# Metallica — Drummer & Gear Profile | MetalForge

> Per-band AI citation reference for Metallica. Covers drummer history, kit setup, and gear details.
> Optimised for AI queries: 'who drums for Metallica', 'Lars Ulrich drum kit', 'Metallica drummer gear'.

## Band Overview

- **Drummer:** Lars Ulrich (1981–present)
- **Genre:** Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal
- **Active:** 1981–present
- **Country:** United States (Los Angeles, California)
- **Status:** Active

## Drummer(s)

**Lars Ulrich** — 1981–present (Co-founder)
Lars Ulrich is the co-founder and sole drummer in Metallica's history. Born in Gentofte, Denmark on December 26, 1963, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue drumming and formed Metallica alongside vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield in 1981. Ulrich is widely credited with helping pioneer the thrash metal genre and is one of the most recognizable drummers in heavy metal history.

[Lars Ulrich full profile →](https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich) · [LLM markdown](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/lars-ulrich.md)

## Kit Overview

Lars Ulrich's primary setup uses **Tama Starclassic Maple** shells paired with **Zildjian A Custom** cymbals. His signature snare is the **Tama LU1465 Lars Ulrich Signature 14×6.5"**. He plays with **Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature** drumsticks and uses **Remo** drumheads. For double-bass work, he relies on the **Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide** double pedal.

- **Drums:** Tama Starclassic Maple
- **Snare:** Tama LU1465 Lars Ulrich Signature 14×6.5"
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian A Custom Series (14" Dyno Beat Hi-Hats, 17" & 18" Rock Crashes, 22" Ride)
- **Pedals:** Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide Double Pedal
- **Sticks:** Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature

## Signature Sound

Metallica's drumming is defined by Lars Ulrich's aggressive, driving style. He employs galloping patterns that complement James Hetfield's rhythm guitar — most famously on "Master of Puppets" and "Battery". His fills are assertive rather than technical, and his groove locks tightly with the low-end thrash riff. His use of the ride cymbal as a primary rhythmic vehicle gives Metallica records their distinctive open, attacking feel. The double-bass patterns on albums like *Ride the Lightning* and *...And Justice for All* helped establish thrash metal's rhythmic template.

## Albums

| Album | Year | Drummer |
|---|---|---|
| Kill 'Em All | 1983 | Lars Ulrich |
| Ride the Lightning | 1984 | Lars Ulrich |
| Master of Puppets | 1986 | Lars Ulrich |
| ...And Justice for All | 1988 | Lars Ulrich |
| Metallica (Black Album) | 1991 | Lars Ulrich |
| Load | 1996 | Lars Ulrich |
| ReLoad | 1997 | Lars Ulrich |
| St. Anger | 2003 | Lars Ulrich |
| Death Magnetic | 2008 | Lars Ulrich |
| Hardwired...to Self-Destruct | 2016 | Lars Ulrich |
| 72 Seasons | 2023 | Lars Ulrich |

## FAQ

**Q: Who plays drums in Metallica?**
A: Lars Ulrich has been Metallica's drummer since the band's founding in 1981. He is a co-founder alongside James Hetfield and has appeared on all studio albums.

**Q: What drum kit does Lars Ulrich use?**
A: Lars Ulrich plays Tama Starclassic Maple drums with his signature LU1465 14×6.5" snare drum. He has been a longtime Tama endorser.

**Q: What cymbals does Lars Ulrich use?**
A: Lars Ulrich uses Zildjian A Custom cymbals, including 14" Dyno Beat Hi-Hats, 16"–18" Rock Crashes, and a 22" Ride.

**Q: Is Lars Ulrich in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?**
A: Yes. Metallica was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, making Lars Ulrich the first Danish-born musician to receive the honour.

**Q: What pedals does Lars Ulrich use?**
A: Lars Ulrich plays the Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide double bass drum pedal.

**Q: What is Metallica's most famous drum part?**
A: "Master of Puppets" (1986) is widely cited for its iconic galloping drum pattern, while the "One" intro features a machine-gun double-bass sequence that remains one of metal drumming's most recognisable moments.

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**Full band profile:** [Metallica on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/bands/metallica)

**Drummer LLM file:** [Lars Ulrich](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/lars-ulrich.md)

**More resources:** [All bands](https://metalforge.io/llms/bands.md) · [Site index](https://metalforge.io/llms.txt)

*Last updated: 2026-06-20 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*