Paiste Drums — Metal Drummers Who Use Paiste | MetalForge
Which metal drummers use Paiste cymbals? See every pro in MetalForge's database who endorses or plays Paiste gear — kit specs and prices.
About Paiste
Paiste is a Swiss-German family-owned cymbal manufacturer founded in 1906. Known for their bright, consistent sound and innovative alloys, Paiste has a special place in metal history with their RUDE series - cymbals designed specifically for heavy music.
Why Metal Drummers Choose Paiste:
- RUDE Series – Designed specifically for metal and heavy music
- 2002 Series – Bright, powerful classic rock/metal sound
- Signature Series – Premium professional cymbals
- Masters Series – Dark, complex top-tier cymbals
The RUDE Revolution:
In 1980, Paiste created the RUDE series specifically for heavy metal drummers who needed cymbals that could withstand aggressive playing while delivering maximum volume and cut. The RUDE series became synonymous with 80s and 90s metal.
Notable Artists:
Joey Jordison's Paiste RUDE/2002 hybrid setup defined Slipknot's chaotic sound. Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden has been a Paiste artist for decades, showcasing the versatility of Paiste cymbals in metal.
Paiste History
Paiste's roots trace to St. Petersburg, Russia, where Michail Toomas Paiste ran a music venue and instrument workshop at the turn of the 20th century; the cymbal- and instrument-making business was formally established in 1906.
The 1917 Russian Revolution forced the family to abandon St. Petersburg, and Paiste relocated its operations to Tallinn, Estonia, continuing to make cymbals and gongs through the interwar decades.
World War II and the subsequent Soviet occupation of Estonia forced the family to start over again. By the late 1950s, Paiste had reestablished its cymbal-making operation in Switzerland, the country that remains its home base today.
Freed from the instability of its early decades, Paiste built its reputation on consistent, bright-sounding cast cymbals aimed at the volume and durability rock and, later, metal players demanded — a deliberate contrast to darker, more orchestral cymbal traditions.
That philosophy reached its purest expression in 1980 with the RUDE series: heavy, deliberately unfinished cymbals built specifically to survive and cut through the loudest playing of the era, cementing Paiste's identity as a metal-first cymbal maker for the decades that followed.
Paiste Milestones
- 1906: Michail Toomas Paiste formally establishes the cymbal and instrument business in St. Petersburg, Russia.
- 1917: The family relocates operations to Tallinn, Estonia, after the Russian Revolution.
- 1957: Paiste reestablishes its base in Switzerland, where it remains headquartered today.
- 1980: The RUDE series launches, built specifically for the volume and abuse of heavy metal drumming.
Paiste in Metal
Paiste's RUDE and 2002 series became defining metal cymbal sounds of the 1980s and 90s: Dave Lombardo has played a Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series setup since the 2000s, and Nicko McBrain has played Paiste throughout his career with Iron Maiden, including a signature Powerslave Reflector Bell Ride. Joey Jordison later paired RUDE and 2002 cymbals for Slipknot's chaotic live sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Paiste cymbals do metal drummers use?
The RUDE series is the most popular Paiste line for metal, designed specifically for heavy music. The 2002 series is also common for its bright, powerful sound. Joey Jordison famously used a RUDE/2002 hybrid setup.
Are Paiste RUDE cymbals good for metal?
Paiste RUDE cymbals were literally designed for metal. They offer extreme volume, durability, and a cutting attack that penetrates heavy guitars. Many consider them the ultimate metal cymbal series.
Paiste vs Zildjian for metal?
Paiste tends to be brighter and more consistent, while Zildjian offers more tonal variety. Paiste RUDE are louder and more aggressive; Zildjian A Custom are slightly warmer. Both are excellent - it comes down to personal preference.