Raymond Herrera - Technique and Style

Technique and Style

Herrera's drumming is considered to be a key part of Fear Factory's signature sound and their appeal to fans. He's a pioneer of drum trigger technology and a master of double kick work, often use triggers on his drum set. He is also known for his high speed playing, particularly his double bass technique, which involves the use of tuplets and other embellishments rather than the blast beats commonly found in extreme metal percussion. Herrera's bursts of double bass often share a dualism with Dino Cazares's fast palm muted staccato guitar notes, resulting in the machine gun-like sound found in many Fear Factory songs. When first listening to Fear Factory, most listeners believe that the drumming is too fast for a human and think that it is some sort of drum machine or computer that is creating it. It is an understandable mistake to believe this as Raymond's drum set is rigged with triggers that adjust the sound of the drums so that they come through with a cleaner sound than other drum sets which in turn make it sound more Machine-like or computerized, however, he does all drumming. Another reason for Raymond's Machine-like drumming is that he plays differently than other drummers of the same genre. He uses more of a "stop go" technique for his double bass rather than the usual "Flooring face" that is so popular with most other drummers. A good example of this style can be heard on the Fear Factory Songs; "Securitron (Police State 2000)" and "No One".