Follow the Reaper Drum Setup: Jaska Raatikainen's Gear on Children of Bodom's 2000 Album | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drums did Jaska Raatikainen use on Follow the Reaper?

On *Follow the Reaper* (2000), Jaska Raatikainen played a Tama Starclassic Maple kit — marking his transition from the early Tama configuration of *Hatebreeder* (1999) to the Starclassic series. The setup centered on twin 22" x 18" bass drums, rack toms (10" and 12"), and floor toms (14" and 16"), all in the Starclassic's six-ply maple construction. This was the beginning of the Tama Starclassic era that would continue through *Hate Crew Deathroll* (2003). For Raatikainen's complete gear history across CoB's career, see the [Jaska Raatikainen drummer profile](/drummer/jaska-raatikainen).

What pedals did Jaska Raatikainen use on Follow the Reaper?

Jaska Raatikainen used the Tama Iron Cobra double pedal on *Follow the Reaper* (2000) — a significant upgrade from the DW 5000 of the *Hatebreeder* sessions. The Iron Cobra's chain-drive mechanism and cam geometry delivered superior mechanical consistency at the extreme tempos that *Follow the Reaper* demanded, particularly across the sustained double-kick passages in tracks like "Kissing the Shadows." The Iron Cobra would remain Raatikainen's pedal of choice through the *Hate Crew Deathroll* (2003) sessions. See the [Jaska Raatikainen full kit guide](/articles/jaska-raatikainen-drum-setup) for his pedal evolution across CoB's career.

What cymbals did Jaska Raatikainen use on Follow the Reaper?

On *Follow the Reaper* (2000), Jaska Raatikainen used Paiste cymbals — specifically Paiste Sound Edge 14" hi-hats paired with Paiste 2002 crashes (16" and 18"), a Paiste 2002 20" ride, and a Paiste 2002 18" China. This marked the transition from the Zildjian A Series of *Hatebreeder* (1999) to the Paiste 2002 era that would continue through *Hate Crew Deathroll* (2003). The Paiste 2002's CuSn8 bronze alloy brought a different, brighter tonal character to CoB's cymbal sound. For context, see the [Hate Crew Deathroll drum setup article](/articles/hate-crew-deathroll-drum-setup).

Is Follow the Reaper Jaska Raatikainen's most technical album?

*Follow the Reaper* (2000) is widely regarded as Jaska Raatikainen's most technically demanding Children of Bodom studio performance. "Kissing the Shadows" in particular demands sustained blast and double-bass patterns at tempos exceeding 210 BPM across extended song sections — a physical and technical feat that remains one of melodic death metal's most demanding recorded drum performances. The album arrived just one year after *Hatebreeder* and documented a dramatic increase in technical ambition, setting up the refined and commercially successful approach of *Hate Crew Deathroll* (2003). See the [Hatebreeder drum setup](/articles/hatebreeder-drum-setup) and [Hate Crew Deathroll drum setup](/articles/hate-crew-deathroll-drum-setup) for comparison.