Technical proficiency in polymetric drumming defines the contribution of Tomas Haake to the evolution of extreme metal. Born in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, in 1971, Haake established himself as the primary lyricist and drummer for the band Meshuggah. His work remains a reference point for rhythmic complexity in the genre, earning him various industry accolades throughout his ongoing musical career.
Artistic Contributions to Meshuggah
Beyond his role behind the drum kit, Haake functions as the band's primary lyricist. He contributes spoken word vocals across a vast discography spanning from 1991's Contradictions Collapse to the 2022 release Immutable. His vocal credits include tracks such as Choirs of Devastation, Suffer in Truth, and Dancers to a Discordant System. He also provided vocal work for the album Sol Niger Within by guitarist Fredrik Thordendal and the track Futile Bread Machine from the release The True Human Design.
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The drumming community has frequently acknowledged Haake for his precision and polyrhythmic style. In 2008, readers of Modern Drummer magazine selected him as the top drummer in the metal category. MetalSucks.net ranked him as the fifth best modern metal drummer in 2012, while Rolling Stone magazine included him in their list of the 100 greatest drummers of all time, positioning him at number 93.
Musical Inspirations
Haake draws from a diverse range of genres, including jazz fusion, progressive rock, and heavy metal. His influences encompass several international acts such as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer, and Rush. His list of preferred drummers features a wide array of technicians and rhythmic innovators, including Phil Rudd, Bill Ward, Vinnie Appice, Lars Ulrich, Dave Weckl, Sean Reinert, Neil Peart, Ian Mosley, Terry Bozzio, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Gary Husband.
Equipment and Performance Configuration
To achieve his specific sound, Haake utilizes a Sonor SQ2 Series drum kit, often configured with 22x18 inch bass drums and multiple floor toms. His setup includes Sabian cymbals, such as the HHX compression hi-hats and various AAXtreme Chinese cymbals. He employs Remo drum heads, specifically utilizing coated Emperors for toms and Powerstroke 3 models for bass drums. He relies on Tama Speed Cobra single pedals and uses his own signature Wincent drumsticks.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 July 1971, Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
- Primary Band: Meshuggah
- Occupation: Musician, Drummer, Lyricist
- Spouse: Jessica Pimentel
- 2008 Modern Drummer Readers' Poll: #1 Metal Drummer
- Key Gear: Sonor SQ2 Series Drums
Questions readers ask
What is Tomas Haake's relationship with Meshuggah?
He is the band's drummer and serves as the primary writer for their lyrics.
What musical influences does Haake cite?
He cites jazz fusion, progressive rock, and heavy metal, including bands such as Rush, Black Sabbath, and Metallica.
Achievements
- Instruments: drum kit
- Genres: extreme metal
