Gear Review: Vomitory drummer Tobias Gustafsson on his Pearl Free Floating Brass 5”x14″ snare drum

Since 1989 the Swedish death metal band Vomitory has been punishing their listeners with a vicious and brutal metallic assault. In order to obtain the bands trademark sound drummer Tobias Gustafsson uses a Pearl Free Floating Brass 5”x14″ snare drum. Here’s what Gustafsson had to say about his special piece of gear.

What one piece if gear do you use to obtain your signature sound?
Tobias: That would be my snare drum, which is an old Pearl Free Floating Brass 5”x14”.

What about it makes it so important to you?
Tobias: It really cuts through in our music, no matter what situation. Still it has a lot of body and bottom.

What are the major pros and cons?
Tobias: The pros – it sounds fantastic and it has a solid construction. The cons – it’s a bit heavy to carry when I’m travelling with it, and there are no spare lugs available anymore.

How long have you had it, how do you use it, would you ever change it?
Tobias: I’ve been using it for more than ten years, both in the studio and on tour. It has always delivered! But now it has to consider itself defeated and retired. I just got my new Tama Starclassic Brass 5½”x14” and it is even better!

Any final thoughts or comments on the gear?
Tobias: I bought that Pearl snare used from a friend’s friend for peanuts, and it is the single most well-invested money I’ve spent on drum equipment. On the other hand, I didn’t spend too much on my new Tama snare drum either. Can’t wait to take it on the road and to the studio!

Check out the song: “Regorge Tn The Morgue”