# Best Drum Heads for Metal Drumming — MetalForge **Guide URL:** https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-heads-for-metal ## Who This Guide Is For Metal drummers at any level who want to know which drum heads actually work for heavy music — and why. Whether you're replacing worn-out heads on a budget kit or upgrading a pro setup, this guide covers the exact heads used by Lars Ulrich, Gene Hoglan, Tomas Haake, and Nicko McBrain, with clear explanations of what to buy and why. --- ## Why Drum Heads Matter More Than Most Gear No single piece of gear changes your drum sound more dramatically than the head. A budget kit with quality heads tuned well sounds professional. A premium kit with worn, cheap heads sounds terrible. Drum heads are the most impactful, most affordable upgrade in any metal drummer's arsenal — and they're the most overlooked. Metal places specific demands on heads: they need focused attack that cuts through dense, downtuned guitar walls; enough durability to survive aggressive hitting; and natural sustain control to keep tones punchy rather than ringy. The right head gives you all of this before you reach for a dampening ring, gel, or tape. --- ## Recommended Drum Heads for Metal ### 1. Evans G2 Coated — Best Overall - **Construction:** 2-ply coated (7mil + 7mil) - **Price range:** $25–$45 per head - **Best for:** All metal styles — thrash, death, black, modern, progressive The Evans G2 Coated is the single most common drum head on MetalForge's entire pro roster. Lars Ulrich ([/drummer/lars-ulrich](https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich)) has used Evans throughout Metallica's career. Gene Hoglan ([/drummer/gene-hoglan](https://metalforge.io/drummer/gene-hoglan)) relies on the G2 for the focused, powerful tone his precision requires. Tomas Haake ([/drummer/tomas-haake](https://metalforge.io/drummer/tomas-haake)) uses Evans for attack and control in Meshuggah's mechanical precision. The double-ply coated construction delivers everything metal needs: warm, focused attack that sits in dense mixes, natural sustain control without deadening the drum, and durability that holds up under aggressive playing. Evans' Level 360 collar technology ensures these heads seat evenly and tune across a wide range without wrinkling. If you buy nothing else from this guide, buy the G2 Coated. --- ### 2. Evans EC2 Coated — Best for Controlled/Technical Metal - **Construction:** 2-ply coated with SST edge control ring (7mil + 7mil) - **Price range:** $30–$50 per head - **Best for:** Technical metal, progressive metal, studio recording The Evans EC2 adds the Sound Shaping Technology edge control ring to the standard G2 formula — a thin dampening band at the perimeter that dramatically reduces overtones. The result is an even more focused, punchy attack with near-zero ring. Tomas Haake ([/drummer/tomas-haake](https://metalforge.io/drummer/tomas-haake)) uses EC2 heads to achieve the ultra-precise, controlled tom tones that define Meshuggah's mechanical groove. Dirk Verbeuren ([/drummer/dirk-verbeuren](https://metalforge.io/drummer/dirk-verbeuren)) of Megadeth uses them for technical thrash clarity. For modern metal production where tight, controlled tones are the standard, the EC2 is the most studio-ready option available. --- ### 3. Remo Coated Ambassador — Best for Classic/Traditional Heavy Metal - **Construction:** 1-ply coated (10mil) - **Price range:** $20–$35 per head - **Best for:** Traditional heavy metal, doom metal, classic rock-influenced metal The Remo Coated Ambassador is the most recorded drum head in history. Single-ply 10mil coated construction delivers warm, open attack with natural sustain — different from the controlled punch of double-ply heads, but musical and distinctive. Nicko McBrain ([/drummer/nicko-mcbrain](https://metalforge.io/drummer/nicko-mcbrain)) of Iron Maiden is a long-time Remo endorser, and the warm, musical drum tones on Maiden's classic records reflect the Ambassador's character. Bill Ward of Black Sabbath's early recordings feature Ambassador-style heads, establishing the organic, natural drum voice that influenced every metal band that followed. For traditional heavy metal, doom, or any style where you want warmth over aggression, the Ambassador Coated is the benchmark. --- ### 4. Aquarian Studio-X Coated — Best for Extreme Metal / Low Tuning - **Construction:** 2-ply coated (10mil outer + 5mil inner) - **Price range:** $25–$40 per head - **Best for:** Death metal, doom, brutal and down-tuned styles The Aquarian Studio-X uses an unusual ply configuration — a heavier 10mil outer ply with a 5mil inner ply — creating a head that handles low tuning and brutal playing without going "floppy." The thicker outer ply survives aggressive rim shots while the controlled sustain keeps down-tuned tones from getting muddy. For drummers in death metal, doom, or any style where you tune low and hit hard, the Studio-X provides heaviness and attack that lighter-construction heads struggle to deliver. See also: [/drummer/igor-cavalera](https://metalforge.io/drummer/igor-cavalera) for tribal-influenced heavy tuning approaches. --- ### 5. Evans Onyx — Best for Maximum Sustain Reduction - **Construction:** 2-ply coated (10mil + 7mil), black - **Price range:** $30–$50 per head - **Best for:** Modern