Complex rhythms. Polyrhythmic textures. Esoteric time signatures.
Tool’s “Pneuma” isn’t just a song—it’s a transcendent sonic ritual. And at its core is Danny Carey, the high priest of progressive drumming.
In this Drumeo YouTube video, Brandon Toews breaks down and performs this modern masterpiece, channelling Carey’s mystical energy through an equally mythical kit setup. The drums aren’t just instruments—they’re part of the ceremony.
In this gear breakdown, we explore the kit, a ton of cymbals and the accessories that Brandon uses to recreate Carey’s epic sound.
Gretsch BroadKaster – Blue Sparkle Finish
Brandon Toews performs “Pneuma” on a jaw-dropping Gretsch BroadKaster kit in Blue Sparkle—an homage to the magnitude of Danny Carey’s setup. At the heart of this configuration are two kick drums: a 22” with a custom upside-down Fear Inoculum graphic head, and a thunderous 24” featuring the same artwork. The dual-kick configuration mirrors Carey’s own power and dynamic control, offering both punch and depth.
Mounted toms include an 8” and 10” rack tom, carefully tuned to provide the tonal nuance needed for Carey’s melodic tom phrasing. A 14” REMO RotoTom adds that unmistakable midrange attack that Danny Carey uses to weave in rhythmic motifs and tribal cadences. Two floor toms—14” and 16”—anchor the low-end with ominous thuds, perfectly complementing the ritualistic nature of the song.
But it doesn’t stop there. A mounted 22” bass drum functions as a gong drum, delivering a thunderous, resonant boom that reverberates through the mix. This gong drum isn’t just for show—it’s a signature part of Carey’s setup, adding cinematic drama and low-frequency dimension during key transitions. The overall build is more than a drum kit—it’s a percussion temple.
Gretsch BroadKaster Kit (Europe)
Remo RotoTom (Europe)
Gong Drum
Istanbul Agop (except ride)
Carey’s cymbal choices have always been unorthodox, and this recreation follows suit with a beautifully chaotic array—primarily from Istanbul Agop, with a standout ride cymbal from Paiste.
The centerpiece is the 22” Paiste Danny Carey Signature MONAD Ride in a bold purple finish. This ride isn’t just visually striking—it offers a dry, cutting articulation with a crystalline bell tone that cuts through the densest polyrhythms.
Three distinct crash cymbals—an 18” Xist with a 6” Xist bell inverted on top, an 18” Power Crash with an 8” bell, and a 20” Xist with a 7” Turk bell—serve both tonal and textural roles. Each is mounted with inverted bells, creating a shimmering, raw attack that adds to the percussive unpredictability.
The two massive chinas (24” and 22” Xist) create explosive bursts of white noise, while an 18” Xist China stacked with a 12” splash provides quick, trashy accents. There’s also a uniquely tuned splash set—10” over an inverted 8”—that offers quick, high-end punctuation to phrases.
Brandon’s Istanbul Agop Cymbals are available in Europe through Thomann, but aren’t available on Sweetwater, so the closest Paiste equivalents are linked below
To top it off, Brandon uses various tuned bells (6”, 7”, 8”) that shimmer with metallic clarity and a 26” Istanbul Wind Gong for those transcendent moments when the kit becomes something more than rhythmic—it becomes spiritual. Paiste equivalents linked below
This setup is nothing short of ritualistic. Every drum, cymbal, and bell is meticulously chosen to mirror the esoteric energy that Danny Carey brings to Tool’s performances. It’s a kit built not just for sound, but for storytelling—one that bridges the gap between music and mysticism.
Brandon Toews does more than replicate; he channels. His execution of “Pneuma” isn’t just a technical display—it’s a reverent tribute to one of the most revered drummers in modern music. From the fluid transitions to the towering dynamics, this performance captures the sacred geometry of Carey’s playing. If you’re a fan of Tool, progressive rock, or drumming as an art form, this breakdown is essential viewing.
You can find everything mentioned in this Gear Breakdown at Sweetwater or Thomann if you are overseas. If this video lit a spark to start drumming (or sharpen your chops), take the next step and click the link to try Drumeo, free for 7 Days.
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Jared Milligan
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