Matt Halpern's Drum Setup on Periphery IV: Hail Stan (2019) | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drums did Matt Halpern use on Periphery IV: Hail Stan?

Matt Halpern recorded Periphery IV: Hail Stan (2019) on a Mapex Saturn V MH Exotic kit — his fully established flagship setup. The Saturn V features maple-and-walnut hybrid shells with SONIClear bearing edges, providing focused attack and sustained warmth across the album's extraordinary dynamic range. The configuration included a 22-inch by 18-inch single bass drum, 10-inch and 12-inch rack toms, and 14-inch and 16-inch floor toms. The Saturn V represented the fully mature version of the Mapex setup Halpern had been developing since his endorsement began around 2014, and its deep familiarity shows in the poise of the Hail Stan performances.

What is 'Reptile' on Periphery IV: Hail Stan?

Reptile is a 16-minute progressive metal epic that serves as the centerpiece of Periphery IV: Hail Stan (2019). It is the longest and most compositionally complex track in Periphery's catalog, spanning multiple distinct emotional states — from ambient, contemplative passages to full-force djent aggression — within a continuous, through-composed structure. For Matt Halpern, 'Reptile' represents the most demanding single drum performance he had committed to record: navigating extreme dynamic range, dramatic tempo contrasts, and greater structural variety than any prior Periphery track. The 16-minute composition was debuted live in full during the Hail Stan world tour and became the defining showcase of both the band's compositional ambition and Halpern's performance capabilities.

What cymbals did Matt Halpern use on Periphery IV: Hail Stan?

Matt Halpern used a comprehensive Meinl Byzance cymbal setup on Periphery IV: Hail Stan — the most fully realized configuration of his Meinl relationship. The setup included 14-inch Byzance Dual hi-hats, Byzance Extra Dry crashes in 18 and 19 inches, a 20-inch Byzance Traditional Medium Crash, a 22-inch Byzance Extra Dry Medium Ride, an 18-inch Byzance Brilliant China, and Meinl Trash Stack effects. The Byzance series' handcrafted B20 bronze construction provided the dark, complex cymbal voice essential for navigating the wide dynamic range of 'Reptile' and the aggressive production of 'Blood Eagle' and 'CHVRCH BVRNER.'

Did Periphery IV: Hail Stan chart on the Billboard charts?

Yes. Periphery IV: Hail Stan debuted at number 1 on the US Top Progressive Albums chart following its April 5, 2019 release on Periphery's own 3DOT Recordings label. The album also reached the top 20 of the US Hard Rock Albums chart, confirming that Periphery had built a commercially significant audience beyond the djent underground over the decade since their 2010 debut. The chart success reflected both the band's loyal fanbase and the critical recognition that Periphery IV represented the band's most ambitious and fully realized studio statement.

How was Hail Stan received in the djent and prog-metal scene?

Hail Stan debuted at number one on the US Top Progressive Albums chart and reached the top 20 of the US Hard Rock Albums chart following its April 5, 2019 release on Periphery's own 3DOT Recordings label. Critical and fan reaction has been more divided than commercial reception: some listeners consider it Periphery's most ambitious and rewarding record, largely on the strength of "Reptile," while others find its scope less focused than the tighter Periphery III: Select Difficulty. Matt Halpern's drumming performance, however, is consistently cited as a highlight regardless of where a given listener lands on the album overall.