Paul Bostaph Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Slayer Drummer | MetalForge

Quick Facts: Paul Bostaph

Paul Bostaph Biography

Paul Bostaph (born March 4, 1964, in San Francisco, California) is an American drummer best known for his two tenures with thrash metal legends Slayer. He is Slayer's longest-serving drummer overall, having performed on four studio albums and was behind the kit for the band's final world tour and last show in 2019.

Before Slayer, Bostaph established his reputation in the Bay Area thrash scene with Forbidden and Testament. His powerful, precise drumming style built upon the foundation Dave Lombardo established while adding his own technical flair.

Career Highlights

• 1985: Began drumming career in San Francisco Bay Area thrash scene
• 1986: Joined Forbidden (then Forbidden Evil), recorded debut album
• 1992: Joined Slayer following Dave Lombardo's departure
• 1994: First Slayer studio album "Divine Intervention" released
• 1999: Joined Testament while on hiatus from Slayer
• 2001: Left Slayer when Lombardo rejoined
• 2005: Joined Exodus for "Shovel Headed Kill Machine"
• 2013: Rejoined Slayer following Lombardo's second departure
• 2015: Recorded "Repentless," first Slayer album without Jeff Hanneman
• 2019: Performed Slayer's final show at the Forum in Los Angeles

Style & Influences

Paul Bostaph's drumming style combines technical precision with relentless power. While he honors the legacy Dave Lombardo established, Bostaph brings his own flavor—tighter, more metronomic, and incredibly consistent night after night.

Key Influences:
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): The template for thrash metal drumming
- Gene Hoglan (Death): Technical precision and speed
- Bay Area Thrash Scene: Fast, aggressive drumming culture

Signature Techniques:
- Machine-like double bass consistency at high tempos
- Tight, controlled fills that serve the song
- Powerful snare attack with precise placement
- Ability to replicate complex Lombardo parts while adding personal touches

Gear Highlights

Paul Bostaph's drum kit during Slayer's final chapter was a Pearl Masters Maple Complete (MCX) shell pack, the all-maple, double-bass configuration producer Terry Date brought in for 2015's Repentless.

Recent Setup (Final Slayer Era):
- Drums: Pearl Masters Maple Complete (MCX) shell pack
- Snare: Pearl Masters 14"x6.5" steel
- Cymbals: Sabian AAX Series (14" Stage Hi-Hats, 17"/19" X-Plosion Crashes, 21" Stage Ride, 18" AAXtreme China)
- Hardware: Pearl Eliminator double pedal
- Sticks: Vater Power 5B
- Heads: Remo Powerstroke 3, Emperor Coated, Ambassador

Frequently Asked Questions

What drum kit does Paul Bostaph use?

Paul Bostaph's drum kit during Slayer's final chapter was a Pearl Masters Maple Complete (MCX) shell pack, the all-maple, double-bass configuration producer Terry Date brought in for 2015's Repentless, Slayer's twelfth and final studio album and the first without guitarist Jeff Hanneman. It's anchored by a 14"x6.5" Pearl Masters steel snare tuned for a sharp, cutting crack.

What drum set does Paul Bostaph use?

Paul Bostaph's drum set pairs his Pearl Masters Maple Complete shells and steel snare with a Pearl Eliminator double pedal, built for the machine-like consistency he brought to Slayer's catalog across two separate tenures (1992-2001, 2013-2019), and Sabian AAX Series cymbals.

What cymbals does Paul Bostaph play?

Paul Bostaph plays Sabian AAX Series cymbals: 14" AAX Stage Hi-Hats, 17" and 19" AAX X-Plosion Crashes, a 21" AAX Stage Ride, and an 18" AAXtreme China — the setup he carried through Slayer's Final World Tour, including the band's last-ever show at the Forum in Los Angeles on November 30, 2019.

What snare does Paul Bostaph use?

Paul Bostaph's snare is a 14"x6.5" Pearl Masters steel model, tuned for a sharp, cutting crack that projects through Kerry King and Gary Holt's dense guitar work on Repentless (2015).

What sticks does Paul Bostaph use?

Paul Bostaph uses Vater Power 5B drumsticks.

What bass drum pedal does Paul Bostaph use?

Paul Bostaph drives his double bass patterns with a Pearl Eliminator double pedal.

What drumheads does Paul Bostaph use?

Paul Bostaph uses Remo Powerstroke 3, Emperor Coated, and Ambassador drumheads.

What band is Paul Bostaph in?

Paul Bostaph is Slayer's longest-serving drummer, playing with the band from 1992-2001 and 2013-2019. He has also drummed for Testament (1999-2001, 2024-present), Exodus (2005-2007), and Forbidden (1986-1991).

How long did Paul Bostaph play with Slayer?

Paul Bostaph is Slayer's longest-serving drummer, spanning 12 total years across two separate tenures — 1992-2001 and 2013-2019 — and appearing on four studio albums, including Repentless (2015) and the band's final show at the Forum in Los Angeles on November 30, 2019.