Like so many Brazilian youths, Aquiles Priester once fancied himself a pro soccer player. The drum community is richer for his change of heart. As an adolescent he succumbed to the lure of the drumset when witnessing a jazz performance. Within a couple of years he was playing clubs with popular local bands. He rocketed to stadiums and national prominence when he joined Hangar and recorded \"Last Time\", an album that met with great critical acclaim. It was a repeat success story when Aquiles breezed through the audition for the popular band Angra.

Known for precise hand and foot work in a genre that straddles metal and prog rock, Aquiles devises drum parts that are integral to his band\'s compositions. Explains the drummer:

\"That\'s one reason I love Evans heads. They tune well to pitches and hold their tone extremely well. When I do a pass around the drums, it\'s not just attack you hear through the PA; it\'s rich, melodic tone that complements the other instruments. And when it comes to double bass work, all I can say is those EMAD heads are killing!\"

Says Mike Robinson, brand manager for Evans drumheads:

\"I\'m pleased to see Evans take off throughout the Americas, especially with an acclaimed artist like Aquiles. I\'ve been tracking him for a few years now. He\'s placed in metal drummer polls literally around the globe, he\'s been incredibly influential to the youth in Brazil, and he\'s the sole teacher for Elóy Casagrande, a young prodigy and another recent Evans addition. Aquiles is at the leading edge of his craft and I\'m proud he\'s playing Evans.\"