Watch the drum-kit walkthrough on YouTube
When your job is driving the rhythm behind DevilDriver, every part of your setup needs to deliver power, clarity and consistency. In this drum-kit walkthrough, Davier Pérez takes Scorpion Percussion through the touring rig he built for exactly that purpose.
The setup reflects Davier’s identity as both a heavy-metal drummer and a Puerto Rican musician. From oversized hi-hats and cutting crashes to a one-of-a-kind signature ride and deeply personal custom snare, every piece has a reason for being there.
A Sabian setup built to cut through heavy guitars
Davier begins on the left side of the kit and works his way through an expansive Sabian cymbal setup. It includes a 17-inch X-Treme China, splashes, a stack, 15-inch Stratus hi-hats, heavy AAX crashes and a second 19-inch X-Treme China.
The larger cymbals are an intentional choice. Davier prefers the feel and sound of bigger hats and crashes, but they also serve a practical purpose: producing enough body and projection to remain clear against DevilDriver’s dense, heavy guitar sound.
One of the most distinctive pieces in the setup is his custom 21-inch Sabian signature ride. It is based on a Salsero ride but adds a larger bell, giving Davier the sharp, commanding attack he needs onstage. The design connects his Latin roots with the demands of modern heavy metal—a recurring theme throughout his kit.
ddrum shells and twin 20-inch kick drums
Davier has played ddrum kits for approximately 15 years. His current maple setup features 10- and 12-inch rack toms, 16- and 18-inch floor toms and two 20-inch kick drums.
Instead of simply choosing the largest kick drums available, Davier uses 20-inch kicks alongside triggers to produce the response, consistency and impact required for DevilDriver’s music. The result is a setup that remains fast and controlled while still delivering the weight expected from a heavy-metal performance.
Underfoot, Davier uses Trick longboard pedals. Their direct, responsive feel supports the speed and precision demanded by the material without sacrificing power.
A custom snare with a legendary inspiration
The centerpiece of Davier’s kit may be his custom bell-brass snare, built for him by a friend in Australia.
Its dimensions were inspired by measurements Davier took from a snare associated with Metallica’s Black Album. The finished drum uses a three-millimeter cast bronze shell with a chemical patina, custom hoops and engraved details that make it unmistakably his.
The shell features the DevilDriver logo, a Puerto Rican flag and Davier’s own design elements. It is more than a tribute to a legendary drum sound—it is a deeply personal instrument built around Davier’s history, influences and musical identity.
As we heard that night, it sounds every bit as powerful as it looks.
Scorpion 2B Signature Drumsticks
Davier completes the walkthrough with the most direct connection between the drummer and the kit: his Scorpion Percussion 2B signature drumsticks.
He prefers a substantial stick that matches his playing style and gives him the feel, durability and authority he wants behind the kit. In Davier’s words: “Chonky sticks for heavy wrists.”
That combination of personal preference and real-world performance is exactly what a signature drumstick should represent. It is not simply a name printed on a stick; it is a tool selected for the way the artist actually plays.
Built around the player
Davier Pérez’s touring kit is powerful, but the most interesting part of the setup is how personal it is. His Puerto Rican heritage, metal influences, touring experience and physical playing style can all be found somewhere in the rig.
The custom Sabian ride provides the cut he needs. The ddrum shells and triggered 20-inch kicks balance speed with impact. The custom snare connects one of his formative drum sounds with his own identity. His Scorpion 2B signature sticks complete a setup designed around the player—not merely the appearance of the kit.
Watch the full walkthrough above to hear Davier explain the gear in his own words.
Shop Scorpion Percussion drumsticks: https://scorpionpercussion.com/pages/drummers/davier-perez
Follow DevilDriver: devildriver.com
Follow Davier Pérez: @davierperezortega on Instagram
