# Iowa Drum Setup: Joey Jordison's Gear Breakdown

> Complete breakdown of Joey Jordison's legendary drum setup on Slipknot's Iowa. The most intense album of the nu-metal era, featuring some of the most demanding drumming ever recorded.

**Type:** Album Drum Setup
**Drummer(s):** [Joey Jordison](/llms/drummers/joey-jordison.md)
**Band / Album:** Slipknot — *Iowa* (2001)
**Genre:** Nu Metal / Death Metal

## Overview

Released on August 28, 2001, Slipknot's "Iowa" is one of the most emotionally and physically demanding albums in metal history. At the center of this maelstrom was Joey Jordison, whose drumming reached superhuman levels of speed, precision, and intensity.

Producer Ross Robinson pushed the band to their absolute limits at Sound City Studios and Indigo Ranch. Sessions were notorious for their intensity — band members recorded in extreme physical and mental states, and Joey's drum performances required extraordinary stamina and focus.

The album was recorded primarily live, capturing the band's ferocious energy. Joey's playing on tracks like "Disasterpiece," "The Heretic Anthem," and "People = Shit" set new standards for extreme drumming. His blast beats, complex fills, and sustained intensity across the album's 67-minute runtime demonstrated why he was considered one of the greatest drummers of his generation.

This article breaks down the gear Joey used to create this landmark recording and explores the techniques that made Iowa's drum sound so devastating.

## Gear Breakdown

- **Drums:** Pearl Pearl Masterworks Custom (Custom Purple/Black Fade finish)
- **Snare:** Pearl Pearl Joey Jordison Signature, 13" x 6.5"
- **Cymbals:** Paiste — Paiste RUDE & 2002
- **Hardware / Pedals:** Pearl Demon Drive Double Pedal (custom configuration); Pearl Icon Rack System; Pearl H-2000 Hi-Hat Stand; Pearl D-2000 Throne; Promark Joey Jordison Signature TX515W
- **Heads:** Evans Genera HD Dry (batter), Evans Hazy 300 (resonant)
- **Snare tuning:** High tension, very tight snare wires for maximum attack

### The Purple Beast: Joey's Pearl Masterworks

For Iowa, Joey Jordison used a Pearl Masterworks kit configured for maximum speed and impact. The maple/mahogany shell combination provided attack and projection while maintaining warmth in the low end.

The double 22" x 18" bass drums were tuned low and punchy, essential for the album's crushing sound. Unlike many drummers who use triggers exclusively, Joey blended triggered attack with natural drum tone, creating a sound that was both mechanical and organic.

The extensive tom configuration (six toms from 8" to 18") allowed for the complex, flowing fills that Joey was known for. His fills moved seamlessly around the entire kit, creating melodic phrases within the chaos.

The Masterworks series offered the build quality and consistency Joey needed for such demanding sessions. Custom shell configurations and hardware were specified for his particular needs, including the infamous purple/black fade finish that became associated with the Iowa era.

### The Skull-Cracker

The snare sound on Iowa is unmistakable — tight, explosive, and cutting through the album's dense mix like a bullet. Joey achieved this with his Pearl signature snare, a 13" x 6.5" steel drum designed to his specifications.

The smaller 13" diameter was unusual for metal but gave Joey the quick response he needed for rapid ghost notes and machine-gun blasts. The steel shell provided brightness and projection, while the 6.5" depth offered body without excessive ring.

For Iowa, Joey tuned the snare relatively high and tight, with maximum snare wire tension. This eliminated unwanted overtones and gave each stroke maximum definition, essential for the extremely fast passages.

The trigger on this snare was crucial, providing consistent attack even during the most extreme blast beats. But the natural snare sound was blended in, giving the electronic consistency with acoustic character.

### Paiste Artillery

Joey's cymbal setup for Iowa was extensive, built around Paiste's RUDE and 2002 series. The RUDE series was specifically designed for aggressive, heavy-hitting drummers, with raw unlathed bells and heavy construction.

The four crash cymbals (16" through 19") gave Joey options for different intensities. During complex sections, he would move between crashes, creating a wash of cymbal sound that added to the chaos.

The 14" Wild hi-hats provided the articulation needed for fast patterns while maintaining an aggressive, raw tone. The "Wild" designation indicates unlathed bells and raw finish for maximum aggression.

The dual China cymbals (20" and 22") were essential to Slipknot's sound. The trashy explosions punctuated riffs and transitions, becoming a signature element of the band's music.

The massive 22" Power Ride could withstand Joey's aggressive playing while providing clear stick definition for the relatively few ride-heavy passages on the album.

## Key Facts

- Recorded live at Sound City and Indigo Ranch with Ross Robinson
- Sessions pushed band members to physical and emotional extremes
- Joey recorded drums for the entire 67-minute album with minimal overdubs
- Considered one of the most technically demanding metal drum performances
- Double bass drums tuned low for maximum impact
- Six toms for complex, flowing fills
- Maple/mahogany hybrid for attack with warmth
- Custom purple finish iconic to the Iowa era
- Estimated kit value: $6,000-8,000 (2001)
- Estimated snare value: $450-550 (2001)

**Source:** https://metalforge.io/articles/iowa-drum-setup

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