Progressive and Heavy Collection

XLN Audio's Progressive & Heavy Collection represents a comprehensive toolkit specifically engineered for metal and progressive rock production. The package combines two full ADpak drum libraries with accompanying MIDIpaks, capturing the sonic character of dual-kick metal drumming through the lens of two distinct approaches.

The Progressive Metal ADpak, recorded on Waltteri Väyrynen's Pearl Reference Pure kit, emphasizes articulation and dynamic range. Väyrynen's work with Opeth provides a template for intricate, musically expressive metal drumming. The kit's focused low end with clarity on ghost notes makes it suitable for fast, technically demanding passages, while the dual 22-inch kicks deliver the tight power essential to contemporary metal. The cymbal selection, drawn from Sabian's darker palette, complements rather than dominates the mix.

The Modern Heavy ADpak takes a complementary approach, prioritizing the raw force required in heavier subgenres. Both libraries employ extensive multi-sampling to capture the natural alternation of double-kick patterns, a critical consideration for programmed metal drums.

The accompanying MIDIpaks, crafted by Waltteri Väyrynen and Dylan Watson, provide ready-made grooves spanning from intricate progressive structures to hard-hitting rhythmic foundations. This dual-perspective approach allows producers to draw from both technical sophistication and straightforward power.

For metal and progressive producers, particularly those working in DAWs where authentic drum programming directly impacts track credibility, this collection addresses a genuine gap. The combination of studio-proven kit captures and curated MIDI patterns makes it a functional choice for serious heavy music production rather than a supplementary option.