Best Cymbals for Symphonic Metal 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide
Best cymbal picks for symphonic metal. What Daray (Paiste RUDE), Hellhammer (Zildjian A Custom / Z Custom Dark), and Frost (Zildjian A Custom / K Custom Dark) actually use — from budget to pro, built to cut through full orchestral arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cymbals does Daray from Dimmu Borgir use?
Daray plays Paiste RUDE and 2002 Series cymbals, 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 cymbals does Hellhammer use?
Hellhammer plays Zildjian A Custom hi-hats and 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 cymbals does Frost from Satyricon use?
Frost plays Zildjian A Custom and K Custom Dark cymbals, 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 cymbals than pure black or death metal drummers?
Symphonic metal cymbal 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 cymbals to play symphonic metal?
No. The Zildjian A Series 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.