Hellhammer Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Mayhem Drummer | MetalForge
Hellhammer Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Hellhammer (Jan Axel Blomberg), legendary Mayhem drummer. Explore his pivotal role in black metal history, extreme drumming style, and ...
Quick Facts: Hellhammer
| Band | Mayhem |
|---|---|
| All bands | Mayhem, Arcturus, Dimmu Borgir |
| Genre | Black Metal |
| Country | Norway |
| Primary brand | Sonor |
| Drum kit | Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech |
| Snare | Sonor SQ2 14x5.5" Maple |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 5B |
Hellhammer Biography
Hellhammer (born Jan Axel Blomberg on August 2, 1969, in Oslo, Norway) is a Norwegian drummer widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in black metal history. Best known as the longtime drummer of the pioneering black metal band Mayhem, he has also contributed to numerous other projects including Arcturus, Dimmu Borgir, and Shining.
Hellhammer joined Mayhem in 1988, becoming their most enduring member and the rhythmic foundation of the band through its most turbulent years. His drumming combines raw black metal aggression with surprising technical sophistication, and his influence on the genre cannot be overstated. He has recorded with over 40 different bands and artists.
Career Highlights
- 1988: Joined Mayhem, becoming their longest-serving drummer
- 1991: Formed Arcturus as a side project
- 1994: Released "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" with Mayhem, black metal's defining album
- 1997: Released "Arcturus - La Masquerade Infernale," avant-garde metal landmark
- 2000: Released "Grand Declaration of War" with Mayhem
- 2004: Released "Chimera" with Mayhem, returning to black metal roots
- 2005: Began session/studio work with Dimmu Borgir
- 2007: Released "Ordo Ad Chao" with Mayhem
- 2014: Released "Esoteric Warfare" with Mayhem
- 2019: Released "Daemon" with Mayhem
- 2024: Continues as Mayhem's drummer after 35+ years
Style & Influences
Hellhammer's drumming defined the black metal drum template while incorporating influences from jazz, fusion, and progressive rock. His ability to maintain blast beats while adding subtle variations and dynamics sets him apart from many extreme metal drummers.
Key Influences:
- Cozy Powell: Hard rock power and showmanship
- Bill Bruford (Yes/King Crimson): Progressive complexity
- Terry Bozzio: Technical innovation
- Early thrash metal: Speed and aggression
Signature Techniques:
- Pioneering black metal blast beat techniques
- Creative variations within seemingly repetitive patterns
- Unexpected jazz and progressive influences
- Powerful, resonant drum tones (unusual in black metal)
- Ability to navigate between raw and technical playing
Gear Highlights
Hellhammer uses Sonor Drums and Paiste cymbals. His setup balances raw power with the ability to execute complex patterns.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech
- Snare: Sonor SQ2 14"x5.5" Maple
- Cymbals: Paiste RUDE series
- Hardware: Axis double pedal
- Sticks: Vic Firth American Classic 5B
- Heads: Remo
Setup Philosophy:
- Favors resonant, powerful drum tones unlike typical black metal thin sound
- Uses quality gear despite genre's lo-fi aesthetic
- Setup designed for both studio precision and live durability
Frequently Asked Questions
What band does Hellhammer play drums for?
Hellhammer (Jan Axel Blomberg) has been the drummer for Mayhem since 1988, and also drums for Arcturus and does session work for Shining.
What drums does Hellhammer play?
Hellhammer plays a Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech drum kit.
What drum kit does Hellhammer play?
Hellhammer's drum kit is a Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech shell pack, built around a Sonor SQ2 14"x5.5" maple snare drum.
What drum set does Hellhammer play?
Hellhammer's drum set pairs Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech shells and his 14"x5.5" maple snare with Paiste RUDE cymbals and an Axis double pedal, plus Roland electronics for triggered sounds.
What cymbals does Hellhammer use?
Hellhammer uses Paiste RUDE cymbals, including 14" RUDE Hi-Hats, 18" and 19" RUDE Crashes, a 20" RUDE Ride, and an 18" RUDE China.
What hi-hats does Hellhammer use?
Hellhammer plays 14" Paiste RUDE Hi-Hats, chosen for the harsh, cutting articulation that powers Mayhem's extreme-tempo black metal rhythms.
What snare drum does Hellhammer use?
Hellhammer's primary snare is the Sonor SQ2, a 14"x5.5" maple shell.
What pedals does Hellhammer use?
Hellhammer drives his extreme-tempo double bass playing with an Axis double pedal, seated on a Sonor drummer's throne.
What drumsticks does Hellhammer use?
Hellhammer plays Vic Firth American Classic 5B drumsticks.
What drumheads does Hellhammer use?
Hellhammer uses Remo drumheads across his Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech drum kit and drum set.