Altars of Madness Drum Setup: Pete Sandoval's Death Metal Genesis | MetalForge
Pete Sandoval recorded Altars of Madness (1989) on a ddrum (specific series unconfirmed) kit with a ddrum (specific model unconfirmed) snare.
Complete drum gear breakdown for Morbid Angel's Altars of Madness. Discover Pete Sandoval's 1989 kit, revolutionary blast beat techniques, and the Morrisound...
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit did Pete Sandoval use on Altars of Madness?
Pete Sandoval recorded Morbid Angel's debut Altars of Madness in 1989 on a ddrum kit — his specific series has not been publicly confirmed — with dual 22x16 inch bass drums, 10 and 12 inch rack toms, and 14 and 16 inch floor toms. His snare was also a ddrum (specific model unconfirmed) at 14x6.5 inches. Whatever the exact configuration, it delivered some of the most ferocious drumming ever committed to tape.
What cymbals did Pete Sandoval use on Altars of Madness?
Pete Sandoval used Paiste 2002 cymbals on Altars of Madness, a series well known for its aggressive, powerful projection. His setup included 2002 14 inch Sound Edge hi-hats, 2002 16 and 18 inch Crashes, a 2002 20 inch Medium Ride, and a 2002 18 inch China Type. The 2002 series' bright, cutting character was ideal for cutting through the dense, fast guitar work on the album, and helped establish the Paiste 2002 as a foundational cymbal choice in early death metal.
How much did Pete Sandoval's Altars of Madness drum kit cost?
Pete's specific ddrum kit and snare model from this era haven't been publicly confirmed, so an exact period price isn't available. The Paiste 2002 cymbal setup would have cost around $800 to $1,500 new in 1989.