Lamb of God 'Resolution' Drum Setup — Chris Adler's Grammy-Nominated 2012 Kit | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drum kit did Chris Adler use on Resolution?

On Resolution (2012), Chris Adler used a Mapex Black Panther Velvetone Series kit — his signature drum setup featuring maple/walnut hybrid shells. The configuration included dual 22"×18" bass drums, 10" and 12" rack toms, and 14" and 16" floor toms. The Velvetone's maple/walnut construction produces a warmer, more complex tone than pure maple, with the walnut component adding body and sustain to the maple's natural attack and projection.

What cymbals did Chris Adler use on Resolution?

For Resolution (2012), Chris Adler returned to Meinl Byzance cymbals after the Zildjian A Custom era of Sacrament and Wrath. His setup included Meinl 13" Byzance Traditional hi-hats, Byzance crashes from 18" to 20", a 21" Byzance Dark Ride, Byzance Brilliant Chinas at 18" and 20", and a 10" Byzance Traditional Splash. The Byzance series' dark, complex, hand-hammered character gives Resolution's cymbal sound a notably different quality from the brighter A Custom era — heavier China attacks, richer crash overtones, and a darker ride presence.

What Grammy nomination did Resolution earn?

Lamb of God's "Ghost Walking," from Resolution (2012), was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance at the 56th Grammy Awards (2014). The track showcases Chris Adler driving Lamb of God's groove metal at 155 BPM with complete precision — China cymbal accents placed with snare-drum accuracy, double-bass patterns sustained through chorus sections, and ghost notes woven throughout the main groove. It was one of Lamb of God's multiple Grammy nominations during the Chris Adler era.

How does Resolution differ from the Wrath drum setup?

Resolution (2012) represents a complete gear reversal from Wrath (2009). The Pearl Reference Pure kit was replaced with the Mapex Black Panther Velvetone (maple/walnut vs maple/mahogany shells). The snare changed dramatically — from a Pearl Free-Floating 14"×6.5" to Adler's signature Mapex Warbird at 12"×5.5", trading body for speed and crack-focus. Cymbals returned to Meinl Byzance from Zildjian A Custom, giving Resolution a darker, more complex top end. Producer Josh Wilbur replaced Machine (Mark Lewis), bringing a more open, dynamic approach to the drum sound.

What are Chris Adler's polyrhythmic techniques on Desolation?

"Desolation" from Resolution features Adler's most complex polyrhythmic approach on any Lamb of God record. The track layers staggered kick drum placement against syncopated right-hand patterns — multiple metric streams running simultaneously that create rhythmic complexity without sacrificing the underlying groove. Ghost notes on the snare add a third rhythmic layer throughout the main pattern. The technique demands independent limb control at high tempo: each limb operates on its own rhythmic subdivision while all four lock into the overall groove. It's Adler's pivot technique philosophy taken to its most sophisticated expression.

Where was Lamb of God Resolution recorded?

Resolution was recorded at NRG Recording Services in North Hollywood, California, with producer Josh Wilbur. NRG is a major Los Angeles facility known for its acoustic versatility and its work with top-tier rock and metal acts. Wilbur's production on Resolution gave the drum sound more air and dynamic range than Machine's previous three Lamb of God productions — the Meinl Byzance cymbals breathe more openly in the mix, and the drum room ambience sits more prominently than on Wrath or Sacrament.