Hellhammer Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Mayhem Black Metal Legend | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drums does Hellhammer use?

Hellhammer plays a Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech drum kit. He runs a double bass drum configuration with two 22" x 18" kick drums, three rack toms (10", 12", 14"), and two floor toms (16", 18"). The Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech is his consistent choice across his work with both Mayhem and Dimmu Borgir, valued for its mechanical precision, consistent shell resonance, and road durability across demanding touring schedules with multiple bands.

What cymbals does Hellhammer play?

Hellhammer plays Paiste RUDE cymbals, known for a raw, unlathed character that cuts through black metal's dense guitar frequencies. His setup includes 14" RUDE Hi-Hats, an 18" RUDE Crash, a 19" RUDE Crash, a 20" RUDE Ride, and an 18" RUDE China. The RUDE series' harsh, cutting character is central to the cold, cutting cymbal sound associated with Norwegian black metal production.

How does Hellhammer achieve his blast beat speed?

Hellhammer's blast beat speed comes from the combination of his Axis double bass pedal, his barefoot playing technique, and decades of developed technique. Playing barefoot gives Hellhammer direct tactile feedback through the pedal — at extreme tempos, the proprioceptive information from the footboard is critical for left-foot / right-foot coordination. The result is blast beats that are not just fast but structurally precise — each kick stroke in its exact rhythmic position.

Why does Hellhammer play barefoot?

Hellhammer plays barefoot to maximize tactile feedback through his bass drum pedal and hi-hat stand. At the extreme tempos black metal drumming requires, shoe soles create a layer of dampening between the foot and the pedal that reduces the direct physical information needed for precise coordination. Playing barefoot eliminates that buffer, giving Hellhammer immediate feedback about pedal position, spring tension, and footboard return. This physical connection to the instrument is part of the technique that allows him to maintain blast beat precision across full live performances.

What pedal does Hellhammer use?

Hellhammer drives his extreme-tempo double bass playing with an Axis double pedal, seated on a Sonor drummer's throne. For blast beat drumming where each kick stroke must occupy an exact rhythmic position at extreme tempos, this pedal is the engineering foundation of Hellhammer's double-kick precision.