When Brittany Bowman stepped into the studio to hear Scorpions for the first time, no one was quite sure what to expect.
But what followed was a full-blown hard rock explosion. Scorpions’ “Blackout” is fast, loud, and absolutely relentless—and Brittany delivered the goods with groove, power, and unshakable confidence.
To tackle the high-octane rhythms and thunderous backbeats of this track, Brittany sat behind a rock-solid Tama Starclassic Bubinga kit and dialed in a cymbal setup that delivered both sizzle and sheer muscle.
Let’s Gear Breakdown the Kit, Snare, and the Cymbals Brittany used to slay this track!
Brittany used a Tama Starclassic Bubinga in a stunning Red to Black Sparkle Fade finish. Bubinga wood is known for its deep, rich tone and powerful low-end punch—perfect for rock tracks that demand presence and cut.
This kit speaks with authority—every tom hit cuts through the mix, and the bass drum thunders underneath Brittany’s precise, energetic playing.
🛒 Tama Starclassic Maple Alternative (Europe)
For this session, Brittany leaned on a 14×8” Tama Starphonic Steel Snare. This snare is all about projection and articulation.
The 8” depth gives it a fat, full-bodied sound while the steel shell keeps it snappy and loud. Whether she’s cracking backbeats or ghosting subtle textures in the verses, this snare commands attention. The die-cast hoops and unique Grooved Hoop design also help keep rimshots crisp and focused—ideal for the aggressive nature of “Blackout.”
🛒 Tama Starphonic Snare 14×7″ Alternative (Europe)
To handle the sharp accents and explosive dynamics of the track, Brittany’s cymbal choices were both musical and powerful—centered around the Sabian HHX Complex series, known for their dark, nuanced character and modern attack.
🛒 14” HHX Complex Hats (Europe) – These hi-hats offer a smoky, defined chick with plenty of articulation. They handle both driving eighth notes and slick open textures with ease.
🛒 18” HHX Complex Thin Crash (Europe) – Fast, buttery, and explosive. This crash opens up quickly and decays smoothly—great for dynamic build-ups and quick accents.
🛒 19” HHX Complex Thin Crash (Europe) – Slightly larger and darker than the 18”, this crash brings an added depth and body to fills and choruses.
🛒 21” HHX Complex Thin Ride (Europe) – The definition of smoky elegance. This ride offers a controlled wash with a complex sustain—perfect for laying into crash-riding while still maintaining stick clarity.
🛒 18” HHX Chinese (Europe)– Adds just the right amount of trash and bite for those big explosive hits. A great choice for adding spice to transitions and breakdowns.
Sabian’s HHX line brought a refined chaos to the mix—dark, complex tones with modern responsiveness that matched Brittany’s playing perfectly.
Brittany Bowman didn’t just sit in on a classic rock track—she tore through it with passion and precision, and her gear choices played a huge role in shaping the sound. The Tama Starclassic Bubinga kit provided rock-solid tone and responsiveness. Her Tama Starphonic Steel snare cut through like a razor. And those Sabian HHX cymbals? Dark, expressive, and explosively musical.
If you’re looking to channel some of that raw energy and classic rock swagger, this setup is a great place to start.
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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Jared Milligan
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