70000 Tons of Metal - The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise

"some music was meant to stay underground..."

Lamb Of God’s Chris Adler Named #1 Drummer In The "Metal" Category in Modern Drummer Magazine's 2007 Readers' Poll

Photo of Lamb of God

Band Photo: Lamb of God (?)

Lamb Of God’s Chris Adler has been named the #1 drummer in the "Metal" category in Modern Drummer magazine's 2007 Readers' Poll. The Readers' Poll results appear in the July 2007 issue of the magazine, available on newsstands now. Chris' competition included the following:

02. Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall - '06 Winner)
03. Tomas Haake (Meshuggah)
04. Dave Lombardo (Slayer)
05. Travis Smith (Trivium)

Lamb Of God was also nominated in the "Best Metal Performance" category at the 49th annual Grammy Awards (won by Slayer for Eyes of the Insane).

Lamb Of God's latest album, 'Sacrament', has sold more than 200,000 copies in the United States since its August 21, 2006 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The band is currently on tour in Europe with the following remaining dates:

6/23/07-Grasspop, Belgium
6/25/07-Hamburg, Germany
6/27/07-Hove Festival, Norway
6/28/07-Copenhagen,Denmark
6/29/07-Reload Festival, Germany
6/30/07-Full Force, Germany, Festival

What's Next?


53 Comments on "Lamb of God Takes Best Metal Modern Drummer Award"

Anonymous Reader

1. a writes:

all are great drummers that I admire but Chris Adler is the man

# Jun 22, 2007 @ 9:39 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

2. BrianSD writes:

Not to take anything away from Chris Adler, but this is a popularity contest, even by looking at some of the nominees.

There are better drummers out there....Dave Mclaine, Morgan Rose, Derek Roddy, and even the drummer from Rush. I don't know his name.

I agree with Dave Lombardo & Haake. Bittner is ok. I'm not to familiar with the Trivium guy.

# Jun 22, 2007 @ 9:54 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

3. the antihippy writes:

trivium? seriously?

# Jun 22, 2007 @ 10:09 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

4. efleming writes:

Is Neil Peart considered metal? Adler is a great drummer, but I have a bone to pick with him. In the Killadelphia video he shows the camera the double kick flip he does with the long board pedals he has. He was like, "I don't know how I came up with this, but here it is." Chris, trust me, you were NOT the first one to discover that move. Listen to jazz musicans from the 30's and 40's. You're not THAT innovative.

# Jun 22, 2007 @ 10:31 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

5. Legend writes:

Just because someone did it before he did doesn't mean he's heard of it before. He might not have many 30's and 40's jazz albums in his collection. It's not like he was being a c***y a$$hole about it.

Any Morgan Rose? Come on. That guy is the drumming equivalent to clown shoes.

# Jun 22, 2007 @ 11:10 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

6. efleming writes:

Drumming is like sex. Anything you've come up with, has probably already been done a hundred times before. Drumming is also like sex in that if you pound the skins to hard, you're likely to tear something.

# Jun 22, 2007 @ 11:19 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

7. Roadrunner writes:

Chris Adler, Dave Lombardo and Travis Smith are awesome, so is Lamb of God live, i dont see any reason why they shouldnt win best metal performance, aside from Slayer and or PanterA.

Now Playing: Endwell - "My Side Of Homicide"

# Jun 22, 2007 @ 11:22 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

8. metal 2 death writes:

ok chris is a very good drummer. but i think that if the mastodon drummer(brann dailor?) was in the running he should take the cake. lol he is insane. i say this bc his stuf is the most difficult to play. chris has steady beats for most of the song but has amazing fills. i love LOG but i think that brann is more talented.

# Jun 22, 2007 @ 1:09 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

9. take back metal writes:

yeah its a popularity test, chris is good, and so is jason, dave, and jason, but travis...hes a drummer thats it, i dont listen to trivium, but my friends do and when they play it around me i dont hear anything outstanding. "metal 2 death", the mastodon drummer should win, he like does flls every 2 seconds and never gets old and hes just insane

# Jun 22, 2007 @ 2:11 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

10. Tony writes:

John Bonham! Need I say more?

# Jun 22, 2007 @ 9:24 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
SlugEmperor's avatar

Member

11. SlugEmperor writes:

i dont know why trivium or shadow falls are up there... and chris adler is f***in' amazing but... i know some drummers that i think should be up there too.
Trivium's style is pretty unoriginal and based on more simplicity, which isnt necessarily a bad thing, and Shadow Falls is just stereotypical metal definitely shouldnt even be slightly compared to Thomas Haake, Brann Dailor, Derek Roddy, and so mannnnyyyy more. I dont know how they choose this.... i mean opeth, Isis, cryptopsy (even though i dont like them), Goatwhore (dont like them much either), and so many bands have way way better drummers than trivium and shadows fall. It's really quite silly how they do this sh** though.

Now Playing: Lynard Skynard - Free Bird

# Jun 22, 2007 @ 10:10 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
SlugEmperor's avatar

Member

12. SlugEmperor writes:

i mean how come they cant include bands like Keelhaul or Minsk, or any other post-metal, atmospheric sludge, sludge, or any good metal drummer with a jazz twist.

but i must give them credit for choosing meshuggah's, slayer's and Lamb's.

