Tama Imperialstar | The ultimate drummer’s guide (2021)

tama imperialstar drum kit

The Tama Imperialstar is seen as one of the best starter drum kits available. For a budget drum kit, it sounds good and is of great value. 

In this guide, we are going to talk you through all of the features that come on the Tama Imperialstar and what is new for 2021.

Who is the Tama Imperialstar for?

The Imperialstar is the budget drum kit offered by Tama. Its price point makes it ideal for new drummers who are looking for a good sounding kit to learn on. 

Although this is the budget model, it is still packed full of features you may not expect to find on an entry-level kit.

Since this is the case, the Tama Imperialstar often lasts drummer beyond the early years and can become a good touring kit. 

This is why the Imperialstar stands out against many of the budget drum kits available on the market.

What are Tama Imperialstar shells made from?

The shells on the Imperialstar are made from 100% poplar wood. 

When compared to other woods commonly found in drums such as maple and birch, poplar is a cheaper option.

That doesn’t mean it is bad though. Poplar creates a warm tone with a medium attack. 

The shells are made up of 6 plies of 8mm poplar.

To make an affordable drum kit poplar wood is a great option as it pushes down the costs without the need to use a wood blend. 

Tama Precision Bearing Edges

The final thing to note about the Imperialstar shells is the Tama Precision Bearing Edges. 

Bearing edges have a big impact on the sound of the drum. It can affect the tuning, how the drum rings and the response.

Tama’s advanced edge-cutting process provides extremely precise bearing edges making the most out of the cheaper poplar wood. 

The result is a drum that has a full ring, a wide tuning range with sensitivity and response.

What hardware comes with the Imperialstar?

As well as their incredible drums, Tama is known for making great hardware.

Unfortunately, the Imperialstar doesn’t feature any of the latest innovations but that is to be expected. 

There is nothing wrong with the hardware found on the Imperialstar though. It has classic features that have stood the test of time.

Tom Holder

The bass drum mounted dual tom holder features the L-rod ball socket holders. 

These holders allow you to make the smallest tweaks to the tom positioning. If you like to have your toms placed over your bass drum, you will be able to get the placement just how you like it with these holders.

Spur Brackets

The spur brackets on the bass drum are very sturdy to ensure maximum stability. This is very important as the bass drum is also holding your toms. 

Stage Master Stands

The Imperialstar comes with stands included. The stands are from the Stage Master range. 

The Stage Master range features double-braced legs for extra stability and quick-set cymbal mates for quick cymbal changes.

tama stage master hardware

The Tama Imperialstar comes with:

  • Hi-hat stand
  • Boom stand
  • Straight arm stand
  • Snare stand

Remaining hardware

The kit also includes a standard single pedal and a throne.

There is nothing special about these but they will be fine for any drummer starting to learn.

What finishes are available?

The Tama Imperialstar is available in 6 different finishes. These finishes are all wraps. 

These look nice and there is a good variety to meet everyone’s tastes. 

The wrap finish helps keep the cost down to make the kit good value to you whilst looking nice.

Brand new finish for 2021. The Natural Zebrawood Wrap has been added newly for 2021. This is a great looking wrap giving the kit an exotic wood look. 

tama imperialstar kit finishes

Finishes:

  • Black Oak Wrap (BOW)
  • Natural Zebrawood Wrap (NZW)
  • Vintage White Sparkle (VWS)
  • Candy Apple Mist (CAM)
  • Hairline Black (HBK)
  • Hairline Blue (HLB)

Tama Imperialstar kit configurations

The Tama Imperialstar is available in 4 different configurations to match the style of drumming and budget you have. 

Each kit comes with all the hardware mentioned above.

The kits are available with or without cymbals. 

If you are starting to learn drums and don’t have cymbals yet it comes with Meinl HCS bronze cymbals. These are as good as any other entry-level cymbal and are of good value when purchased with the kit.

6 piece kit with 22″ kick (IE62H6W)

This configuration is the most expensive and comes with the most drums. If you are looking for a bigger set this is the configuration for you.

Drums included:

  • 22″ x 16″ bass drum
  • 10″ x 7″ tom
  • 12″ x 8″ tom
  • 14″ x 13″ floor tom
  • 16″ x 15″ floor tom
  • 14″ x 5″ snare

5 piece kit with 22″ kick (IE52KH6W)

I would class this as your “standard” drum set configuration. You are getting a 5 piece kit in the standard sizes you would expect. 

Drums included:

  • 22″ x 16″ bass drum
  • 10″ x 7″ tom
  • 12″ x 8″ tom
  • 16″ x 15″ floor tom
  • 14″ x 5″ snare

5 piece kit with 20″ kick (IE50H6W)

If you are looking for a kit with a slightly tighter sound this kit could be the one. It comes with a slightly smaller bass drum at 20″ and a 14″ floor tom rather than a 16″. 

Drums included:

  • 20″ x 16″ bass drum
  • 10″ x 7″ tom
  • 12″ x 8″ tom
  • 14″ x 13″ floor tom
  • 14″ x 5″ snare

5 piece kit with 18″ kick (IE58H6W)

If you are looking for a kit for a child this configuration is the better option. The 18″ bass drum allows you to place the toms lower whilst still maintaining a good tone.

Drums included:

  • 18″ x 14″ bass drum
  • 10″ x 7″ tom
  • 12″ x 8″ tom
  • 14″ x 13″ floor tom
  • 14″ x 5″ snare

Individual drums

If you have purchased a Tama Imperialstar drum kit and you are wanting to expand it you can purchase individual drums. 

The size selection is decent as long as you aren’t picky when it comes to the depth of the drums.

Bass drums

  • 18″ x 14″
  • 20″ x 16″
  • 22″ x 16″

Floor toms

  • 14″ x 13″
  • 16″ x 15″
  • 18″ x 16″

Toms

  • 8″ x 6.5″
  • 10″ x 7″
  • 12″ x 8″
  • 13″ x 9″

Snares

  • 14″ x 5″
  • 14″ x 6.5″

Are Tama Imperialstar drum kits good value?

There is no doubt that these drums are of great value. If you are a beginner or an intermediate player this kit is an amazing option.

Tama has had to cut areas of the kit to lower the price but it has done this in areas that will have minimal impacts on the sound.

For example, the hardware and finish have been cut back to allow the shells to be the best they can for the price.

The only thing you will want to replace on this kit is the heads. Drum heads can be expensive so cheaper Tama branded heads come with the kit. These are single ply so they won’t be that durable and they will be a bit harder to tune. 

Ideally, you would switch these out for a two-ply head such as the Evans G2s or Remo Emperor.

This does push up the cost but there is nothing wrong with playing the stock heads while they last. 

Where can I buy one?

Luckily for you, the Tama Imperialstar is available from nearly all online music stores or from your local drum shop. If you are looking to order online, here are our top picks.

Frequently asked questions

Are Tama Imperialstar drums good?

If you are a beginner the Imperialstar drum kits are perfect for getting started. They are one of the best sounding drums at this price and will last you for many years until including when you are at an intermediate level.

Should I buy a used Tama Imperialstar?

If you are wanting to save more money a second head kit is a good option. The Tama Imperialstar has been around since the 1970s so there are plenty of second-hand kits around. Like when you buy anything pre-owned, make sure you inspect the kit before purchasing. Looks for any cracks in the shells and damage to the hardware.

What is the difference between a new or vintage Tama Imperialstar?

The main difference is the wood the shells are made from. The vintage Tama Imperialstar drums from the 1970s and 1980s were made from Luan with a heavy speckled Zola Coat on the interiors rather than poplar with a natural internal finish like on the new kits.
Luan is a cheap wood like poplar. They have many similar characteristics but the sound of luan is preferred by some drummers.

What are our thoughts?

If you are buying your first drum kit this is one of the best options. There are cheaper entry-level drum kits available but this kit will see you beyond being a beginner well into intermediate levels. 

It sounds good and it is built to last. 

If you are looking for an alternative at this price point we recommend checking out the Pearl Export. If you are looking for an entry-level professional level kit from Tama, check out the Tama Starclassic Performer.

Have you owned a Tama Imperialstar drum kit? Let us know what you think of it in the comments.

Gabe Helguera | From YouTube covers to Drum Beats Online

Gabe Helguera drum beats online

Gabe Helguera has gone from creating a drumming fresh YouTube channel to launching the drum tuition website Drum Beats Online. This is no small feat.

Let’s find out more about Gabe Helguera and his drumming journey.

Who is Gabe Helguera?

Gabe Helguera is most well known for being the drummer for the band I Prevail and his website Drum Beats Online. 

But where did it all start?

Gabe first began drumming at the age of 12 when he got a drum kit for Christmas. This was a complete surprise but Gabe was stoked as you would expect. He started trying to figure things out by himself at first before starting lessons a few months later.

At the age of 13 things started to get more interesting for Gabe. This is when he started a band with his older brother called “Lookout Gabe”. The band got their name after Gabe managed to poke himself in the eye with a drumstick. Now that sounds painful!

