Join the Drummer’s Review team as they take a look at a selection of Limited-Edition Meinl Byzance Brilliant Polyphonic cymbals.Filmed September 2025.
Featuring:
15″ Hats
10″ Splash
18″ & 20″ Crashes
22″ Ride
Specs:
Brilliant finish
B20 bronze alloy construction
Un-lathed bells
Hand hammered
Price:
22″ Ride – £605.00
15″ Hats – £569.00
10″ Splash – £175.00
18″ Crash – £405.00
20″ Crash – £499.00
(*all prices correct at time of filming – September 2025)
Meinl Says…”Limited-edition Byzance Polyphonic brilliant cymbals keep the traditional design – thin edges, lathed body, raw bell – while the buffed brilliant finish darkens high end for a warmer spread. Perfect for funk, pop, fusion, and rock.“
Kick In – SE BL8 (classic character on switch)
Kick Out – V KICK (classic character on both switches)
Snare Top – V7X
Snare Bottom – VBEAT
Hi-Hats / Ride – SE8
Overheads – RN17 – stereo – spaced pair
Room Mics – RNR1 – stereo – XY
***HUGE THANKS TO SE MICROPHONES FOR SUPPLYING THE MICS USED IN THIS REVIEW***
Processing Details:
Recorded through SSL Origin preamps with no EQ
Mixed using only fab-filter pro Q3 for EQ and pro C2 for compression (lightly on kick and snare)
For more completely impartial HD video reviews, along with interviews with some of the biggest names in drumming, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released.
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ProMark artist Jake Sommers, drummer for country superstar Luke Combs, shares his journey from Long Island to Nashville — and how determination and timing shaped his path to becoming a professional drummer.
After moving to Nashville in 2013, Sommers quickly found himself immersed in the city’s bustling scene. What began as impromptu gigs on Lower Broadway led to his first show with Combs — a college fraternity party — and eventually, to a decade-long career behind one of country music’s biggest voices.
“I came to town for a weekend and fell in love with it,” Sommers recalls. “My second day here, I got invited to a party on Music Row, met some players, and within 48 hours I had my first gig. It all just snowballed from there.”
Now a seasoned touring drummer, Sommers shares his philosophy on consistency and sound, and why his ProMark 747B Forward Balance sticks and EVANS Drumheads have become staples of his setup.
“I found a stick that felt like home,” he says. “The 747B fits perfectly in my hand — perfect weight, perfect diameter. And with EVANS, the heads just last forever. The EMAD kick head gives me that low-end thump with plenty of attack. It just works.”
2025 sets an important milestone in SONOR’s 150-year history. It’s a year dedicated to the company’s legacy, past and tradition, but also the time to look towards innovation, evolution, and new creative horizons, as they are as much a part of SONOR’s tradition and DNA.
In 2025, we are thrilled to introduce our brand-new Made in Germany drum series: MOMENTUM. This line combines the best of all our German-made drums, bringing together the most popular SONOR shell construction, shell materials and hardware features with fresh veneers, timeless wrap finishes and proven matte lacquer finishes.
Built on 150 years of craftsmanship and experience – and developed with a sharp eye on today’s market needs – MOMENTUM is our next step into the future of serially produced drums Made in Germany.
Sonor artist Jost Nickel
MOMENTUM marks more than a product launch – it’s a defining moment where tradition meets progress. A series that lays the foundation for our next chapter.
Available in maple, birch, or beech, the MOMENTUM shells feature SONOR’s most popular 9-ply (6mm) shell construction on all drums. Every wood type is available in an elegant semi gloss veneer, sleek matte lacquers or timeless high-quality Delmar wrap – designed to meet both visual and acoustic expectations.
The four available finishes – Red Pearl (wrap), Satin Pure White (matte lacquer), GT Black (matte lacquer), and California Burl (semi gloss veneer) – bring together favourites from past series with fresh, modern inspiration. California Burl is a completely new finish, making its debut with the MOMENTUM series and launching exclusively with this kit.
When it comes to hardware, MOMENTUM combines the best of our proven innovations – including the acclaimed ProLite T.A.R. tom mounts and our advanced Sound Sustainer system, already known from the SQ1 series, on floor toms.
