Richard Christy Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Death & Iced Earth Drummer | MetalForge

Quick Facts: Richard Christy

Richard Christy Biography

Richard Christy (born February 1, 1974, in Fort Scott, Kansas) is an American drummer, comedian, and radio personality. In the metal world, he is renowned for his work with Death (1996-2001), Chuck Schuldiner's Control Denied, and Iced Earth (2003-2007). He is considered one of the most technically proficient death metal drummers of his generation.

Christy's drumming on Death's final two albums—"The Sound of Perseverance" and the posthumously released Control Denied's "The Fragile Art of Existence"—showcased his incredible speed, precision, and musicality. He later transitioned to entertainment, becoming a prominent member of The Howard Stern Show, but his legacy in metal drumming remains influential.

Career Highlights

• 1993: Moved to Florida to pursue career in death metal drumming
• 1996: Joined Death and Control Denied, handpicked by Chuck Schuldiner
• 1998: Recorded "The Sound of Perseverance" with Death—final Death studio album
• 1999: Recorded "The Fragile Art of Existence" with Control Denied
• 2001: Death disbanded following Chuck Schuldiner's passing
• 2003: Joined Iced Earth as touring and studio drummer
• 2004: Joined The Howard Stern Show as writer and contributor
• 2006: Released "Overture of the Wicked" EP with Iced Earth
• 2007: Left Iced Earth to focus on entertainment career
• 2012: Performed with Death To All, honoring Chuck Schuldiner's legacy

Style & Influences

Richard Christy's drumming style is characterized by exceptional speed, technical precision, and the ability to execute complex patterns while maintaining groove. His work with Death demonstrated both his death metal credentials and his versatility in progressive metal contexts.

Key Influences:
- Gene Hoglan (Death): Technical death metal approach
- Sean Reinert (Cynic/Death): Progressive drumming concepts
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): Thrash metal foundation
- Neil Peart (Rush): Progressive compositions and precision

Signature Techniques:
- Blistering double bass at extreme tempos with clarity
- Complex fills that complement progressive song structures
- Clean blast beats with musical phrasing
- Dynamic control within death metal context
- Seamless transitions between different tempos and feels

Gear Highlights

During his peak metal years, Richard Christy used Pearl Drums. His setup was designed for the extreme technical demands of Death's music.

Peak Metal Era Setup:
- Drums: Pearl Masters Custom / Pearl Prestige Session
- Snare: Pearl 14"x6.5" Maple
- Cymbals: Sabian AAX and HHX Series
- Hardware: Axis A Longboard double pedal
- Sticks: Vic Firth American Classic 5A
- Heads: Remo or Evans

Setup Notes:
- Prioritized durability for touring
- Used medium-sized kit for accessibility
- Emphasized clarity and articulation for technical death metal

Frequently Asked Questions

What drum kit does Richard Christy use?

Richard Christy played a Pearl Masters Custom drum kit — a nine-piece Canadian Birds Eye Maple shell pack he used to record Death's technical, genre-defining swan song The Sound of Perseverance alongside Chuck Schuldiner. His Pearl 14"x6.5" Maple snare stays warm under Death's intricate arrangements while still delivering the crack needed for rapid-fire blast beats.

What drum set does Richard Christy use?

Richard Christy's drum set pairs a Pearl Masters Custom shell pack and his Pearl Maple snare with an Axis A Longboard double pedal, giving him the speed and precision behind the double-bass patterns he carried from Death into Iced Earth and Charred Walls of the Damned.

What cymbals does Richard Christy play?

Richard Christy plays Sabian AAX and HHX Series cymbals: 14" AAX Stage Hi-Hats, 18" and 19" AAX X-Plosion Crashes, a 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride, and an 18" AAX Chinese.

What snare does Richard Christy use?

Richard Christy's snare is a Pearl 14"x6.5" Maple, warm enough to sit underneath Death's progressive arrangements while cutting through for blast beats.

What sticks does Richard Christy use?

Richard Christy uses Vic Firth American Classic 5A drumsticks, a comparatively lightweight, classic-diameter stick that favors finesse and articulation.

What bass drum pedal does Richard Christy use?

Richard Christy uses an Axis A Longboard double pedal.

What drumheads does Richard Christy use?

Richard Christy uses Evans drumheads.

What band is Richard Christy in?

Richard Christy recorded with Death from 1996-2001, played with Iced Earth from 2003-2007, and has drummed for his own band, Charred Walls of the Damned, since 2009.

What hi-hats does Richard Christy use?

Richard Christy plays 14" Sabian AAX Stage Hi-Hats, part of the AAX and HHX cymbal setup he used on Death's The Sound of Perseverance and with Iced Earth.