoom HD4K Cameras


BIOGRAPHY:

Mike Mangini is a versitile musician, educator, and business owner.

He has been performing since the age of 4, has a musically diverse background containing over 60 awards, is multi Grammy nominated with one win, been on the faculty of the Berklee College of Music for 11 years, was the percussion dept. councilor, was rated top 1% of USA College Professors in the O.C.E. database, was the subject of an award winning documentary film, was featured in television shows, magazine and social media articles, gear products and thousands of YouTube videos. 

Mike is an avid teacher and student. His three volumes of Rhythm Knowledge, plus accompanying videos on his Vimeo page, reflect his seriousness with sharing and learning information.

See Mike’s vast network of music instruction and other websites and online landing points via his Link Tree here.

 

British Drum Co. Raven Series Snare Drum – Reviewed

Join the Drummer’s Review team as they take a look at a Raven Series Snare Drum from British Drum Co. Filmed August 2025.

Specs:

Size: 14″ x 6″

Shell: 10-ply, 6mm, 100% Scandinavian Birch

Bearing Edges: 45˚ top & bottom

Finish: Black Ash

Lugs: 10 Heads:

BDC Overhead Drumheads

Price:

£338.29*

(*all prices correct at time of filming – August 2025)

British Drum Co Says…”RAVEN is our best value snare drum, constructed from 100% Scandinavian Birch and featuring our Palladium hardware throughout. A sensational Black Ash outer veneer, 10 ply 6mm shell and 45 degree bearing edges give this pro-level drum a look and sound all of its own.

Cutting high frequencies and balanced low- and mid-tones make this RAVEN snare a welcome addition to any drum collection. Equally at home, on stage, or in the studio, RAVEN’s tuning flexibility ensures a performance that can be matched to any musical situation.

More Details:

https://www.britishdrumco.com/snaredrums/raven


Be sure to catch British Drum Co. at The UK Drum Show this October…tickets available HERE


Recording Details:

Filmed at Cube Studios, Cornwall, August 2025.

Microphone selection: 

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.

You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:

Facebook: @DrummersReviewUK

Instagram: @drummersreview

Twitter: @drummersreview


Check out more reviews featuring British Drum Co…

British Drum Co. Raven Series Kit Review

British Drum Co. Legend Series Shell Pack – Drummer’s Review

British Drum Co. Super 7 Snare Drum – Drummer’s Review

 

JOST NICKEL – Taking Risks, Drumming Longevity & Career Lessons

In this exclusive interview, German super-drummer Jost Nickel sits down with Ollie Winiberg to talk about all things drumming — from his early career to performing at The UK Drum Show.

We dive deep into the differences between clinics vs gigs, why he loves the “nerdy” side of drumming, and the secret to longevity behind a successful career in music. Jost also shares his thoughts on the importance of sight-reading, the value of taking risks, and his best advice for drummers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner, a drum geek, or a seasoned pro, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

Jost will be appearing in the Mike Johnston Education Room at The UK Drum Show 2025 on both Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th October at ACC Liverpool.

Grab your tickets for the UK’s hottest drum event…HERE

01:00 – Clinics vs Shows

03:30 – “I Enjoy The Nerd Side of Things”

05:11 – The Secret To Longevity

08:30 – Taking Risks and Advice For Drummers

11:35 – In The Beginning

13:40 – Sight Reading Importance

15:25 – The UK Drum Show


Jost Proudly Plays…

Sonor Drums

Meinl Cymbals

Vic Firth Drumsticks

Remo Drumheads

Ahead Drum Cases

Beyerdynamic Microphones


Catch up on all episodes of  The UK Drum Show: The Official Podcast
Hosted by the legend, our Main Stage Host, Ollie Winiberg, we’re sitting down with every drummer performing at the UK Drum Show

BIOGRAPHY:

Jost Nickel – Drummer, Composer & Educator
Jost Nickel belongs to the golden generation of drummers from Germany. A top session and tour player, like his friends Anika Nilles (one of Jost’s students), Marco Minnemann, and Benny Greb, Jost is taking contemporary drumming in new directions.
His name is credited on numerous hit records both in his home country and internationally. He has played and recorded with jazz legends such as Randy Brecker, Jeff Lorber, Bob Mintzer, Jimmy Haslip, Barry Finnerty, Mitch Forman, Brandon Fields, and many others.
Jost invited Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip, and Barry Finnerty to collaborate on his 2021 solo album, The Check In.
As an educator and clinician, Jost has made international appearances at events such as the Montreal Drum Fest (2010), PASIC (USA) in 2012 & 2016, the Namm Show (USA) in 2015 & 2020, the Meinl Drum Festival (2008, 2012, 2016 & 2023), the London Drum Show (2016), the Tam Tam Festival in Spain (2016) and the UK Drum Show in 2017 & 2022. He has also been featured on Drumeo (Canada) twice in 2015 & 2018.
Jost’s talent as an educator has been recognized by the industry, having been nominated as “Best Clinician” by Modern Drummer Magazine in 2016 and being voted as one of “the 10 best drum clinicians in the world” by MusicRadar in 2016 & 2017.
In 2022 & 2023, he was nominated as “Best Funk Drummer” by Drumeo.
Jost has authored four highly successful books through Alfred Publishing: Jost Nickel’s GROOVE BOOK (2015), Jost Nickel’s FILL BOOK (2017), Jost Nickel’s SNARE BOOK (2019), and Jost Nickel’s BEGINNER BOOK  (2023). Two of these titles were nominated for “Best Educational Product” by Modern Drummer Magazine (USA).
He has written feature articles and workshops in Modern Drummer Magazine, Drummer (UK), Rhythm & Drums (Japan), Batterie (France), Drums & Percussion (Germany), and other publications.
Jost is known for his punchy, articulate drum sound, which he counterbalances with a jazzy, exotic cymbal wash. His ‘light and shade’ vibe reflects a cutting-edge drummer who keeps one foot steeped in tradition, with a pocket and groove that is undeniable.
In addition to touring and recording, Jost, who studied at Drummers Collective in New York, is a tutor at the highly acclaimed University of Pop in Mannheim.