Being in the band opened Gabe up to the world of playing with other musicians and performing on stage. This ignited his passion. 

Between the ages of 15 and 18, Gabe started performing with a variety of local bands of different genres.

Correcting early learning mistakes

Gabe fell into a trap that gets many drummers. 

At the start after a few lessons playing the drums came naturally with what seemed like little effort. This meant skipping many of the foundations drummers would learn such as rudiments and technique. 

At age 18 after being rejected for a church audition Gabe decided to go back and work on these foundations so he could progress his career. 

Been critical of yourself isn’t easy, but Gabe knew this is what he would have to do to have a career as a drummer. 

From the ages of 18-21, Gabe stepped up his practising dedicating as much time as he could to becoming a better drummer.

Gabe also didn’t go to college so he could work to fund his career path as a drummer.

These weren’t easy years though as manual labour jobs aren’t easy and most of his bands at the time broke up. Unfortunately, this happens as people go in different directions starting careers etc.

This made Gabe want to have something that was his to control.

Starting a YouTube channel

With bands coming and going starting a YouTube channel gave Gabe something, he could control. The channel was called Drum Beats Online and initially had a mix of covers and lessons for beginners. 

Although it was slow progress at the start, it was something that was his and continuously worked away on it. 

The YouTube channel later evolved to become more than just traditional drum lessons. The channel now covers a wide range of topics such as making progress in the music industry, a day in the life of a drummer and gear reviews.

In recent years the production value has increased drastically on his videos and they are some of the best on YouTube.

Take a look!

Performing in church

After originally being rejected for the church band at the age of 18, Gabe had now developed enough skills and got the gig. 

Like many drummers, Gabe Helguera got his break playing in a church band. Church bands have big production value and excellent musicians.

Gabe Helguera performing in church

This experience is invaluable for any drummer looking to become a professional. 

If you have experience in any big production on your CV, this is going to help you stand out when auditioning for gigs.

Gabe was also extremely smart and made the most out of the opportunity to network with other musicians. This is so valuable and important if you want to be considered for other gigs.

Becoming a full-time drummer

Gabe took a different approach to become a full-time professional drummer than a lot of people. Many drummers hope that one day an opportunity will come along and this will become their full-time gig. 

This isn’t what Gabe did…

Gabe worked out what he needs to cover his expenses and worked to cover all of that through drumming. Between church, YouTube, gigging with local bands and starting in-person lessons, Gabe achieved this.

It probably isn’t what most people would class as a professional drummer but he was making a living just from playing the drums. 

I think this is amazing and an incredible achievement. 

Joining I Prevail

For the next few years, this is how Gabe lived. Until he received a call to audition for I Prevail. The band had been recommended Gabe through the sound technician that worked at the church. 

Ah, the power of networking…

Gabe Helguera joins I Prevail

Since joining I Prevail Gabe has toured across the globe and recorded one album so far, “Trauma” that released in 2019. 

Currently, Gabe has two main focuses, I Prevail and Drum Beats Online. 

Drum Beats Online

Drum Beats Online began as Gabe Helguera’s YouTube channel but it quickly evolved into a full online instructional website for drummers.

DBO Academy focuses on 4 pillars of learning.

  • Courses – these are all the lessons from beginner through to advanced. Each course has a video and full notation. 
  • Progress tools – as you can view the courses you have completed and track your practice sessions.
  • Incredible community – get the support from other drummers going through the same journey as you.
  • Your drumming path – when you complete a course you are presented with the next course taking you on a logical path to improve your drumming. 

The main difference you get when you join the DBO Academy is that you are learning from Gabe’s methodology. 

DBO academy drum beats online

You are on a journey with Gabe to make you the best drummer you can be. 

When compared to sites at the other end of the spectrum, such as Drumeo where you are getting a series of masterclasses from different drummers, having one tutor can be extremely beneficial. 

This is especially important in the early days of your drumming. Learning from one tutor gives you the chance to build a solid foundation before looking into a wider spectrum of techniques and methodologies. 

The good news for you is that the DBO Academy has recently gone through a big refresh updating the website and its content.

There is currently a waiting list to join the site so make sure you go and sign up to the DBO Academy!

Gabe Helguera’s gear

As far as kit configuration Gabe can be seen often switching up his gear between I Prevail and Drum Beats Online.

Most of the kit formations do follow the setup of a modern rock kit. 1 tom, 1 floor and a selection of cymbals although he does sometimes use a larger kit as pictured below.

Gabe Helguera drum kit

Gear used: 

Signature products

Currently, Gabe has one signature product, his signature sticks. These sticks are a Vic Firth X55A stick with the I Prevail logo and Gabe’s signature.

DBO Apparel

Drum Beats Online does also offer a limited selection of apparel for drummers. 

The range currently includes a tank top, t-shirt, hoodie and cap. 

Although the selection is small currently, some of the designs are nice. I especially like the t-shirt!

Check out the Drum Beats Online store.

Find more of Gabe

Luckily for you, you can find Gabe all over the web! Check out his links below:

Final thoughts

I admire what Gabe Helguera has achieved so far in his drumming career.

He had a clear goal, practised hard and worked logically to achieve it. It is great to see a drummer be so honest with his journey and the steps it has taken to get to where it is.

There also has to be a special shoutout to the DBO Academy. Gabe has created a great service that drummers love. Not to mention the dedication and commitment Gabe put into this whilst touring with I Prevail is no small feature.

Gabe is a true hustler. 

I can’t wait to see what Gabe gets up to next in his drumming career.

Okay, I’m off to join the waiting list for the DBO Academy… 

The best bass drum cymbal mount accessories (2021)

bass drum cymbal mounts

There is now a great selection of bass drum cymbal mounts available. These are perfect if you are wanting to make the most out of the space available on your bass drum. 

If you are wanting to mount a cymbal to your bass drum or a small percussion instrument, these are our top picks.

Benefits of mounting on the bass drum

The main reason for mounting anything on your bass is to save space and make your life a little easier when moving your kit about. 

The fewer stands you have to carry the better!

This is a huge benefit for street performers or those who love a minimalist setup. 

It is already very common that toms are mounted on the bass drum. This is especially the case on lower-end kits.

But it is now becoming more common for small percussion instruments and cymbals to be mounted on the bass drum. 

If you are wanting to place something over the top of the bass drum it can be a tricky place to reach with a stand. Having something mounted on the bass drum centrally can solve this issue. 

Disadvantages of mounting on the bass drum

The disadvantage of mounting anything on your bass drum is that it can affect the sound of your drum. 

Most mounts need to be attached to the bass drum with nuts and bolts. This means drilling into your bass drum to allow for mounting.

Every time you drill into your bass drum you are going to be slightly changing the sound produced. 

Often this sound change will be very small but if you have a high-end kit, you will need to think carefully before making a permanent change.

Remember, when you drill into your bass drum this is permanent.

That being said, there are some great mounts on the market for those not wanting to drill into their drums.

Our top picks

If you are wanting to add any mount cymbals to your bass drum, these are our top picks. It is worth noting that there are many cowbell adaptors available. 

These are common so in the product recommendations below, we have focused on cymbals mounts or particularly unique mounts. 

Tama MC9 Bass Drum Hoop Grip

Tama MC9 Bass Drum Hoop Grip

The MC9 hoop grip was released by Tama in 2021. This mount is attached to the hoop of the bass drum. To this mount, you can then attach an L-rod or Z-rod. 

This makes this mount ideal for small percussions such as a cowbell or splash cymbals.

The best thing is that this is held on through pressure tightening the grip. This means it can be removed as and when you wish.

There is also rubber to ensure the protection of the hoop.

Pearl CHB-830 Bass Drum Mount & Cymbal Holder

Pearl CHB-830 Bass Drum Mount & Cymbal Holder

Pearl have a great selection of bass drum mounting options. 

If you are wanting to mount a larger cymbal to your bass drum the Pearl CHB-830 is a great option.

With this mount, you will need to modify your bass drum with two holes. This allows the mount to be firmly attached and able to take more weight than a hoop mounted option.

Pearl CLA-130 Mini Closed Hi-Hat Holder

Pearl CLA-130 Mini Closed Hi-Hat Holder

If you are wanting to mount a secondary hi-hat or stack it over your bass drum this is a perfect mount. Released in 2021, this mount is attached to the bass drum hoop using pressure.

The main thing to note is that you have limited options for customising the placement due to the limited reach.

If you are wanting a central hi-hat on the bass drum this is a great option.

Pearl Bass Drum Hoop Mount Cymbal Holder

This is essentially the same hoop mount as you get with the hi-hat mount with a different cymbals mount. 

Like the Tama MC9, this would be better suited to smaller cymbals. The main advantage over the MC9 is that you have more adjustment options for getting the perfect placement. 