Other Features
Made in Germany
9-ply, 6mm Medium Shell Construction on all Bass Drums, Toms, Floor Toms, Snare Drums
Different Finish Options (Wrap, Veneer, Lacquer) and Shall Materials (Beech, Birch, Maple) offer a broad Price Range:
Beech is the most affordable Shell Material, followed by Birch and Maple
Wrap is the most affordable Finish Option, followed by Veneer and Lacquer
Overall, a Red Pearl MOMENTUMBeech Kit is the most affordable, a GT Black or Satin Pure White MOMENTUM Maple Kit the most expensive, with all other variants spread in between
Prices for Shell Sets equal to Sum of individual components
Snare Drums feature SONOR’s outstanding Dual Glide System
Roland announces the V-Drums 3 and 5 Series, two all-new electronic drum kit lineups based around the powerful V31 and V51 sound modules. These next-generation modules are part of a unified ecosystem with the flagship V71 from the V-Drums 7 Series, providing full cross-compatibility across V-Drums modules for the first time. Players can drum with core onboard sounds created for the V-Drums 7 Series and stay inspired with a growing library of curated drumming content on Roland Cloud, including multi-layered V-Drums Instrument Expansions based on premium DW drum sets. V-Drums 3 and 5 Series kits also offer additional features like newly developed pads, updated hardware, wireless app integration, and more.
V31, V51, and V71 V-Drums Modules: Unified Sound, Unmatched Expression
Released in 2024 to wide acclaim, the V-Drums 7 Series and V71 module debuted an entirely new onboard sound library created in collaboration with Drum Workshop (DW), bringing unmatched realism and creative command to V-Drums. The V31 and V51 modules feature the same internal engine as the V71, providing drummers a unified sound experience with identical sounds and expansion path options.
Crafted from a hand-picked selection of the world’s finest drum sets, the sounds in each module deliver the detail, punch, and sonic quality found in top professional drum sample libraries for computer-based production. Multi-layer sample playback and round-robin randomization ensure natural sound with no “machine-gun” effect. Roland’s proprietary behavior modeling adds the finishing touch, refining the sound with smooth, artifact-free transitions for every articulation and over 16,000 variations in dynamic response with Roland digital pads.
The V-Drums 3, 5, and 7 Series platforms offer two ways to play: the module’s expandable sound library and DW Soundworks software for computer-based drumming. Six months of Roland Cloud Ultimate membership is included with purchase, providing untethered access to DW Soundworks and related content, V-Drums Instrument Expansions, newly developed V-Drums Kit Packs, and more. Users can subscribe after the trial ends or purchase their favorite selections with Lifetime Keys.
The V31, V51, and V71 modules include built-in Roland wireless adapters, allowing users to audition and download sound content directly via the Roland Cloud Connect app on a mobile device. Modules can be updated wirelessly, making it simple to stay up to date with the latest system software. Bluetooth audio/MIDI is available to jam with songs on a smartphone, play along with video lessons, and more. Each module also includes an integrated USB audio/MIDI interface to communicate with DW Soundworks, dedicated editor software apps, and DAW platforms to record multi-channel audio over a single cable. (V31 and V51 Editor software for macOS and Windows will be available in late 2025.)
The new V-Drums Play app for iOS and Android (available in late 2025) will enable users to control essential module functions from a smartphone, including kit selection, metronome settings, and recording. The optional RSH-10 V-Drums Smartphone Holder provides a solid solution for mounting a phone to an accessible location within the kit, offering secure attachment for intense drumming sessions and a highly adjustable design for easy positioning.
All modules also provide detailed customization tools to edit and process sounds, plus onboard coach mode features for practice and skill development. Kit and module purchases include Drum Pass, an exclusive Roland bundle of 100 Melodics™ interactive lessons specially developed for V-Drums players.
V-Drums 5 Series: Creativity Unleashed
Designed for serious drummers, the V-Drums 5 Series delivers pro-level performance for home, studio, and stage. The V51 module in every kit hits the sweet spot within the latest V-Drums universe, offering full Roland digital pad support and robust I/O in an efficient hardware command center. V-Drums 5 Series kits come in a variety of models for different styles, from the traditional vibe of V-Drums Acoustic Design to the high-tech profiles of classic V-Drums sets.
