How to Sound Like Hellhammer — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Hellhammer's Mayhem drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What albums did Hellhammer play on?
Hellhammer is best known for Mayhem's De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas (1994), the defining black metal album. He also drummed for Dimmu Borgir during the Enthrone Darkness Triumphant era and recorded with numerous other bands including Arcturus and Covenant/The Kovenant.
How does Hellhammer's blast beat differ from death metal blasts?
Hellhammer's blasts emphasize a bright, cymbal-riding texture and serve atmosphere rather than pure technical density. Black metal blasts are often faster single-stroke 'hyper-blasts' locked to tremolo guitars, whereas death metal blasts tend to be heavier and groove-anchored. Hellhammer's evenness and clarity are his defining traits.
What pedals did Hellhammer use?
Hellhammer favored fast, responsive double pedals such as Axis longboards to sustain extreme single-stroke double bass with minimal fatigue. The light, direct action suits the sustained speed black metal demands.
How do I get the De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas drum sound?
Tune the kick for click and attack with heavy muffling, crank a steel snare high for a bright crack, and keep toms tuned high for fast rebound. The raw, cutting tone comes from prioritizing attack and clarity over warmth so every note reads through dense tremolo guitars.
Which Hellhammer songs should I study first?
Start with 'Freezing Moon' for the definitive blast and dynamic structure, then 'Funeral Fog' for sustained hyper-blast technique. For his Dimmu Borgir era, study 'Mourning Palace' to hear his precision within orchestral arrangements.