Lars Ulrich's Drum Setup on Metallica's 72 Seasons (2023) | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drums does Lars Ulrich use on 72 Seasons?

Lars Ulrich recorded 72 Seasons (2023) on his Tama Starclassic Maple kit — the same core setup he has used since Hardwired... to Self-Destruct in 2016. The configuration is a compact single-kick setup: a 22x18 inch bass drum run with an Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide double pedal, 10 and 12 inch rack toms, and 14 and 16 inch floor toms. He paired it with his Tama LU1465 Lars Ulrich Signature snare and Zildjian A Custom cymbals, recorded at Metallica's own HQ studio in San Rafael, CA with producer Greg Fidelman.

Is 72 Seasons Lars Ulrich's last Metallica album?

72 Seasons (2023) is Metallica's most recent studio album and, as of this writing, Lars Ulrich's last studio recording with the band. It is not his last album as Metallica's drummer — he remains the band's sole studio drummer. What makes 72 Seasons a notable dividing line is that it was released before Eloy Casagrande joined Metallica's M72 World Tour as a live co-drummer for the tour's largest stadium shows starting in October 2023. Lars continues to record and tour with Metallica; 72 Seasons is simply the most recent studio full-length in the catalog.

Why did Metallica add a second drummer after 72 Seasons?

In October 2023, Metallica brought in Eloy Casagrande — the former Sepultura drummer — as a co-drummer for select, larger-scale shows on the M72 World Tour. The arrangement was designed to add live power on the tour's biggest stadium dates rather than to replace Lars Ulrich, who remained Metallica's sole studio drummer throughout and continued performing on every date of the tour. The move came after 72 Seasons had already been recorded and released, which is why the album is commonly referenced as Lars's last studio work before the Eloy era of Metallica's live show began.

How does the 72 Seasons drum sound compare to Death Magnetic?

Both albums represent a deliberate return to thrash-influenced tempos and songwriting, but the gear differs slightly. Death Magnetic (2008) used Tama Starclassic Birch shells for a brighter, more attack-forward tone suited to Rick Rubin's punchy production. 72 Seasons (2023) uses Tama Starclassic Maple, which Lars adopted around the Hardwired era, giving the album a warmer, fuller low end. Both albums use the same Tama LU1465 signature snare and Zildjian A Custom cymbals, so the core tonal signature — bright cymbals, cutting snare crack — remains consistent across both records despite the different shell material.

What cymbals did Lars Ulrich use on 72 Seasons?

Lars Ulrich used Zildjian A Custom cymbals throughout 72 Seasons — the same series he has used since Death Magnetic in 2008. His setup includes 14 inch A Custom hi-hats, 16 and 18 inch A Custom crashes, a 20 inch A Custom ride, and an 18 inch A Custom China. This long-running cymbal setup gives 72 Seasons the same bright, cutting cymbal character heard on Hardwired... to Self-Destruct and Death Magnetic.