The VAD516 V-Drums Acoustic Design kit is the pinnacle of the V-Drums 5 Series, combining the immersive look, feel, and stage presence of an acoustic drum set with Roland’s groundbreaking digital snare (PD-14DSX), ride (CY-18DR), and hi-hat (VH-14D) pads and advanced V-Drums features. Outfitted with attractive Midnight Sparkle wraps, this five-piece kit includes two rack toms (PDA100-MS and PDA120-MS), a floor tom (PDA140F-MS), and the newly developed KD-20-MS, a full-size 20-inch kick drum with the same high-res triggering as the KD-22 from the V-Drums 7 Series.
As the mid-level kit in the V-Drums 5 Series lineup, the TD516 combines premium sound and flexibility with a spacious footprint, enhanced playability, and digital pad integration. Equipped with digital snare (PD-140DS), ride (CY-18DR), and hi-hat (VH-14D) pads and a large kick pad (KD-12), it’s made for drummers who want a refined playing experience without the flagship expense.
The TD513 is the entry point into the V-Drums 5 Series, offering high-end expression and performance in a streamlined, accessible setup. Featuring redesigned tom pads (two PD-8H and one PD-10H) for enhanced feel, a highly responsive 12-inch snare pad (PD-12P), and the new MDS-Standard 3 stand, the TD513 provides an authentic drumming experience coupled with serious customization tools to personalize the sound.
V-Drums 3 Series: Next-Level Drumming Starts Here
The V-Drums 3 Series brings advanced V-Drums expression and flexibility to three compact kits for daily practice, home recording, and tight spaces. Based around the streamlined V31 module, each kit features updated components for enhanced playability and powerful tools for skill development and jamming. The V31 also includes a dedicated digital trigger input that allows users to upgrade their setup with a high-resolution Roland digital snare, ride, or hi-hat pad.
The VAD316 brings the acclaimed V-Drums Acoustic Design experience to the V-Drums 3 Series. With a 12-inch snare (PDA-120LS), shallow-depth wood tom shells (two PDA100L-BK and one PDA120L-BK), and a full-size kick drum (KD-18-BK), this kit offers the stage presence, feel, and familiar layout of a traditional acoustic set—but with complete volume control.
The mid-level TD316 is filled with pro-inspired enhancements that provide an immersive playing setup in a modest footprint. A 12-inch snare pad (PD-12P), upgraded tom pads (two PD-8H and one PD-10H), three cymbal pads (two CY-12C-T crash and one CY-14R-T ride), and stand-mounted VH-10 hi-hats offer a familiar, acoustic-style feel, while the new MDS-Compact 2 stand features a wider layout for increased setup flexibility.
The TD313 delivers high-end V-Drums sound and feel in a space-saving format that’s perfect for home practice and studio sessions. Featuring a 12-inch snare pad (PDX-12), upgraded tom pads (two PD-8H and one PD-10H), and a rock-solid kick pad (KD-10), this kit provides a realistic and rewarding playing experience for dedicated students and drumming enthusiasts.
Availability & Pricing
The Roland V-Drums 3 and 5 Series are available now as follows in *USD: VAD516 $5,799.99; TD516 $3,699.99; TD513 $2,699.99; V51 $1,899.99; VAD316 $3,399.99; TD316 $1,999.99; TD313 $1,699.99; V31 $999.99.
To learn more about the V-Drums 3, 5, and 7 Series, visit Roland.com.
Join Ollie Winiberg from as he sits down with Allan Leibowitz, founder of Digital Drummer, to discuss the evolving world of electronic drums.
They explore the presence of E-Drum Labs at both The UK Drum Show2025 and The Europe Drum Show 2026, as well as the ongoing debate between electronic and acoustic kits. Also they discuss the advancements and versatility of modern electronic drums, how personality and preference influence kit choice and the future of electronic drums.
In this exclusive interview, Slipknot drummer Eloy Casagrande joins Ollie Winiberg from Drummer’s Reviewto talk about keeping up stamina behind one of the most powerful drum kits in metal, performing behind a mask, dealing with nerves and reflecting on his first ever rehearsal with Slipknot.
Eloy also sheds light on Slipknot’s next album, confirming that “it’s cooking” giving fans a long awaited insight into what’s coming up next for the band!
Beyond Slipknot discussion, Eloy offers advice for aspiring drummers, discusses the importance of the drumming community and shares his excitement about headlining both the The UK Drum Show 2025 and The Europe Drum Show 2026!
Eloy will be appearing on the Main Stage at The UK Drum Show 2025 on both Sunday 19th October at ACC Liverpool.
