The Iconic Drumming Behind "Steambreather" | Mastodon Song Breakdown

Steambreather is one of the most iconic songs in Mastodon's catalogue. Tune in as the one and only Brann Dailor breaks down how he plays this incredible song.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:10 - Song Overview
01:12 - The Intro
01:31 - The Verse
02:29 - The Chorus
03:19 - The Bridge
03:42 - The Guitar Solo
04:46 - The Outro
05:04 - Full Performance
09:59 - Final Thoughts
10:42 - Outro
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►X/Twitter: / dailorbrann
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►Facebook: / brandon.toews.drums
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#Drumeo #Mastodon #BrannDailor

[@Okoii]

It’s always endlessly impressive how he drums like a beast and sings WHILE doing it. Easily my favorite drummer

[@pttroe8142]

I know right? I'm a hobby drummer, trying to learn how to count to 4 whilst playing! It's not going very well!

[@soulessshadow5356]

@@pttroe8142 Keep at it! You'll find that once you learn the count, a large majority of songs are played in a 4 count making learning them a lot easier!

[@Crazzzycarrot-qo5wr]

When is 4 Halfling Barbarians - Part 4 coming out!?

[@Micas099]

Was just going to make that same comment. It's crazy how hard he plays and he somehow has the stamina to sing with power.

[@MisterGreenw00d]

Glad to see you enjoy good music Okoii! Love your stuff :)

[@phrsngx5675]

Those ghost notes are one of the things that make Mastodon a special band imo.

[@tiaanf]

Couldn't agree with you more!

[@gabrieliatarelli]

Criminally underrated drummer AND singer.

[@legalizexit]

defo one of the nice qualities of Brann besides his drum lines.. its so hard play drums and sing!

[@rippindrummer666]

Most people who like metal know brann. He’s perfectly rated imo, go watch his stuff with his old band lethargy, he was even a beast in the early 90s

[@Brand73]

"criminal" lol

[@gabrieliatarelli]

@@rippindrummer666 I love Lethargy and Arcadea, and the album he recorded with Today is the day together with Bill is another lesson in technique and brutality. And about him being correctly rated, I really don't agree, if you look at most of drum channels it's always about Slipknot. Don't get me wrong, I love Joey Jordison and every drummer who played with them but it's like that was no drummer after him you know? And when I say Brann is underrated I could also mention a few names of modern drummers that suffer with that too, one name that comes to my mind now is Chris Adler. It's not that is a competition running for who's best, but there is life after Jordison you know.

[@sometimelater]

by who? that's funny

[@SpookyKG]

He drums, he sings, he's so charming and fun... keep bringing him back!

[@dylanhoward718]

They filmed a ton of videos already. Just slowly milking them

[@rodwilliams4170]

Man, how is it that he can do all of this? It’s awe inspiring. These drumeo vids have opened up my appreciation of Mastodon to a whole new level. Thank you!!

[@portal432]

Saw them last summer, his vocals blow me away. He would drop in on “more than I could chew” and he had so much power and he just killed it. The end of that song is amazing, I just stood in awe

[@michael69419]

Yeah I agree didn’t ever know he was a singing drummer till drumeo dude is a badass!!

[@vortexbandfinland]

Brann is so incredibly creative and easy going drummer that one can't help but to be inspired by him every time.

[@T0getherAlone]

I Love mastodon. Not all their songs are for me but its guaranteed every album has a track I love to death. This is definitely one of those songs.

[@williamboyle8918]

This is me . Love Motherload, this one not as much, lol.

[@puppetmaster8551]

Good song forsure, I really love most of this album but roots remain is the song I love above the rest, that song is incredible, amazing riffs/drums/vocals/lyrics and then maybe Brent’s best solo ever

[@puppetmaster8551]

@@williamboyle8918 motherload was from the album before this one once more around the sun while steambreather is off emperor of sand

[@ThomasMangold-il9sh]

@@puppetmaster8551Me too. Roots Remain gets me on a level I can‘t explain.

[@puppetmaster8551]

@@ThomasMangold-il9sh ya man that song is truly magical, everything about that song is amazing and it’s got alot of emotion to it because of the subject matter and Brent’s solo is just absolutely loaded with emotion

[@franzmuller3396]

I'm happy that Drumeo got so big that they can do something like this❤

[@williamboyle8918]

Yeah, killer content lately !!!!

