Best Cymbals for Metalcore 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide
Best cymbal picks for metalcore drumming: what Matt Halpern (Periphery), Alex Bent (Trivium), and Jay Weinberg (Slipknot) actually play. Meinl Artist Concept vs Zildjian A/K Custom — ranked budget to pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cymbals does Matt Halpern use?
Matt Halpern of Periphery uses Meinl Artist Concept cymbals — 15" Dark Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" Crashes, a 22" Ride, and an 18" China. This dry, controlled setup is engineered for Periphery's polyrhythmic djent-metalcore precision.
Meinl Artist Concept vs Zildjian A Custom — which is better for metalcore?
Both work at the highest level of metalcore — Matt Halpern uses Meinl Artist Concept for its controlled, minimal-sustain character, while Jay Weinberg uses Zildjian A Custom & K Custom for a brighter, more explosive attack. Artist Concept suits technical, breakdown-heavy metalcore; A Custom & K Custom suits aggressive, nu-metal-influenced metalcore.
What china cymbal is best for metalcore?
An 18"-19" china is the metalcore standard for immediate, cutting breakdown punctuation — used by Matt Halpern, Alex Bent, and Jay Weinberg alike. It's the go-to cymbal for punctuating the genre's signature breakdown hits and riff transitions.
Do I need expensive cymbals to play metalcore?
No — start with a budget line from the same family as your target sound: Meinl HCS approximates the Artist Concept's controlled character, while Zildjian ZBT approximates the A Custom family's brightness, both at a fraction of the professional price. Upgrade once your technique and budget catch up.