I think it depends on really what kind of metal. If its just like hardcore music, 1 crash, 1 ride, hats and china work great, but more complex stuff like dream theater I say if you have to throw out the china and get a ride. Look at the guy from Norma Jean, old drummer, he used two crashes a china and a pair of hats, and he sounded great. I think biggest thing would really be if you need the clarity of the bow of the ride at any point, cause you can get a large crash that would have a great bell on it but be really washy, probably too washy for a ride depending on your likes.