How to Sound Like Frost — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Frost's Satyricon / 1349 drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Frost's drumming style unique?
Frost's defining trait is treating the blast beat as a shapeable musical event rather than a uniform wall of velocity. He builds dynamic arcs within sustained blast sections, shifts between hi-hat and ride voicing for tonal variation, and layers in tremolo-rhythm patterns that mirror Satyricon's guitar work — all while playing heel-up double kick at 200+ BPM for extended stretches.
What kit does Frost from Satyricon use?
Frost plays a Pearl kit — Pearl Custom and Pearl Reference shells across different eras — with maple construction for immediate attack and focused mid-range projection. His setup centers on a double 22" x 18" bass drum configuration, a 14" x 6.5" Pearl Free-Floating or Reference snare, and Zildjian A series cymbals including 14" New Beat hi-hats and an 18" China Boy.
How do I get Frost's black metal drum sound?
Start with maple shells tuned for articulate attack rather than warmth, a medium-bright snare with minimal muffling, and Zildjian A series cymbals for fast decay and cutting clarity. Keep the kick firm with light internal dampening so double-kick strokes stay distinct at extreme tempos, and if playing live, consider acoustic bass drum triggers for consistency across venues.
What should I practice first to sound like Frost?
Start with the Blast Beat Dynamic Shaping drill — a one-minute blast at fixed tempo with a slow, even crescendo. Most drummers can already blast at a single volume; Frost's signature is shaping that blast dynamically, and that control has to be built deliberately before tackling his tremolo-rhythm patterns or endurance work.
Does Frost play in any bands besides Satyricon?
Yes. Frost also drums for 1349, one of Norway's most extreme and relentless black metal acts, whose material demands blast beats at maximum velocity with less dynamic concession than Satyricon's more evolved catalogue. He has appeared on all of 1349's major releases alongside his full Satyricon discography.