Jon Karel is the drummer for The Sawtooth Grin, where his hyper-technical precision, dynamic control, and instinctive command of polyrhythms push the boundaries of extreme drumming. A Zildjian and Vic Firth artist since 2007, Jon has built a reputation for seamlessly blending mechanical and organic timekeeping, elevating chaotic compositions with fluid, expressive movement.
Before joining Sawtooth, Jon made his mark as the drummer for The Number Twelve Looks Like You, where his work on Mongrel and Worse Than Alone redefined progressive and chaotic drumming. He later took his energy global with HORSE the Band on their legendary Earth Tour, performing 90 shows in 100 days across 45 countries.
Beyond these projects, Jon has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, applying his unique rhythmic perspective to multiple genres. With a career spanning two decades, he continues to evolve, innovate, and push drumming forward. The best is yet to come.
Jon Karel
The Sawtooth Grin
