# Best Cymbals for Progressive Metal — MetalForge **Guide URL:** https://metalforge.io/guides/best-cymbals-for-progressive-metal ## Who This Guide Is For Progressive metal drummers who want to know which cymbals handle the genre's extreme dynamic range — from acoustic-adjacent passages to full technical death metal density — and why Blake Richardson (BTBAM), Brann Dailor (Mastodon), and Matt Halpern (Periphery) each choose different lines. Covers Meinl Byzance vs Zildjian K Dark with clear recommendations from budget to pro. --- ## Why Progressive Metal Demands a Different Cymbal Approach Progressive metal places uniquely complex demands on cymbal selection. Unlike death metal (pure speed and endurance) or thrash (pure power and aggression), prog metal requires cymbals that can perform across extreme dynamic ranges — whisper-soft jazz-inflected passages and wall-of-sound polyrhythmic attacks, often within the same song. Blake Richardson of Between the Buried and Me — one of prog metal's most inventive drummers — trusts Meinl Byzance cymbals for their complex, dark tone that handles BTBAM's dramatic range from acoustic-adjacent passages to full technical death metal density. Brann Dailor (Mastodon) chose Zildjian K Dark cymbals to anchor Mastodon's sludge-prog heaviness while allowing his jazz-influenced melodic work to breathe. Matt Halpern (Periphery) relies on Meinl cymbals for the precise, controlled response that Periphery's djent-influenced prog demands. --- ## Recommended Cymbal Lines for Progressive Metal ### 1. Meinl Byzance Dark — Best Overall - **Alloy:** B20 Bronze (Dark Hand-Hammered) - **Price range:** €200–€500 per cymbal - **Best for:** Technical prog metal; djent-influenced prog; wide dynamic range **Who uses it:** - **Blake Richardson** ([/drummer/blake-richardson](https://metalforge.io/drummer/blake-richardson)) — Meinl Byzance Dark as primary setup; BTBAM's prog metal extremity from acoustic passages to brutal density - **Matt Halpern** ([/drummer/matt-halpern](https://metalforge.io/drummer/matt-halpern)) — Meinl endorser; Byzance Dark for Periphery's djent/prog precision The Meinl Byzance Dark series is the primary choice for two of progressive metal's most influential drummers. Meinl's Turkish-tradition casting process uses genuine B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin) with hand hammering that creates complex overtone stacks. The dark finish eliminates the brilliant sheen, giving the cymbals raw, complex character that sits better under dense prog metal arrangements than brighter alternatives. Blake Richardson's BTBAM drumming spans acoustic jazz passages and brutal death metal density — the Byzance Dark's wide dynamic range handles both extremes with authority. --- ### 2. Zildjian K Dark — Best for Sludge-Prog and Melodic Metal - **Alloy:** B20 Bronze (Traditional Dark) - **Price range:** €180–€450 per cymbal - **Best for:** Sludge-prog; melodic prog metal; jazz-influenced playing **Who uses it:** - **Brann Dailor** ([/drummer/brann-dailor](https://metalforge.io/drummer/brann-dailor)) — Zildjian K Dark; GRAMMY-winning drumming on Mastodon's "Crack the Skye" and "The Hunter" The Zildjian K Dark series is Brann Dailor's foundation for Mastodon's progressive metal sound. The K Dark's slightly warmer character versus the Byzance Dark — more sustain, more melodic wash — suits Mastodon's sludge-prog heaviness while allowing Dailor's jazz-influenced tom and cymbal melodic patterns to breathe. The K Dark's complex B20 construction with hand-hammering produces a sound that's darker than the standard K series but more musical and sustaining than the K Custom Dark. Perfect for prog metal where dynamics and melody are as important as power. --- ### 3. Meinl Byzance Vintage — Best Expressive Choice - **Alloy:** B20 Bronze (Vintage Dry) - **Price range:** €220–€550 per cymbal - **Best for:** Expressive prog metal; jazz-metal fusion; complex dynamic passages **Who uses it:** - **Blake Richardson** ([/drummer/blake-richardson](https://metalforge.io/drummer/blake-richardson)) — Byzance Vintage elements in BTBAM setup for expressive passages requiring unique tonal character The Meinl Byzance Vintage delivers the most expressive character in prog metal cymbal selection. The vintage dry finish and irregular hammering produce cymbals with extremely complex, almost trashy character that adds texture to intricate musical passages. These cymbals respond differently to different stick types and angles — rewarding expressive playing with tonal variety that simpler cymbals can't match. --- ### 4. Sabian HHX Complex — Best Alternative - **Alloy:** B20 Bronze - **Price range:** €180–€450 per cymbal - **Best for:** Prog metal drummers seeking alternatives to Meinl/Zildjian The Sabian HHX Complex delivers dark, complex B20 tones that compete directly with Byzance and K Dark. Each cymbal has unique individual voice from irregular hammering — complex character that rewards careful selection. The HHX Complex ride is particularly well-regarded for its nuanced bow and bell