How to Sound Like Richard Christy — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Richard Christy's Death / Iced Earth drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bands is Richard Christy known for?
Richard Christy is best known as the drummer on Death's final album, The Sound of Perseverance (1998), and for his work with Iced Earth, including The Glorious Burden (2004). He also played in Control Denied, Burning Inside, and later co-founded Charred Walls of the Damned. He is later widely known as a writer and producer for radio.
What makes Richard Christy's double bass technique special?
Christy's double bass is famously smooth and even — every kick note sounds identical, so his fast 16th-note runs read as a continuous, flowing wash rather than individual hits. This evenness, combined with his ability to weave double bass through complex arrangements, is a defining feature of his style.
What drums and pedals does Richard Christy use?
Christy has played Pearl maple kits with bright Sabian cymbals, paired with Pearl Eliminator pedals. The adjustable cams on the Eliminator let him fine-tune response to support his even double bass, and the maple shells provide the versatility to cover both technical death metal and power metal.
How did Christy adapt from Death to Iced Earth?
Christy shifted from the dense, technical, blast-driven drumming of Death to the driving, anthemic, more restrained grooves of Iced Earth's power metal. The key was applying restraint and dynamics — locking galloping double bass to the guitars and serving the epic song structures rather than showcasing technicality.
Which songs should I study to learn Richard Christy's style?
Start with 'Scavenger of Human Sorrow' and 'Spirit Crusher' from The Sound of Perseverance for his technical death metal double bass and composed fills. Then study 'The Glorious Burden' and 'Gettysburg (1863)' from his Iced Earth era to hear his power-metal drive and dynamic range.