Paul Bostaph Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Slayer Drummer | MetalForge
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.
Complete biography of Paul Bostaph, Slayer's longest-serving drummer. Explore his career from Forbidden to Slayer, his technical style, and contributions to thrash metal.
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