Gear Review: Klank drummer Eric Wilkins on his whole Drum Kit

For years now the industrial metal act Klank has been pounding out molten metal and deeply infectious grooves. Their music splices the mosh pit with the dance hall and really packs a punch. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with drummer Eric Wilkins to discuss the gear he uses to obtain and maintain the grooving beat that is the backbone of the band’s sound.

What one piece of gear do you use to obtain your signature sound?
Eric: Being a drummer I can’t narrow it down to just 1 piece. It’s the kit as a whole made up of a fair amount of cool things. Here’s what I’m currently using. Pearl MCX Master’s Custom shells in Black Sparkle Fade Lacquer finish 7×8, 8×10, 9×12, 14×14, 16×16, 18×22, 6.5×14 main snare and 3×13 piccolo side snare, Remo Black Suede Emperor heads on top (Batter) and Clear Ambassador on the bottoms (Resonant), Remo Clear P3 w Falam Dbl pad on Kick (Batter), Black Suede P3 w 4 hole on kick (Resonant), Paiste Signature 22 Power Ride, 8 and 10 Splashes, 18 China, 2002 18 Wild Crash, 20 Giant Beat Crash, Alpha 16 Crash, and Twenty Series 14 hats with a 20 Zildjian K Heavy Ride and 13 New Beat hats, a Wuhan 12 China and a U.F.I.P. 8 Ice Bell for good measure), Vic Firth American Classic – Hickory 5B Wood Tip, DW 5000 and 9000 series hardware and Pedals with hard plastic beater. Pearl Clamps and Tom holders.

What about it makes it so important to you?
Eric: The sound is clear, natural and big with great attack and sustain for days. The look is stellar! Pearl has some of the strongest tom holders in the World! DW has always been my first choice for pedals and hardware. And, although Paiste cymbals can be difficult to find in stores, they are well worth the effort.

What are the major pros and cons?
Eric: Pros are the sound, the look, the feel. Hands down the best kit I’ve ever played. The cons are always the cost, but what are ya gonna do? And the fact that I do all my own stunts so when it’s time to carry it… Who needs a gym membership at that point.

How long have you had it, how do you use it, would you ever change it?
Eric: I’ve had this particular kit since September 2010 if I had to put a date on it, but I have been building it for quite some time and for me the kit is always evolving and morphing from one configuration to another. I use it primarily for writing, recording, and performing, but sometimes it’s just good stress release when you can beat the snot outta something and it just sounds awesome! I am always open to trying new and different gear. It’s a question of actual need, quality, strength and price but I seem to gravitate toward Pearl, Remo, Vic Firth, Paiste and DW.

Any final thoughts or comments on the gear?
Eric: Laugh! It’s really not that serious! Love and be thankful for what you have. Never take it for granted. There are many who would be driven to tears of joy if given what we sometimes refer to as P.O.S.’s. (Pieces of S#!t) Never be too content. Always be looking for something and or someone to help you progress and grow as a musician, a person, and a player. Whether it’s gear, or instruction, or whatever… Always be moving forward!

Check out the song: “Don’t Count Me Out”