Heavy metal drummers love to play loudly. Double bass drums and extreme speed may come to mind when you think about the sound you are after, but cymbals are vital to any metal drumming.
Playing in such a loud setting requires cymbals with a bright, dark, and unique sound. The sound will cut through the noise of the other instruments and stand out. When choosing any element of your kit, careful research and knowledge will help you save time and money.
We review the best cymbals for metal in 2022 so that you can find yourself the perfect fit for your kit. Our guide also helps you navigate elements that will help you make your ideal choice.
Ready for heavy-hitting tunes and cymbals that can take a thrashing? Read on to discover them here!
Our top picks:
- Best for loud and harsh sounds: Paiste Rude
- Best affordable: Meinl Classics Custom
- Cuts through any noise: Sabian AAX
- Best for serious metal: Zildjian A Custom
1. Paiste Rude
Famously used during the recording of ‘Rein in Blood,’ If you want something loud without making any apologies, Paiste RUDE will always ensure to cut through the mix.
These beasts are crafted from B8 bronze for a serious attack and a dry, unaltered sound that will always make you stand out. Make your fellow band members run for cover but remember, don't forget to put in your earplugs before trying these out!
Our Paiste Rude “Basher” Cymbal Set features an 18 Basher Cymbal, 20 Basher Cymbal, 12 Shred Bell Cymbal, 24 Mega Power Ride Cymbal, 14 Sound Edge Hi-Hat Cymbals & Professional Cymbal Black Bag 24. It’s the perfect setup for metalheads wanting a loud, harsh sound.
PROS
- Extremely loud
- Will not crack while you perfect your playing
- Unlathed B8 gives you a great sound
- Consistent product means you sound like the pros
CONS
- Extremely loud (make sure you are looking for that!)
- Only for metal & punk - players of many genres beware
- On the expensive side
2. Meinl Classics Custom
Meinl cymbals have been a trusty mainstay of Euro-cymbals for over twenty years. Their revamped Classic Customs range includes more tin and a glossy buffed finish.
This build ensures that drummers can pick up a quality build while keeping prices affordable. The sound is on the medium to heavy end, perfect for metal and punk music.
The Meinl Classics Custom Extreme Metal Cymbal Set is a box set featuring three Meinl Classics, including a 14H, 18c & 20r.
PROS
- Suitable for starting drummers
- Versatile sound suits cross-genre players
- Suited for live and studio sessions
- Affordable
CONS
- Power rides can come across as too toppy
- Unique sound doesn't suit everyone's taste
3. Sabian AAX
One of the top four cymbal-producing companies, Sabian's AAX is sure to suit all your metal needs! The sound is incredibly bright and ensures to cut through any noise.
The Sabian AAX is a great starter set for any drummer, but many experts love Sabian for its muscular builds and quality finish. The variety makes it perfect for mixing and matching with other Sabian sets, which means you'll be holding on to them for years.
A Sabian AAX Freq Performance Set features a specialized finish and comes with a 14" Freq Hi-Hat,16" Freq Cras, 21" Freq Ride, and a free 18" Freq Crash.
PROS
- An incredibly bright high-toned sound that is perfect for metal
- The tonal variety gives you a range of sounds
- Built to last
- Mix & match with other Sabian Sets
CONS
- Sabian crashes sometimes considered thick and clangy
- Not suited for other genres
4. Zildjian A Custom
Let's face it—most drummers want to own a Zilldjian for the sophisticated sound and high-quality build. For a complete professional set that is sure to suit any metal sound, look no further than the A Custom series.
This set will set you back a little more financially, but most drummers are completely content after purchase. Beginners beware! You may want to pick something suited to starters, as you would not want to crack these cymbals accidentally.
Our Zildjian A Custom Matched Cymbal Set features a 14" A Custom Hi-Hats, 16" A Custom Crash, 20" A Custom Medium Ride, and an 18" A Custom Crash.
PROS
- Super clean sound & brightness in their attack
- The distinctive shimmer makes for a gorgeous experience
- The astounding attack is perfect for the genre
- Zildjian quality
CONS
- On the expensive side
- Beginning drummers may crack them while learning
How Many Cymbals Do I Need?
The number of cymbals you need depends on what music you want to play and your level of experience. So the answer is that it depends on your taste. However, there are some very standard ideas that you can look at based on your experience.