DW Bass Drum Hi-Hat Mount Clamp, DWSM2141HHM

DW Bass Drum Hi-Hat Mount Clamp, DWSM2141HHM

Functionally this is very similar to the Pearl Mini Closed Hi-Hat Holder. 

The main difference is the way it clamps onto the bass drum. The Pearl one clamps on with pressure whereas the DW clamps on like the hooks on the bass drum head. 

This should give you more stability of the hi-hat clamp on the bass drum.

These actually seem pretty hard to come across but you can pick one up for GAK.

Our thoughts

Attaching accessories to your bass drum is a great way of maximising your space. It is good to see more creative uses coming around rather than just cowbells.

Personally, I am still a bit on the fence as to if I would want to add things to my bass drum. Especially on an expensive drum kit.

I don’t want to risk damaging anything I saved up a long time.

That being said, if you do a lot of shows and you have a mid-level kit for gigs, this could make your life a lot easier. 

What do you think about mounting cymbals to your bass drum? Are there any stands we have missed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. 

Meinl Pure Alloy Cymbals | The ultimate drummer’s guide (2021)

meinl pure alloy cymbals

The Meinl Pure Alloy Cymbals are a professional line of cymbals that sit between the Byzance and Classic Custom ranges. These cymbals have a clean sound that isn’t to be missed.

Let’s go through what makes the Meinl Pure Alloy Cymbals unique and what models are currently available.

What are they made from?

The Meinl Pure Alloy Cymbals are made from a B12 bronze that was previously featured on the now discontinued Soundcaster Series cymbals.

Although they are made from B12, an alloy seen as subpar to B20, Meinl has a way of getting incredible sounds with their manufacturing techniques.

These Pure Alloy cymbals are made with computerized hammering, a fine lathe on top with a smooth finish and a fine lathe on the bottom without any smoothing. 

The bells of the cymbals are not hammered but have the same finish as the rest of the cymbal.

This gives the cymbals a very clean and traditional look which is a step away from the raw finishes often seen on Meinl cymbals.

What do the Meinl Pure Alloy Cymbals sound like?

In general, the Pure Alloy cymbals are bright and do pack a punch. They aren’t as cutting as the Classic Custom line giving them more diversity to the playing situations. 

That being said, although intended for a wide variety of playing styles, these cymbals will sound best in amplified band scenarios. The brightness is likely too much for a jazz ensemble. 

The cymbals also have a wide dynamic range with them responding well to light touches through to big bow hits. 

If you are looking for cymbals with a lot of character these won’t be the option for you.

These cymbals are very clean delivering a precise sound. 

Take a listen in this video!

What cymbals are available?

Currently, the Meinl Pure Alloy line has a relatively small selection available. That being said, there are all the key cymbals you would expect.

Meinl Pure Alloy Medium Hi-hats

Pure Alloy hi-hats

Available in either 14″ or 15″ these hi-hats are very crisp and respond nicely at all dynamic levels. 

They also wash nicely when open making them perfect for rock playing. 

If you are looking for some extra depth of sound the 15″ hats are the ones to look at. These are a truly great pair of hi-hats.

  • Sizes availalbe: 14″ or 15″
  • Weight: medium 

Meinl Pure Alloy Medium Crashes

Pure Alloy crashes

There is a good selection of sizes available when it comes to crashes. If you are a fan of big crash cymbals these are worth considering.

The crash cymbals in this series do shine. They are bright and cutting but have a nice wash when used in a beat.

The larger crash cymbals (20+) also work nicely as a ride. The bells sound clear with a nice definition on the body of the cymbal. 

  • Sizes available: 16″, 18″, 19″, 20″, 22″
  • Weight: medium

Meinl Pure Alloy Medium Rides

Pure Alloy ride cymbals

Like the crashes, there are some big rides here. They have a nice clear sound with a good stick response when played on the body. 

The bells have are very pure without much character as you would expect but they are cutting.

These rides are also great for crashing. They are just light enough to avoid the gong sound you can get on some rides.

  • Sizes available: 20″, 22″, 24″
  • Weight: medium

Meinl Pure Alloy 10″ Splash

Pure Alloy 10 splash

Unfortunately, there is only currently one splash available in the Pure Alloy range. This is a shame as this is a great sounding cymbal hopefully, more will be added in the future.

This splash produces a nice clean tone with a medium sustain. 

There isn’t much to say about this cymbal, it is what you would expect from a bright splash and sounds great.

  • Size available: 10″
  • Weight: medium

Meinl Pure Alloy 12″ Trash China

Pure Alloy trash china

Currently only available in one size, the 12″ Trash China does pack a punch.

This gives you a quick trashy yet bright burst of sound. This cymbal also features a quick cutting pattern the cymbal to produce the sound.

This cymbal has a lot in common with the Sabian AA Holy Chinas and is a great lower-cost alternative to these. 

Hopefully, the range of sizes will be expanded in the future.

  • Size available: 12″
  • Weight: medium 

Meinl Pure Alloy 18″ China

pure alloy china

Once again there is only one size of this type of cymbal.

That being said, it sounds amazing. This china is very bright and cutting. It is perfect for accenting with the snare or riding in a beat.

  • Size available: 18″
  • Weight: medium 

Our thoughts

If you are looking for a bright set of professional-grade cymbals these are a great option. 

They have a beautiful classic finish with a clean bright sound. Sure, they aren’t going to be to everyone’s taste but what cymbals are?

And not to mention, these are cheaper than most equivalent pro line bright cymbals due to Meinl’s machining technology. 

The only downside of this line currently is the selection of cymbals available. Meinl does seem to be slowly adding more selection each year but not as fast as you might expect. As to why I am unsure. Maybe Meinl are testing the popularity of the line before expanding it too fast?

Meinl has been busy working on the second line of Pure Alloy cymbals though. The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom line. These are lighter weight and feature a unique finish and are worth a look.

What do you think of these cymbals? Let us know in the comments. 

George Kollias | Pushing the boundaries of death metal drumming

George Kollias

If you are into death metal you have likely heard of George Kollias. His drumming is pushing the boundaries of blast beats and double kick to new levels of speed. 

Let’s find out more about George Kollias and his drumming career. 

Who is George Kollias?

George Kollias is an extreme metal drummer born on the 30th of August 1977 in Korinthos, Greece.

Before George started the drums, he did play the guitar for two years. This is something that will help him later in his career.

At the age of 12, George got his first drum kit. In 1990, he began taking lessons with Vasilis Baxevanakis and then learning from the jazz drummer Yannis Stavropoulos in 1999. 

In the late 90’s George joined his first band Extremity Obsession. Like most musicians first bands, they played some local shows and recorded some demos but had no great success. 

Joining Nightfall

Nightfall allowed George to get some great experience under his belt. During his time in Nightfall, he recorded the albums “I Am Jesus” and “Lyssa – Rural Gods And Astonish Punishments”.

Nightfall also played a lot of shows around Europe including one of the worlds biggest metal festivals, Wacken Open Air. 

Forming Sickening Horror and session work

Sickening Horror was formed by George and was his first extreme metal band. The band recorded a promo CD in 2003 with the debut album “When Landscapes Bled Backward” coming out in 2007.

During this period Goerge also took on select session work from several projects across musical genres. George was selective during this period though, only taking on projects he had an interest in. 

Taking on a selection of projects during this period grew George’s reputation as a drummer. 

Joining Nile

In 2004, Nile found themselves without a drummer after Tony Laureano quit the band. To help find the new drummer they called on extreme metal drumming heavyweight Derek Roddy for some help.

Derek sent the band some videos of George Kollias and recommended they reach out to him. The band did and in August 2004, George Kollias joined Nile.

Nile promo

At the time Nile was a very well established band and had already released three albums and was keen to get working on the next one.

George flew out to America and worked with the band for two months writing Annihilation Of The Wicked before heading to the studio to record.

Straight after this, the band headed out on a world tour that covered many of the largest metal festivals. This included Wacken Open Air, Graspop Metal Meeting and Hellfest in Europe as well as Japan’s Loudpark and the legendary Ozzfest in the US.

George Kollias went on to record five more albums with the band so far including Ithyphallic (2007), Those Whom the Gods Detest (2009), At the Gate of Sethu (2012), What Should Not Be Unearthed (2015) and Vile Nilotic Rites (2019).

Being a part of Nile has increased the profile of George Kollias allowing him to do drum clinics and festivals around the world as well as successful instructional DVDs. 

George Kollias instructional DVDs

In 2008 George Kollias released his first instructional DVD, Intense Metal Drumming. As you can imagine from the name of the DVD and George’s playing, this shows you everything you need to become an extreme metal drummer.

The DVD was very successful and was quickly followed up by Intense Metal Drumming II in 2012 that featured even more in-depth advanced metal drumming. 

As well as being a great player, George is an excellent instructor making even the most complicated exercises easy to follow.

George also released his first book in 2014 called The Odyssey Of Double Bass Drumming. This is set to be a trilogy all focused on double bass drumming. Each book released will go into more complex details than the previous.

