The Paradigm Shift Drum Setup: Ray Luzier's 2013 Korn Gear Breakdown | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What album did Brian 'Head' Welch return to Korn on?

Brian 'Head' Welch returned to Korn on The Paradigm Shift (2013). Head had departed from Korn in 2005 following a religious conversion and spent nine years pursuing solo work. His reunion with the band for The Paradigm Shift was one of nu-metal's most widely covered stories of 2013. The album debuted at #8 on the US Billboard 200, with the lead single 'Never Never' reaching pop-rock radio. Ray Luzier was the drummer on The Paradigm Shift — the first Korn album to feature both Head and Munky on guitar since Issues (2000).

What drums did Ray Luzier use on The Paradigm Shift?

Ray Luzier used a Pearl Reference Maple drum kit on The Paradigm Shift (2013). This marked his transition from the DW Collector's Series setup he had used on Korn III (2010) and The Path of Totality (2011) to Pearl — the endorsement relationship that continues to define his current rig. The Pearl Reference Maple uses a multi-species laminate shell construction for enhanced resonance, configured with double 22" bass drums and a five-tom spread. His snare was a Pearl Reference 14" × 6.5" Brass.

What cymbals did Ray Luzier use on The Paradigm Shift?

Ray Luzier used Sabian AAX cymbals on The Paradigm Shift (2013). His setup included Sabian AAX 14" Stage Hi-Hats, 18" and 19" X-Plosion Crashes, a 21" Stage Ride, and an 18" AAXtreme China. The AAX series' bright, fast-responding character provided the projection needed to cut through Korn's dual-guitar arrangement (both Head and Munky contributing guitar layers) while decaying quickly enough to maintain groove clarity.

What bass drum pedals did Ray Luzier use on The Paradigm Shift?

Ray Luzier used the Pearl Demon Drive double bass pedal on The Paradigm Shift (2013). This was a significant change from the DW 9002 chain-drive pedal he had used on earlier Korn recordings. The Demon Drive uses a direct-drive design — the footboard connects directly to the beater shaft with no chain or belt mechanism — providing immediate, 1:1 footboard-to-beater response. For Korn's groove-oriented double-kick patterns, the Demon Drive's direct feel and consistency were a better match than the slight latency inherent in chain-drive mechanisms.

Who produced Korn's The Paradigm Shift?

The Paradigm Shift (2013) was produced by Don Gilmore, best known for producing Linkin Park's debut album Hybrid Theory (2000) and its follow-up Meteora (2003). Gilmore brought a polished, commercially accessible production approach to Korn — a notable contrast to the raw, aggressive energy of Ross Robinson's Korn III (2010) production. The album's cleaner, more defined sound suited the reunion-record narrative and helped 'Never Never' reach beyond Korn's core fanbase into pop-rock radio territory.