For close to five decades now, one of the most pieces of equipment in the rock band’s van is that of the TAMA drumkit. Revered for its heavy and resonant percussive sound, TAMA drums have long been the instrument of choice for any artist who finds themselves behind the kit.
In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to not find an artist whose backline includes the TAMA name. Iconic bands like Metallica, Anthrax, Iron Maiden, Foo Fighters, Muse, and the Eagles all use TAMA kits, and that’s without even going too deep into the list of artists who rep the brand.
Now, as we pass the halfway point of 2022, TAMA have unveiled their newest range, and they’ve got some stellar names to come on board and help showcase their wares.
Expanding their already-impressive roster of percussive essentials, this year sees TAMA including updated finishes to some of their most storied models, including the likes of the Starclassic Performer Maple/Birch in Sky Blue Aurora, featuring matching snare drum.
Meanwhile, you can also find the limited edition Starclassic Walnut/Birch in Gloss Natural Tamo Ash, which updates one of their most iconic brands with a truly gorgeous finish.
If you’re eager to see just how the Starclassic Walnut/Birch looks and sounds in action, then you’re in luck, with Northlane drummer Nic Pettersen recently hitting up Sydney’s Studios 301 to road test the kit with its limited edition gold hardware, and the Iron Cobra Power Glide Double Kick Drum Pedal.
“Seeing this kit set up in the middle of the live room here in Studios 301 in Sydney, it’s pretty special. And hearing it in this big room is also pretty cool,” Pettersen explains. “It’s such a nice sounding kit and capturing in this way is pretty special.
“It feels pretty special to be playing a limited series kit like this, not only does it look stunning, but it sounds just as good as it looks. It’s nice to sort of hear it in a studio setting and see it in all its glory,” he adds. “[TAMA have] really outdone themselves with this one.”
Of course, the new TAMA range doesn’t end there, with the company’s new True Touch Kits offering up a slick way for beginners or storied veterans of the skins to hone their skills at home.
A revolutionary practice kit, the True Touch Training Kit offering a low volume for practicing at home, while still allowing drummers to refine the critical technique needed to improve their musical expression.
Available in two, four, and five-piece configurations (the TTK2S, TTK4S, and TTK5S, respectively), TAMA’s True Touch Kits combine quiet acoustic volume with realistic acoustic touch and sensitive dynamic expression to provide a highly satisfying acoustic drum experience.
Previously, conventional practice kits hadn’t quite managed to combine volume, touch, and expression in a way that is both satisfying and true-to-life in terms of its sound and feel.
TAMA’s True Touch Kits also come with the option of adding in the Sabian Quiet Tone cymbals to fully complete the practice set-up.
Of course, it’s all well and good to talk about these amazing additions to the TAMA product roster, but what about actually seeing them in action? Well, thankfully TAMA have teamed up with some of Australia’s most notable drummers to showcase what their full range looks like.
In addition to Northlane’s Nic Pettersen reviewing the 2022 TAMA range, he’s also been kind enough to offer up a live rendition of the group’s 2019 track “Bloodline”, recorded live at Sydney’s Studios 301.
Elsewhere, Thy Art Is Murder’s Jesse Beahler has looked to the final track of their 2019 album, Human Target, to share a live version of “Chemical Christ”.Finally, Justice For The Damned’s Chas Levi has gotten behind the kit to perform an absolutely ripping version of “The House You Built Is Burning” from their 2020 album, Pain is Power.
Showing off the versatility, power, and abilities of the TAMA range, Pettersen, Levi, and Beahler all prove that TAMA’s 2022 range harnesses blistering performance potential, whether it be home on the live stage, or even right at home in the studio.
More information about TAMA’s 2022 range can be found via the company’s website, including information about their Starclassic Performer Maple/Birch in Sky Blue Aurora, the Starclassic Walnut/Birch in Gloss Natural Tamo Ash, and even their True Touch Training Kits.