George also offers online lessons and private lessons via Skype. You can find all the information you need for these on his website.

Solo music

In 2015 George Kollias released a solo album “Invictus”. On this album, George recorded every instrument allowing him to showcase his talents on the guitar from his pre-drumming days. 

The album was received well among the metal community and Kollias has hinted on his Instagram that he is working on new music. 

What is unique about his playing?

If you have listened to George Kollias playing the first thing you will notice is the mind-blowing speed. His hands and feet are blisteringly fast and extremely precise. 

When you see George’s feet you will quickly notice that he is using the swivel technique and he is a master at it. The tip of his feet remains on the pedals with the speed coming from the left and right ankle motion over the pedal.

For those that are blast beat aficionados, you will see George always does a single foot blast. This is the preferred method of old school death metal drummer but is becoming less popular as younger drummers are emerging.

studio lessons

Using a single foot bast does give Kollias some room to be creative. Even whilst blasting at extreme tempos, the left foot is free to play unique patterns and ostinatos. 

This gives a lot of George’s parts a unique feel which can be difficult to come across in extreme metal.

George takes this a step further with his handwork. Whilst some parts need a straight-up blast beat, George creates various beats that sit over the main blast beat. 

An example of this is playing a blast beat on a secondary snare and using the main snare to hold a backbeat. 

George Kollias’s drum kit

George Kollias has a massive drum kit. It features multiples of everything you would expect on a drum kit. 

The size of the kit does serve a purpose allowing George to add as much flavour into his blast beats as he wants. 

George Kollias drum kit

Gear used:

George Kollias signature products

Due to his global popularity, George also has some signature products. 

Vic Firth Signature Series George Kollias drumsticks

These sticks sit in the spectrum between a 5A and a 5B. These sticks also feature a barrel tip for extra cymbals definition and drum tone. 

Axis George Kollias Signature Edition pedals

Axis pedals are known for their speed and are a perfect match for George’s playing style. 

George has created his beater with Axis and these are featured on this signature pedal. The pedal also comes equipped with all the premium upgrades offered by Axis. 

Keep up to date with Kollias

The are multiple places you can follow George online. Check out the links below:

Final thoughts

There is no doubt that George Kollias has had a great impact on what extreme metal drumming can be. The combination of speed and creativity has given Kollias a unique voice behind the kit.

George has taken extreme drumming from something metal fans are into, to the global drumming mainstream with his clinics and festival appearances.

So many of the younger metal drummers have been inspired by George Kollias and it is great to see extreme forms of playing becoming more common. 

I can’t wait to see what George Kollias gets up to next and how else he can push the boundaries of extreme metal drumming. 

Axis Pedals | The ultimate drummer’s guide (2021)

axis pedals

Axis pedals have become hugely popular since their creation in the 1990s. They are known for their speed and quick reaction times underfoot becoming hugely popular for metal drummers. With the rising popularity of direct drive pedals, Axis are still one of the top brands.

Let’s find out what makes Axis pedals so popular and look at the different models available.

The history of Axis Pedals

Before we take you through the current models available, let’s take a look at the history of the pedal and why drummers wanted this pedal.

Darrell Johnston, the creator of Axis Percussion originally started working on the first concept in the late 1980s. At a young age, he was a keen drummer but soon came to the realisation he was never going to be good enough to be his full-time career.

Luckily Johnston had the opportunity to learn to machine and worked for various electrical and aerospace companies. When CNC (computer numeric controlled) machines became more common in the 1980s he jumped at the chance to work on them.

CNC machines made it possible for Johnston to machine his own pieces. He was heavily inspired by the Rogers Swiv-o-Matic and decided to use that as a starting point. The Swiv-o-Matic had a smooth feel by using a ball bearing. This is why Axis Pedals feature so many.

The original concept for the Axis Pedal was shown off by Johnston at NAMM in 1989. This model featured few ways to customise the feel but it did have the unique aesthetic Axis pedals are known for today. Johnston was quick to see the pedals limitations and got to work.

In 1991, Johnston sent out new versions of the Axis pedal to select musicians and drum magazines. After the appearance of the new Axis Pedal at the NAMM show that year they had sold all their stock and had to fulfil backorders for the next year.

Unintentionally, Axis became the pedal of metal drummers. The drummer Tim Waterson was on a mission to discover how to play the drums faster. To do this he needed a fast bass drum pedal. Tim proved that Axis Pedals were the fastest pedals available at the time breaking the World Faster Drummer foot speed record at 1,408 beats in 60 seconds.

This lead to Pete Sandoval of the death metal band Morbid Angel wanting a pair. Pete loved the pedals and promoted them starting a chain effect in the drumming community.

The pedals were created well and were fast. They lived up to the promise and delivered.

Axis Pedals have now become more popular across other genres as they are also responsive and highly customisable. It isn’t just about the speed.

What models of Axis Pedals are available?

There are a fair few different models of Axis pedals available today and it can get a bit confusing as to what you are looking at. We are going to break down the different options available to you. If you are ordering from an online music store you can find different pre-made combinations of pedals or you can visit the Axis website for a bespoke order.

There is one thing that remains consistent across all the pedals available. They all feature a direct drive.

Whereas most pedals feature either a chain or a strap, these pedals feature a metal part. This means instant reactions and control over the pedal.

To find out more about direct drive pedals check out this post.

Footboard types

The first choice you will have to make is the footboard. Although most well known for the longboard, there are a range of sizes to suit all drummers.

axis pedals foot board options

Shortboard skinny

This features a heel wedge like you would find on most pedals. The distinct shape of the board has been narrowed. If you are looking for a board most similar to that of a standard bass drum pedal, this is the option for you.

Shortboard wide

This features a pedal of normal length but with a wider top giving you more surface area underfoot.

Longboard

These are the ones Axis is most known for. These pedals are extra long with the board covering the whole surface available. The pedals don’t have a heel wedge so they will feel unusual if you haven’t tried one before. The extra length makes them perfect for the heel toe bass drum technique.

Axis Carbon Fiber Longboards

Brand new for 2021 is the Axis Carbon Fiber longboards. These are the same dimensions as the standard longboards but are made of carbon fibre. They are approximately 40% lighter than the standard longboards.

The lighter weight increases stamina for longer practice sessions and makes it easier to maintain a consistent level of power. Less weight under your foot also makes it easier for you to develop your chosen technique as there is less resistance.

If you want more resistance and an extremely quick returning of the pedal and beater, crank up the spring tension.

These boards look really cool and are some of the only carbon fiber bass drum pedals available. If you are looking for maximum speed, these are the footboards for you.

Wideboard

These are the latest version of the board available from Axis Percussion. They feature the same length as the longboards but you have a lot more surface area. This is especially the case towards the heel of the board.

Cam types

The next thing you will need to select is the cam assembly that is best for you. There are different ones available dependent on the amount of customisation you want.

Axis pedal cam options

X – Cam assembly

This is the most basic version cam assembly offered. This cam has no customisation options. With this assembly the only option you have for tweaking your pedal is the spring tension.

A – Cam assembly

This gives you a simple yet power adjustment option on the top of the pedal. Adjusting this changes the ratio of the footboard movement to the arc of the beater. Due to the construction you can can make micro changes to dial in the exact feel you are after.

A21 – Cam assembly

This features the same customisable features as the A cam. The difference is that the angle of the beater on the cam is at 21 degrees. This gives extra power to the stroke and reduces the distance to the head.

Spring types

You can add even more customisation options to an Axis pedal with the spring assembly you choose.

axis pedal spring types

Standard spring

This is a standard bass drum spring. The tension can be adjusted by either tightening or loosening the spring on the pedal.

Microtune spring tensioner

The microtune spring tensioner gives you the ability to fine tune your spring tension. With a simple key adjustment you can change the feel of a pedal. You have the ability to make smaller changes easily.

Axis pedal beater options

Depending on the model pedal you order, you may get a different beater. Here are the different options available.

Axis pedal beater types

Marksman beater

This come as standard on the majority of Axis pedals. This is a medium weight beater that is a general good all arounder.

Beater Weight: 3 oz / 85 g

Wrecking ball beater

Similar in design to the Marksman but with extra weight for more power.

Beater Weight: 3.875 oz / 109.85 g

Sonic hammer extension beater

This beater allows you to adjust the distance of the beater from the head without needing to adjust the footboard angle. The beater angle can also be adjusted to ensure a solid strike on the head. Due to the beater being placed forward, this pedal gives you the feel of extra power without adding extra weight to the pedal.

Beater Weight: 4.875 oz / 138.2 g 

George Kollias beater

This gives you beater head from the sonic hammer but without the ability to adjust the beater distance from the header. These beaters come as standard on the George Kollias Signature Pedals.

Signature pedals

Beyond the multiple options available, there are some special pre-configured pedals available.

axis signature pedals

Derek Roddy Edition A21

These are the signature pedals of the death metal drummer Derek Roddy.

