What happens when a country-rock drummer dives headfirst into the dark, aggressive world of thrash metal?
In this episode, Cody Ash — best known as the powerhouse drummer for Jelly Roll — hears Slayer’s “Seasons In The Abyss” for the very first time. It’s a masterclass in contrast: Cody’s roots are steeped in groove-heavy, arena-sized country anthems, while Slayer’s legendary track is a high-octane onslaught of technical riffs, explosive drums, and relentless energy.
Armed with his own kit, Cody doesn’t just listen — he feels his way through the song, responding instinctively to the track’s evolving dynamics, tempo shifts, and blistering fills. It’s an honest look at what it takes to adapt across genres, and how a drummer’s voice can stay true even in unfamiliar territory.
Explore the gear breakdown from this Drumeo YouTube performance, and learn about the kit, snare and cymbal choices Cody uses to Slay-er this track.
Cody Ash played a DW Design Series kit in a classic Tobacco Burst finish. Known for their balance of quality and affordability, the Design Series drums deliver rich, resonant tones with plenty of attack — perfect for both his usual stadium sound and the metallic edge of Slayer’s aesthetic.
If you’re looking for a versatile pro-level kit that punches in any genre, this DW Design Series kit (Europe) is a solid foundation.
Cody opted for two distinctive snares to give him tonal options — one for crack and one for bark.
Both snares give Cody the dynamic range he needs to shift from subtle ghost notes to thunderous accents. You can also explore a similar metal snare option like the PDP Concept Series Steel Snare (Europe) for that crisp, cutting Slayer vibe.
To match Slayer’s ferocity and stay true to his expressive playing style, Cody assembled a Zildjian-heavy cymbal setup loaded with color, trash, and articulation. His choices reflect a mix of aggression and musicality — essential for navigating the chaotic grooves of thrash metal.
These cymbals offer a palette of tones — from the smooth sizzle of the K Light Ride to the trashy bite of stacked splashes and China cymbals.
Watching Cody Ash dive into Slayer territory is a beautiful reminder of what drumming is all about: musical curiosity, fearless exploration, and emotional connection.
Even though this track sits miles away from Cody’s typical setlist, his interpretation feels authentic. He brings his own vocabulary to the table, showing that great drummers aren’t confined by genre — they’re defined by feel.
If you’re looking to expand your own skill set across genres, check out Drumeo’s lessons on metal drumming, odd time grooves, and double kick technique. And if you want a quieter way to lock in brutal kick patterns, the Drumeo QuietKick is perfect for keeping the volume down while turning the intensity up.
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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