Best Drum Pedals for Metalcore 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide
Best drum pedals for metalcore drumming: what Nick Augusto (DW 9000 Series) and Art Cruz (Trick Pro 1-V) actually play, plus a hybrid-feel Tama Speed Cobra 910 option. Fast, articulate double bass for metalcore's breakdown-driven riffing — ranked budget to pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best metalcore drummers and what pedals do they use?
Nick Augusto, who played in Trivium from 2009-2014, used a DW 9000 Series double pedal. Art Cruz of Lamb of God plays a Trick Pro 1-V double pedal. The Tama Speed Cobra 910 is another strong pro-level option for the genre's technical, prog-leaning wing.
What pedal does Nick Augusto use?
Nick Augusto, who played drums in Trivium from 2009 to 2014, used a DW 9000 Series double pedal alongside his Pearl Reference Pure kit, giving the band's technical metalcore riffing on "In Waves" and "Vengeance Falls" dependable, chain-driven power.
Do I need a direct drive pedal for metalcore breakdowns?
Not necessarily — Art Cruz of Lamb of God uses a Trick Pro 1-V double pedal, whose adjustable V-Cam direct drive delivers weighted punch on single breakdown hits despite being direct drive rather than chain. Nick Augusto's DW 9000 Series shows how a well-built chain drive pedal handles rapid, technical double-bass runs just as capably.
What's the best budget double bass pedal for metalcore?
The Tama Iron Cobra 600 (around €250-300) shares Tama's Speed Cobra family DNA at an accessible price. The Pearl Demonator (€150-190) is another solid single-pedal starting point for developing metalcore drummers.