This pedal features the A21 cam, microtune spring tensioners, marksman beaters and E-Kits. These pedals are available in single or double pedal configurations as well as being available in silver or black finishes.

George Kollias Edition

These are the pedals of the death metal drummer George Kollias.

The pedals feature the A cam, microtune spring tensioners, George Kollias beaters and E-Kits. These pedals also feature bespoke pedalboards. The cam is connected directly to the board rather than via an extra piece at the top of the board.

These pedals are available in single or double pedal configurations as well as being available in silver or black finishes.

Axis pedal electronics

Axis has also pushed the boundaries of electronic drums. To keep up with the intense speed of its players, new triggers had to be developed to keep up. This lead to the start of innovative triggers mounted onto the pedals.

Axis percussion pedal electronics

Electronic Kit (E-Kit)

This is the first version of the on pedal trigger offered by Axis. Once installed on your pedals you just need to adjust the angle of the small hammer to ensure it hits the trigger at the same time as the pedal hits the head. Your electronic uses this signal rather than that of your bass drum.

You need one E-Kit for each pedal.

E3 Trigger

These triggers follow a new trend of on pedal triggers. These sit under the pedalboard and produce a signal when the board pushes down on the trigger. These are simple to install and adjust and can be used on any pedals, not just Axis ones.

You will need one E3 Trigger per pedal.

Where can I buy Axis Pedals?

If you live in the USA there are numerous online music stores that you can purchase from. If you are outside of the USA you can order directly on the Axis Percussion website or via select online music stores.

Final thoughts

There is no doubt that Axis Pedals have had a large impact on bass drum pedal technology. They have introduced a number of new features and levels of customisation previously unseen.

There is no doubt that the pedal offered by Axis today are still of great quality and they are premium pedals.

The only thing to mention is that these pedals do feel different to “standard” chain pedals. If you are worried about making the investment try and have a go on a pair before committing to purchase.

Sabian AAX Cymbals | The ultimate drummer’s guide

Sabian AAX series cymbals

Sabian AAX cymbals have become a staple of many professional drummers setups. They look incredible, have a great tone and there is a big selection to choose from. 

Let’s find out more about Sabian AAX cymbals and which ones will fit in your setup.

What style of music are Sabian AAX cymbals for?

Sabian AAX cymbals are designed to be versatile for a range of modern music. This could be anything from mainstream pop to rock all the way through to extreme metal. 

They have a clean and precise sound making them perfect for modern music. If you are looking for earthy cymbals with more character from Sabian, we recommend checking out the HH series.

How are Sabian AAX cymbals made?

Sabian AAX cymbals are machine-made like the AA (automatic anvil) series. This gives them their precise sound you can rely on every time you buy a Sabian AAX cymbal.

The AAX series cymbals are made from B20 bronze which is seen as the optimum blend for high-quality cymbals. When you buy a Sabian AAX cymbal you know you are getting a premium product. 

On the AAX series, you will also see that many of the cymbals feature a raw bell. This gives the cymbals a distinct look and tone. 

Hi-hat cymbals

Sabian AAX Hi-hats

Sabian AAX Medium Hi-Hats

These hi-hats feature a slightly smaller and unlathed bell. Combined with the medium weight, this gives you a pair of hi-hats that a crisp, bright and powerful.

These hi-hats are available in either a natural finish showing the full beauty of the raw bell or as a brilliant finish.

Sizes available: 14″ or 15″

Finish types: Natural or brilliant

Weight: Medium

Sabian AAX Thin Hi-Hats

Although these face many similar features to the medium hats, the reduced weight of the cymbal produces a darker sound. This makes them ideal for in the studio when you are wanting the pull back on those bright tones.

Sizes available: 14″ or 15″

Finish types: Natural or brilliant

Weight: Thin

Sabian AAX X-Celerator Hi-Hat

The X-Celerator hi-hats feature “air wave” bottom cymbals. The ridged edge on the bottom cymbals gives you maximum clarity and a strong chick when played. These are designed to give clarity are every volume making them dynamic for a wide range of playing.

Sizes available: 13″ or 14″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Medium top/ heavy bottom

Sabian AAX 14” X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals

Modelled on the popular X-Plosion crash cymbals, these hi-hats feature a high profile bell and have a heavier weight profile. The hats are loud when open and articulate when tight. They are also available in 16″ for those big hi-hat lovers.

Sizes available: 14″ or 16″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Medium top/ heavy bottom

Sabian AAX 14” Freq Hats

If you are looking for a unique pair of hi-hats you are going to struggle to beat these. They feature dual lathing on the body of the cymbal with a raw bell. This combination gives you the sound of a pre-EQ’d cymbal. No matter how hard you play you will still have a controlled sound. Nice and crisp when closed but a nice wash when open that isn’t overpowering.

Sizes available: 14″ or 15″

Finish types: Natural

Weight: Medium top/ heavy bottom

Crash cymbals

Sabian AAX Crashes

Sabian AAX Medium Crashes

These cymbals have a large raw bell and a medium weight giving them an enhanced projection with a medium sustain. 

Sizes available: 16″, 18″, 20″

Finish types: Natural or brilliant

Weight: Medium

Sabian AAX Thin Crashes

These feature a smaller bell for a faster response. The thin weight gives them a bright sound with a fast attack.

Sizes available: 16″, 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″

Finish types: Natural or brilliant

Weight: Thin

Sabian AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash Cymbal

If you are looking for a crash that gives you a short explosion of brightness these are the cymbals for you. They respond fast and get out of your way. If you are looking for something similar to a splash but on the larger side, these are worth a try.

Sizes available: 14″, 15″, 16″, 17″, 18″, 19″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Extra thin

Sabian AAX X-Plosion Crash

These are explosive like the fast crashes but with a long and smooth decay. The X-Plosion crashes are available in a large selection of sizes so you can find the one with the best tone for your setup. 

Sizes available: 14″, 15″, 16″, 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Medium thin

Sabian AAX OMNI Cymbals

The AAX OMNI cymbals aren’t just a crash, they are a crash ride. They are versatile and give you an immense variety of sounds for just one cymbal. The three distinct zones (bow, inner and bell) allow you to quickly change up sounds due to the unique finish on these cymbals. 

These are a standout range. 

Sizes available: 18″ or 22″

Finish types: Hybrid

Weight: Medium bell, extra thin edge

Sabian AAX Freq Crash

The Sabian Freq crashes are intensely cutting with a high pitch tone. These will fill a stage with sound making them perfect for live rock drumming. That being said, these can also be used in other music settings.

Sizes available: 16″, 17″, 19″

Finish types: Hybrid

Weight: Medium-heavy

Ride cymbals

Sabian AAX Rides

Sabian AAX Medium Ride

The AAX Medium Ride features a smaller bell and Sabian newer hammering technique. This gives you a more complex ride than you may expect from the AAX line.

The smaller bell produces a defined ping whilst the cymbal has more complex darker tones giving you a full sound. This ride cymbal also sounds nice when crashed. 

Sizes available: 20″, 21″, 22″

Finish types: Natural or brilliant

Weight: Medium

Sabian AAX Thin Ride

The AAX Thin Ride offers a nice ping with enhanced crash ability. If you are one of those drummers that love to crash a ride cymbal this is a good option for you.

Sizes available: 20″, 21″, 22″

Finish types: Natural or brilliant

Weight: Thin

Sabian AAX X-Plosion Ride

This ride a loud and powerful ride with a huge sustain. That being said it is still a great cymbal for crashing. 

Sizes available: 20″ or 21″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Medium/ heavy

Sabian AAX Freq Ride

This features all the same characteristics of the crashes. Big piercing sound at every dynamic.

Sizes available: 21″

Finish types: Hybrid

Weight: Medium-heavy

Sabian AAX Heavy Ride

With the extra weight comes more stick definition. Great for those faster songs that need a clear definition. With the extra weight, you do lose some of the crash ability. 

Sizes available: 20″ or 22″

Finish types: Natural or brilliant

Weight: Heavy

China cymbals

Sabian AAX Chinas

Sabian AAX Mini Chinese

The AAX Mini Chinese cymbals have everything you want from a mini china. A fast, bright attack with a quick sustain. These are perfect for accents or as part of a stack.

Sizes available: 12″ or 14″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Thin

Sabian AAX Chinese

These have everything you love for a china cymbal but toned back. Although they have that nice trashy sound they aren’t overwhelming like some china cymbals can be.

Sizes available: 16″, 18″, 20″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Thin

Sabian AAX Series X-Treme Chinese

If you are wanting an AAX China with more cut these are the ones for you. More cut and trashiness to make every hit pack a punch.

Sizes available: 17″ or 19″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Thin

Splash cymbals

Sabian AAX Splashes

Sabian AAX Series Splash 

These have everything you want from a more splash cymbal. A nice clear bright sound that cuts and has a short sustain. What isn’t there to love?

