Veteran metal drummer Bill Ward, known for his work with Black Sabbath, has lauded Mastodon's Brann Dailor as one of the finest drummers in the industry today.

In an interview on his January 2026 radio show on 99.1 KLBP-FM in Long Beach, CA, Ward commended Dailor's restraint, musical intuition, and world-class ability.

Ward initially connected with Dailor through Mastodon's music, particularly 'The Last Baron,' which he found captivating.

He noted that the track, from Mastodon's epic album Crack the Skye, was frequently played on his radio show and marked the moment he truly appreciated Dailor's depth as a drummer.

Ward emphasized that learning to play drums involves more than just keeping time, highlighting Dailor's exceptional articulation.

He praised Dailor for his musical restraint, which allows space for the rest of the band to shine and avoids overshadowing other musicians.

Ward also drew parallels between his own experience in Black Sabbath and the importance of drummers adapting to their bandmates.

Lastly, he expressed eagerness for Dailor's future projects, expressing hope for a new Mastodon record in 2026.