Best Crash Cymbals for Power Metal in 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide
Discover the best crash cymbals for power metal drumming. Expert recommendations on bright, orchestral-friendly crashes for galloping rhythms and theatrical dynamics, featuring the exact crashes played by Scott Travis, Aquiles Priester, Nicko McBrain, and Mikkey Dee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crash cymbal does Scott Travis use?
Scott Travis of Judas Priest currently plays 18" and 19" Paiste RUDE Crashes, part of a Paiste cymbal endorsement dating back to 1987 — three years before "Painkiller" (1990), the record that became power metal's foundational speed-and-precision blueprint.
What crash cymbal does Aquiles Priester use?
Aquiles Priester of Angra runs 17" and 18" Ufip Class Series Crashes as part of his current Angra return-era setup, chosen for maximum consistency at sustained 180-220+ BPM neoclassical double-bass patterns.
What crash cymbal does Nicko McBrain use?
Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden plays 16" and 18" Paiste Signature Full Crashes, part of his British Drum Co. kit, delivering the bright, articulate voicing behind Iron Maiden's galloping, triplet-based rhythmic vocabulary.
Why do power metal drummers favor bright, cutting crashes?
Power metal's theatrical, keyboard-orchestrated arrangements and soaring clean vocals need a crash that cuts through the mix rather than washing over it. Bright, cutting crashes like Scott Travis's Paiste RUDE and Nicko McBrain's Paiste Signature stay present against dense, layered arrangements — a dark, complex crash would disappear in that context.
What size crash cymbal is best for power metal?
16"-19" is the power metal crash standard. Nicko McBrain and Mikkey Dee both run 16" and 18" crashes for galloping-rhythm brightness, Aquiles Priester favors 17" and 18" for a slightly larger, more sustained voice, and Scott Travis runs 18" and 19" RUDE Crashes for extra weight.