Best Drummer of 2013 – 3rd Annual Loudwire Music Awards

Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler is pretty much a favorite for drumming awards in any year that he's active. In 2013, not only did he carry over his support of Lamb of God's 'Resolution' from 2012, but he also subbed in for Protest the Hero on their 'Volition' album. Talk about your multi-tasking.

Matt Cameron has been balancing bands for years and in 2013 the drummer made the most of his time with both Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. He began the year on tour with Soundgarden in support of their 'King Animal' disc, then dedicated his downtime from touring to completing Pearl Jam's stellar 'Lightning Bolt' album.

Veteran drummer Tommy Clufetos may not have been behind the kit on Black Sabbath's '13' album, but he proved himself more than capable of laying down the beats when the band hit the road to support their epic new album.

Halestorm's 2012 success carried over into 2013 and a big part of that was the infectious beats laid down by Arejay Hale on the 'The Strange Case Of …' album. The group entered the year with a Grammy win and Hale's energetic onstage antics make him one of rock's most entertaining live drummers.

Gene Hoglan remains one of the most respected drummers in rock and metal and in 2013 the hard-hitting Hoglan handled kit duties for Testament and Dethklok as well as staging his own clinics around North America. He ended the year completing Dethklok's ambitious rock opera, 'The Doomstar Requiem.'

The return of Gorguts after a long absence was one of the most welcome returns of 2013. Handing the drum duties for metal's "feel good story" is John Longstreth, with his ability to handle both the most technical and most heavy moments with equal aplomb. Welcome back Gorguts and rock on John Longstreth.

After replacing Mike Portnoy in Dream Theater a few years ago, Mike Mangini has fully established himself as an essential member of the progressive metal heroes. He's a big part of the band creating some of their most vital work to date. The self-titled 'Dream Theater' album shines, with Mangini's drum skills a major force on the disc.

Dillinger Escape Plan had one of the year's best reviewed albums with 'One of Us Is the Killer' and drummer Billy Rymer was one of the most vital parts of the disc. His work on 'When I Lost My Bet' and the album's title cut are among the standout moments from the disc, and he's equally impressive in the live realm.

Five Finger Death Punch stickman Jeremy Spencer kept the beats driving through the band's two-volume 'Wrong Side of Heaven …' discs. He's also become one of the best live drummers, showcasing his talents this year on the Mayhem Festival and various headlining gigs throughout 2013.

Rage Against the Machine may have been quiet in 2013, but drummer Brad Wilk was still everywhere. He laid down the licks for Black Sabbath's hugely successful '13' album in the studio, then took his talents to 'Sound City,' the documentary helmed by Dave Grohl. Wilk appeared in the film, played on the soundtrack and joined Grohl for his all-star concerts.