---
name: "Travis Orbin"
band: "Darkest Hour / ex-Periphery"
genre: "Thrash Metal / Progressive Metal / Djent"
country: "USA"
primary_brand: "SJC"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/travis-orbin"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Travis Orbin

Travis Orbin is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Darkest Hour / ex-Periphery, a defining act in thrash metal / progressive metal / djent.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Travis Orbin |
| Band | Darkest Hour / ex-Periphery |
| All bands | Darkest Hour, Periphery |
| Genre | Thrash Metal / Progressive Metal / Djent |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | SJC |
| Drum kit | SJC Custom Drums |
| Signature snare | SJC Custom 14x6.5" Maple |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 5B |

## Biography

Travis Orbin (born August 26, 1985) is an American drummer known for his work with Darkest Hour and as the original studio drummer for Periphery. A self-taught drummer from New York, Orbin rose to prominence recording Periphery's groundbreaking self-titled debut album (2010), which helped define the djent movement. His complex polyrhythmic patterns, precise double bass work, and creative use of electronic triggers set a new standard for modern metal drumming. After leaving Periphery, he joined thrash metal band Darkest Hour in 2013. Orbin is also a prolific session musician and runs the "Travis Orbin Drum" YouTube channel where he posts playthroughs of his studio work. His influences include Gene Hoglan, Tomas Haake, and Matt Garstka.

Travis Orbin (born July 5, 1985, in Baltimore, Maryland) is an American drummer best known as the founding drummer of progressive metal band Periphery. His groundbreaking work on Periphery's self-titled debut album and early EPs helped define the "djent" genre and influenced a generation of progressive metal drummers.

Orbin's technical prowess, creative use of polyrhythms, and ability to navigate complex time signatures made him an instant sensation in the progressive metal community. After leaving Periphery in 2012, he has continued as a session musician, solo artist, and member of bands like Sky Harbor and Darkest Hour, while also producing acclaimed drum playthrough videos and educational content.

## Band History

- **Darkest Hour** — 2017–present (current)
- **Periphery** — 2005–2012

## Gear

- **Drums:** SJC Custom Drums
- **Snare:** SJC Custom 14x6.5" Maple
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian K Custom Series (14" K Custom Dark Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" K Custom Dark Crashes, 21" K Custom Ride, 18" K Custom China)
- **Hardware:** DW 9000 Series Double Pedal, Roland SPD-SX Sampling Pad, DW 9100 Throne
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth American Classic 5B
- **Heads:** Evans

## Notable Performances

- Zyglrox - Periphery Playalong (2017)
- Totla Mad - Periphery Playalong (2017)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drum kit does Travis Orbin play?**

A: Travis Orbin plays a SJC Custom Drums.

**Q: What cymbals does Travis Orbin use?**

A: Travis Orbin uses Zildjian K Custom Series (14" K Custom Dark Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" K Custom Dark Crashes, 21" K Custom Ride, 18" K Custom China).

**Q: What band is Travis Orbin in?**

A: Travis Orbin drums for Darkest Hour / ex-Periphery, a thrash metal / progressive metal / djent band.

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Travis Orbin on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/travis-orbin)

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