mike mangini

Mike Mangini is a Grammy-winning drummer, composer, and educator, known for his technical drumming skill and extensive contributions to progressive metal and rock music. After securing a notable position with Rick Berlin Band in 1987, Mike Mangini went on to establish himself as a Grammy-winning drummer, composer, and educator, recognized for his technical skill and extensive contributions to progressive metal and rock music. His professional drumming career gained significant momentum in 1991 when he joined the thrash metal band Annihilator, performing on tracks for their album ‘Set the World on Fire’ and touring extensively with the group until 1994. The same year, Mangini became a member of the hard rock band Extreme, contributing to their 1995 album ‘Waiting for the Punchline’ and making a notable television appearance on ‘Late Show with David Letterman.’ Following Extreme’s disbandment in 1996, Mangini joined Steve Vai’s live ensemble, appearing on studio albums such as ‘Fire Garden’ and ‘The Ultra Zone,’ and the live album ‘Alive in an Ultra World’ between 1996 and 2000.

With Dream Theater, he recorded ‘A Dramatic Turn of Events’ in 2011 and ‘Dream Theater’ in 2013, also touring with John Petrucci on the G3 tour in 2012. Mangini continued his impactful tenure with Dream Theater, debuting as a lyricist for the song ‘Room 137’ on their 2019 album ‘Distance over Time.’ His contributions culminated in the band’s 2021 Grammy win for ‘The Alien,’ a track from their album ‘A View from the Top of the World,’ released the same year. In October 2023, Mangini amicably departed from Dream Theater, swiftly moving to launch his solo career with the self-titled album ‘Invisible Signs,’ released under the name Mangini in 2023. Building on his recent solo success, Mangini solidified his new artistic direction with the formation of his new trio, Monolith, in 2024, continuing to explore and innovate within the progressive music landscape.