Best Ride Cymbals for Symphonic Metal in 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide
Discover the best ride cymbals for symphonic metal drumming. Expert recommendations on projecting, dynamically controlled rides for cutting through full orchestral arrangements, featuring the exact rides used by Daray, Hellhammer, and Frost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ride cymbal does Daray use?
Daray of Dimmu Borgir and Vader rides a 22" Paiste RUDE Power Ride, built to compete against full symphonic orchestral arrangements layered on top of relentless blast beats.
What ride cymbal does Hellhammer use?
Hellhammer pairs his Zildjian A Custom hi-hats and crashes with a 20" Z Custom Dark Ride, a combination proven across both Mayhem's foundational black metal and Dimmu Borgir's own symphonic era.
What ride cymbal does Frost of Satyricon use?
Frost rides a 22" Zildjian K Custom Dark Ride, chosen for the dynamic control needed to move between blast-beat storms and the atmospheric restraint symphonic arrangements require.
What size ride cymbal is best for symphonic metal?
20"-22" is the symphonic metal range. Hellhammer's 20" Z Custom Dark Ride responds a touch faster, while Daray's and Frost's 22" rides carry slightly more low-end body for cutting through a full orchestra.
What's the best budget ride cymbal for symphonic metal?
The Zildjian A Series Ride (€110-140) shares the same B20 bronze family DNA as Hellhammer's and Frost's professional Custom rides, at a fraction of the price.