Grab your tickets for the UK’s hottest drum event…HERE
Hosted by the legend, our Main Stage Host, Ollie Winiberg, we’re sitting down with every drummer performing at the UK Drum Show
BIOGRAPHY:
Eloy was born in Santo André, SP – Brazil, on January 29, 1991. From an early age, he showed interest in music and, at the age of seven, he started playing drums, influenced by great names in rock and metal. His dedication soon became evident and he had the happy opportunity to take classes with excellent professionals such as: Lenilson Silva, Lauro Lellis, Aquiles Priester and Christiano Rocha.
Still in childhood, he was part of some amateur bands playing cover songs and performing at parties and events.
He also participated in numerous frames of the program “Domingão do Faustão” of Rede Globo, having won the frame “Se Vira nos 30” in his first appearance. He also participated in programs from other broadcasters such as Eliana, Gugu Liberato, Adriane Galisteu, among others.
At only 13 years old, Eloy won the “Batuka International Drum Fest”, the most relevant drum festival in Brazil, which served as a springboard for his career. In 2005, at the age of 14, he won the prestigious international contest “Modern Drummer’s Undiscovered Drummer Contest”, held by Modern Drummer magazine. This recognition opened doors for him to establish himself as a young professional drummer.
Before joining Sepultura, Eloy played with several renowned bands and artists. At the age of 15, he joined the band of André Matos, former vocalist of Angra, with whom he recorded the album “Mentalize” (2009). In addition, Eloy was also part of the groups Aclla, Iahweh and 2ois, with which he recorded albums and made national and international tours.
In 2011, Eloy was part of the metal band Glória, participating in the recording of the album “Renascido”, having experienced an emblematic presentation at the Rock In Rio 2011 festival. At the end of this same year, Eloy was invited to join Sepultura, one of the most influential bands in the history of metal. He remained for 13 years in the group, traveling the 5 continents with an average of 100 shows a year. With Sepultura he recorded the albums “The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart” (2013), “Machine Messiah” (2017), and “Quadra” (2020), all widely praised by critics.
In addition to his career with Sepultura, Eloy also ventures into other areas, such as the instrumental music project formed by the duo Casagrande & Hanysz, having released the albums “Hope Refuge” (2021) and “Liminal” (2024). In parallel to the bands, he has also taught Workshops, Masterclasses and classes representing the brands that sponsor him. He held events in South America, North America, Europe and Asia.
In May 2024, Eloy was announced as the new drummer of the American band Slipknot. This new phase in his career represents the recognition of a South American on a global scale, placing him among the great names of the drums on the world stage. He is currently on a world tour with Slipknot, celebrating the band’s 25th Anniversary.
In the periods when he is not on tour, he values daily study and practice. He believes that constant and intimate contact with the instrument is absolutely important. He also performs bodybuilding as a way of preparing and enhancing your performance. He likes to compose a lot and seeks inspiration in the most diverse artistic media and in life itself. In his spare time he dedicates himself to reading, gastronomic tours and visiting museums.
Join the Drummer’s Review team as they take a look at a 25th Anniversary Cymbals from Zultan Cymbals.Filmed August 2025.
Specs:
B20 Bronze Construction
Handmade in Turkey
Raw Bell coupled with polished bow
Price:
22″ Ride, 15″ Hats, 18″ Crash – £618.00
(*all prices correct at time of filming – August 2025)
Zultan Says…”To commemorate our Silver Jubilee, we are thrilled to introduce the new and exclusive ’25’ Cymbal Series. Consisting of 16 all-new models, this series meets the highest musical standards and showcases our craftsmanship and dedication to quality.“
Kick In – SE BL8 (classic character on switch)
Kick Out – V KICK (classic character on both switches)
Snare Top – V7X
Snare Bottom – VBEAT
Hi-Hats / Ride – SE8
Overheads – RN17 – stereo – spaced pair
Room Mics – RNR1 – stereo – XY
***HUGE THANKS TO SE MICROPHONES FOR SUPPLYING THE MICS USED IN THIS REVIEW***
Processing Details:
Recorded through SSL Origin preamps with no EQ
Mixed using only fab-filter pro Q3 for EQ and pro C2 for compression (lightly on kick and snare)
For more completely impartial HD video reviews, along with interviews with some of the biggest names in drumming, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released.
