by Kinger
This is one for all the speed Metal drummers out there!
A lot of folks are playing amazingly fast these days and that’s cool – as a HEAVY-ass beat or drummer is what contributes greatly to the overall “power” in Metal music (regardless of sub genre). Ever since the early pioneers such as Dave Lombardo (Slayer), Charlie Benate (Anthrax) and Gene Hoglan (ex-Dark Angel) set the standard for speed and power on their massive double bass kits in the eighties; the youngsters have tried to out do them and play catch up [laughs].
What I am about to show you is a bit different however.
Check out Virgil’s unique “L L – R R” way of playing his double kick drums in the video clip below. That takes some talent peeps! For the non-drummers out there, this is what us drummers usually do with our hands. Virgil is kickin’ it [pun-intended].
Playing single strokes on the double bass ‘has gotten a bit tired’ ~Virgil Donati
The video was recorded live at the 2005 Bass n’ Drum Festival, where Virgil certainly rose to the occasion with a performance full of relentless energy and creative excitement. The electricity in the air after the performance was magical and this DVD revives the intense application, dynamism and drama of this special evening in Stockholm.”
Credit to: www.drummerworld.com
Double bass drumming or the use of two kick drums was not invented by the 80’s Metal drummers – far from it actually. One of the earliest known users was one Mitch Mitchell (July 9, 47′ – Nov. 12, 2008), drummer for the JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE.
I know Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus), Cozy Powell R.I.P. (Jeff Beck, Rainbow, MSG) and Neil Peart (Rush) all manned kits with double kicks as well. There are many others, but you get the point – sh** ain’t new.
Honorable Mentions for Modern “Extreme Metal” Drummers
- Joey Jordison (Slipknot)
- Mario Duplantier (Gojira)
- Brann Dailor (Mastodon)
- Chris Adler (Lamb of God)
Virgil Donati is an Australian drummer, frequent drum clinician and a producer. He is currently playing with the band Planet X and Seven the Hardway among other projects.
Virgil is perhaps most well-known for his fast, highly technical drumming skills. He holds the drum sticks in the traditional style and is also proficient at the keyboard.
Regarding his approach to playing double beats (per foot) on the kick drum, he says that playing single strokes on the double bass ‘has gotten a bit tired,’ and so as of 1999, has managed to ‘squeeze through’ 200 beats per minute playing double beats on each foot. He has gone a long way since then.
Demolish Magazine 