# Best Drum Pedals for Black Metal — MetalForge **Guide URL:** https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-pedals-for-black-metal ## Who This Guide Is For Black metal drummers who want to know which double bass pedals handle sustained blast beats, endurance-focused patterns, and extreme tempos — and what Inferno, Hellhammer, and Frost actually use. Covers Pearl Eliminator, Tama Iron Cobra, and more across all budgets. --- ## Why Black Metal Has Unique Pedal Requirements Black metal drumming presents a distinctive challenge: sustained blast beats at 170–240 BPM across lengthy compositions, often in DIY environments where reliability matters as much as performance. Unlike death metal where single-stroke technical precision dominates, black metal demands pedals that maintain consistent speed over extended periods without fatigue or mechanical failure. Hellhammer of Mayhem used Pearl P-2052C Eliminator pedals during key recordings that established the genre's drumming template. Inferno of Gorgoroth drives the relentless blast beats on albums like "Twilight of the Idols" with Pearl Eliminator pedals — continuing the Pearl tradition that defines black metal's pedal history. Frost of Satyricon brings technical precision unusual in the genre, demanding high-quality hardware that matches his meticulous approach. --- ## Recommended Pedals for Black Metal ### 1. Pearl Eliminator Redline — Best Overall - **Drive type:** Chain with interchangeable cams - **Price range:** €350–€400 - **Best for:** Traditional black metal; players who want the historically proven choice **Who uses it:** - **Hellhammer** ([/drummer/hellhammer](https://metalforge.io/drummer/hellhammer)) — Pearl P-2052C Eliminator; foundational black metal recordings with Mayhem that established the genre's drumming blueprint - **Inferno** ([/drummer/inferno](https://metalforge.io/drummer/inferno)) — Pearl Eliminator; driving Gorgoroth's relentless blast beats across decades of black metal The Pearl Eliminator Redline is the most historically significant pedal in black metal. The chain drive with interchangeable cams gives flexibility — you can experiment with different cam profiles to find the right balance of swing and precision. The NiNjA bearing system provides smooth action without the clinical feel of full direct drive, perfectly suited to black metal's raw energy. --- ### 2. Pearl Demon Drive — Best for Technical Black Metal - **Drive type:** Direct Drive - **Price range:** €500–€600 - **Best for:** Technical/modern black metal requiring maximum precision **Who uses it:** - **Frost** ([/drummer/frost](https://metalforge.io/drummer/frost)) — Satyricon; technical black metal precision requiring reliable, fast action from high-quality Pearl hardware The Demon Drive represents the premium evolution of the Eliminator lineage. For modern black metal drummers playing highly technical compositions where drum patterns rival death metal complexity, the Demon Drive's direct drive action delivers unmatched response. The Click-Lock spring tension maintains calibration under extreme sustained use — critical for long compositions demanding consistent blast beat tempos. --- ### 3. Tama Iron Cobra 900 — Best Alternative to Pearl - **Drive type:** Chain Drive (Power Glide / Rolling Glide interchangeable) - **Price range:** €350–€450 - **Best for:** Black metal drummers who want reliability without Pearl pricing The Iron Cobra 900's dual cam system (Power Glide for linear response, Rolling Glide for accelerating feel) suits different black metal approaches. The chain drive character complements black metal's raw energy. Proven reliability for sustained extreme metal use at a slightly more accessible price than Demon Drive. --- ### 4. DW 5000 Series — Mid-Range Workhorse - **Drive type:** Chain Drive (Turbo Accelerator cam) - **Price range:** €300–€380 - **Best for:** Black metal on a mid-range budget; touring reliability Proven DW construction at accessible pricing. Simple, robust design handles rough touring conditions and sustained extreme use reliably — important for a genre where touring conditions are often unpredictable. The Turbo Accelerator cam provides a lively, consistent chain drive feel. --- ### 5. Tama Iron Cobra 600 — Best Budget - **Drive type:** Chain Drive (Power Glide) - **Price range:** €250–€300 - **Best for:** Developing black metal drummers; first serious double pedal The entry point for serious black metal drumming. The Iron Cobra 600 provides real performance without budget-crushing prices — culturally appropriate for a genre where DIY and low-budget recording is central. The Power Glide cam gives consistent linear response for developing sustained blast beat endurance. --- ## Chain Drive vs Direct Drive for Black Metal **Chain Drive (Pearl Eliminator, Iron Cobra):** - Historical black metal precedent — Hellhammer and Inferno both use chain drive - The swing in chain drive suits black metal's raw character - More accessible price point — fits the genre's DIY ethos - Best for: Traditional black metal; players learning the genre **Direct Drive (Pearl Demon Drive):** - Preferred by modern technical black metal players like Frost - More clinical precision — better for highly complex compositions - Higher price - Best for: Technical black metal; players who need maximum precision at extreme speeds **Verdict:** Chain drive has historical and cultural resonance in black metal. Start with the Pearl Eliminator or Iron Cobra unless you specifically play technical black metal. --- ## Endurance Over Peak Speed Black metal's pedal requirement is different from death metal: you need sustained endurance at 180–220 BPM, not just peak speed. Compositions often demand blast beats for several minutes continuously. Focus on: 1. **Consistent spring calibration** — springs must maintain tension over hours of playing 2. **Smooth bearing action** — prevents mechanical fatigue during extended patterns 3. **Footboard grip** — prevents slippage as hands sweat during long passages 4. **Beater weight balance** — heavy enough for impact, light enough for extended endurance Practice sustained blast beats at moderate tempos (160–180 BPM) for 3–5 minutes before increasing speed. Endurance training matters more than peak speed for black metal. --- ## FAQ **What pedals does Hellhammer from Mayhem use?** Hellhammer used Pearl P-2052C Eliminator double pedals during key recordings that established black metal's drumming template. The Pearl Eliminator's chain drive action provided the raw, relentless feel that defined black metal blast beat drumming. **What drum pedals does Inferno from Gorgoroth use?** Inferno uses Pearl Eliminator pedals, continuing the Pearl legacy that Hellhammer established in black metal. The Eliminator's reliable chain drive action suits the sustained blast beat demands of Gorgoroth's extreme black metal compositions. **Is chain drive or direct drive better for black metal?** Chain drive has historical precedent — Hellhammer and Inferno both use chain drive Pearl pedals. The slight swing suits black metal's raw energy. Direct drive is preferred by technical players like Frost. Both work; chain drive is more culturally appropriate for traditional black metal. **What BPM do black metal drummers blast beat?** Black metal blast beats typically range 170–240 BPM. Sustained endurance matters more than peak speed — many compositions require blast beats for several minutes continuously. Pedals must maintain consistent action throughout extended high-tempo passages. **Do I need direct drive for black metal blast beats?** No. Hellhammer's foundational recordings were made on chain drive Pearl equipment. Focus on technique and endurance training over drive type. Both can achieve any speed demanded by black metal. **What's the most important feature in a black metal pedal?** Endurance reliability. Chain drive smoothness and spring consistency matter more than maximum speed ratings. A pedal that develops mechanical issues during a long blast beat passage is useless regardless of spec sheet performance. Choose proven designs (Pearl Eliminator, Iron Cobra) over flashy features. --- ## Related Guides - [Best Drum Pedals for Death Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-pedals-for-death-metal) - [Best Cymbals for Death Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-cymbals-for-death-metal) - [Best Drum Kits for Thrash Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-kits-for-thrash-metal)