Raymond Herrera Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Fear Factory Drummer | MetalForge
Raymond Herrera (born December 18, 1972, in Los Angeles, California) is an American drummer who co-founded influential industrial metal band Fear Factory in 1990. Known for his machine-like precision and pioneering use of drum triggers, Herrera helped define the sound of industrial metal drumming. His drumming on classic Fear Factory albums like "Demanufacture" (1995) and "Obsolete" (1998) combined relentless double bass patterns with mechanical precision, creating the template for countless industrial and groove metal bands. Though he departed Fear Factory in 2009, his influence on modern metal drumming remains significant.
Complete biography of Raymond Herrera, founding Fear Factory drummer who pioneered industrial metal drumming. Explore his machine-like precision, triggering techniques, and influence.
Raymond Herrera Biography
Raymond Herrera (born December 18, 1972, in Los Angeles, California) is an American drummer who co-founded influential industrial metal band Fear Factory in 1990. Known for his machine-like precision and pioneering use of drum triggers, Herrera helped define the sound of industrial metal drumming.
His drumming on classic Fear Factory albums like "Demanufacture" (1995) and "Obsolete" (1998) combined relentless double bass patterns with mechanical precision, creating the template for countless industrial and groove metal bands. Though he departed Fear Factory in 2009, his influence on modern metal drumming remains significant.
Career Highlights
- 1989: Joined Brujeria as one of founding members
- 1990: Co-founded Fear Factory in Los Angeles
- 1992: Released Fear Factory debut "Soul of a New Machine"
- 1995: Released "Demanufacture," landmark industrial metal album
- 1998: Released "Obsolete," Fear Factory's commercial peak
- 2001: Released "Digimortal," featuring hit "Linchpin"
- 2004: Released "Archetype" after Fear Factory reunion
- 2005: Released "Transgression" with Fear Factory
- 2008: Formed Arkaea with Christian Olde Wolbers after Fear Factory split
- 2009: Officially departed Fear Factory
Style & Influences
Raymond Herrera's drumming style revolutionized industrial metal with its combination of mechanical precision and brutal power. His use of drum triggers to achieve a processed, machine-like sound became a hallmark of Fear Factory's production.
Key Influences:
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): Thrash metal foundation
- Industrial Music: Electronic precision applied to metal
- Discharge/Hardcore Punk: Relentless rhythmic attack
- Godflesh: Early industrial metal template
Signature Techniques:
- Machine-gun double bass patterns at extreme tempos
- Precise use of drum triggers for mechanical sound
- Syncopated groove patterns between blast sections
- Integration of electronic elements with acoustic drums
- "Stop-start" rhythmic patterns that defined Fear Factory
Gear Highlights
Raymond Herrera was a Tama Drums endorser during his Fear Factory years, developing a setup optimized for triggered, mechanical precision at extreme tempos.
Classic Setup (Fear Factory Era):
- Drums: Tama Starclassic (with extensive triggering)
- Snare: Tama 14"x6.5" Brass with trigger
- Cymbals: Zildjian (Z Custom for durability)
- Hardware: DW 5000 Series Double Pedal on a Tama Power Tower Custom rack
- Triggers: ddrum/Roland triggers throughout kit
- Sticks: Pro-Mark 5A Oak Nylon Tip
- Heads: Attack Drumheads
Technical Setup:
- Heavy use of triggers for consistent sound
- Module triggering for electronic integration
- Setup designed for speed and consistency
- Focus on reliability for grueling tour schedules