How to Sound Like Travis Orbin — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Travis Orbin's Darkest Hour / ex-Periphery drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Travis Orbin leave Periphery?
Travis Orbin left Periphery in February 2009, before the band wrote or recorded its self-titled debut album. He was replaced by Matt Halpern, who has recorded every Periphery album since.
What makes Travis Orbin's djent drumming unique?
Orbin's approach combines polyrhythmic complexity with a deeply musical sensibility, translating guitar-style riffs directly into kick patterns to create a tight rhythmic lock — a technique documented extensively in his own playthrough and cover videos.
How does Travis Orbin practice polyrhythms?
Orbin advocates isolating each limb independently before combining them. He practices kick patterns derived from guitar riffs, then adds snare and hi-hat separately, only combining when each element is secure.
What time signatures does Travis Orbin use?
Orbin's playing covers a wide range of time signatures — 4/4, 7/8, 5/4, 6/8, and various combinations. His approach is to find the groove feel of each meter rather than counting beats, which keeps the music flowing despite frequent transitions.
Can beginners learn Orbin's style?
Some fundamentals are accessible to intermediate players — his basic djent-style groove structure is learnable with patience. The advanced polyrhythmic content requires substantial four-way independence, typically built over years of practice.