How to Sound Like Daray — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Daray's Dimmu Borgir / Vader drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Daray play?
Daray plays a Pearl Reference Pure kit in a custom black finish, with a double 22" x 18" bass drum configuration and a 14" x 5" Pearl Reference brass snare. His cymbals are Paiste RUDE and 2002 series, and he uses a Pearl Demon Drive double pedal.
How does Daray play with a live orchestra?
Daray relies on strict tempo discipline and dynamic control rather than following the orchestra by ear. Since a live orchestra and choir can't adjust to a drummer who rushes or drags, he practices holding blast beats and fills to a fixed tempo so his parts stay locked to the fixed orchestral arrangement.
What bands has Daray played in?
Daray has drummed for Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir since 2008, replacing Hellhammer. Before that, he spent a decade with Polish death metal band Vader (2006-2016), and he continues to play with Polish black metal band Vesania.
Is Daray's style good for beginners?
Daray's blast beats and double-kick endurance are advanced techniques, but his tempo-discipline drills — practicing against a click without drifting — are valuable for drummers at any level who want tighter timing.