Matt is one of the most influential drummers of his genre. Since 2003, Matt has traveled the world as the drummer in the Metal band August Burns Red. His powerful, precise, and creative drumming has been turning heads and earning him recognition worldwide. When not on tour, Matt spends his time at home in Pennsylvania operating the Greiner Family Farm.
SHOP THE KIT
When everything goes sideways in your world, what does “comfort in the chaos” actually look like for you?
Comfort for me is knowing my family is safe and thriving. No matter how crazy it gets out in the world, knowing home is secure makes everything ok.
What’s the gnarliest day you’ve ever had in your element, and how did it change the way you operate now?
One of the gnarliest days on tour had to do with a show in eastern Europe where I got off the click in a new song we were playing and had a huge summer festival coming up and zero confidence. After the bad show I told the guys in ABR that we needed to soundcheck for a long time the next day so I could get my confidence back and I showed up with my ANETIK shorts and no shirt in the tiny hot venue to sweat through the practice session. Locked it in, got it figured out, and got my confidence back!
What do you chase more: the perfect result or the feeling you get getting there—and why?
I chase both. Practicing drums is as rewarding for me as the end result of a show where I'm happy with my performance. The journey and the destination!
What’s one non‑negotiable ritual or mindset you rely on before you step into high‑pressure conditions?
I remind myself that "I get to do this" and I thank God and pray that I can glorify Him with my performance.
What’s a small thing that instantly flips your switch—pet peeve, superstition, or ridiculous habit your crew loves to clown you for?
"Matt Greiner, the metalcore drumlord," is a phrase that's thrown around and gets my eyes rolling haha.
Describe the moment on stage when everything is chaos—crowd, sound, adrenaline—and you know you’ve got the room by the throat. What does that feel like?
When I look out and see fans moshing and singing along it's reassuring but the real boost is when I'm playing drums versus fighting drums, that's when it's game on and I feel totally fulfilled.
What’s the worst‑case scenario that’s hit you mid‑show (gear failure, weather, crowd) and how did you keep it together?
We were in Southeast Asia and playing 5 shows in 5 countries in 5 days. I was playing a backline kit where the hardware was falling apart as I was playing the drum solo. A local stagehand ran out and helped me get my mini china back to where it needed to be so I could make it through.
Are you more alive in the studio chasing perfection or on stage embracing chaos—and why?
My favorite part about being a drummer is the creative process. I like performing but I really enjoy writing and recording drum parts.
Before you walk on stage, what do you tap into: anger, gratitude, nerves, calm—and how do you turn it into fuel?
I tap into gratitude so that I can calm down and play well.
What’s the funniest or most cringe stage story you’ve got—bad note, wardrobe, crowd moment—that still gets brought up on the road?
We were playing in Scandinavia at an outdoor fest and I was not feeling well. A few songs in I motioned to Jake that I had to take a break between songs. A few minutes later I was ready to get back to the action and returned to the stage to keep playing