# Best Cymbals for Metalcore: 2026 Expert Guide > Best cymbal picks for metalcore drumming: what Matt Halpern (Periphery), Matt Greiner (August Burns Red), Alex Bent (Trivium), and Jay Weinberg (Slipknot) actually play. Meinl Byzance Extra Dry vs Zildjian A/K Custom — ranked budget to pro. **Guide URL:** [https://metalforge.io/guides/best-cymbals-for-metalcore](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-cymbals-for-metalcore) **Last Updated:** 2026-07-05 --- ## Why Metalcore Cymbals Need to Stay Dry and Controlled Metalcore drumming lives between two worlds — breakdown-driven heaviness and technical, syncopated precision — and the genre's cymbal choices reflect that split. Palm-muted chugs and tightly syncopated riffing need cymbals that stay dry and controlled rather than washing out, while the genre's frequent tempo and dynamic shifts demand quick, articulate response. Matt Halpern of Periphery and Matt Greiner of August Burns Red both build their setups around Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Series cymbals, prioritizing a controlled, low-sustain voice that stays articulate through breakdown-heavy arrangements and complex time signature changes. Alex Bent, who brought his technical death metal background to Trivium, uses the brighter Meinl Byzance Brilliant Series for a faster, more cutting attack suited to Trivium's more melodic, riff-driven modern metal sound. Jay Weinberg of Slipknot takes a different path entirely, building his kit around Zildjian A Custom and K Custom cymbals for a brighter, more explosive voice that matches Slipknot's aggressive nu-metal/metalcore hybrid sound. This guide compares Meinl Byzance Extra Dry, Meinl Byzance Brilliant, and Zildjian A/K Custom cymbals for metalcore — breaking down what each of these four influential drummers plays and why, with recommendations across every budget. **Key Points:** - Meinl Byzance Extra Dry defines the dry, controlled metalcore cymbal standard — Matt Halpern and Matt Greiner both use it - China cymbals are essential for punctuating breakdowns — all four featured drummers include an 18"-19" china - Dry voicing dominates modern metalcore, but Jay Weinberg's brighter Zildjian setup shows the more explosive alternative - 15" hi-hats (Halpern, Greiner) are common in metalcore for extra control on tightly muted riff patterns --- ## What Makes a Great Metalcore Cymbal? ### 🌫️ Dry, Controlled Voicing Metalcore's breakdown-driven riffing needs cymbals that don't wash into a wall of sustain. Meinl Byzance Extra Dry cymbals — used by Matt Halpern and Matt Greiner — are specifically voiced with minimal ring, staying controlled and articulate through syncopated, palm-muted passages. **Recommendation:** Extra Dry or Dark-voiced crashes and rides for controlled, low-sustain response ### ⛩️ China Cymbal for Breakdown Punctuation China cymbals are nearly universal in metalcore setups: Halpern's 18" Extra Dry China, Greiner's 18" Extra Dry China, Bent's 18" China, and Weinberg's 19" K China all supply the immediate, trashy accent that punctuates breakdown hits and riff transitions. **Recommendation:** 18"-19" china for immediate, cutting breakdown punctuation ### 🎩 Hi-Hat Control for Palm-Muted Riffing 15" hi-hats — used by both Halpern and Greiner — give extra surface area and control compared to the more common 14" size, useful for the tightly muted, syncopated riff patterns that define much of metalcore's rhythmic vocabulary. **Recommendation:** 14"-15" hi-hats, dry/dark voicing for tight, controlled closed patterns ### 🔔 Ride Clarity for Syncopated Patterns Metalcore's complex time signature shifts and syncopated riff-locking demand a ride that stays clearly articulate rather than washing into a blur. Transition-style rides (Halpern, Greiner) and Medium/K Custom rides (Bent, Weinberg) all prioritize definition over pure volume. **Recommendation:** Transition or medium-weight rides for clear articulation through complex patterns ### ⚖️ Brightness vs. Dryness Tradeoff Meinl Byzance Extra Dry (Halpern, Greiner) prioritizes control; Meinl