[@patrickdudgeon9315]

The tom sound on this video is absolutely nuts!!!

[@violentpractice]

Makin me want some clear batters

[@dalekay9ine]

Tama baby!

[@KniggeWieczorek]

Yeah, I wonder how they're so dry without any damper or moon gel and stuff! Can you do it his with only resonance head tuning?

[@The_KlaVra]

I arrived late to the Mastodon train, but jesus, I am so glad I discovered this band. Everybody in this band is a beast bu Brann is a monster, singing AND drumming is not easy at all, also, his kit reminds me of a modern rendition of Nicko from Iron Maiden.

[@Novedrake]

Haunted hands Say hi to the ride Stealing those phrases. Awesome vid!

[@HORRORoftheMIND]

Brann is too good. I remember first hearing Mastodon. My introduction was "More than I could chew". I loved the crushing guitars and the pummeling drums. But when I found out Brann was also singing I was just in awe. Dude is super talented. Such an all around great band!!

[@MarcusSandoval-kx2th]

Singing while drumming in a rock band has to be freaking brutal I can't imagine 😮

[@brandonpsullivan]

The breakdown of Brann's thinking through the grooves, how they connect, and how the song was written adds SO MUCH to the performance portion. As much as I love watching drummers play, it's so valuable when creators talk about the craft too. Brann is a legend and I'm so glad you folks got together with him to do these. Thank you so much.

[@Mizzelphug]

I've never met Brann but he is easily one of my favorite people, ever.

[@puppetmaster8551]

People who do meet him always say he’s super nice and just a really cool friendly dude

[@andrewbennett2044]

​@puppetmaster8551 yep met him in Asheville. All the guys were cool but Brann was just tons of energy and happy to chat with anyone.

[@vincents9620]

it seems the whole band is like that just great dudes

[@puppetmaster8551]

@@vincents9620 Brent is a wildcard and has had some not great moments but overall usually seems like a cool chill dude and the other 3 are incredibly nice guys

[@Mintis-bh4rr]

@@puppetmaster8551 brent is super funny. My favorite mastodonian

[@jeffyoung9341]

Wow! I’m a 68 yo metal/industrial head (and bassist) who never really got that deep into Mastodon… but watching this, I was blown away by Brann’s drumming!!… and the song!! Will have to check out the album! Thanks Drumeo for expanding an already (over) expanded brain!! Great sh!t…

[@jvdduyn]

Emperor of Sand is a fantastic album, so much emotion, great riffs, solo's and also vocally a big step up from all singers. If you dig this one, definitely also check out the newest album Hushed and Grim! Big ass double album with amazing songwriting.

[@jayess7350525]

If you appreciate hardcore rock/metal, you might get into their very first albums. For me, it is when from Crack the Sky and everything else after. If you want to hear a very wierd but fantastic tune : The Last Baron!

[@Hugo-tf6no]

Please do, it is an amazing album with a fantastic finish and a very touching story to it

[@jakebristow7956]

I would do almost anything to be able to hear Mastodons music again for the first time. Don't waste your opportunity!

[@killermetalwolf2843]

their earlier stuff is a lot rougher, not in the sense that is bad, but more in the sense that its closer to their death metal influences and such. the album leviathan was kind of the last of that, and as theyve gone on theyve continued to change their sound, but always remaining decidedly mastodon. The fandom has kind of collectively decided that the best song from emperor of sand, the album this song is off of, is the last song on the album, jaguar god

[@shane3533]

Some morning Brann to keep me regular

[@blanchertthomas3640]

Brann Is Awesome , To Drum And Sing In Progression Is Quite Extraordinary , Drumming And Sounding That Amazing ... Is Remarkably Awesome !!!! MASTODON GREAT DRUMMER , GREAT BAND !!!!!!

[@psychoimba]

Brann bro please ( and drumeo ) make more videos like this. you have the most unique sound , you ispire us so fcking much and its about time for more people to listen this guys closer. We are with you guys all day long

[@dylanhoward718]

They filmed a ton of stuff

[@user-bf6gz8ej4o]

What makes Brann's drumming so fast and versatile is that he doesn't orientate himself on the bass but rather the guitars!