# Jun 22, 2007 @ 10:14 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
SlugEmperor's avatar

Member

13. SlugEmperor writes:

Just the problem with this whole system is... it's mostly opinionated, so they kind of have to go with the best of the most popular bands, i mean Khanate's drummer, for example, is very talented.. but is such a different style it's.. really hard for me to everrr ever expect them to give him a award for anything.

# Jun 22, 2007 @ 10:17 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

14. Flo Mounier writes:

WTF?! COME ON!

# Jun 23, 2007 @ 12:47 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

15. The Somerlain writes:

Where is Gene Hoglan? This may be the most piss poor attempt I've seen at a list of top drummers. You call yourself the Metal Underground and yet all of the drummers you chose are from mainstream bands.

# Jun 23, 2007 @ 1:00 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
SlugEmperor's avatar

Member

16. SlugEmperor writes:

well, metal underground didnt choose these, but i agree Gene Hoglan is pretty awesome, although if it were him up against Thomas Haake, i would choose the thomster.

# Jun 23, 2007 @ 1:02 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
SlugEmperor's avatar

Member

17. SlugEmperor writes:

Although Chris is complex in the idea of his drumming, Thomas is more and i would say better orrr.... deserves more respect for his talents, not really 'better.'

# Jun 23, 2007 @ 1:04 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

18. jlcrss9 writes:

God that list is horrible. Popularity contest.

# Jun 23, 2007 @ 1:08 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

19. dethmonkee writes:

well, readers poll means that readers sent in nominations and the one with the most votes won, so i'd assume that about half the votes were based on hearsay raher than actually listening to the drummers in question play. the mastodon drummer should be liek 1st or 2nd but i'm happy with adler winning it :P

# Jun 23, 2007 @ 3:22 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

20. xXxBODOM OF MY HEARTxXx writes:

NOOOOO sh** THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN!
look at the competitors the only good ones are slayer and LOG. meahuggah every song sounds the same so the drumming is for the most part the same...plus their album titles are not that original...look at nothing and none?
same f***ing thing.....

# Jun 23, 2007 @ 4:14 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

21. metalhead644 writes:

as a drummer, I would expect to see better skill and talent showcased in the metal category when you have drummers like sean reinert and hoglan

# Jun 23, 2007 @ 12:18 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

22. Nevermore writes:

SH*T!!!!!this is the worst list i have ever seen.......fu*king commercialism....!!!!!!!!
metal should be appreciated more than that sh*t holes....

# Jun 23, 2007 @ 1:35 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

23. xxxbodomofmynutsxxx writes:

wtf does a album titles have to do with your ability as a drummer, once again i prove im the better bodom. u are not smart !

# Jun 23, 2007 @ 2:19 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
SlugEmperor's avatar

Member

24. SlugEmperor writes:

I think thomas haake deserves credit for his freaking awesome lyrics as well. hes so great. :)


Now playing: Mastodon - Megalodon

# Jun 23, 2007 @ 2:22 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

25. Chued writes:

I know there might be a lot of metalcore blabla now but i think the drummer of As Blood Runs Black should win this!

# Jun 23, 2007 @ 4:15 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Eternityrites's avatar

Member

26. Eternityrites writes:

I agree with the comments about popularity, mainly where Jason Bittner is concerned. While Chris Adler is phenomenal, Thomas Haake is leagues ahead of all of these guys, and makes Bittner look like a kid with 8 paint buckets and a stick.

# Jun 23, 2007 @ 5:26 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

27. aLee writes:

Hey guys! I don't get you at all. I don't like you modern metal. It's nothing but a lie!

# Jun 24, 2007 @ 6:22 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

28. LOGRULES writes:

Chris adler is the sh**, brann dailor is too, and mike justain - sux that he's not with unearth anymore

# Jun 24, 2007 @ 6:49 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

29. zumbi writes:

Dave Mclaine anybody?

# Jun 24, 2007 @ 9:35 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

30. CrawfordTexasJingoJango writes:

Danny Carey .

# Jun 24, 2007 @ 10:10 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

31. Terminator writes:

how bout inferno? or hellhammer?

# Jun 25, 2007 @ 4:02 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

32. Chued writes:

Mclaine for sure!

# Jun 25, 2007 @ 6:49 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

33. coldiem writes:

I'm not too familiar with Lamb of God's, but the other drummers up there are certainly worth mention. Although I think people don't give Travis Smith enough credit simply because he is in a band that a lot of people hate for the sake of hating. But there are plenty of much better drummers that could have been on this list. Obviously with a Reader's opinion poll it's the popularity votes that win, because the majority of the people voting wouldn't know good music or good drumming from a pile of sh** if they stepped in it.

# Jun 25, 2007 @ 10:27 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

34. Stephen writes:

When I first saw this story I thought it was a hoax. But can you blame me? I mean, there couldn't possibly be THAT many stupid people voting on this stuff.