Sizes available: 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Extra-thin

Sabian AAX X-Plosion Splash

This is very similar to the splash cymbals above but with a little extra volume for enhanced projection. There is only one size available in this splash though.

Sizes available: 11″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Extra-thin

Sabian AAX Series O-Zone Splash

The same great sound as other AAX splash cymbals with a hint of trash and an even shorter sustain.

Sizes available: 10″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Extra-thin

Sabian AAX Air Splash

The AAX Air Splashes feature holes around the edge of the bell to add a trashy tone to that great splash sound.

Sizes available: 8″ or 10″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Extra-thin

Sabian AAX Aero Splash 

These splash cymbals feature the same style holes as the Mini Holy Chinas. This makes them loud and dense producing a burst of white noise. These are the only AAX splashes available with a natural finish.

Sizes available: 8″, 10″, 12″

Finish types: Natural or Brilliant

Weight: Extra-thin

Effect cymbals

Sabian AAX Effect Cymbals

Sabian AAX Aero Crash Cymbal

The Sabian Aero crashes are a combination of the based an X-Plosion crash with the holes from the AA Holy China. This combination gives you an explosive sound with a very short sustain and a hint of trashiness.

If you are into your vented cymbals these are a great option.

Sizes available: 16″ or 18″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Medium thin

Sabian AAX O-Zone Crash

The Sabian AAX O-Zone crashes are iconic. These were the first vented cymbals on the market and started a hugely popular trend. These have a fast attack with a trashy sound. Ideal for drummers who are looking to add a variety to their kit but don’t want the level of trash a china offers. 

Sizes available: 16″ or 18″

Finish types: Brilliant

Weight: Thin

Cymbal packs

If you are wanting to start creating a set of Sabian AAX cymbals or are after the best bang for your buck, cymbal packs are the way to go. There are a range of different packs available from different online music stores but the most common one is a hi-hat, crash and ride pack.

Packs are either discounted or come with a free smaller cymbal. Nice.

The main thing to consider is that these packs normally contain the medium cymbals. If you are looking for any particular cymbals, this may not be the route to go down.

Our thoughts

Sabian AAX cymbals are great professional-grade cymbals. The range is vast so you are extremely likely to be able to find something that fits your unique playing sound. 

The AAX line is also continuously expanding and innovating. It is great to see Sabian creating new and unique sounding cymbals for this line. 

I think the natural finish cymbals with the raw bell are some of the nicest looking cymbals available today. They look amazing and sound amazing.

What else could you want?

Aquiles Priester | An icon of power metal drumming

Aquiles Priester drummer

If you are interested in metal drumming it is highly likely that at some point you will have come across Aquiles Priester. His playing is flawless and he makes it look easy. It is a sight to behold.

Let’s find out more about Aquiles Priester and his drumming career so far.

Who is Aquiles Priester?

Aquiles Priester is a Brazilian drummer born on the 25th of June 1971. Although Brazilian, Aquiles was born in Outjo, South West Africa (now Namibia) to Brazilian parents before moving to Brazil in 1977. 

Aquiles was originally introduced to music at the young age of four in the form of a jazz ensemble that performed on television. It wasn’t until 1985, where he attended Rock In Rio that he decided he wanted to become a drummer. 

In the early days, Aquiles didn’t have much to work with as he learned. He had a small kit that consisted of a snare, bass drum, hi-hat, cymbal mounted that he mounted from his roof and a tom that he borrowed from his school. If that doesn’t scream dedication and passion I don’t know what does!

The early days

Aquiles got his first break when he was discovered dubbing drums on a local TV broadcast. The group Tropical Band were impressed with his performance, even though it was mined, and offered him the chance to come and perform with them. Aquiles accepted the gig and was thrown in at the deep end having to play a show on his first time meeting the band.

This pattern formed the very early days of Aquiles drumming journey. Being discovered performing with one act and being asked to join another. Things weren’t easy for Aquiles though as it was hard to find a band committed enough or making any serious progress.

One thing was certain during this time though. That was his love for the band Iron Maiden and Nicko McBrian becoming his biggest influence.  

Taking drum lessons late

During this period whilst trying to make it as a musician Aquiles decided it was time to take some lessons seven years after starting to play the drums.  

This isn’t common as most musicians will start with lessons and then proceed to pursue drums as a profession. Professional drummers do take lessons though but this is more often in the form of a coach who helps you push your learning.

Aquiles Priester took lessons from Mimo Aires, Thabba and Kiko Freitas. As well as teaching him the technique behind the kit, they taught him what it was to be a professional musician. This is often overlooked when learning an instrument. 

Making music a hobby

At the age of 24, Aquiles faced something that most musicians face in their career. You know you have the passion and drive but you haven’t had your break yet. You can’t afford to keep up the lifestyle you are living so you have to make the tough decision to get a “reel” job. 

Aquiles made this choice and put drums on the back burner making it his hobby. This is what he did for a couple of years and was happy during this period, although something was missing from his life.

Forming Hangar

In 1997 Aquiles formed Hanger. Originally they were a metal cover band but proceed to write original songs. Something was different with this band though. Each member was dedicated and they had a vision of where they wanted to go. This could be a big opportunity.

Hangar proceeded to build up a good local following and had the opportunity to open up for Brazilian melodic metal band Angra. This was the bands biggest show to date. After this, they went on to record their debut album “Last Time” which was released in May 1999.

Aquiles Priester joins Angra

In late 2000, talks begin on the chance for Aquiles to audition for Angra. The band that inspired him and that he has previously supported with Hangar. 

After much back and forth and some tests to ensure he was a good fit, Aquiles was in.

Angra was the big break Aquiles Priester was looking for. Aquiles recorded 5 albums during his time in the band and toured the world. Aquiles was a member of Angra up until their hiatus in 2007.

Releasing instructional material 

In between touring with Angra Aquiles found the time to work on his drumming profile. He released his first drum DVD in 2004 entitled “Inside My Drums” and held over 100 workshops. 

When in a successful band, it can become common for drummers to forget to raise their profile. Performing workshops and creating a DVD was a very smart step for Aquiles. 

Aquiles Priester drumming dvd

Aquiles then went on to create his first book “Inside My Psychobook – 100 Double Bass Patterns” in 2007. This book focused on developing double bass. 

By raising his profile, Aquiles got the opportunity to perform at the Drummer Live Festival in London and host workshops across Europe and South America. 

Getting back on the road

After his time with Angra, Aquiles went back to work with Hangar as well as taking on many other musical projects. This includes:

  • Almah (2007)
  • Tony MacAlpine (2012–present)
  • Vinnie Moore (2013)
  • Primal Fear (2014–2015)
  • WASP (2017–present)
  • Edu Falaschi (2017–present)
  • DragonForce (2020)

Aquiles Priester was also invited to audition for Dream Theater upon the departure of Mike Portnoy. Unfortunately on this occasion, Aquiles wasn’t chosen and the band went with Mike Mangini.

What is unique about Aquiles Priester’s drumming?

Aquiles Priester has a few distinct characteristics in his drumming. 

The first thing you will notice is how relaxed he is looking. He never seems to be straining himself whilst playing and he will normally be chewing gum. He is comfortable and in the zone.

Secondly, you will notice how tight his playing is. He has extreme precision even when playing complex double bass patterns at high tempos. A lot of practice must go into everything he performs to be this precise and relaxed. 

Aquiles also fits a lot of open-handed patterns into his parts. Either this is between his two rides, various toms or effects cymbals. Sonically, this is what makes him stand out from other drummers.

Aquiles Priester’s drum kit

As soon as you see a picture of his kit, you instantly know it belongs to Aquiles Priester. 

Besides it being massive it has a few distinguishing features. 

The cymbals are almost symmetrical and are set up in layers. At the top, you have all the cymbals for the big hits. The chinas and crashes. You then have an effects layer full of splashes and mini chinas. And at the bottom, you have the “beat” layer which consists of a hi-hat and ride each side.

There is also some symmetry to the tom setup. There are floor toms and gong drums on each side of the kit. The toms aren’t symmetrical in sizes as they go smallest to largest left to right but there are fairly symmetrical in placement.

When I look at Aquiles Priester’s drum setup it makes me think of a modern version of Nicko McBrian’s setup from Iron Maiden. You can tell this is one of his inspirations.

The latest version of his kit also has some stunning colour combinations going on. Vibrant red cymbals and red drumheads against a silver sparkle finish kit. Beautiful. 

Aquiles Priester drum kit

Let’s look at the gear he uses:

  • Mapex 
  • Paiste
  • Roland
  • Gibraltar
  • Evan Drumheads
  • Promark Drumsticks
  • LP Percussion
  • DW Pedals

That is an impressive list. It is interesting to see that although he uses Mapex drums he doesn’t use the hardware, instead opting for Gibraltar and DW Pedals. I guess if you find something you like you stick with it. 

