Best Crash Cymbals for Symphonic Metal in 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide
Discover the best crash cymbals for symphonic metal drumming. Expert recommendations on powerful, cutting crashes that project through full orchestral arrangements, featuring the exact crashes played by Daray, Hellhammer, and Frost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crash cymbal does Daray from Dimmu Borgir use?
Daray plays 18" and 19" Paiste RUDE Crashes alongside 2002 Series crashes, chosen for maximum projection against Dimmu Borgir's full-orchestra symphonic black metal arrangements — a setup established during the band's Abrahadabra era (2010) and unchanged through Grand Serpent Rising (2026).
What crash cymbal does Hellhammer use?
Hellhammer plays 18" and 19" Zildjian A Custom Crashes paired with a Z Custom Dark Ride, a combination proven across both Mayhem's raw black metal and Dimmu Borgir's own symphonic black metal era.
What crash cymbal does Frost from Satyricon use?
Frost plays 18" and 19" Zildjian A Custom Crashes layered with an 18" K Custom Dark Crash, chosen for the dynamic control needed to move between Satyricon and 1349's blast-beat storms and symphonic arrangements' atmospheric restraint.
Why do symphonic metal drummers need different crash cymbals than pure black or death metal drummers?
Symphonic metal crash work must cut through full orchestral, choir, and keyboard arrangements while still surviving extreme metal's blast-beat tempos. That requires both the projection and durability for sustained extreme tempos and the dynamic sensitivity to pull back and support orchestral passages without overwhelming them.
Do I need expensive custom crash cymbals to play symphonic metal?
No. The Zildjian A Series Crash shares the same B20 bronze family DNA as Hellhammer and Frost's professional A Custom setups at a fraction of the price, giving developing symphonic metal drummers a genuine entry point before upgrading to premium lines.