What happens when one of the most energetic drummers in the world takes on symphonic metal for the first time? In this special episode of Hear A Song For The First Time, Aric Improta (Fever 333, Night Verses) sits behind the kit to tackle Nightwish’s “Bye Bye Beautiful.” Known for his jaw-dropping showmanship and explosive creativity, Aric approaches the song with intensity, fusing the band’s epic orchestrations with his own fearless style. The gear he chose was perfectly suited for delivering both power and subtlety in equal measure.
In this gear breakdown, we’ll examine the kit, snare, heads, and cymbals that Aric used to create this Drumeo YouTube banger!
The Starclassic Bubinga is known for its deep, punchy low end and warm projection, making it ideal for the orchestral weight of Nightwish’s sound. The 22×18 bass drum provided a thunderous foundation that locked in with the band’s heavy guitar riffs, while the toms gave Aric the resonance and attack needed for big, sweeping fills. In a song with such dramatic dynamics, this kit gave him the power to cut through but also the sensitivity to pull back when needed.
The brass shell snare gave Aric a bright, cracking attack with plenty of body underneath. In “Bye Bye Beautiful,” the snare drives much of the groove, and this drum delivered a cutting pop that stood out against the layered orchestration. Its responsiveness also allowed Aric to weave in ghost notes and subtleties that added texture to the performance.
Remo Emperors are two-ply heads known for their durability and warm tone. On this kit, they gave Aric a fat, controlled sound that kept the toms focused without losing their resonance. Perfect for heavy hitting, these heads helped balance attack and sustain, keeping his fills clear even in the busiest sections.
Aric’s cymbal choices added tons of color and contrast to the performance. The Byzance hi-hats provided a crisp, articulate sound that carried the groove, while the Dark Classics Custom crashes cut through the wall of guitars with rich, dark sustain. The Soundcaster Fusion ride gave him both ping and wash for transitions, and the Byzance china brought explosive accents that matched the band’s dramatic stabs. He even added splashes and a trash stack for extra textures, giving his performance the chaotic flair he’s known for.
From massive orchestral hits to syncopated groove transitions, Aric embraced the challenge with his signature mix of technical precision and fearless improvisation. Watching him bring his visual energy and controlled chaos to a Nightwish classic proves just how adaptable his drumming really is.
If you’re looking to practice complex kick and cymbal patterns like Aric, consider using the Drumeo QuietKick. It’s perfect for getting in extra reps without shaking the house.
You can find everything mentioned in this Gear Breakdown at Sweetwater or Thomann if you are overseas. If this video lit a spark to start drumming (or sharpen your chops), take the next step and click the link to try Drumeo, free for 7 Days.
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Drumeo Team - We're professional, award-winning drummers and drum teachers, coaches, recording artists, and content specialists who are passionate about drums and helping drummers around the world. This post was written and/or edited by Brandon Toews, Jared Falk, Dave Atkinson, or another pro on our team (which has a combined 1000+ years of drumming experience). Are you looking for inspiration, education, and support to take your playing to the next level? Join the Drumeo community today!
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