metal production, drummers wanting zero ring The Evans Onyx uses heavier ply construction (10mil + 7mil) with a distinctive black coating for maximum sustain control and a studio-ready, punchy tone. Near-zero ring without any gel or tape — perfect for modern metal recordings where tight, controlled tones are mandatory. Gene Hoglan ([/drummer/gene-hoglan](https://metalforge.io/drummer/gene-hoglan)) and Joey Jordison ([/drummer/joey-jordison](https://metalforge.io/drummer/joey-jordison)) have both used Evans Onyx-style heavy double-ply heads for maximum attack and control in recording contexts. --- ## Key Drummers Who Use These Heads - **Lars Ulrich** ([/drummer/lars-ulrich](https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich)) — Evans G2 Coated throughout Metallica's career; defines the modern pro metal head standard - **Gene Hoglan** ([/drummer/gene-hoglan](https://metalforge.io/drummer/gene-hoglan)) — Evans endorser; precision head control for Death, Testament, and beyond - **Tomas Haake** ([/drummer/tomas-haake](https://metalforge.io/drummer/tomas-haake)) — Evans G2 and EC2 for Meshuggah's ultra-controlled attack - **Nicko McBrain** ([/drummer/nicko-mcbrain](https://metalforge.io/drummer/nicko-mcbrain)) — Remo endorser; warm, musical tone across Iron Maiden's classic catalog - **Mike Mangini** ([/drummer/mike-mangini](https://metalforge.io/drummer/mike-mangini)) — Remo endorser; dynamic control for complex progressive metal --- ## Coated vs Clear Heads for Metal **Coated heads:** Add warmth and attack focus; reduce brightness. The textured surface warms the stick attack and eliminates the ringy top-end that can clash with heavy guitars. Most pro metal drummers use coated batters. **Clear heads:** Brighter, more sustain-forward, more open tone. Better as resonant heads or for styles with lighter playing. On the batter side, clear heads can ring excessively in dense metal mixes. **For metal: coated batters, clear or coated single-ply resonant.** That's the standard. --- ## Single-Ply vs Double-Ply for Metal **Single-ply (Remo Ambassador, Evans G1):** More sensitive, more open, warmer character. Better for traditional heavy metal and doom where you want the drum to breathe. Less durable under extreme hitting. **Double-ply (Evans G2/EC2/Onyx, Remo Emperor):** More focused attack, more durable, more natural sustain control. The standard for modern, technical, and extreme metal. Handles aggressive playing without denting quickly. **For metal: double-ply batters in almost every case.** Reserve single-ply for resonant heads and traditional styles. --- ## Resonant Head Selection Don't neglect the resonant head — it shapes half your drum's voice. - **Remo Ambassador Clear / Evans G1 Clear:** The most common resonant heads for metal toms. Single-ply clear for open, sustaining tone that adds depth. - **Ported front head (kick drum):** A hole cut in the front head (or a dedicated ported head like Evans EMAD Resonant) is popular for modern metal kick tone — direct microphone access and tighter, more defined attack. - **No front head:** Many recording and touring metal drummers remove the front head entirely for maximum attack and easy mic placement. --- ## How Often to Change Heads Under heavy metal playing: - **Batter heads:** Every 3–6 months. Replace when they stop tuning evenly, develop dents, or lose their tone. - **Resonant heads:** Every 12–24 months. They wear more slowly. Don't wait until they break. A head that's lost its tone is robbing you of sound every time you play. --- ## FAQ **What drum heads do metal drummers use?** Most professional metal drummers use double-ply coated heads, primarily Evans G2 Coated or Remo Emperor Coated for toms and snare. Lars Ulrich, Gene Hoglan, and Tomas Haake use Evans. Nicko McBrain and Mike Mangini use Remo. The double-ply construction provides the attack, durability, and natural sustain control that metal demands. **Should I use coated or clear heads for metal?** Coated heads are generally better for metal. The coating adds warmth and attack focus, reducing the brightness that can clash with heavy guitars. Clear heads are used as resonant heads. Most pros use coated batters. **What's the best resonant head for metal?** Remo Ambassador Clear or Evans G1 Clear for toms — single-ply for open response. For kick drum, a ported front head or no front head is popular for modern metal. The right resonant head shapes your sustain and pitch profile. **Evans G2 vs Remo Emperor for metal — which is better?** Both are excellent. Evans G2 has a slightly brighter, more focused attack with Level 360 technology for wide tuning range. Remo Emperor is slightly warmer with a different feel. Most players prefer whichever they learned on — you cannot go wrong with either for metal. **How often should I change drum heads?** Every 3–6 months for batter heads under heavy metal playing. Replace when they stop tuning evenly, lose their tone, or develop visible dents. Resonant heads last 1–2 years. --- ## Related Guides - [Best Drum Pedals for Death Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-pedals-for-death-metal) - [Best Snare Drums for Thrash Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-snare-drums-for-thrash-metal) - [Best Cymbals for Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-cymbals-for-metal)