Aquiles Priester signature products

Like most successful drummers Aquiles has had the chance to work with manufacturers to create some signature products. Let’s have a look.

Paiste 18″ 2002 Giga Bell Ride

Aquiles is known for his open-handed ride patterns. If you want to get the same sound as him you are in luck. Aquiles worked with Paiste to create the 18″ 2002 Giga Bell Ride. Although smaller than the average ride these feature a large bell and have a great ping sound. It also has a unique black dipped finish.

Paiste 18" 2002 Giga Bell Ride

Follow Aquiles Priester

Aquiles can be found in several places across the web. More sure you check out the links below to find out more.

Final thoughts

Aquiles Priester has had an inspirational journey. Once full of highs and lows, passion and determination.

He has achieved what most professional drummers aim to achieve and more. He is known as one of the worlds best metal drummers as well as being an accomplished instructor. What else could a drummer ask for?

I am a big fan of his style of drumming. The combination of fast double bass, big tom fills and interesting grooves are always exciting to watch.

I can’t wait to see what Aquiles Priester gets up to next.

Roland TD-50X Series | Brand new flagship electronic drums for 2021

roland td-50x series v-drums

Roland has just announced their brand new flagship electronic drums. The Roland TD-50X Series. Roland hasn’t released a new flagship since the launch of the TD-50 back in 2016. 

Let’s see what is new and what has changed with the Roland TD-50X Series. 

New features on the Roland TD-50X Series

Roland V-Drums are consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible with electronic drums. The triggering is sublime and then modules are packed full of features. 

Even though this is the case, Roland has once again outdone themselves with the TD-50X. 

The TD-50X features updates to the module, new sounds, a brand new set of digital hi-hats and thinner more realistic crash pads.

Looking for product highlights? Check out our web story for the Roland TD-50X.

TD-50X module updates

The new flagship module features Roland’s Prismatic Sound Modeling and PureAcoustic Ambience technologies as well as multiple options for getting your sound out of the module.

roland td-50x module

Prismatic Sounds Modeling

The Prismatic Sound Modeling is in short the way Roland is using multiple samples to create the sound you hear when you play. So when you hit a pad, based on your dynamics and location hit on the pad, the module is combining samples to give you the most accurate sound. 

This means that everything from ghost notes to loud and intense playing will have a distinct voice based on how you play.

The modelling also allows you to change the sound of the drum by changing the tuning and muffling. Or you can go a step further creating a kit from the ground up. Change the shell depth, heads, cymbal characteristics and much more.

PureAcoustic Ambience technology

Roland’s PureAcoustic Ambience technology allows you to take the sounds within the module and customise them to your taste. 

You can change the location of the mic in relationship to the drum, change the EQ, compression, reverb and other effects. 

This makes it possible for you to take the 900 onboard sounds and create almost unlimited combinations with these changes. 

Getting audio out of the module

If you are performing live there are 10 direct outputs from the module. The audio can be sent out with or without effects whilst being at a balanced volume. This means that you can control the faders for your mix without affecting your audio engineer.

If you are in a studio you can connect via USB and send up to 32 simultaneous channels of audio plus MIDI data. 

Add your sounds

If you want even more sounds on the module you can add your WAV samples via an SD Card on the side of the module.

Full specification

  • Dimensions: 13 (W) x 10-1/16 (D) x 4-11/16 (H) inches
  • Presets: 100
  • Sounds: Over 900
  • Number of User Samples: 500 Max
  • Maximum Note Storage: 40,000 (approx)
  • Recording Method: Realtime
  • Display: LCD 256 x 80 dots
  • Trigger Activity Indicator: LED
  • Faders: 8
  • External Memory: SD Card
  • Trigger In: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
  • Digital Trigger In: USB A Type
  • Sampling Rate: 44.1kHz
  • Record and Playback: 32 Channels
  • Power Supply: AC 117 V, AC 220 V, AC 230 V, AC 240 V
  • Power Consumption: 30 W
  • Product Code: TD-50X

Brand new sounds

The Roland TD-50X module comes with 900 built-in sounds. This is 500 more than the previous TD-50 module. The TD-50X has space for 100 kits. The module comes with over 70 pre-configured kits from you. Each of which you can customise using all the modules features. The remaining slots are ready for you to build your own user kits up from the ground. 

These new sounds have been painstakingly recorded at world-class studios. These are the best sounding Roland V-Drums available.

Have a listen to the module sounds in this great demo by Roland.

VH-14D digital hi-hats

Roland has long been the leader when it has come to electronic hi-hats. With the VH-14D digital hi-hats, they have truly outdone themselves. These are the first digital hi-hats from Roland following the sucess of the PD-140DS digital snare and CY-18DR digital ride that come with the previous TD-50 kits. 

The VH-14D hi-hats feature some great new features previously not seen on Roland electronic hi-hats. These features are:

  • Positional sensing – each part of the hi-hat pad will produce a different sound based on where it is hit.
  • Touch cymbal muting – by placing your hand on the surface of the top pad you can mute the cymbals sound.
  • Grab cymbal muting – by grabbing both the hats closed with your hands, the cymbals will mute.
  • Enhanced foot dynamics – the sound on the cymbal is more reactive to the pressure you are applying to the hi-hat pedal. 

CY-16R-T crash cymbal pads

These new cymbal pads don’t feature the same extreme overhaul as the hi-hats but they have had some nice improvements. These pads feature multiple zones and grab muting like previous models but the main improvement is that these pads are 40% thinner giving them a more realistic playing feel.

The different Roland TD-50X Series V-Drum sets available

Roland has released a few new configurations of the TD-50X series kits so you can choose one that meets your tastes and budgets.

Roland TD-50KV2 V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit

This is the new flagship kit that features everything above plus four toms, a full-size bass drum, a digital snare and a digital ride. If you want the best electronic kit Roland has to offer, this is it.

Roland TD-50KV2 V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit

Full configuration:

  • Drum sound module: TD-50X x 1
  • Snare: PD-140DS x 1
  • Toms 1/2: PD-108-BC x 2
  • Toms 3/4: PD-128-BC x 2
  • Hi-hat: VH-14D x 1
  • Crash 1/Crash 2: CY-16R-T x 2
  • Ride: CY-18DR x 1
  • Kick: KD-180 x 1
  • Drum stand: MDS-STG2 x 1

Here is an in-depth look at the TD-50KV2 V-Drums from Roland.

Roland TD-50K2 V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit

This is essentially the budget version in the TD-50X series. You are still getting the TD-50X module, all the digital cymbals and one of the new crashes. To reduce the price you are getting just 3 toms, one 14″ crash pad, a smaller bass drum and a plastic rack. 

Since this kit still has the module and the digital pads it will still sound and play incredibly well.

Roland-TD-50K2-V-Drums-Electronic-Drum-Kit

Full configuration

  • Drum sound module: TD-50X x 1
  • Snare: PD-140DS x 1
  • Toms 1/2/3: PDx-100 x 3
  • Hi-hat: VH-14D x 1
  • Crash 1: CY-14C-T x 1
  • Crash 2: CY-16R-T x 1
  • Ride: CY-18DR x 1
  • Kick: KD-140 x 1
  • Drum stand: MDS-GND2 x 1

Roland VAD-706 V-Drums Acoustic Design Drum Kit

Roland has also launched a new flagship acoustic look set featuring the TD-50X module. These kits feature all the digital pads, two of the new crash cymbals, 10″, 12″ and 14″ toms and a 22″ bass drum.

These kits are available in 4 stunning finishes:

  • Pearl White
  • Gloss Cherry
  • Gloss Ebony
  • Gloss Natural
Roland VAD-706 V-Drums Acoustic Design Drum Kit

It is great to see Roland taking the acoustic look electronic kit segment more seriously. Roland has been falling behind what some companies have been manufacturing but this truly puts them back on top.

Full configuration

  • Drum sound module: TD-50X x 1
  • Snare: PD-140DS x 1
  • Tom 1: PDA100 x 1
  • Tom 2: PDA120 x 1
  • Tom 3: PDA140F x 1
  • Hi-hat: VH-14D x 1
  • Crash 1/Crash 2: CY-16R-T x 2
  • Ride: CY-18DR x 1
  • Kick: KD-222 x 1
  • Drum stand: DTS-30S x 1

Can I upgrade my existing TD-50 module?

Yes, you can! The TD-50 already features a third digital pad input that can be used for the new digital hi-hats. The upgrade offered by Roland will update your module with the capacity to support the new digital hi-hat, all the new sounds and kits as well as the ability to pass 32 audio channels via USB. 

The cost to upgrade your existing TD-50 module to the TD-50X software is $199. To do this you will need to join the Roland Cloud. As a bonus, you will also receive a free year of Roland Cloud membership where you can access even more kits and samples.

Also, bear in mind you will have to purchase the new VH-14D hi-hats for the full benefits. 