[@parrydox.gaming]

Love Brann so damn much! Anytime I check KZbin, I’m just hoping to see the blue circle notification from Drumeo and have it be another Brann video.

[@dmitrikhutko7729]

Same 😊

[@mikerance4025]

I could listen to Brann talk about music literally all day - he articulates his thoughts in a way that I've never heard before. It's unreal.

[@ericiidx]

I grew up listening to Mastodon and never knew the "change in vocal style" after the first few albums was because the drummer started taking over singing! I was always impressed with Brann's drumming, and to sing on top of that is so incredible.

[@dalekay9ine]

They all sing now days/ for years.

[@dylanhoward718]

​@@dalekay9inebill doesn't sing. Ever.

[@nofrills00]

​@@dylanhoward718he used to at least do some backing growls on mother puncher

[@dalekay9ine]

@@dylanhoward718 ok, everyone but Bill sings. Better?

[@MessianicFollowship86]

Brann should do a synopsis & performance of more than i can chew, love love love that track

[@toyomatt84]

ABSOLUTELY LEGENDARY!!!! Brann absolutely KILLS it on the drums. So much energy, creativity, and power on the drums... and then epic vocals on top. This is so cool.

[@JensLarsen]

Amazing how he can have super busy drum parts that fit the song so well! (And great to have a LOT of action in the drums 😎)

[@bass186]

this is actually one of my favorite songs of Mastodon and albums... Mastodon ages fine like good whisky

[@felipelima1917]

Emperor of Sand is as masterpiece, easily

[@AdvancedDarkness]

absolutely love drummers who sing cause thats like maximum multi tasking

[@dalekay9ine]

This has always been my favorite off EOS and one of all time favorites by Mastodon, I didn't realize how much Brann sang on this track, incredible!

[@kyleritter3074]

Sure, there's drummers that can play perhaps more complicated things in terms of polyrhythms or super fast intricate drum parts, but no one keeps me as entertained as Brann. He drums exactly how I hear the drums. So fun, so tasteful, so perfect, and such an inspiration.

[@TheSunMoon]

Totally love how he utilize the fills, even though it's mostly singles, it doesn't feel overused or bland in any song.

[@midastheunwise2423]

The dude seems to have built a career off of snare singles, but it works. It's fast and energetic, and the pop of the snare contrasts nicely with the sludgy guitar tones. It's honestly refreshing to hear a more modern metal drummer that doesn't rely on double pedals too much.

[@hornethive]

Eloy and Brann - my favorite modern drummers! Thanks Drumeo!!

[@mbudimaloba6436]

I have been waiting for Brann to be here! I need more!

[@joshuabush2569]

I only properly got into masterton a couple of years ago but I'm absolutely hooked... Love Brann, he's easily one of my favourites. Love is unique style and of course is singing.. I also really like the fact that he doesn't completely overuse the double bass the 99% of metal drummers

[@HarveysHouse]

It's so refreshing to hear someone else say they need lyric reminders while performing.

[@Micas099]

Brann's kick drum image is Precious from Silence of the Lambs... lol

[@MissyMuthaTruckiN]

😂 i saw them live 3x and only realized it when he told us in the last Drumeo lmao i was stoned AF and (at the time I didn't know it was "Precious") but it cracked me TF upp everytime I saw it, I'd be headbanging or groovin along then Boom, dog LOL 😂😂😂

[@deanhatescoffee]

One of my favorite songs, one of my favorite drummers. Watch his left hand constantly ghost tapping the snare, it's crazy.

[@waynebrucemanbat5787]

Never really listened to them very much but that track is awesome and watching him sing while playing it was pretty cool. Gonna have to check more of their stuff out.

[@chilly6470]

Check out Crack The Skye... The Last Baron (on that album) is something else!

[@TheNerd840]

@@chilly6470Crack the Skye will be remembered as one of the greatest albums ever recorded. I can’t think of another album that even comes close.

[@racelox]

Superb song. The solo is great on record but live... it's legendary.

[@KiX-K4T13]

I love this man. More than I should, haha. He's just too real and likeable. And that talent he's packing too...damn.

[@BrannBergenBy]

One of the “busiest”drummers I know of and I mean that in the most positive way as humanly possible.

