Abrahadabra — Dimmu Borgir Drum Setup (Daray, 2010) | MetalForge
Daray recorded Abrahadabra (2010) on a Pearl Masterworks Stadium Exotic kit with a Pearl Reference 14" x 5.5" Brass snare.
The drum setup behind Daray's first studio album as Dimmu Borgir's drummer: Pearl Masterworks Stadium Exotic with Paiste RUDE/2002 cymbals, recorded alongsid...
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit did Daray use on Abrahadabra?
Daray played his Pearl Masterworks Stadium Exotic kit in custom black finish on Abrahadabra (2010) — his first studio album with Dimmu Borgir. The double 22" kick configuration and multi-ply maple/birch shell construction gave him the consistent response needed to lock against the Kringkastingsorkestret (Norwegian Radio Orchestra) and Schola Cantorum choir tracked separately at NRK Studios in Oslo. For his complete gear breakdown across his full Dimmu Borgir tenure, see the [Daray drum setup guide](/articles/daray-drum-setup).
Was Abrahadabra Daray's first studio album with Dimmu Borgir?
Yes. Daray joined Dimmu Borgir in 2008 as Hellhammer's replacement, but Abrahadabra (2010) was the first time his drumming was recorded for a Dimmu Borgir studio album. He went on to record Eonian (2018) as his second studio album with the band, alongside years of international touring in between.
How was the orchestra recorded on Abrahadabra?
The Kringkastingsorkestret (Norwegian Radio Orchestra) and Schola Cantorum choir — a combined ensemble of more than 100 musicians and singers — were recorded at NRK Studios in Oslo, separately from the core band tracking. Drums and vocals were recorded at Dug Out Studios in Uppsala, Sweden, and guitars/bass at Living Room Studios in Oslo, with the parts assembled together in the mix rather than performed live in one room. That separation placed extra weight on Daray's tempo consistency, since the orchestral and choir tracks could not adjust to any drift in his timing.
What cymbals does Daray play on Abrahadabra?
Daray's Abrahadabra cymbal setup is the same Paiste RUDE and 2002 combination documented across his Dimmu Borgir career: 14" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 16" RUDE and 18" 2002 crashes, a 22" RUDE Power Ride, and a 2002 China. The RUDE series' durability and bell definition suit the album's heaviest passages, while the Sound Edge Hi-Hats' open character integrates with the orchestral and choir arrangements on tracks like "Gateways."