Ben Koller's Drum Setup on Converge's Axe to Fall (2009) | MetalForge
Inside Ben Koller's drum setup for Converge's Axe to Fall (2009) — the all-star collaboration record with members of Mastodon, Cave In, and Genghis Tron. Tam...
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit did Ben Koller use on Converge's Axe to Fall?
Ben Koller recorded Axe to Fall in 2009 using a Tama Starclassic-era kit with bubinga shells in Piano Black finish. The configuration included a single 22" x 16" bass drum, 10" and 12" rack toms, and 14" and 16" floor toms. His snare was a brass-shell Tama 14" x 6.5" model — the same general formula as Jane Doe, refined over eight years of touring.
What cymbals did Ben Koller use on Axe to Fall?
Ben Koller used Sabian HHX and AAX cymbals on Axe to Fall. The setup included Sabian HHX Groove Hats (14"), Sabian AAX Stage Crash (18") and AAX X-Plosion Crash (19"), Sabian HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride (21"), Sabian AAX Chinese (18"), and a Sabian AAX Splash (10"). The combination of HHX darkness and AAX brightness supports the album's wide dynamic range.
Who produced Converge's Axe to Fall?
Axe to Fall was tracked by Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou at his GodCity Studio in Salem, Massachusetts and mixed by Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Isis, Botch) at his Red Room Recording in Seattle. The two-stage production gave the album Ballou's immediate, close-miked drum tracking and Bayles' tight, guitar-forward mix character.
Which guests appear on Axe to Fall?
Axe to Fall features guest contributions from members of Mastodon (Brann Dailor), Cave In (Stephen Brodsky), Genghis Tron, Neurosis (Steve Von Till), Disfear (Tomas Lindberg), and more. The collaborative spirit of the album is one of its defining qualities — Koller's drumming has to support a much wider range of textures than a typical Converge record.