How to Sound Like Tim Yeung — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Tim Yeung's Morbid Angel / Hate Eternal / Vital Remains drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Morbid Angel drummer?
Tim Yeung has drummed for Morbid Angel since the lead-up to Illud Divinum Insanus (2011) and remains the band's drummer through Kingdoms Disdained (2017) and beyond, maintaining the legacy of one of death metal's founding bands.
How fast does Tim Yeung play?
Yeung's blast beats are documented in the 200-280 BPM range, among the fastest in death metal. That speed is built on relaxed, rebound-efficient technique rather than muscular power striking — at tempos above 250 BPM, the body's muscular system can't sustain tension-based striking across a full set, so rebound efficiency becomes the only sustainable approach.
What kit and cymbals does Tim Yeung use?
Yeung plays a Pearl Reference Masters kit with maple/mahogany hybrid shells, built around a double 22" x 18" bass drum configuration. His cymbals are Sabian AAX and HHX series, including 14" AAX hi-hats, 16" and 18" AAX crashes, a 20" HHX ride, and an 18" AAX china. He uses a DW 9002 double bass pedal and Vic Firth 5B sticks.
How to play blast beats at 280+ BPM like Tim Yeung?
Start with the Relaxation-Under-Speed drill: play a blast beat at a comfortable tempo while consciously releasing tension in your grip and shoulders, then increase tempo only once you can stay relaxed. Extreme blast speed comes from eliminating wasted motion and letting the stick rebound naturally, not from hitting harder.
What should I practice first to sound like Tim Yeung?
Before chasing top tempo, build the Rebound Double Bass drill — single strokes on a double pedal, letting the beater's own rebound bring it back rather than pulling your foot. Consistency and relaxation at moderate tempo are the foundation his extreme speed is built on.