How to Sound Like Arin Ilejay — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Arin Ilejay's ex-Avenged Sevenfold drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Arin Ilejay and why is his drumming notable?
Arin Ilejay was Avenged Sevenfold's drummer from 2011 to 2015, joining after the death of founding drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan. He recorded "Hail to the King" (2013), the band's only #1 Billboard 200 album, bringing a restrained, groove-forward classic heavy metal approach that deliberately contrasted with The Rev's technically extravagant style. Before A7X, he played in the post-hardcore band Confide.
What gear should I use to sound like Arin Ilejay?
Ilejay recorded Hail to the King on a DW Collector's Series kit in Tobacco Burst finish, a DW Collector's 14" x 5.5" Maple/Mahogany snare, a full Zildjian A Custom cymbal setup, a DW 9000 Series double bass pedal, and Vic Firth American Classic 5A sticks. A budget setup can approximate this with any maple kit, a medium-tuned maple/mahogany snare, and bright A Custom-style cymbals.
What songs should I learn first to sound like Arin Ilejay?
Start with "Shepherd of Fire" for its half-time power groove and China cymbal accents, then "Hail to the King" for its Metallica-style galloping verse pattern. "This Means War" is the clearest double-bass gallop showcase, and "Coming Home" demonstrates the restrained, ride-carried dynamic building that rounds out his style.
What tempo should I practice at to sound like Arin Ilejay?
Practice in the 75-120 BPM range that covers Hail to the King's tempo spread, from the half-time power grooves around 75-95 BPM up to the galloping double-bass tracks near 110-120 BPM. The focus should be on locking a steady, powerful groove rather than chasing raw speed.
How does Arin Ilejay's style compare to The Rev's?
The Rev played a technically extravagant, jazz-influenced style with unconventional fills and patterns across A7X's earlier albums. Ilejay deliberately took a different path on Hail to the King: restrained, authoritative groove in service of a classic heavy metal aesthetic referencing Metallica, Sabbath, and Maiden, rather than an attempt to replicate The Rev's technical signature.