REQ: Toontrack Metalmania EZX
In this EZX, drummer Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth) and engineer Chris Rakestraw (Megadeth, Deftones, Parkway Drive) have teamed up to bring you the epitome of a metal expansion for EZdrummer 3 and Superior Drummer 3. It features three unique kits, a wealth of snare drums and kicks as well as over 30 cymbals – all flawlessly captured in one of the world’s most famed studios for hard rock and metal: Studio A at One On One in Los Angeles. Massive-sounding, warm and vibrant but at the same time just as tight and aggressive, this room has all the qualities to move air in a way that makes it seem custom-built particularly for hard-hitting metal drums. This goes to show on the plethora of defining records that were recorded here, some of which include the likes of Megadeth’s “Rust in Peace,” Metallica’s “…And Justice for All” and “Black Album,” Dream Theater’s “Awake” and Testament’s “The Ritual.”
Each of the three drum kits included represents its own niched sound. One covers Dirk’s current touring setup, one is from his tenure in the band Soilwork and one was handpicked to offer a completely contrasting tone and vibe. All in all, you’ll have a balanced but eclectic palette of kits encompassing anything from the loud, aggressive and punchy to the big, low and warm.
In addition to the sounds, a wealth of mix-ready presets as well as a collection of drum grooves and fills are provided, allowing you to instantly get going producing drum parts that perfectly pair Dirk’s patented brand of drumming madness with Rakestraw’s crystal-clear engineering.
Setting out to deliver the archetype of an EZX to muster any imaginable facet of heaviness – from the coarse onslaught of old-school thrash and massively pummeling modern metal to the expressive, fusion-like and progressive – the team outstripped every expectation. This is an expansion that checks all the boxes for drummer, engineer, room, gear and sound. Simply put, this EZX is nothing short of sheer and absolute metal perfection.