How to Sound Like Blake Richardson — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Blake Richardson's Between the Buried and Me drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Blake Richardson's drumming unique?
Richardson fuses death metal blast beats with progressive odd-time structures in a way that sounds compositional rather than genre-switching. His blasts are used as climactic moments within BTBAM's epic song structures, while his odd-time grooves feel musical and natural rather than academic. He also treats his toms melodically, tuned in musical intervals, which gives his playing a harmonic dimension rare in metal drumming.
How does Blake Richardson handle odd time signatures?
Richardson internalizes odd signatures by feeling their natural pulse groupings rather than counting beats. In 7/8 he feels a 4+3 grouping; in 5/4 a 3+2. He practices singing the grouping while playing, which builds the feel in his body rather than just his head. This is why his odd-time work sounds musical and physical, not academic.
What drums and cymbals does Blake Richardson use?
Richardson plays DW Collector's Series maple drums with three rack toms for melodic range, DW 9000 double pedals, and Meinl Byzance cymbals. The Byzance series is particularly important — its complex, musical overtones suit both BTBAM's brutal and delicate passages. He uses Vic Firth 5A sticks for the versatility to move between extremes.
Which BTBAM albums should I study for drumming?
Alaska (2005) establishes his hybrid style — especially Selkies: The Endless Obsession. Colors (2007) is the band's masterwork and shows his odd-time mastery. The Great Misdirect and The Parallax II demonstrate full compositional range. Coma Ecliptic shows his theatrical range in a more restrained context. Start with Selkies and Ants of the Sky.
How do I develop blast beats that serve progressive music rather than just demonstrating speed?
Build the context around the blast. Practice placing blasts after quiet passages — the contrast is what gives them compositional weight. Ask 'does this blast feel earned?' when listening back. BTBAM's blast beats always arrive at a moment where the music has been building toward maximum intensity. Practice the whole sequence, not just the blast itself.