# Best Drum Heads for Extreme Metal — MetalForge **Guide URL:** https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-heads-for-extreme-metal ## Who This Guide Is For Extreme metal drummers who want to know which drum heads survive sustained blast beat abuse — and what George Kollias, Pete Sandoval, Derek Roddy, and Gene Hoglan actually use. Covers Evans G2, Power Center Reverse Dot, Aquarian Super-2, and more across all budgets. --- ## Why Extreme Metal Destroys Ordinary Drum Heads George Kollias sustains blast beats past 240 BPM for entire songs. Pete Sandoval pioneered the gravity blast, hammering a batter head at a rate few manufacturers ever designed for. Derek Roddy built his career on one-footed blast technique that pushes bass drum heads to their absolute limit. Ordinary double-ply heads that work fine for groove metal or thrash simply don't survive this treatment for long — they dent prematurely and lose tension mid-set. --- ## Recommended Drum Heads for Extreme Metal ### 1. Evans G2 Coated — Best Overall - **Construction:** 2-ply coated (7mil + 7mil) - **Price range:** €25–€45 per head - **Best for:** Proven durability under sustained blast beat abuse **Who uses it:** - **George Kollias** ([/drummer/george-kollias](https://metalforge.io/drummer/george-kollias)) — Evans heads sustaining 240+ BPM blast beats - **Derek Roddy** ([/drummer/derek-roddy](https://metalforge.io/drummer/derek-roddy)) — Evans heads for one-footed blast technique durability - **Gene Hoglan** ([/drummer/gene-hoglan](https://metalforge.io/drummer/gene-hoglan)) — The Atomic Clock's precision head of choice The double-ply coated construction handles sustained blast beats without denting prematurely, while the Level 360 collar keeps tuning consistent across a demanding touring schedule. --- ### 2. Evans Power Center Reverse Dot — Best Durability Specialist - **Construction:** 2-ply coated with underside reinforcement dot - **Price range:** €28–€42 per head - **Best for:** Drummers with highly concentrated striking technique An underside reinforcement dot, out of the stick's path, adds durability without changing surface feel. For drummers pushing gravity blasts and sustained heel-up bass drum work, this reinforcement can mean the difference between a head surviving a full set or failing mid-song. --- ### 3. Aquarian Super-2 Coated — Toughest Non-Evans Option - **Construction:** 2-ply coated (10mil + 7mil) - **Price range:** €26–€40 per head - **Best for:** Hard-hitting, low-tuned brutal death metal A heavier outer ply than most standard double-ply heads, purpose-built for hard-hitting styles. Handles low tuning without losing durability where a standard head would dent within weeks. --- ### 4. Evans EQ4 Clear — Best Bass Drum Head - **Construction:** 2-ply with foam damping ring - **Price range:** €35–€55 per head - **Best for:** Sustained extreme double bass abuse **Who uses it:** - **Derek Roddy** ([/drummer/derek-roddy](https://metalforge.io/drummer/derek-roddy)) — Reinforced bass drum heads for one-footed blast technique - **Pete Sandoval** ([/drummer/pete-sandoval](https://metalforge.io/drummer/pete-sandoval)) — Durable kick heads for gravity blast endurance A built-in foam damping ring controls overtones for a tight, consistent low end, while reinforced double-ply construction survives relentless foot work at 240+ BPM. --- ### 5. Remo Emperor X Coated — Best Remo Alternative - **Construction:** 2-ply coated with reinforced impact dot - **Price range:** €28–€45 per head - **Best for:** Drummers who want reinforcement with a warmer voice A built-in impact dot reinforces the snare's most heavily struck zone, extending service life under sustained blast beat and rim-shot-heavy technical patterns. --- ## Evans vs Aquarian vs Remo for Extreme Metal **Evans:** The dominant choice across the extreme metal roster. Level 360 collar ensures consistent tuning across demanding tours. Preferred by George Kollias, Pete Sandoval, Derek Roddy, Gene Hoglan. **Aquarian:** Heavier outer-ply construction built specifically for hard hitters. Excels at low tuning without sacrificing durability. **Remo:** Emperor and Emperor X provide solid double-ply durability with a warmer voice and real reinforcement. **Verdict:** Evans G2 Coated is the proven default, backed by three generations of the genre's fastest drummers. Aquarian Super-2 is the pick if you specifically need maximum toughness at low tuning. --- ## FAQ **What drum heads do extreme metal drummers use?** Evans dominates extreme metal's professional roster. George Kollias, Pete Sandoval, Derek Roddy, and Gene Hoglan all use Evans, primarily double-ply coated heads like the G2, with reinforced options like Power Center Reverse Dot for drummers whose technique concentrates the most force. **Why do extreme metal drummers need more durable drum heads?** Sustained blast beats — often at 200-240+ BPM for entire songs — put far more cumulative stress on a head than groove or thrash metal's more moderate tempos. Techniques like the gravity blast and one-footed blast concentrate enormous repeated force on small areas of the head. **What's the best bass drum head for extreme metal double bass?** Evans EQ4 Clear is purpose-built for this — its foam damping ring and reinforced double-ply construction survive sustained, high-velocity double bass work far better than a standard batter head repurposed for kick duty. **Is Aquarian a good alternative to Evans for extreme metal?** Yes, particularly for drummers who tune low and hit exceptionally hard. Aquarian Super-2's heavier outer ply is built specifically for brutal, down-tuned hitting. **How often should extreme metal drummers change their heads?** More frequently than most metal styles — often every 2-4 months of regular touring and blast beat playing, versus 3-6 months for less extreme styles. --- ## Related Guides - [Best Bass Drums for Extreme Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-bass-drums-for-extreme-metal) - [Best Drum Pedals for Death Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-pedals-for-death-metal) - [Best Snare Drums for Death Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-snare-drums-for-death-metal) - [Best Drum Heads for Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-heads-for-metal)