# Jun 25, 2007 @ 3:00 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

35. CrawfordTexasJingoJango writes:

Fvck LoG.

# Jun 25, 2007 @ 4:03 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

36. Xavier writes:

Everybody is blind, just listen the second song from the last Dimmu Borgir's album In Sorte Diaboli, and you will feel it, Hellhammer is the f***ing best drummer ever.......

# Jun 28, 2007 @ 1:23 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

37. gravedigger writes:

WTF this list blows what a popularity contest, dont ppl look at skill anynmore or what!!!!

wheres Gene the machine,Richard Christy, Inferno, HellHammer, Flou Mounier, Tim Yeung, George Kolias, and Tony Laureano. those so called top metal drummers on the list should eel ashamed they have no right to take credit where credit is not deserved there are easily way better drummers than the drummer for lamb of god???? are you FUKKING KIDDING ME

# Jun 28, 2007 @ 2:14 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

38. genocide scum writes:

i agree with gravedigger here,its funny how the guys on that list are from very popular bands,geuss they couldnt be bothered to research other metal drummers(theres loads better than the ones mentioned),another case of lazy journalism?

# Jun 29, 2007 @ 4:38 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

39. the antihippy writes:

seeing that it is a user poll........

np: sigur ros- viorar vel til loftarasa

# Jun 29, 2007 @ 5:21 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

40. FUCK EMO writes:

Chris Adler deserved what he got, his band is the sh** and his drumming is wicked sh**, yall betta quit yo b****in and kneel before the god, Lamb Of God that is

# Jul 8, 2007 @ 9:44 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

41. Honestly writes:

DevilDriver has the best drummer ever, talent and speedwise. doesnt matter if you like the band or not. I actually hate their singer, but still, best drummer ever. LoG definetly had the best out of those choices tho'. (TRIVIUM??? WTF??? why were they even nominated?)

# Jul 11, 2007 @ 11:04 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

42. Terminator writes:

^-- um.........no

# Jul 11, 2007 @ 11:15 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

43. the antihippy writes:

devildriver having the best drummer ever?

no.

# Jul 12, 2007 @ 5:40 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

44. Some_Tombs_Will_Never_Be _Silent writes:

Devildriver's drummer may not be the best, but he is definitely overlooked. His playing is far better than it used to be and while not modern, definitely brings back memories of how great drumming can define your sound.

# Jul 12, 2007 @ 9:38 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

45. Bigstud9779 writes:

Top 3: Nick Barker(ex Cradle of filth, ex Dimmu Borgir, Brujerias,etc..), George Kollias (Nile), and Frost (Satyricon, 1349, ex-Gorgoroth, etc..) ,

# Jul 13, 2007 @ 3:56 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

46. afwf writes:

yea the blackening is overrated, decent album tho. Shadows Fall are overrated too...their instrumentals are pretty decent but the vocals are terrible...brian fair has an awful voice, if Phil Labonte of All That Remains was still in the band, they would probably be the leaders of the nwoahm (which they certainly arent atm). The crown goes to Lamb Of God and Killswitch atm.

# Jul 13, 2007 @ 4:04 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
slayerdisciple's avatar

Member

47. slayerdisciple writes:

i love Chris Adler and his drummin but number 1 on a poll with Tomas Haake and Dave Lombardo? Tomas shouldve taken it as far as this list goes, but i wouldve somethin like
1. Hellhammer
2. Nick Barker
3. Gene Hoglan
4. Tomas Haake
5. Brann Dailor
somethin like that but def. Hellhammer, also Dave and Chris would get special mentions as well as Danny Carey, Inferno and Dave McClein

# Jul 13, 2007 @ 4:30 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

48. Slayerdude writes:

Aww...and I always thought Dave Lombardo was the best drummer? BTW whats Lamb Of God like? Havent heard much of them. Are they like Pantera?

# Jul 13, 2007 @ 11:30 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
N1ghtbringer's avatar

Member

49. N1ghtbringer writes:

lamb is the f***in sh** plain and simple

# Jul 19, 2007 @ 10:58 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
slayerdisciple's avatar

Member

50. slayerdisciple writes:

slayerdude they r kinda like pantera, there singer is metalcoreish but they r not a metalcore band

# Jul 19, 2007 @ 1:37 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

51. fuckthe lamb!!! writes:

FLO f***ING MOUNIER!!!!!!!!

# Jul 19, 2007 @ 3:49 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

52. slipknotfan13121 writes:

Dude,
LOG has a great drummer there's is no question about it. But what about the drummer from Devil Driver? And why is Shawdows Fall up there? I listen to Shawdows Fall and there drumming to me is nothing spetacular. Also, The drummer from korn is really good at live shows but on tracks the drums just dont sound the same. Another thing is that the drummer from Dimmu Borgoir should have been up there.

# Jul 19, 2007 @ 4:20 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
slayerdisciple's avatar

Member

53. slayerdisciple writes:

^agreed both drummers Nick Barker and Hellhammer shouldve been up there

# Jul 19, 2007 @ 10:11 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

To minimize comment spam/abuse, you cannot post comments on articles over a month old.