Metal Drum Pattern
Metal drum patterns are aggressive and fast, driven by relentless kick drum patterns and powerful snare hits. Double-kick drumming (represented here as 8th-note kicks) provides a wall of low-end energy, while dense hi-hat patterns add intensity. The snare cuts through on beats 2 and 4 with maximum force, anchoring the chaos with a solid backbeat.
Typical tempo: 140-200 BPM
Rhythmic Characteristics
- •Fast, continuous kick drum pattern (double bass) for relentless energy
- •Powerful, cutting snare hits on beats 2 and 4
- •Dense 16th-note hi-hat or ride cymbal pattern
- •High tempo driving the intensity of the performance
- •Blast beats and fill variations for extreme sections
Tips for Making Metal Beats
Program kicks as continuous 8th or 16th notes for the double-bass effect
The snare should cut through everything -- use a bright, aggressive sample with high velocity
Dense hi-hat or ride patterns on 16th notes create the wall-of-sound effect
Add tom fills and cymbal crashes to transition between sections
Use heavy compression on the drum bus to glue everything together and add aggression
History
Metal drumming evolved from the hard-hitting style of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham and Black Sabbath's Bill Ward in the late 1960s. Double bass drumming was popularized by bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden in the 1970s and 80s. Speed metal and death metal pushed tempos to extreme levels, with drummers like Dave Lombardo (Slayer) and Pete Sandoval (Morbid Angel) setting new standards for speed and endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is double bass drumming?
Double bass drumming uses two bass drums or a double bass pedal to play rapid kick drum patterns that would be impossible with a single foot. This technique allows drummers to play continuous 8th notes, 16th notes, or even 32nd notes on the kick drum, creating the relentless, thundering low-end that defines metal.
What is a blast beat?
A blast beat is an extremely fast drumming pattern where the kick, snare, and cymbal all play simultaneously on every beat at very high speed, typically 180-250 BPM in 16th notes. It creates a wall of percussion used in death metal, black metal, and grindcore. It requires immense speed and endurance to perform live.
How fast can metal drums be programmed?
There is no technical limit to programmed metal drums, but realistic-sounding patterns typically top out around 220-250 BPM for double kick. Beyond that, even the best drum samples start to sound artificial. For blast beats, 200-280 BPM is common. The key is maintaining clarity at high speeds through sample selection and mixing.