Travis Orbin Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Former Periphery Drummer | MetalForge
Travis Orbin Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Travis Orbin, Periphery's drummer from 2006 to 2009 and one of progressive metal's most technically respected players. Explore his tech...
Quick Facts: Travis Orbin
| Band | Darkest Hour / ex-Periphery |
|---|---|
| All bands | Darkest Hour, Periphery |
| Genre | Thrash Metal / Progressive Metal / Djent |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Zildjian |
| Drum kit | SJC Custom Drums |
| Snare | SJC Custom 14x6.5" Maple |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 5B |
Travis Orbin Biography
Travis Orbin (born July 5, 1985, in Baltimore, Maryland) is an American drummer who played in progressive metal band Periphery from around 2006 to February 2009, during the band's early, pre-recording years. He left before Periphery wrote or recorded its self-titled debut album, released in 2010 with new drummer Matt Halpern, and does not perform on any Periphery release.
Orbin's technical prowess, creative use of polyrhythms, and ability to navigate complex time signatures have made him a widely studied figure in the progressive metal community independent of any Periphery studio credit. Since leaving Periphery in 2009, he has continued as a session musician, solo artist, and member of bands like Sky Harbor and Darkest Hour, while also producing acclaimed drum playthrough videos and educational content.
Career Highlights
- 2006: Joined Periphery during the band's early, pre-recording lineup
- 2009: Left Periphery in February, before the band recorded its debut; replaced by Matt Halpern
- 2012: Joined Sky Harbor
- 2013: Joined Darkest Hour for touring
- 2014: Released "Guiding Lights" with Sky Harbor
- 2016: Released solo drum interpretations and playthroughs gaining viral attention
- 2018: Continued session work and educational content
- 2020s: Active as session drummer, educator, and solo artist
Style & Influences
Travis Orbin's drumming style combines extreme technical proficiency with musicality and creativity. His approach to polyrhythmic playing and odd time signatures influenced the entire djent and progressive metal scene. He emphasizes groove within complexity.
Key Influences:
- Tomas Haake (Meshuggah): Polyrhythmic foundation
- Thomas Lang: Technical independence and facility
- Marco Minnemann: Creative complexity
- Gospel and Fusion drummers: Chops and groove
Signature Techniques:
- Complex polyrhythmic patterns with musical phrasing
- Seamless navigation of odd time signatures
- Creative ghost notes and linear patterns
- Technical double bass work integrated with hand patterns
- Musical interpretation of djent guitar rhythms
Gear Highlights
Travis Orbin's SJC Custom kit is detailed extensively in his popular playthrough videos.
Typical Setup:
- Drums: SJC Custom Drums
- Snare: SJC Custom 14"x6.5" Maple
- Cymbals: Zildjian K Custom Series (14" K Custom Dark Hi-Hats, 18"/19" K Custom Dark Crashes, 21" K Custom Ride, 18" K Custom China)
- Hardware: DW 9000 Series double pedal
- Sticks: Vic Firth American Classic 5B
- Heads: Evans
- Electronics: Roland SPD-SX sampling pad for triggers
Notable Features:
- Detailed gear breakdowns in playthrough videos
- Uses triggers for consistency in recordings
- Emphasizes feel and response in equipment choices
- Known for meticulous drum tuning
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Travis Orbin use?
Travis Orbin's drum kit is built around SJC Custom Drums, the setup behind the complex, trigger-augmented polyrhythmic playing he's carried through Darkest Hour, Sky Harbor, and his solo playthrough and session work.
What drum set does Travis Orbin use?
Travis Orbin's drum set centers on an SJC Custom 14"x6.5" Maple snare, delivering the crisp, controlled crack his precise, linear patterns require, driven by a DW 9000 Series double pedal with a Roland SPD-SX sampling pad integrated for electronic triggers.
What cymbals does Travis Orbin play?
Travis Orbin plays Zildjian K Custom Series cymbals: 14" K Custom Dark Hi-Hats, 18" and 19" K Custom Dark Crashes, a 21" K Custom Ride, and an 18" K Custom China.
What snare does Travis Orbin use?
Travis Orbin's snare is an SJC Custom 14"x6.5" Maple, delivering the crisp, controlled crack his precise, linear patterns require.
What sticks does Travis Orbin use?
Travis Orbin uses Vic Firth American Classic 5B drumsticks.
What bass drum pedal does Travis Orbin use?
Travis Orbin drives his fast, articulate double bass work with a DW 9000 Series double pedal.
What drumheads does Travis Orbin use?
Travis Orbin uses Evans drumheads across his SJC Custom kit.
What band is Travis Orbin in?
Travis Orbin played drums in Periphery from 2006 to 2009, before the band's recorded discography began, and has since drummed for Darkest Hour (2013-2015) and Sky Harbor (since 2012).
What hi-hats does Travis Orbin use?
Travis Orbin plays 14" Zildjian K Custom Dark Hi-Hats, part of his K Custom cymbal setup.