response, ideal for the intricate ride patterns prog metal demands. --- ### 5. Meinl Classics Custom Dark — Best Mid-Range - **Alloy:** B8/B20 Bronze (model dependent) - **Price range:** €130–€350 per cymbal - **Best for:** Prog metal on a mid-range budget The Meinl Classics Custom Dark delivers Meinl dark character at substantially lower prices than the Byzance range. The dark finish and aggressive lathing produce crashes with fast attack and controlled wash — appropriate for prog metal applications without flagship Byzance investment. The entry point to genuine Meinl quality. --- ## Budget Picks ### Zildjian K Series (~€120–€300 per cymbal) The standard Zildjian K series shares DNA with the K Dark line Brann Dailor uses — not as complex, but real dark B20 character at lower prices. The K 20" ride is an exceptional value for progressive metal ride pattern work. The honest budget starting point for prog metal cymbals. ### Meinl HCS Dark (~€60–€150 per cymbal) Meinl's entry-level dark option brings the dark aesthetic to budget pricing. B8 bronze limits tonal complexity compared to Byzance B20, but the dark character still suits prog metal better than bright budget alternatives. The starting point while saving toward Byzance. --- ## Meinl Byzance Dark vs Zildjian K Dark for Progressive Metal **Meinl Byzance Dark (Blake Richardson, Matt Halpern):** - Darker, drier character — faster attack and quick decay - Better for technical patterns and extreme dynamic shifts - Turkish-tradition hand hammering - Best for: Technical prog, djent-influenced prog, BTBAM/Periphery styles **Zildjian K Dark (Brann Dailor):** - Slightly warmer — more sustain and musical wash - Better for melodic and jazz-influenced passages - Best for: Sludge-prog, melodic prog, Mastodon/Tool styles **Recommendation:** BTBAM/Periphery-style prog → Meinl Byzance Dark. Mastodon/Tool-style prog → Zildjian K Dark. Play both — individual variation in hand-hammered B20 is significant. --- ## Progressive Metal Cymbal Setup **Standard prog metal configuration:** - 13"–14" hi-hats (14" preferred for versatility across dynamics) - 17" crash (primary — medium-thin for complex tone) - 18" crash (secondary — more dramatic passages and swells) - 20"–22" ride (defined bell for complex prog patterns) - 10"–12" effects cymbal or stack (for accent variety) Blake Richardson runs multiple crash sizes and effects cymbals to maximize accent variety within BTBAM's complex arrangements. Matt Halpern uses stacked cymbal combinations for unique textures. Brann Dailor incorporates larger crashes (18") for Mastodon's dramatic moments. --- ## FAQ **What cymbals does Blake Richardson use?** Blake Richardson of Between the Buried and Me uses Meinl Byzance cymbals, primarily from the Dark and Vintage lines. The Byzance Dark's complex, hand-hammered B20 bronze delivers the broad dynamic range BTBAM's music demands — from soft acoustic-adjacent passages to full brutal technical death metal density. **What cymbals does Brann Dailor use?** Brann Dailor of Mastodon uses Zildjian K Dark cymbals. The K Dark's dark, complex B20 tone anchors Mastodon's sludge-prog heaviness while giving Dailor's jazz-influenced melodic playing room to breathe. His GRAMMY-winning drumming on "Crack the Skye" demonstrates the K Dark's versatility in progressive metal contexts. **What cymbals does Matt Halpern use?** Matt Halpern of Periphery is a Meinl endorser using Byzance cymbals, primarily the Dark and Vintage lines. Halpern's djent-influenced prog metal requires precisely controlled cymbal response — the Byzance Dark's fast attack and controlled decay work well within Periphery's technically demanding arrangements. **Are Meinl or Zildjian cymbals better for progressive metal?** Both are excellent — the choice depends on subgenre. Meinl Byzance Dark suits technical prog metal and djent-influenced prog: darker, drier, faster attack (Blake Richardson, Matt Halpern). Zildjian K Dark suits melodic prog and sludge-prog: warmer with more sustain (Brann Dailor). Play both before deciding. **What size cymbals for progressive metal?** Prog metal typically uses larger crashes (17"–18") for more tonal complexity than death metal's 16" focus. A 20"–22" ride provides definition and bell clarity for complex ride patterns. 14" hi-hats are standard. Dailor and Richardson use multiple crash sizes for dramatic dynamic variety. **Should I use stack cymbals for progressive metal?** Yes — stacks are common in progressive metal for unique accent textures. Blake Richardson and Matt Halpern both incorporate stack combinations. A 10"–12" effects cymbal stacked on a crash adds distinctive trashy accent texture ideal for prog metal's tonal variety. Start with one stack before adding more. --- ## Related Guides - [Best Cymbals for Death Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-cymbals-for-death-metal) - [Best Drum Kits for Djent](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-kits-for-djent) - [Best Snare Drums for Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-snare-drums-for-metal)