You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:
SABIAN is proud to announce the release of two exciting new crash cymbal collections developed in collaboration with acclaimed Styx drummer Todd Sucherman: the HHX Redlight Crashes and the AA Spotlight Crashes.
18″ HHX RED LIGHT CRASH
Following the success of the HH Sessions Ride, Todd and SABIAN’s design team have once again partnered to create cymbals that meet the demands of today’s drummers both in the studio and on stage.
redlight 19
redlight 20
redlight 22
The HHX Redlight Crashes bring a dark, complex tone with crystalline shimmer, voiced specifically for recording environments. The AA Spotlight Crashes deliver bold projection, clarity, and shimmer—designed to shine under stage lights and cut through any mix. Both collections feature a buttery feel and musical response, offered in 18”, 19”, 20”, and 22” sizes.
“With Redlight, I wanted to design a cymbal that bridges the gap between an Artisan and an AAX—something refined, complex, and perfectly suited to recording,” says Todd Sucherman. “Spotlight, on the other hand, had to be a stage animal—bright, powerful, and alive under the lights. Together, they cover both worlds with a musicality I’m truly proud of.”
“Working with Todd is always inspiring—he pushes us to refine every detail,” adds Randy Ross, SABIAN’s Head of R&D. “Redlight and Spotlight show the full spectrum of what cymbals can be today: one line optimized for the studio, the other for live performance. It’s a complete solution for modern drummers.”
Stacey Montgomery-Clark, SABIAN’s VP of Sales & Marketing, comments: “Todd’s credibility as both a recording and touring artist makes this launch incredibly exciting for dealers and players alike. These cymbals aren’t just artist pieces—they’re built to sell, with appeal across every playing style and genre.”
What happens when you sit down with Ray Hearne, the powerhouse drummer of Haken? You get talk of extreme limb independence, ridiculous time signatures, brand-new signature cymbals, and a whole lot of laughs along the way.
Ray welcomed me into his brand new drum studio, which he jokingly calls “Pinewood Studios” thanks to the sheer amount of pinewood he’s built into the space. I was honoured to be the first person to film there. The room itself is a drummer’s paradise: large, well-lit, and lined with drums from various Haken tours, each one immaculately looked after. We set up in front of his striking red acrylic Natal kit, and I couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed when Ray invited me to have a go — let’s just say he’s world-class while I’m… well, not quite in the same league!
Our conversation covered everything from limb independence to whether Haken’s infamous instrumental “Nil by Mouth” could be seen as this generation’s “Dance of Eternity.” Ray shared his thoughts on education, teaching, and the common bad habits he spots in students, along with how he helps them overcome those hurdles. He also broke down his drum kit for us and spoke about his signature Samsun cymbals. Beyond the gear, Ray reflected on his legacy, offered advice for aspiring drummers, and emphasised the importance of attending live shows.
19:10 – Classical Music & The Importance of Attending Live Shows
Somewhere in the middle of all this, Ray cooked me lunch — pasta with smoked tofu — so yes, I can officially say I’ve been cooked for by a drumming legend. We even filmed some other exciting content that I can’t reveal just yet… but keep your eyes peeled…
For more interviews with some of the biggest names in drumming along with completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released.
You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:
Join Ollie Winiberg for an in‑depth chat with Mike Mangini, where he shares his insane coordination secrets and how cognitive science shapes his drumming, scaling down his kits, insights on A View From The Top Of The World, the design of his drum kit for his new band Monolith, mastering critical thinking, hilarious stories about taking his Grammy to parties for tequila shots, and valuable advice for aspiring drummers. Whether you’re a drummer, a prog fan, or just curious about the mind of a Grammy-winning musician, this interview is packed with technical wisdom, laughs, and behind-the-scenes stories.
Mike Mangini is a versitile musician, educator, and business owner.
He has been performing since the age of 4, has a musically diverse background containing over 60 awards, is multi Grammy nominated with one win, been on the faculty of the Berklee College of Music for 11 years, was the percussion dept. councilor, was rated top 1% of USA College Professors in the O.C.E. database, was the subject of an award winning documentary film, was featured in television shows, magazine and social media articles, gear products and thousands of YouTube videos.
Mike is an avid teacher and student. His three volumes of Rhythm Knowledge, plus accompanying videos on his Vimeo page, reflect his seriousness with sharing and learning information.
See Mike’s vast network of music instruction and other websites and online landing points via his Link Tree here.
