# Images and Words Drum Setup: Mike Portnoy's Progressive Metal Breakthrough

> Complete breakdown of Mike Portnoy's drum gear on Dream Theater's Images and Words. Discover the Tama Artstar II kit, Zildjian cymbals, and the technical drumming that launched progressive metal into the mainstream.

**Type:** Album Drum Setup
**Drummer(s):** [Mike Portnoy](/llms/drummers/mike-portnoy.md)
**Band / Album:** Dream Theater — *Images and Words* (1992)
**Genre:** Progressive Metal

## Overview

Released on July 7, 1992, Dream Theater's "Images and Words" didn't just establish the band — it defined progressive metal as a genre capable of commercial success. At the heart of this landmark album sits Mike Portnoy's drumming: technically virtuosic, emotionally dynamic, and crafted with the storytelling sensibility that would make him a legend.

The album's lead single "Pull Me Under" became an unexpected MTV hit, reaching #10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and introducing millions to Dream Theater's unique blend of Rush-influenced progressive rock and heavy metal intensity. The song's success proved that complex, intelligent music could connect with mainstream audiences.

Recording took place at BearTracks Studios in Suffern, New York, with producer David Prater, who had previously worked with bands like Firehouse. The sessions captured a band on the verge of their breakthrough — hungry, technically brilliant, and ready to prove that progressive metal could stand alongside the grunge and alternative rock dominating early 90s radio.

What emerged was an album that balanced accessibility with ambition. "Pull Me Under" delivered hooks and energy, while "Metropolis—Part I: The Miracle and the Sleeper" showcased nine minutes of technical brilliance that would spawn an entire concept album sequel. Mike Portnoy was only 25 years old, yet his drumming already displayed the maturity, creativity, and technical mastery that would earn him over 30 Modern Drummer awards.

This article breaks down every piece of gear Mike used to create this genre-defining recording.

## Gear Breakdown

- **Drums:** Tama Tama Artstar II Custom (Custom Purple with Gold Hardware finish)
- **Snare:** Tama Tama Artstar II Brass Snare, 14" x 6.5"
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian — Zildjian A Custom / K Custom
- **Hardware / Pedals:** Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide Double Pedal; Tama Iron Cobra Hi-Hat Stand; Tama 1st Chair Round Rider; Promark 5B Hickory
- **Heads:** Remo Coated Ambassador (batter), Remo Ambassador Snare Side (resonant)
- **Snare tuning:** Medium-high tension for ghost note articulation with full backbeat crack

### Mike's Studio Kit: The Tama Artstar II Configuration

For Images and Words, Mike Portnoy played a Tama Artstar II kit that would become iconic in progressive metal circles. This was before his eventual move to the Starclassic series, but the Artstar II provided everything he needed: power, projection, and the tonal clarity required for complex arrangements.

The double bass drum configuration was essential for tracks like "Pull Me Under" and "Take the Time," where Mike's footwork drove the songs with relentless energy. Unlike single bass drum setups common in rock at the time, Mike's double 22" bass drums provided the foundation for his signature patterns — syncopated fills that crossed between hands and feet, creating the illusion of a drummer with six limbs.

The birch shells of the Artstar II gave the kit a focused, punchy sound that cut through Dream Theater's dense mix of keyboards and guitars. Birch's enhanced high and low frequencies, with slightly scooped mids, worked perfectly for metal — attack and low-end without muddiness.

Mike's tom setup already showed his melodic approach to drumming. Six toms from 8" to 16" gave him nearly two octaves of pitch range, allowing him to play fills that function almost as melodies. Songs like "Surrounded" and "Wait for Sleep" showcased this musical approach.

The purple finish with gold hardware became one of Mike's signature looks, a visual statement that matched the band's ambitious musical vision.

### The Snare That Cut Through

The snare sound on Images and Words needed to accomplish something difficult: cutting through keyboards, guitars, and bass while remaining musical during both heavy and quiet passages. Mike achieved this with a Tama brass snare from the Artstar II series.

At 6.5" depth, the drum provided body and projection without the excessive ring that could muddy complex arrangements. The brass shell gave it brightness and crack — essential for the aggressive passages in "Under a Glass Moon" and "Take the Time" — while maintaining warmth for ballad-like moments in "Wait for Sleep" and "Another Day."

Producer David Prater captured the snare with both top and bottom microphones, blending the crack of the batter head with the sizzle of the snares. This combination gave the drum dimensional presence in the mix.

Mike tuned the snare in the medium-high range, tight enough for articulate ghost notes but not so tight that it lost body. The ghost notes are essential to his style — listen to the verses of "Pull Me Under" where subtle snare work drives the groove beneath the main accents.

This snare would evolve over time — Mike later developed his signature Melody Master snare with Tama — but the core philosophy was already present: a drum that could whisper and scream equally well.

### The Zildjian Setup

Mike's cymbal setup for Images and Words was built around the newly introduced Zildjian A Custom series, which had debuted in 1989. The A Customs' bright, cutting sound suited progressive metal perfectly — enough power to compete with heavy guitars, enough musicality for intricate passages.

The 14" A Custom hi-hats were central to Mike's style. Bright and articulate, they allowed fast 16th-note patterns to speak clearly even in dense arrangements. The opening hi-hat pattern of "Pull Me Under" showcases their cutting quality.

Mike used multiple crashes strategically placed around his kit, ranging from 16" to 19". This gave him options for different intensities and tonal colors. The variety was practical too — with songs featuring complex structures and multiple sections, different crashes marked different emotional territories.

The 20" A Custom Medium Ride provided versatility. Mike could ride on it with jazz-influenced grace during quiet sections, then crash it aggressively during climaxes. The clear bell was essential for accents, particularly in songs like "Metropolis—Part I" where the bell punctuates technical passages.

The 18" Oriental China Trash added aggressive color. China cymbals were becoming increasingly popular in metal and progressive rock during the early 90s, and Mike used his to punctuate transitions and add explosive accents. The trashy quality cut through the mix distinctively.

Multiple splash cymbals gave Mike quick accent options without the sustain of larger crashes — perfect for progressive arrangements where every note counts.

## Key Facts

- "Pull Me Under" reached #10 on Billboard Mainstream Rock chart
- Album certified Gold in the US — rare for progressive metal
- Recorded at BearTracks Studios with producer David Prater
- "Metropolis—Part I" became a fan favorite and spawned concept sequel
- Mike Portnoy was only 25 but already showed legendary potential
- Double 22" bass drums for signature two-foot patterns
- Six toms for maximum melodic range
- Birch shells provided focused, punchy tone
- Purple finish with gold hardware became iconic
- Star-Cast mounting preserved shell resonance
- Estimated kit value: $3,500-5,000 (1992) / $4,000-7,000 (vintage today)
- Estimated snare value: $350-450 (1992) / $400-600 (vintage today)

**Source:** https://metalforge.io/articles/images-and-words-drum-setup

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*Last updated: 2026-06-16 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*