Byzance Brilliant (Bent) and Zildjian A/K Custom (Weinberg) trade some of that dryness for a brighter, more explosive attack that suits metalcore's more melodic or aggressive extremes. **Recommendation:** Extra Dry for breakdown-heavy technical metalcore; brighter Brilliant/A Custom voicing for melodic or aggressive metalcore ### 🛡️ Touring Durability Metalcore's relentless touring schedule — full US and European runs, multiple sets per night on package tours — means cymbals need to survive heavy, repeated impact on breakdown hits without cracking prematurely. **Recommendation:** Mid-to-heavy gauge B20 bronze cymbals built for repeated breakdown-level impact --- ## Top Cymbal Lines Used by Metalcore Legends ### 1. Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Series — Meinl **Model:** Byzance Extra Dry Series **Price range:** €200-420 per cymbal **Tier:** pro **Material:** B20 Bronze **Rating:** 4.8/5 The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Series is metalcore's defining cymbal sound, anchoring two of the genre's most technically respected setups. Matt Halpern of Periphery built his kit around 15" Dark Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" Extra Dry Medium Crashes, a 22" Transition Ride, and an 18" Extra Dry China — a setup engineered for the polyrhythmic precision Periphery's djent-metalcore hybrid demands across "Periphery II," "Juggernaut," and "Hail Stan." Matt Greiner of August Burns Red runs a near-identical Meinl Byzance Extra Dry setup — 15" Dual Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" Extra Dry Medium Crashes, a 21" Transition Ride, and an 18" Extra Dry China — driving August Burns Red's Grammy-nominated catalog with jazz-influenced dynamics and technical precision. Both drummers rely on the Extra Dry line's minimal-sustain voicing to stay controlled through breakdown-heavy, syncopated arrangements. **Pros:** - Two of metalcore's most technically respected drummers — Matt Halpern and Matt Greiner — both build around this line - Extra Dry voicing stays controlled through breakdown-heavy, palm-muted riffing - 15" hi-hat option gives extra control versus standard 14" - Wide range across hi-hats, crashes, rides, and china - Proven across Periphery and August Burns Red's full studio catalogs **Cons:** - Dry voicing has less natural sustain than brighter alternatives - Premium Meinl Byzance pricing - Less explosive than brighter A Custom-style options for aggressive metalcore **Who uses it:** - Matt Halpern (Periphery) — 15" Dark Hi-Hats, 18"&20" Extra Dry Medium Crashes, 22" Transition Ride, 18" Extra Dry China - Matt Greiner (August Burns Red) — 15" Dual Hi-Hats, 18"&19" Extra Dry Medium Crashes, 21" Transition Ride, 18" Extra Dry China **Verdict:** The metalcore cymbal standard. If you want the dry, controlled voice that defines the genre's technical wing, this is it. ### 2. Meinl Byzance Brilliant Series — Meinl **Model:** Byzance Brilliant Series **Price range:** €210-430 per cymbal **Tier:** pro **Material:** B20 Bronze **Rating:** 4.6/5 Alex Bent brought his technical death metal background from Brain Drill and Arkaik into Trivium, and his Meinl Byzance Brilliant Series setup reflects that hybrid pedigree — 14" Medium Hi-Hats, 16", 18" & 19" Medium Thin Crashes, a 21" Medium Ride, and an 18" China. The brilliant finish gives a faster, brighter attack than the Extra Dry line, matching Trivium's more melodic, riff-driven modern metal sound on "The Sin and the Sentence" and "In the Court of the Dragon." Where Halpern and Greiner prioritize dryness and control, Bent's Brilliant Series setup shows that a brighter, more resonant voice works equally well for metalcore-adjacent modern metal that leans into melody as much as breakdown weight. **Pros:** - Alex Bent's Trivium setup — proof that brighter voicing works for melodic modern metalcore - Brilliant finish gives faster, more cutting attack than Extra Dry alternatives - Medium Thin crashes offer quicker decay for busy, technical patterns - Versatile across metalcore's more melodic and technical extremes - Proven on Trivium's Grammy-nominated modern catalog **Cons:** - Brighter voicing less suited to pure breakdown-heavy technical metalcore - Premium Meinl Byzance pricing - More sustain than Extra Dry may require more dampening in dense mixes **Who uses it:** - Alex Bent (Trivium) — 14" Medium Hi-Hats, 16",18"&19" Medium Thin Crashes, 21" Medium Ride, 18" China **Verdict:** Best for melodic modern metalcore. Bent's brighter setup proves technical precision and melody aren't mutually exclusive. ### 3. Zildjian A Custom & K Custom — Zildjian **Model:** A Custom & K Custom Series **Price range:** €190-450 per cymbal **Tier:** pro **Material:** B20 Bronze **Rating:** 4.5/5 Jay Weinberg of Slipknot stands apart from metalcore's Meinl-dominated landscape, building his kit around Zildjian A Custom and K Custom cymbals — 14" A New Beat Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" A Custom Crashes, a 21" K Custom Ride, and a 19" K China. This brighter, more explosive voice matches Slipknot's aggressive nu-metal/metalcore hybrid sound, honoring the band's legacy while adding Weinberg's own intensity. The A Custom line's brilliant finish gives fast, cutting crash response ideal for Slipknot's dynamic, theatrical arrangements, while the K Custom Ride adds darker, more controlled definition underneath. It's proof that metalcore's cymbal choices scale from ultra-dry technical precision all the way to bright, explosive aggression depending on the specific sound a band is chasing. **Pros:** - Jay Weinberg's Slipknot setup — the brighter, more aggressive end of metalcore's cymbal spectrum - A Custom's brilliant finish gives fast, explosive crash response - K Custom Ride adds darker, more controlled definition - Wide range across hi-hats, crashes, ride, and china - Proven on massive stages across Slipknot's global touring career **Cons:** - Brighter voicing less suited to breakdown-heavy technical metalcore than Meinl Byzance Extra Dry - Premium Zildjian pricing - Less dry control than the genre's more technical setups **Who uses it:** - Jay Weinberg (Slipknot) — 14" A New Beat Hi-Hats, 18"&19" A Custom Crashes, 21" K Custom Ride, 19" K China **Verdict:** Best for aggressive, nu-metal-influenced metalcore. Weinberg's setup brings explosive brightness to the genre. ### 4. Sabian AAX Series — Sabian **Model:** AAX Series **Price range:** €150-330 per cymbal **Tier:** mid **Material:** B20 Bronze **Rating:** 4.3/5 Sabian's AAX Series is a widely used alternative for metalcore drummers who want a bright, cutting, explosive voice without committing to Meinl or Zildjian's specific metalcore lineages. The B20 bronze construction and brilliant finish deliver a fast, aggressive attack that works well for breakdown punctuation and syncopated riff work alike. While not tied to one of metalcore's specific signature setups, AAX cymbals appear widely across the touring and session circuit for their reliability, bright cut, and consistent worldwide availability — a practical alternative when a specific signature line isn't accessible. **Pros:** - Bright, explosive B20 tone comparable to the brighter metalcore setups - More accessible pricing than Meinl Byzance or Zildjian signature lines - Reliable and widely available worldwide - Strong alternative when a specific signature line is out of budget or stock **Cons:** - Not tied to a specific metalcore legend's setup - Less distinctive character than Meinl Byzance Extra Dry or Zildjian A/K Custom - Less established reputation specifically within metalcore circles **Who uses it:** - Metalcore drummers worldwide (Various) — Widely used alternative across touring and session metalcore setups **Verdict:** Strong alternative to Meinl and Zildjian for metalcore. Bright, explosive, and more widely accessible. --- ## Best Budget Cymbals for Metalcore You don't need €300 cymbals to start playing metalcore. These budget lines deliver real breakdown punch for developing players. ### Meinl HCS Series — Meinl **Model:** HCS Series **Price range:** €40-110 per cymbal **Tier:** budget **Material:** Brass Alloy **Rating:** 4.1/5 Meinl's entry-level HCS line carries the same dry-leaning DNA as the Byzance Extra Dry Series at a fraction of the price, making it the logical starting point for a metalcore drummer who wants the Meinl family sound before upgrading. It won't replace Byzance's dry control, but it teaches proper technique on a genuinely controlled, breakdown-friendly cymbal. **Pros:** - Same Meinl dry-leaning DNA as Byzance Extra Dry at accessible pricing - Good starting point before upgrading to Byzance - Durable enough for developing players' breakdown practice **Cons:** - Brass alloy lacks Byzance's B20 bronze complexity and durability - Thinner, less controlled than professional Meinl lines **Verdict:** Best budget entry into the Meinl metalcore sound. ### Zildjian ZBT Series — Zildjian **Model:** ZBT Series **Price range:** €50-130 per cymbal **Tier:** budget **Material:** B8 Bronze **Rating:** 4/5 The Zildjian ZBT Series offers a budget entry point into the brighter, more explosive A Custom family sound that Jay Weinberg relies on. B8 bronze construction gives a cutting, if less complex, voice well-suited to developing metalcore drummers still building technique. **Pros:** - Budget entry into Zildjian's brighter cymbal family - B8 bronze gives cutting, present tone - Widely available and affordable **Cons:** - Less complex and durable than A Custom or K Custom - Lacks the refined articulation of Weinberg's professional setup **Verdict:** Best budget path toward Jay Weinberg's Zildjian sound. --- ## Meinl Byzance Extra Dry vs Zildjian A/K Custom for Metalcore Cymbal choice splits metalcore drummers into two clear camps. Here's how each compares: **Meinl Byzance Extra Dry (Matt Halpern, Matt Greiner):** - Dry, controlled, minimal-sustain character - The dominant modern metalcore cymbal choice - Prioritizes control over breakdown-heavy, syncopated riffing - Best for: Technical, djent-influenced, and breakdown-driven metalcore **Zildjian A Custom & K Custom (Jay Weinberg):** - Brighter, more explosive, more resonant - Better for aggressive, nu-metal-influenced metalcore - More versatile outside pure metalcore contexts - Best for: Theatrical, high-energy live performance **The Truth:** Two of metalcore's most technically respected drummers — Matt Halpern and Matt Greiner — built their sound on Meinl Byzance Extra Dry's controlled dryness. Jay Weinberg proves the opposite approach also works at the highest level, trading dry control for explosive brightness. Neither is "more correct" — it depends on whether your metalcore leans technical/breakdown-driven or aggressive/theatrical. **Our Recommendation:** Start with Meinl Byzance Extra Dry if you want the dry, controlled sound that dominates modern technical metalcore. Choose Zildjian A Custom & K Custom if your material is more aggressive and nu-metal-influenced. | feature | meinl | zildjian | | --- | --- | --- | | Dry/Controlled Character | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | | Brightness/Explosiveness | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | | Modern Metalcore Tradition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | | Versatility Outside Metalcore | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | | Price (entry) | €200+ | €190+ | --- ## Our Top Cymbal Picks for Metalcore - **Best Overall:** Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Series — Matt Halpern and Matt Greiner's shared setup — the dry, controlled tone that defines modern metalcore. - **Best for Melodic Metalcore:** Meinl Byzance Brilliant Series — Alex Bent's brighter Trivium setup. Fast, cutting attack for riff-driven modern metal. - **Best for Aggressive Metalcore:** Zildjian A Custom & K Custom — Jay Weinberg's Slipknot setup — explosive brightness for theatrical, high-energy performance. - **Best Budget:** Meinl HCS Series — The Meinl dry-leaning DNA at accessible pricing. A real starting point before upgrading to Byzance. --- ## FAQ **What cymbals does Matt Halpern use?