Recording and mixing metal is about far more than simply stacking guitar tracks. It is about capturing the aggression of a band in a room, preserving its identity, and shaping performances into something that hits with clarity at any volume. Few embody this balance better than Victor Santura, guitarist, engineer, co-producer, and mixer of Triptykon. From unconventional drum rooms to iconic Marshall stacks, Santura has spent decades refining how to record and mix metal so that it feels alive, visceral, and unique.
Capturing the band’s identity
For Santura, Triptykon’s sound begins with their lineage. The Marshall JCM800 2203 into Marshall cabs is more than an amp, it is the band’s voice. Experimentation is welcome for colour, yet the spine must remain true. The same applies to drums, bass, and vocals: the goal is not to chase perfection, but to make sure the recording sounds like the band.
Recording drums in real spaces
One of Santura’s boldest decisions was to record drums in a low ceiling rehearsal room, chasing the dirty, aggressive vibe that inspired the band during practice. Though he now prefers bigger rooms with higher ceilings, the experiment reinforced an important lesson: vibe trumps technical perfection. Imperfect spaces can produce character if you commit to capturing it.
Step into the abyss and experience The Triptykon Mixing Ritual: https://www.kohleaudiokult.com/courses/Triptykon
Tools that define the sound
- Guitars: Ibanez Iceman models with AH pickups, tone pots rolled off for rhythm work.
- Pedals: Tube Screamer TS9 or TS10 used aggressively to drive the JCM800 into high gain territory, OC3 octave and Weeping Demon wah for flavour and edge.
- Drums: Natural performances form the core, with minimal sample enhancement for kick and snare when needed. Santura values drummers like Norman Lonhard who “mix themselves” by playing dynamically and musically.
- Vocal tracking: Outboard compression with a Distressor keeps performances controlled on the way in, while mic pres such as the Tube Tech MP2A and Aurora Audio GTQ2 provide warmth and detail.
Mixing with intent
Santura mixes entirely in the box, using Cubase. His philosophy is fewer, bigger moves. Early mixes were full of EQ fixes stacked on EQ fixes, but experience taught him restraint. Now he removes only what hurts, enhances only what serves the song, and avoids flattening out character.
When guitars need to sit, the DI safety net helps with editing, while carefully chosen mics (SM57 and Audio Technica 4033A) deliver the core tone. For leads, Santura often cuts harsh upper mids, boosts around 1 kHz for vocal like clarity, and uses dark delays or reverbs for sustain without fatigue.
Keeping it human
Whether drums, guitars, or vocals, Santura resists over processing. Natural is a moving target, but the aim is to keep the energy and imperfections that make metal breathe. A little sample enhancement, a little room reverb, and the right EQ moves, nothing more than necessary.
Victor Santura’s résumé
Beyond his role as guitarist and co-producer in Triptykon, Santura is a seasoned figure in extreme metal production. He is the long time guitarist of Dark Fortress and Rootbrain, and the owner of Woodshed Studio in Germany, where he has recorded and produced countless bands across the spectrum of heavy music. Recently he tracked guitars and bass for the new Behemoth album, and he has mixed records for acts such as Freedom of Fear and Ponaballett. His résumé reflects the trust metal’s elite place in his ears and hands.
The Triptykon Mixing Ritual
Raw. Relentless. Uncompromising. Mix Triptykon’s “Tree of Suffocating Souls” with Victor Santura.
What You’ll Learn
Step inside the world of Triptykon, the successor to the legendary Celtic Frost, led by Tom G. Warrior. Known for their crushing heaviness and organic, rule breaking production, Triptykon have carved out a sound that is unmistakably their own. In this course, guitarist, producer, and engineer Victor Santura reveals exactly how he captured that atmosphere, aggression, and weight.
You will see how he mixed “Tree of Suffocating Souls” entirely in the box using Cubase, and then you will get the chance to put theory into practice with the original multitracks.
Course Features
- Full Mix Rundown – Follow Victor Santura step by step as he builds the mix.
- Original Multitracks – Download the complete session and create your own mix.
- Exclusive Feedback – Upload your version for review by Kult leader Kristian Kohle (Aborted, Powerwolf, Melechesh, Electric Callboy).
- Win Big – Stand out with one of Santura’s favourite mixes and you could win a pair of Audeze headphones.
Why This Course Stands Out
Triptykon do not follow rules, they crush them. Their music is raw, furious, and abyssal. In this course you will discover how Santura uses unconventional rooms, fearless EQ moves, and unpolished textures to create a sound that is both dark and massive. There are no templates, no shortcuts, and no gimmicks, only the real techniques behind one of extreme metal’s most powerful productions.
Pricing and Access
- Buy the Course: $66
- Join The Kult – Get this course and gain access to a growing library of mixing and production lessons for one price.
Step into the abyss and experience The Triptykon Mixing Ritual: https://www.kohleaudiokult.com/courses/Triptykon