The Metal Mania EZX project is something Toontrack and Dirk have discussed for years. Finally, stars and schedules aligned and the team found themselves at the legendary One On One Recording Studios in Los Angeles. We checked in to ask a few questions on the background of this project – and more!

This project has been a long time coming and, finally, we pulled it off! How was the experience?
It sure has! Ever since creating the Library of the Extreme and Metal Beats MIDI packs for Toontrack, I’ve dreamed of sampling my own kits for an EZX. It took over a decade to make it happen, but we did it!
I knew I’d be in the best of hands with my friend, the uber-talented Chris Rakestraw, at the helm. Still, part of me was wondering if I’d be able to stay focused during such an unusual session. I actually found that delving deep into the sound of each drum and cymbal was a soothing, almost trance-like experience. Toontrack’s Norman Garschke was amazing to work with. He and Chris made everything easy and fun. I didn’t get to play any blast beats but I very much did have a blast!

Why was the One On One room the perfect choice for this session?
Chris and I wanted to make Metal Mania EZX the ultimate metal drum sample pack. To do that, we needed a studio rooted in metal. Toontrack has already recorded sample packs in many of the best studios across the globe, and we wanted to avoid a repeat, so our search was pretty intense. When I suddenly found out that after many years of absence, One On One was back in action, I could hardly believe it! I mean, “Rust in Peace” was partly created there – Megadeth’s breakthrough record and a metal classic. What could possibly be a better place? The redesigned One On One turned out to be ideal in many ways. The owners, Steve Fisher and Mathias Sorum, couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating. As for the drum tones, I think the result speaks for itself!

When it came down to selecting the kits and cymbals, what was your overall thought?
I wanted this EZX to represent my journey so far as a drummer. The main focus had to be my signature kit that I currently use with Megadeth, of course! We sampled it in two different configurations: one the way I play it live and in the studio, and the other with coated Evans Drumheads for more damped tones. Next, there was the kit which I used for most of my time in Soilwork. It’s a pretty different setup from the other one, with the 4×14″ piccolo snare, two kicks with different depths, and Meinl Mb20 cymbals. Lastly, the kit with walnut shells made sense by adding a very distinct and warm sound to the pack. We tracked no less than 11 snare drums, including a signature piccolo owned by my friend and huge drumming influence, the late and great Sean Reinert (RIP). Sam Gample at Tama really came through in sorting out tons of gear for us, as did Chris Brewer at Meinl Cymbals and Aaron Vishria at Evans. Huge thanks to them! If anyone is wondering, I played a Starclassic Maple kit in my later years with Scarve, so that part of my drumming history hasn’t been left out.

To you, what defines a great drum sound?
You can usually tell when a drummer truly feels the music they’re playing. Good tuning obviously makes a world of difference. Our drum tech for this session, Dave Vanderlinde, did an incredible job at making these kits sing. Whoever is capturing the sound should ideally be somewhat familiar with the drummer’s style and sound. Chris Rakestraw recorded my drums for the latest Megadeth album and spent years on the road with us. And he really understands drums, which is why he was the perfect man for this job. In the end, the drummer makes the sound. I try to find a kit’s sweet spot and play in a dynamic, balanced and consistent manner.

Listening back to the finished result, what are your thoughts? And how will you be utilizing the sounds on your end?
Honestly, I’m blown away sitting at my Roland e-kit hearing the exact sound of my acoustic kits! Everything feels natural and reacts just the right way. It’s quite unreal. I know these kits inside and out and I feel very privileged and lucky to have them “in a box.” Chris’ presets are brilliant and tons of fun to experiment with. So yeah, the Metal Mania EZX couldn’t have turned out any better, if you ask me! I’ll be using it to record demos for the next Megadeth album, which we’re going to start working on soon, and for some other projects as well… Stay tuned!