[@markfloyd1338]

That drum kit looks killer!!!

[@dalekay9ine]

Can we please get Abe Cunningham?! Thanks!

[@marios.mamiou9339]

Damnnnnm yessss pleaseeee 🖤❤️🙏🏿

[@marcelosantos21433]

his drum parts on every song sound like they levitate, they sound so expressive, looks like its goes all over the place give the song a unique feel. I love mastodon, the melodies they create, the vocals... everything. Thank you Need for Speed Most Wanted 2005 for making me a fan of metal.

[@jwdrums8948]

One of the best doing it! His voice has gotten better and better too! Love some Brann and Mastodon!

[@rahker]

I am so glad you guys got to live your dream for all of us to enjoy. Thank you for the lengths that Mastodon has taken throught the years to break down, explain, and show how to play your music.

[@RRMikeP]

This is probably the most worn-out song in my Mastodon catalogue. I've never gotten tired of hearing it.

[@isaacgeeslin5411]

I have no idea how he plays the drums like that and sings. Some people have some crazy talent

[@MissyMuthaTruckiN]

lots of practice? (and skill)

[@alexbrown4426]

​@@MissyMuthaTruckiNBruce Lee says you only become a master of something by doing it 10,000 times. Skill is a result of your dedication to practice.

[@lecamoraes]

The level of talent....🏆🍀🏆 Thank you Drumeo for the new video ❤

[@Edwebb09]

Brann is an absolute monster on the drums and vocals. One of the greats!

[@thehappymonks]

Amazing! Anyone who can drum and sing at the same time are insanely talented 🤟

[@travisfurlong7954]

My favorite drummer and biggest influence on my drumming and song writing! 👏👏👏

[@randystasi]

It always amazes me how integral every member is in Mastodon. Brann is such a damn monster musician along with obviously everybody else.

[@HelloDarknessCreations]

Never knew there was so much behind Mastodon! These videos are really amazing!! Hell yeah new favorite drummer unlocked! What a voice too! And those Ghost Notes make Mastodon 100%.

[@Danimal77]

I saw them live in October 2017 and Brann was truly an octopus behind the kit. Beyond impressive.

[@TheWRCS]

As someone who admires Mastodon and seen em twice, I really appreciate this song breakdown. Shout out to Drumeo

[@Villainiz3d]

One of the coolest guys I've ever met. I love his drumming and his creativity

[@andrejrmusic]

Brann is one of a kind! Would be sick to hear him without the backing track too

[@mikebioshark5903]

Branns voice is just hypnotic. He adds a cosmic mystique to their songs. That's why I love mastodon, especially their later stuff, because they're so cosmically infused.

[@Metalchris36]

Brann and Mike Portnoy are among my favorite 'fill' drummers. Effortless and smooth!

[@teddycoons2976]

Just discovered this band, and therefore this man as well. Man. I was cozy under a rock because these guys are fucking tight. And this man as a drummer is phenomenal

[@eusdb3415]

Brann writes the type of stuff that brings you back to life.

[@kicsisziszi]

Most used phrase in drumeo comments about drummers is: he/she is a BEAST :)))

[@julienb9961]

This time, it’s THE BEAST

[@kicsisziszi]

@@julienb9961 True!

[@krombopoulosmichael]

Awesome. Brann is such a busy drummer. I love it.

[@Heelloooonurse]

Ok, but what did he think of Domino absolutely killing it when she heard this drumless?!

[@jeremy7383]

That's what I want to know! I want a Brann Reacts to Domino plays lol Please Drumeo!!

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

YESSSSS she killed it and I loved that

[@Meowmeow0506]

iirc he posted on his instagram story the day that it came out that he loved it

[@MetalRiderPlasma]

@@jeremy7383 YEEESSSS! I was expecting it!

[@sircliffordmalcolmjac5870]

I love this song so much!! And at 4:12 where he shows the snare roll and the kicks its so cool how at 4:20 it ramps up!! It builds the tension so well!!🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@nazhdakov]

You are the best Brann Dailor!!!

[@ottomattix86]

I've only seen mastadon once live. Incredibly impressive how tight they are.