Our thoughts on the Roland TD-50X Series

Roland has long produced the best electronic kits and they are showing no signs of slowing down. The accuracy and depth of triggering they have reached are astounding and incredibly impressive.

Many peoples gripes with Roland kits has been the quality of the audio samples on the module. With the TD-50X it does feel like there has been a big leap forward, not just in the quality but also with the range. 

There isn’t anything not to like with these kits except the price. Roland flagship products have always been expensive and these are no different. For most drummers, these kits will be out of their price range.  

What would we like to see next from Roland?

Roland and still leading the way with their trigger accuracy and pads. It would be great to see them continue the rollout of the digital pads across the rest of the drum kit. 

The next thing I would love to see from Roland is a touch screen module. The GEWA G9 Workstation (AKA module) is a fresh experience and I think a touchscreen for electric drum modules makes sense. It can be more intuitive for users and make more complex modifications simpler.

The final thing we would like to see is something else GEWA is leading the way on. Wifi connectivity built into th e module with an online resource for downloading extra samples. GEWA is doing a great job and this seems like a natural next step.

Roland is doing a fantastic job but it would be great to see a brand next module with some brand next features. As much as we love the TD-50X Series, it does feel like a half step rather than a brand new product.

We can’t wait to see what Roland release in the next few years.

Mesh head guide for drummers | What’s best for your budget?

mesh heads for drums

Mesh heads have become the go-to drum head type for electronic drum kits and are also a great option when you want that real kit feel at a lower volume.

Due to the popularity, there are now several options available on the market. In this guide, we’ll talk through the different types of mesh heads available and which are the best for your budget.

What are mesh drum heads?

Mesh heads are a type of drum head that aims to give you the feel of a normal acoustic drum head but at a lower volume. Tradition heads are made from plies of mylar sheets whereas mesh is made from plies of woven material. 

Since it is woven they don’t produce the sound you would expect from a drum head. There is almost no sound. Since there are tiny holes all over the mesh, all the air is escaping removing any tone or volume.  

In general, mesh heads do provide more rebound due to how the plies are woven and how the tension is formed on the head.  

Why would I want mesh heads?

There are two main reasons for wanting mesh heads. 

1. Making your drum kit quieter

If you are wanting to make your drum kit quieter replacing your standard drum heads for mesh heads is going to do a great job. This will drastically reduce the volume. If you are wanting to remove even more volume, switch out your resonant heads for mesh heads as well. This will remove even more volume but it will remove any tone from the drum. If the sound reduction is what you are after, replace the batter head first and see if the volume is low enough for you. If you don’t need to switch out the resonant head don’t. That little bit of tone will make playing the kit a lot more enjoyable.

2. For an electric drum kit

Mesh heads are the head of choice for most electronic drum kits. They are quiet and good for triggering. Since electronic drum kits come with mesh heads you will only be replacing heads every couple of years if you look after them. 

Types of mesh drum heads available

Mesh heads come in a range of different forms. Most notably by the number of plies. They come in 1 ply, 2 plies or 3 plies. It isn’t that straight forward though as the thickness of plies will vary by manufacturer. So a 1 ply head from manufacturer A may be similar to a 2 ply head from manufacturer B.

The main thing to consider when choosing a mesh head is that you are going to be looking for the right balance of feel and volume reduction for your application. In general, quieter heads are more bouncy so you need to find what is best for you.

1 ply mesh heads

One-ply mesh heads are made from one layer of fabric. This is the most common type of mesh head you will find. In general single ply mesh heads offer great volume reduction but have a lot of rebound.

single ply mesh heads

Remo Silentstroke Heads

The Remo Silentstroke heads are made from one ply of thin mesh. The heads reduce volume by up to 70% but they are fairly bouncy. These are the most expensive of the single-ply heads available. 

Sizes available:

  • 6″ to 18″ tom heads
  • 16″ to 24″ bass drum heads

WHD Practice Mesh Drumhead

The WHD Practice Mesh Drumheads are a great option for cutting down the volume on a budget. WHD doesn’t make any claims on a percentage of volume saved.

Sizes available:

  • 10″ to 22″ heads

Tama Mesh Heads

Although Tama is predominately known for their great acoustic drums and hardware they do also manufacture mesh heads. These mesh heads are single ply and claim to save up to 70% of volume. These are also in black rather than white so that finish may be more appealing for you.

Sizes available:

  • 8″ to 16″ tom heads
  • 18″ and 22″ bass heads

Evans Soundoff Mesh Drumheads 

These are similar in appearance to the Tama heads with a nice black finish. Evans claim these can reduce volume by up to 95%. That is a massive claim but from the videos online they do seem to be extremely quiet. They are fairly bouncy though.

These heads also feature the signature level 360 technology to ensure an even playing surface. 

Sizes available:

  • 8″ to 18″ tom heads
  • 13″ and 14″ snare heads
  • 18″ to 24″ bass heads

Drum-tec Basic Mesh Heads

Drum-tec is the leaders at everything electronic drumming. This goes for their line of heads as well. They have four different types in total and this is the basic model. These are single ply and offer the best volume reduction but have a powerful rebound. These heads are available in either white or black.

Sizes available:

  • 6″ to 16″ tom heads
  • 18″ to 24″ bass drum heads

View on drum-tec

Drum-tec Pro Mesh Heads

These are the other single-ply mesh head offered by Drum-tec. Although these are single ply still, the material is very thick. This thickness gives these drums the most realistic feel. Probably the most realistic on this list. The downside is they are louder than the other heads featured. If you play an electronic kit, want the best feel but are bothered about the sound reduction, these are the mesh heads for you. These heads come in a black finish.

Sizes available:

  • 8″ to 18″ tom heads
  • 18″ to 22″ bass drum heads

View on drum-tec

2 ply mesh heads

Two-ply mesh heads are made from two sheets of mesh. In general, two-ply heads have a more natural feel but are louder than single-ply heads.

two ply mesh drum heads

Roland MH2 PowerPly Mesh Heads

The Roland MH2 PowerPly Heads are manufactured by REMO so you know you are dealing with a quality product. These are also the heads you will find on all Roland mesh head electronic drums. So if you have a Roland V-Drums kit and you want to maintain the same feel, these are the heads for you. These heads are the most expensive two-ply mesh heads. 

Sizes available:

  • 8″ to 22″ heads

Drum-tec Design Mesh Heads

With the Drum-tec design mesh heads, you are getting an all-around drum head. It has volume reduction, a good feel and accurate triggering. For a drummer looking for the best overall mesh head, this is a good option.

Sizes available:

  • 6″ to 16″ tom heads
  • 18″ to 26″ bass drum heads

View on drum-tec

3 ply mesh heads

These heads are made from three plies of mesh material. In general, three-ply heads offer a more realistic feel but don’t reduce the volume as much.

three ply mesh drum heads

Drum-tec Reel Feel Mesh Heads

The three plies on the Drum-tec Reel Feel Mesh Heads offer a more realistic feel whilst still producing accurate triggering volume reductions. 

Sizes available:

  • 6″ to 16″ tom heads
  • 18″ to 24″ bass drum heads

View on drum-tec

Jobeky Prestige 3 Ply Mesh Heads

Jobeky has become leaders in creating custom electronic drum kits that look like a real acoustic kit. The product they make is fantastic and they also have their mesh heads to match. The 3 ply mesh heads are made with three thin layers to mimic that reel feel.

Sizes available:

  • 8″ to 16″ tom heads
  • 20″ and 22″ bass drum heads

View on Jobeky

Our top pick

It is almost impossible to pick out a top mesh head to choose as they all have such different characteristics and if you are after a combination of volume reduction and feel it can be very difficult.

Based on our findings we would suggest the following:

  • Best feeling mesh head – Drum-tec Pro Mesh Heads
  • Best sound reduction – Evans Soundoff Mesh Heads

If you have the budget we would suggest choosing out a couple of heads you think fit your desired characteristics best. Give them a try and then order a full set of the ones you liked best.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a specific head for my snare?

Most manufacturers don’t offer a specific snare drum mesh head as there is no need. As long as the size matches the head will fit just fine.

Can mesh heads damage my drums?

If you over tighten mesh heads they may damage your rims over time. Especially if your rims are made from wood. The good news for your kit is that there is no need to overtighten mesh heads.

Can I tune mesh heads?

Mesh heads don’t produce a tone so they can’t be tuned. Adjusting the tightness will affect the feel on the head and how well it triggers.

Can I change the feel of a mesh head?

You can change the feel on the mesh by adjusting the tightness of the head. When you put adjust the lugs make sure they have an even amount of tension like you would when tuning a normal acoustic drum.

Final thoughts

Mesh Drum heads are a great option for reducing the volume of your kit. Personally, I think I would only buy mesh heads for an acoustic kit if I was wanting to convert it to an electric kit. I don’t think the sound of pure mesh heads is that nice on the ear. I would rather use a couple of practice pads. But this is my personal preference.

Do you have mesh heads? What are the best ones you have tried? Let us know in the comments.