Metal Drumming Part II: The Power of Double Bass
The Power of Double Bass Drumming in Heavy Metal Music
Double bass drumming has been a cornerstone of heavy metal music, delivering thunderous rhythms and rapid-fire precision that define the genre's intensity. This technique, which involves using both feet to play two bass drum pedals or two separate bass drums, adds depth, complexity, and relentless energy to a band's sound. From its early innovators to modern practitioners, double bass drumming has evolved into an essential element of heavy metal music.
Origins and Evolution
The origins of double bass drumming can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. Bands like Cream and The Who experimented with the concept, but it was rock drummers like Ginger Baker and Keith Moon who laid the groundwork. Heavy metal pioneers like Black Sabbath's Bill Ward and Deep Purple's Ian Paice began to incorporate more aggressive bass drum patterns into their playing.
The technique truly gained prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s with the rise of speed metal and thrash metal. Drummers like Dave Lombardo of Slayer, Charlie Benante of Anthrax, and Lars Ulrich of Metallica utilized double bass drumming to enhance the power and speed of their music. Their relentless, machine-gun-like beats became synonymous with the genre's growing intensity.
Technical Mastery
Double bass drumming requires exceptional coordination, speed, and stamina. Drummers must synchronize their feet with their hands while maintaining precise timing, often at tempos exceeding 200+ beats per minute. Popular techniques include heel-toe and swivel methods, which allow drummers to achieve rapid strokes with minimal effort.
Many drummers use practice routines to build their skills, including:
Single and double strokes with both feet.
Alternating patterns like "RLRL" (right-left-right-left).
Playing along with a metronome to develop timing and consistency.
Iconic Examples in Heavy Metal
Slayer – "Angel of Death" Dave Lombardo's blistering double bass sections in "Angel of Death" from the album Reign in Blood (1986) showcase his extraordinary speed and precision. This track remains a benchmark for drummers in extreme metal.
Metallica – "One" Lars Ulrich’s use of double bass in the climactic section of "One" (from ...And Justice for All, 1988) is both powerful and dramatic, perfectly complementing the song's intense narrative.
Pantera – "Becoming" Vinnie Paul’s groove-based approach to double bass on "Becoming" (from Far Beyond Driven, 1994) demonstrates his unique ability to blend technicality with a heavy groove.
Fear Factory – "Demanufacture" Raymond Herrera’s precise, mechanical double bass patterns in "Demanufacture" (1995) helped define industrial metal’s rhythmic soundscape.
Lamb of God – "Laid to Rest" Chris Adler’s dynamic use of double bass on "Laid to Rest" (from Ashes of the Wake, 2004) highlights his innovative approach to modern metal drumming.
Modern Innovations
In recent years, double bass drumming has continued to evolve with advances in technique, equipment, and production. Drummers like Tomas Haake (Meshuggah), George Kollias (Nile), and Mario Duplantier (Gojira) push the boundaries of speed, complexity, and creativity. Tools like trigger pedals and advanced drum software have also expanded the possibilities for precision and sound manipulation.