[@chilly6470]

Brent must've been sober?....... 😂

[@ottomattix86]

@@chilly6470 maybe I wasn't so it evened out? Is he known for being too drunk?

[@chilly6470]

@@ottomattix86....... Look him up playing at a school. So funny!

[@andrewbennett2044]

​@@chilly6470Brents pretty well put together now on tours.

[@eighteen-naked-cowboys]

@@chilly6470that was like 15 years ago

[@shaunthompson9324]

Masatadon is criminally underated

[@titania642]

There’s something about the intro to this song that gets me absolutely PUMPED!! Wow, what a talented guy and band as a whole. Great vid!

[@hernanalejandromejiascacer3511]

When Mastodon came to Chile we took a picture with Brann and he was just an awesome dude. One of my favorites drummers!

[@Chrisof92Hooks]

One of my absolute favorite Mastodon songs! 🙌🏻🤘🏻

[@maxpanysh]

Brilliant performance by Brann, love this track

[@ghoszt22]

Uhhh those those notes after the first chorus??? Beautiful

[@richardjones2811]

Such a great band for so many reasons.

[@nikmastromarino2704]

wow, awesome video, love the behind-the-scenes explanation of his drumming. Got to see these guys live last year and it was one of my favorite concerts I’ve ever been to.

[@JayBigDadyCy]

This song is such a banger. Ya it's not super heavy, but it's really groovy. Love this one. And I'll add that Brann's singles have so much texture and feel. So many little accents that give a ron of flavor. As opposed to just playing them straight.

[@Cybothron]

I went to see a Fear Factory show in like 2004 and Mastodon was opening, Brann blew my goddamn mind. Huge fan ever since.

[@brettpadgett9930]

Emperor of Sand is probably my favorite Mastodon but I will say the EP they put out a few years ago is to me magically perfect...Brann is tremendously under rated and is an amazing musician.

[@azevedojeff]

A true masterpiece. Very well done sir and much appreciated. Just unbelievably good.

[@Rickles]

Creative drummer's drummer drumming but also carrying lead vocals. Bran is such a treasure. I hope he comes in for learn a song / improv a song.

[@Kompoism]

Always been aware of Mastodon, just never really listened properly, but man, this opened my eyes to this guys talents and the power of the band.

[@SuperMrBlaze]

What a multi-talented guy, Brann, is!!!

[@chris_2714]

Saw Mastodon in concert with Lamb of God, playing Leviathan in its entirety. They did Steambreather as a closing song though. Just fantastic, love Brann's vocals

[@derekvice3703]

An honour to watch you play. Thanks man!

[@deftonex]

Running outside the nazca lines .. "PERU" I love the way you bring a little part of peru in this song thanks 😊

[@DrCheeks]

this dude is just pure class.. love his playing and his general demeanour

[@hener523]

Best drummer and best singer 👊🏻😌 Gotta love the few slips while he sings makes the song feels more authentic

[@ghc7400]

Another one for my workout playlist. Love it.

[@ampersandmcvinegar5681]

Brann is my favorite drummer. He's so humble and crazy talented. Never heard a bad word about him. Brent on the other hand . . . lol

[@NeccoWecco]

Brann is such an incredible drummer and also such a kind and funny person.

[@felipebrognoli]

I like how his drumkit is complete and compact at the same time.

[@TrinaJulianEdwards]

Fantastic video! I've been in love with Mastodon since Leviathan and I'm still blown away by the skill of everyone in this band. Brann is another level, though. To be able to play and sing like he does is mind-boggling.

[@Demonthya]

YES !! One of my favorite song from Mastodon

[@theunclemeat3284]

Damn, Brann hitting those drums like he's a violent husband or something... This guy's beast, a perfect mix of powerful drumming and creative fills (ala Neil Peart or Mike Portnoy). To say he's playing all this hard shit while singing, woah. Mad respect to him.

[@diegocruz5824]

Genius! he is an inspiration and Mastodon one of the best bands ever!!

[@The_Mafra]

criminally underrated drummer and singer

[@atquinn1975]

Incredible. Technically impressive and grooves like hell!

[@Seansquatch7]

This is such badass track, his vocals are powerful to say the least

[@jleighwolfe]

One of my all time favorite drummers. So underrated honestly.

[@theboochiestore]

please release the rest of his session asap