** Matt Halpern of Periphery uses Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Series cymbals — 15" Dark Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" Extra Dry Medium Crashes, a 22" Transition Ride, and an 18" Extra Dry China. This dry, controlled setup is engineered for Periphery's polyrhythmic djent-metalcore precision. **What cymbals does Matt Greiner from August Burns Red use?** Matt Greiner uses Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Series cymbals — 15" Dual Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" Extra Dry Medium Crashes, a 21" Transition Ride, and an 18" Extra Dry China — nearly identical to Matt Halpern's Periphery setup, reflecting the shared dry, controlled cymbal sound that dominates technical metalcore. **Meinl Byzance vs Zildjian A Custom — which is better for metalcore?** Both work at the highest level of metalcore — Matt Halpern and Matt Greiner both use Meinl Byzance Extra Dry for its controlled, minimal-sustain character, while Jay Weinberg uses Zildjian A Custom & K Custom for a brighter, more explosive attack. Byzance Extra Dry suits technical, breakdown-heavy metalcore; A Custom & K Custom suits aggressive, nu-metal-influenced metalcore. **What china cymbal is best for metalcore?** An 18"-19" china is the metalcore standard for immediate, cutting breakdown punctuation — used by Matt Halpern, Matt Greiner, Alex Bent, and Jay Weinberg alike. It's the go-to cymbal for punctuating the genre's signature breakdown hits and riff transitions. **Do I need expensive cymbals to play metalcore?** No — start with a budget line from the same family as your target sound: Meinl HCS approximates the Byzance Extra Dry Series' controlled character, while Zildjian ZBT approximates the A Custom family's brightness, both at a fraction of the professional price. Upgrade once your technique and budget catch up. --- ## Find Your Metalcore Cymbal Voice Metalcore cymbal choice comes down to a fundamental question: do you want dry control or explosive brightness? Matt Halpern and Matt Greiner both found their answer in Meinl Byzance Extra Dry's controlled voicing, ideal for breakdown-heavy technical metalcore. Alex Bent found a brighter middle ground in the Byzance Brilliant Series for Trivium's more melodic modern metal sound, while Jay Weinberg found his in Zildjian's explosive A Custom & K Custom lines for Slipknot's aggressive, theatrical performances. Neither approach is more "authentic" to the genre — all four have driven some of metalcore's most influential recordings. Start with whichever family matches your band's balance of breakdown weight versus melody and aggression. Budget shouldn't stop you either. A Meinl HCS or Zildjian ZBT setup will teach real technique and survive aggressive practice while you save toward the professional lines that defined this genre's greatest records. 🤘 **Now go drop that breakdown.** --- ## Related Guides - [Best Drum Kits for Metalcore: 2026 Ultimate Guide](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-kits-for-metalcore) - [Best Cymbals for Progressive Metal: 2026 Expert Guide](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-cymbals-for-progressive-metal) - [Best Cymbals for Thrash Metal: 2026 Ultimate Guide](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-cymbals-for-thrash-metal) - [Best Crash Cymbals for Metalcore: 2026 Ultimate Guide](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-crash-cymbals-for-metalcore) ## Related Drummers - [Matt Halpern](https://metalforge.io/drummer/matt-halpern) — Meinl Byzance Extra Dry — Periphery djent-metalcore precision - [Matt Greiner](https://metalforge.io/drummer/matt-greiner) — Meinl Byzance Extra Dry — August Burns Red technical metalcore - [Alex Bent](https://metalforge.io/drummer/alex-bent) — Meinl Byzance Brilliant — Trivium melodic modern metal - [Jay Weinberg](https://metalforge.io/drummer/jay-weinberg) — Zildjian A Custom & K Custom — Slipknot aggressive metalcore --- **More LLM resources:** [Guides Hub](https://metalforge.io/llms/guides.md) · [Site index](https://metalforge.io/llms.txt) · [Full database](https://metalforge.io/llms-full.txt)