 

Sonor Announce Craftsman Collection Vintage African Marble Shell Set

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For a long time, SONOR has been very fortunate to receive countless unique drum set ideas from trustful customers, renowned artists and other valued partners worldwide. Very often, these ideas incorporate and combine attributes and features from different series or instruments into one extraordinarily unique SONOR drum set.

Over time, some of these combinations started to stand out more than others. They have inspired our experienced SONOR craftsmen to refine them with their personal touch and bring them to life in a small assortment of limited drum sets – our Craftsmen’s Collection.

This Craftsmen’s Collection Vintage shell set features a 9-ply, 6mm shell construction with fully rounded bearing edges. The shells are made from 8 plies of North American Maple with one outer ply of African Marble veneer. The African Marble veneer is finished in clear high gloss lacquer that is applied in seven lacquering and polishing stages by hand.

All hardware parts on the drums, like the Teardrop Lugs, Superprofil Hoops, Prism Claps, Bass Drum T-Rods and Bass Drum Mount are borrowed from SONOR’s Vintage Series. The snare drum throw-off is upgraded to the superior Dual Glide System. Finally, all hardware parts receive Ruthenium plating for the utmost luxurious esthetics.

This Craftsmen’s Collection Vintage shell set in African Marble is limited to 100 pieces worldwide.

See Sonor at The UK Drum Show 2025

Bersoni Custom Drums – Launch of New Independent British Drum Maker

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Emerging from a garden workshop in Somerset, Bersoni Custom Drums introduces a fresh voice in British drum making. Founded by drummer and maker Jon Ibberson, Bersoni combines a passion for bold, natural drum sounds with a love of heritage materials and thoughtful design.

What began as a lockdown experiment to build his own drum from scratch has grown into a focused, personal venture: crafting heirloom-quality drums using classic stave construction — a technique celebrated for its rich, resonant sound — while experimenting with diverse woods that each bring their own distinctive sound qualities.

“I wanted to combine exciting, expressive tones with designs that reflect the beauty and individuality of each piece of wood,” says Jon. “Every drum is built to feel as meaningful as it sounds — not just something you play, but something you’d be proud to hand down.” Bersoni’s current collection showcases a striking range of tonewoods, with shells often favouring deep 6.5–7.5” profiles for a big 70s-style rock sound and vintage-inspired aesthetics. Highlights include: 

100-year-old bourbon oak barrel: dense with a hard, punchy sound.

Mango: mellow and resonant, with subtle figuring and naturally rounded tone.

Spalted Sycamore & Sapele: visually dramatic and crisp, with balanced tonal personality.

Tulipwood:clean and resonant with a slightly dry edge, ideal for studio work.

 

Multi-species hybrids: bespoke combinations of three or more woods, offering deep resonance and striking contrasts.

With around 15 drums ready to play and more in production, each one is handmade in Wellington, Somerset, and can also be built to order. Musicians are welcome to explore refinishing options or collaborate with Jon to create a bespoke design from the ground up.

THE BERSONI APPROACH

Each Bersoni drum is built with soul, intention, and a deep respect for both the player and the material.

Individual by Design

No two drums are alike. Whether it’s a ready-to-play piece or a made-to-order build, every drum reflects the drummer’s personal expression — from shell composition and bearing edges to the final finish.

A Traditional Build for a Distinctive Sound

Each shell is crafted using the classic stave method, enhancing tonal depth and natural resonance. The result is an instrument that prioritises feel as much as sound.

Crafted with a Drummer’s Ear

With over 30 years behind the kit, Jon brings a player’s instinct to every build — focusing on playability, response, and presence.

Drums with a Story

Made from thoughtfully chosen woods — some with storied pasts, others selected for their beauty and acoustic character — every drum is built to endure. These are instruments made to become part of a player’s journey and legacy.

Bersoni Custom Drums