# Painkiller Drum Setup: Scott Travis's Speed Metal Revolution

> Complete breakdown of Scott Travis's legendary drum setup on Judas Priest's Painkiller. The album that proved metal wasn't dead in 1990, featuring some of the most intense drumming in heavy metal history.

**Type:** Album Drum Setup
**Drummer(s):** [Scott Travis](/llms/drummers/scott-travis.md)
**Band / Album:** Judas Priest — *Painkiller* (1990)
**Genre:** Heavy Metal / Speed Metal

## Overview

In 1990, heavy metal was in crisis. Grunge was rising, hair metal was dying, and many classic bands were releasing their weakest material. Then Judas Priest unleashed "Painkiller" — an album so fast, so aggressive, and so uncompromisingly heavy that it silenced every critic who claimed metal had lost its edge.

At the center of this nuclear blast was Scott Travis, the American drummer who had replaced Dave Holland and completely transformed Judas Priest's sound. Where Holland was solid and workmanlike, Travis was a force of nature — bringing speed metal intensity, double bass fury, and technical precision that pushed Priest into new territory.

From the opening seconds of the title track — arguably metal's greatest drum intro — Travis announced that this would be something different. The sustained double bass assault, the impossible speed, the pinpoint accuracy: it was drumming that seemed beyond human capability.

Recorded primarily at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands with producer Chris Tsangarides, Painkiller represented Judas Priest's heaviest, fastest, and most technically demanding album. Twenty-five years later, it remains the benchmark against which all heavy metal drumming is measured.

## Gear Breakdown

- **Drums:** Tama Tama Artstar II (Piano Black finish)
- **Snare:** Tama Tama Artstar II Steel, 14" x 6.5"
- **Cymbals:** Paiste — Paiste Signature / 2002
- **Hardware / Pedals:** Tama Iron Cobra HP900 (Prototype/Early Version); Tama Iron Cobra Hi-Hat Stand; Tama 1st Chair; Vic Firth 5B
- **Heads:** Remo Emperor Coated (batter), Remo Ambassador Snare Side
- **Snare tuning:** Medium-high tension, tight snare wires for maximum attack

### Travis's Tama Powerhouse

For Painkiller, Scott Travis used a Tama Artstar II kit that would become synonymous with speed metal drumming. The Artstar II featured birch shells known for their aggressive attack and focused tone — essential qualities for cutting through Priest's wall of guitars at extreme speeds.

The double 22" x 16" bass drums were the foundation of Travis's revolutionary sound. Tuned tight and punchy, they produced the machine-gun attack that defines the Painkiller album. Unlike many metal drummers who favor deep, boomy bass drums, Travis's setup emphasized clarity and articulation, allowing every note to be heard even at blinding speeds.

The rack tom configuration (10", 12", 13") along with two floor toms (14", 16") gave Travis a complete palette for his rapid-fire fills. The Artstar II's die-cast hoops enhanced attack and rim shot clarity, crucial for the snare-intensive patterns throughout the album.

The birch shells provided the projection needed for Painkiller's massive sound. Unlike maple's warmth, birch delivers more high-frequency attack — ideal for the aggressive, in-your-face drum sound that defined the album.

### The Crack of Thunder

The snare sound on Painkiller cuts through like a blade — tight, explosive, and perfectly positioned in the mix. Travis achieved this with a Tama Artstar II steel snare that provided the brightness and attack needed for the album's demanding material.

The 14" x 6.5" dimensions gave the drum both the projection for powerful backbeats and the response for the rapid ghost notes and intricate patterns throughout the album. The steel shell delivered the high-frequency crack that pierced through K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton's dual guitar assault.

Travis tuned the snare on the tighter side, emphasizing attack over body. This approach was essential for songs like "Painkiller" and "Metal Meltdown" where the snare needed to cut through sustained guitar walls and not get lost in the density.

The die-cast hoops added durability for Travis's powerful rim shots and enhanced the drum's overall projection. Every backbeat rang with authority, providing the anchor for the album's complex arrangements.

### Paiste Brilliance

Scott Travis's cymbal setup blended Paiste's Signature series (known for their brilliant finish and projection) with the classic 2002 line. This combination delivered the brightness and cut essential for heavy metal's most demanding album.

The 14" Signature Heavy Hi-Hats were crucial for Travis's playing style. Their weight provided stability during aggressive patterns while the brilliant finish gave them the shimmer and projection to cut through the mix. Fast hi-hat work is featured prominently throughout the album.

The array of crash cymbals (16" through 20") gave Travis options for different dynamics and textures. The Signature Power Crashes emphasized high frequencies and fast response, while the 2002 crashes added warmth for variety.

The 22" Power Ride was substantial enough to withstand Travis's forceful playing while providing clear stick definition for ride-heavy passages. The bell sound was particularly important for accents throughout the album.

The 20" Novo China added the explosive accents that punctuate key moments throughout Painkiller. These trashy, cutting sounds became part of the album's sonic signature.

## Key Facts

- Scott Travis's debut with Judas Priest after years with Racer X
- Recorded at Wisseloord Studios, Netherlands with Chris Tsangarides
- Title track features one of metal's most iconic drum intros
- Album revitalized Judas Priest and proved metal could evolve
- Double bass work set new standards for the entire genre
- Double bass drums tuned tight for maximum articulation
- Birch shells provided aggressive attack and projection
- Die-cast hoops enhanced rim shot clarity
- Configuration optimized for speed without sacrificing power
- This kit established the template for modern speed metal drumming
- Estimated kit value: $3,500-5,000 (1990)
- Estimated snare value: $400-500 (1990)

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

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