Brotherhood of the Snake Drum Setup: Gene Hoglan Returns to Testament (2016) | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drums did Gene Hoglan use on Brotherhood of the Snake?

Gene Hoglan recorded Brotherhood of the Snake (2016) using a Pearl Reference Series kit — Pearl's professional flagship built around a 16-ply maple/birch hybrid shell. His configuration included two 22" x 18" bass drums for his signature independent double-kick setup, 10" and 12" rack toms, and 14" and 16" floor toms. His snare was a Pearl Reference Brass model at 14" x 6.5". Cymbals were Zildjian A Custom series, and he used DW 9000 single pedals on each bass drum.

Why did Gene Hoglan return to Testament?

Gene Hoglan returned to Testament for Brotherhood of the Snake (2016) after a 22-year absence — his last albums with the band had been Low (1994) and The Gathering (1999). The reunion came after Testament's previous drummer Paul Bostaph departed. Hoglan had maintained a relationship with Testament throughout his absence, occasionally filling in on tour dates, and the Brotherhood of the Snake sessions gave the band the opportunity to record with one of thrash metal's most celebrated drummers in his mature, peak modern era. The result debuted at #14 on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy nomination.

Was Brotherhood of the Snake Grammy-nominated?

Yes — 'The Pale King,' a track from Brotherhood of the Snake, was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 2017 Grammy Awards. That year's winner was Megadeth for 'Dystopia.' The nomination marked Gene Hoglan's first Grammy nomination as a featured performer on a nominated track, representing institutional recognition for one of extreme metal's most influential drummers. The nomination also introduced Brotherhood of the Snake to mainstream music audiences unfamiliar with Testament's catalog.

How does Brotherhood of the Snake compare to Gene Hoglan's earlier Testament work?

Brotherhood of the Snake (2016) represents a more refined and sonically polished Hoglan than the albums he made with Testament in the 1990s. Low (1994) and The Gathering (1999) captured him in a more aggressive, raw approach that reflected the gear and production standards of that era. On Brotherhood of the Snake, his Pearl Reference Series setup, Zildjian A Custom cymbals, and DW 9000 pedals combine with Juan Urteaga's modern production to produce a drum sound that is simultaneously heavier and more detailed — the same ferocity with 22 additional years of refinement.