INDEX

0. Introduction
1. Professional Drummers
2. Emerging Drummers

 

0. INTRODUCTION

Drums are one of the most crucial elements in any extreme metal album. An exceptional drummer can elevate a record to memorable heights, while a mediocre one can ruin even the best projects. Drums not only set the rhythm but also bring an irreplaceable intensity and dynamic quality to the kind of music we create.

However, we all know how difficult it can be to find a drummer available for a project. Drumming is a demanding instrument, both physically and technically, as well as being expensive and cumbersome to maintain. This makes skilled drummers scarce and, therefore, highly sought after.

Of course, there’s always the option of programming drums. It’s relatively simple, cost-effective, and a practical solution for preparing demos. However, my experience has taught me that, in most cases, programmed drums are a provisional resource that should rarely be used in the final version of an album. With enough effort and expertise in programming and mixing, it’s possible to make them work—and I’ve succeeded in doing so on several occasions. But this is, without a doubt, an exception. Even in the best-case scenario, the result will be a drum track that simply fulfills its rhythmic purpose without bothering the listener. But it will never help transform your album into something special – although it may be special DESPITE it . With MIDI, there is no sweat, no intensity, no human imperfection or strive.

I understand that budget and time constraints are real limitations for many projects. These restrictions can lead to opting for programmed drums, which is entirely understandable. In fact, every year at The Empty Hall Studio, I receive several albums that take this approach, and I always put my best effort into making them work. But if you have the opportunity to hire a session drummer, I strongly recommend doing so. Fortunately, today there are many options for collaborating remotely with musicians from around the world, and the results can be truly impressive.

To make it easier to find the right drummer for your album and avoid lifeless programmed drums, I’ve created a list of session drummers specialized in extreme metal who work remotely.

This list will be updated and improved periodically, adding or removing names and information as needed – I’m sure I’m missing some very relevant names at this point, help me complete the list!

Some of these drummers are contacts I’ve spoken to personally; others are references gathered from public information. If you are a session drummer and would like to be included in this list, feel free to send me your contact information and social media and portfolio links to contact@theemptyhallstudio.com. On the other hand, if you’d prefer not to appear, simply send me an email, and I will promptly remove your details.

Classifying these drummers is not an easy task, as they all operate within extreme metal but differ greatly in styles, pricing, and working methods. For this reason, I’ve decided to divide them into two general categories (and alphabetically within each). These categories are not a reflection of musicianship but rather distinguish between drummers who are full-time professionals with their own studio setups, and those who engage in session work more sporadically, often working from home studios.

  • Professionals: Drummers with extensive experience in remote recording sessions, often utilizing high-quality studio equipment and a well-established portfolio.
  • Emerging Drummers: Exceptionally talented drummers who are building their session portfolio, frequently contributing to underground recordings.

The rest of the work is up to you: explore the list, select your candidates, contact them, and find the one most suitable for your project. If you’d like me to produce your project, I can assist you in this process as well. Just write to me at contact@theemptyhallstudio.com, and I’ll be happy to work with you.

 

1. Professional drummers
2. emerging drummers

Thank you for having read all this information, if you still have questions after reading this article or you need me to edit, mix or master one of your records, send me an email to contact@theemptyhallstudio.com

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