Senjutsu Drum Setup: Nicko McBrain's Gear on Iron Maiden's UK #1 Grammy-Nominated 2021 Album | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drums does Nicko McBrain use on Senjutsu?

Nicko McBrain recorded Senjutsu (2021) on a Sonor SQ1 drum kit — his professional studio and touring configuration for the modern era. The setup featured a single 22"x17" bass drum (no double bass), three rack toms (10", 12", 13"), and two floor toms (16" and 18"). Shells are North American maple. His snare was the Sonor Nicko McBrain Signature, 14"x6.5". The album was recorded at Guillaume Tell Studio in Paris in August 2019 and debuted at UK #1 on its September 2021 release. See the [Nicko McBrain drummer profile](/drummer/nicko-mcbrain) for his complete gear history.

What is Senjutsu's drum setup?

Senjutsu (Iron Maiden, 2021) was recorded using Nicko McBrain's Sonor SQ1 kit with North American maple shells, a Sonor Nicko McBrain Signature snare (14"x6.5"), Paiste Signature cymbals including 15" Sound Edge hi-hats and a 22" Power Ride, and Vic Firth Nicko McBrain Signature sticks. The bass drum was a single 22" Sonor, driven by a single bass drum pedal — Nicko's lifelong philosophy. Producer Kevin Shirley captured the kit at Guillaume Tell Studio in Paris with a natural, dynamic approach consistent with his work on Brave New World, The Final Frontier, and [The Book of Souls](/articles/book-of-souls-drum-setup).

Was Senjutsu nominated for a Grammy?

Yes. Iron Maiden's 'The Writing on the Wall' — a track from Senjutsu — was nominated for Best Rock Performance at the 2022 Grammy Awards (64th Grammy Awards). The nomination recognized the track's outstanding achievement in rock performance. Nicko McBrain played drums on the recording, making Senjutsu the first Iron Maiden album to generate a Grammy nomination in this category. The award ultimately went to another nominee, but the nomination placed Iron Maiden and Nicko McBrain's performance in the context of the year's most recognized rock recordings.

What cymbals did Nicko McBrain use on Senjutsu?

On Senjutsu, Nicko McBrain used Paiste Signature series cymbals: 15" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 16" Full Crash, 18" Full Crash, 19" Full Crash, 22" Power Ride, 18" Thin China, and 10" Splash. The Paiste Signature series had been his primary cymbal choice since the late 1990s, offering a warmer, darker character than the Paiste 2002s of his 1980s recordings. The 22" Power Ride was essential for Senjutsu's extended progressive passages — particularly on 'The Parchment' (12:40) and 'Hell on Earth' (11:20), where Nicko used ride patterns to drive long mid-sections. See the [how to sound like Nicko McBrain guide](/guides/how-to-sound-like-nicko-mcbrain) for technique and gear details.