Complete Beginners
You don't need a super high range of cymbals donning your kit when first starting out. Trying to keep them all in play will be difficult, and beyond the expense, setting them up for practice will be a major hassle.
We recommend a Hi-Hat plus a Crash or a Ride for beginners, although, for metal, you may want to consider two Rides if your budget permits!
Intermediate
Once you have a solid technique, you may want to expand your cymbal collection and opt for a few more choices. Now you definitely will want to pick up two Crash symbals and a Splash for that fuller sound.
Expert
For more experienced drummers, the amount is endless. You can set up as many cymbals as you need for the sound you are after.
Try throwing some extra Crash cymbals, other varieties of splashes (such as a 10" or 12"), and some China cymbals as well for extra pop.
Sets
For those unsure, buying a starter set is probably a good idea to save some money. For experienced drummers, there are plenty of specialty sets designed with your music niche in mind.
What Type of Cymbals Are Best for Metal?
Your cymbals make up a significant part of the distinction and character of your playing. Played properly, they will help to create intense energy that cuts out the tension and drives your music home.
The brightness is key to cutting through the rest of the sound for metal music, as you are coming up against as much noise as possible. Your drumming will create a loud, constant timing for your band to follow.
Make sure you are focusing on bright sounds and dark undertones. You can work on your timing and speed all you want, but with the wrong sound, you will run into trouble every time.
When you pick your cymbals, you also want something that lasts, as you will be hitting it hard. Durability is especially important for beginning drummers, who tend to crack cymbals when they have not yet perfected their technique.
What to Look for When Buying Cymbals for Metal
Finding out what cymbals are best for metal can get confusing quickly. Of course, everyone has their taste and opinion that factors into their choice. Still, some aspects of the cymbal can help your drumming stand out.
Read on for a more specific breakdown of what to look for, whether you’re a beginner or a musician who has done the rounds and is ready for an upgrade. Cutting through the particulars, any affordable set that is well built and focussed on bright or dark tones is well suited to this genre.
Build
The thicker and heavier your cymbal is, the higher the pitch. The build is essential to keep in mind for your metal undertones, but there is more to the story.
Heavier doesn't always equal better. For example, if your cymbals are bronze alloys, you will get a different sound than a cymbal with more tin.
Other aspects of the build that can affect sound include the size of the bell, the kind of hammering, and the finish.
No one combination serves metal music best, but exploring different sounds means honing in on your perfect mix. These aspects will also affect price, so keep an eye out for clever budget-friendly combinations.
Aging & Maturation
Aging your cymbals is a process in manufacturing where the metal is left to rest for extended periods to let the metal harden up. It can take weeks, months, and even years and can change the effect of your cymbal's sound.
The differences in aging can mean that no cymbal is 100% the same as another one. Still, some manufacturers prefer machine builds to help create an identical product every time. Knowing your cymbals manufacturing is a definite point to direct your purchase.
Price
Starting drummers may be on a low budget, but even for those with a bit of cash on hand, you may want to hold off on buying a complete set straight away. When you are starting, you may hit too hard or in the wrong way, which means you could end up damaging your expensive new kit.
An affordable cymbal kit could set you back around $500, with medium to high coming in at around $800, but prices for an expensive set can go well over $1,000.
Some drummers will buy second-hand cymbals and customize their kits. However, beginners are encouraged to purchase complete sets, as they may not know what to look for when purchasing pre-used cymbals that could be already damaged.
Mix & Match
After you have become well acquainted with your set, nothing is stopping you from experimenting with other cymbals to create your perfect mix. Many drummers chop and change their cymbals to combine different sounds, all that suit different needs.
Before doing so, ensure that you know what you are looking for and what sounds you are likely to get when combining them. It is probably best to first have a few years of drumming under your belt, as buying individual pieces can get pricey.
Conclusion
There are plenty of options for cymbals for metal, and all four of these choices will certainly suit your needs when enhancing your metal kit. The best choice is the set that feels best for you!
Bright and dark sounds work best for metal, but when it comes down to the minor differences, getting some experience under your belt will help guide you to what sounds and feels best.
Try picking something that meets your budget and will survive your practice strokes, particularly if you’re a beginner. The clever choice might involve a set with a wide range of sounds that you can swap out later.
More questions? Drop in at Drum Center of Portsmouth and let one of our experts guide you to your perfect drumming experience today!