# Best Cymbals for Thrash Metal — MetalForge **Guide URL:** https://metalforge.io/guides/best-cymbals-for-thrash-metal ## Who This Guide Is For Thrash metal drummers who want to know which cymbals cut through dense, downpicked guitar walls and respond fast at high tempos — and what Lars Ulrich, Dave Lombardo, and Charlie Benante actually play. Covers Zildjian A Custom, Paiste RUDE & 2002, and more across all budgets. --- ## What Cymbals Does Lars Ulrich Use? Thrash metal cymbals need to do two jobs at once: cut through a wall of palm-muted downpicking, and respond instantly to the genre's rapid-fire 16th-note riffing. Unlike doom or sludge, thrash demands cymbals that are present, articulate, and aggressive at every tempo from mid-paced grooves to 200+ BPM thrash runs. Lars Ulrich of Metallica has used Zildjian A Custom Series cymbals throughout the band's career — the brilliant-finish B20 bronze delivers the cutting, articulate attack that drives "Master of Puppets" and "...And Justice for All." Dave Lombardo of Slayer relies on Paiste RUDE and 2002 Series cymbals for explosive, aggressive crash character. Charlie Benante of Anthrax also favors Paiste RUDE and 2002 cymbals, giving his thrash riffing the same powerful, full-bodied projection. --- ## Recommended Cymbals for Thrash Metal ### 1. Zildjian A Custom — Best Overall - **Alloy:** B20 Bronze, Brilliant Finish - **Price range:** €220–€550 per cymbal - **Best for:** Drummers who want the most iconic, versatile thrash cymbal sound **Who uses it:** - **Lars Ulrich** ([/drummer/lars-ulrich](https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich)) — Metallica; primary cymbal setup across the band's entire career (14" hi-hats, 18"/19" crashes, 20" China, 22" ride) The brilliant finish B20 bronze delivers the bright, cutting attack that has defined the sound of thrash metal cymbals since the genre's earliest days — crashes that explode instantly and rides that stay articulate at full arena volume. --- ### 2. Paiste RUDE Series — Best for Aggression - **Alloy:** CuSn8 Bronze, Unlathed Top - **Price range:** €250–€550 per cymbal - **Best for:** Maximum aggression and stage presence **Who uses it:** - **Dave Lombardo** ([/drummer/dave-lombardo](https://metalforge.io/drummer/dave-lombardo)) — Slayer; explosive crash character for Slayer's violent thrash assault - **Charlie Benante** ([/drummer/charlie-benante](https://metalforge.io/drummer/charlie-benante)) — Anthrax; powerful, full-bodied projection for Anthrax's thrash riffing The RUDE's distinctive unlathed top surface produces a raw, trashy character with massive projection — built for drummers who need their cymbals to sound as violent as their playing. --- ### 3. Paiste 2002 — Best Power Option - **Alloy:** CuSn8 Bronze - **Price range:** €200–€500 per cymbal - **Best for:** Full-bodied power with more control than RUDE's raw finish The lathed companion to the RUDE line, used by both Dave Lombardo and Charlie Benante for ride, hi-hat, and China duties. The 2002's CuSn8 alloy gives crashes more body and projection than B20 alternatives at comparable weights. --- ### 4. Sabian AAX — Best Mid-Range - **Alloy:** B20 Bronze, Bright Finish - **Price range:** €180–€450 per cymbal - **Best for:** A Custom-style brightness at more accessible pricing Engineered for fast, articulate response well-suited to thrash metal's rapid riffing and accent work, without the full Zildjian premium pricing. --- ### 5. Zildjian ZBT — Best Budget - **Alloy:** B8 Bronze - **Price range:** €80–€180 per cymbal - **Best for:** Developing thrash drummers building toward pro gear The most accessible serious entry point into thrash metal cymbals — Zildjian's quality control and brand reliability at a fraction of A Custom pricing, with a clear upgrade path. --- ## Zildjian A Custom vs Paiste RUDE & 2002 for Thrash Metal **Zildjian A Custom (Lars Ulrich's choice):** - Bright, cutting B20 bronze with brilliant finish - Articulate, controlled attack — precise rather than chaotic - The classic, most widely recognized thrash metal cymbal sound **Paiste RUDE & 2002 (Dave Lombardo and Charlie Benante's choice):** - Raw, explosive CuSn8 bronze character - Maximum projection and aggression — built for sheer violence - Better for drummers who want cymbals as aggressive as their playing **Verdict:** Start with Zildjian A Custom for the most versatile, widely recognized thrash cymbal sound. Choose Paiste RUDE/2002 for the raw, explosive character that drives Slayer and Anthrax's most violent recordings. --- ## FAQ **What cymbals does Lars Ulrich use?** Lars Ulrich uses Zildjian A Custom Series cymbals — 14" hi-hats, 18" and 19" crashes, a 20" China, and a 22" ride. The brilliant-finish B20 bronze delivers cutting, articulate attack that cuts through Metallica's dense arrangements. **What cymbals does Dave Lombardo use?** Dave Lombardo of Slayer uses Paiste RUDE and 2002 Series cymbals — 14" hi-hats, 18" and 19" crashes, a 20" Power Ride, and an 18" China. The CuSn8 bronze delivers explosive, aggressive projection. **What cymbals does Charlie Benante use?** Charlie Benante of Anthrax uses the same Paiste RUDE and 2002 Series setup as Dave Lombardo — 14" hi-hats, 18" and 19" crashes, a 20" Power Ride, and an 18" China. **Best Zildjian cymbals for thrash metal?** Zildjian A Custom Series is the thrash metal benchmark, used by Lars Ulrich throughout Metallica's career. For a more affordable alternative, Sabian AAX is a strong mid-tier option; Zildjian ZBT offers genuine Zildjian quality at entry-level pricing. **Are Zildjian or Paiste cymbals better for thrash metal?** Both are proven at the highest level. Zildjian A Custom offers brighter, more articulate cutting power. Paiste RUDE & 2002 delivers raw, explosive aggression with maximum projection. --- ## Related Guides - [Best Snare Drums for Thrash Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-snare-drums-for-thrash-metal) - [Best Drum Kits for Thrash Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-kits-for-thrash-metal) - [Best Cymbals for Death Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-cymbals-for-death-metal)