5 Iconic Metal Drum Beats

Faster Hands & Feet (in 10 days) ► If you listen to metal, you’ve probably noticed certain beats coming up time and time again – and for good reason. In this video, Ash Pearson from Revocation introduces five iconic heavy beats that every metal drummer should know (and if you don’t know, now you know). 1. Bembe beat This take on the Afro-Cuban groove uses an alternating 6 note pattern between cymbal and snare. Try hitting the right foot every time you use the right hand (in the video, Ash keeps the double bass going). You’ll hear it regularly from bands like Opeth and Death, plus Chris Pennie of Dillinger Escape Plan and Damon Che from Don Caballero have incorporated variations on the bembe into their drumming. 2. That beat from “One” by Metallica This one is basically a rite of passage for many double bass players. You’ll probably recognize the 16th note triplets right away. Try taking this idea and moving it around the kit.