What’s up, metal family? Jordi here! As the drummer, I’m all about bringing the thunder every time we hit the stage. Preparing for a show is almost as intense as the show itself, and over the years, I’ve developed some solid pre-show rituals that get me in the zone. From stretching to drum warm-ups and a little mental focus, here’s what goes down behind the scenes before the lights go up.

1. Stretching: The calm before the storm

• Playing metal drums is a full-body workout, so stretching is my number one priority. I start with some basic stretches to loosen up my shoulders, back, and legs. When you’re behind the kit, you need full range of motion, and stretching helps me avoid injuries and stay flexible.

• I also do wrist stretches and exercises to keep my hands limber, which helps me go hard without cramping up. Trust me, if you’re planning to go all out during a show, getting your body ready is half the battle.

2. Drumming warm-ups: Building up the intensity

• Next up, it’s time to warm up my hands and feet with some rudiments on the practice pad. I go through single strokes, double strokes, and paradiddles to get my hands moving. It’s like revving the engine before a race.

• For my feet, I use a portable double kick pedal setup to run through a few minutes of blast beats. Metal drumming requires speed and endurance, so this is where I get my heart rate up and prepare for the double bass action that’s about to go down.

• I also like to run through some of the trickier fills from our setlist. If there’s a fast or complex section, I’ll spend a couple of minutes dialing it in. It helps boost my confidence and ensures that I’m ready to nail those parts when it’s showtime.

3. Setting up the kit and soundcheck: Getting everything just right

• I’m pretty particular about my kit setup, so I take some time to make sure everything is just where I need it. I double-check the placement of my cymbals, toms, and pedals to make sure they’re in the perfect position.

• During soundcheck, I fine-tune the levels and adjust the mics to get that killer drum sound. It’s all about creating a solid, heavy sound that’ll resonate with the crowd and make them feel every beat. There’s nothing worse than going on stage and realizing your snare sounds off, so I make sure everything’s locked in.

4. Mental preparation: Finding my focus

• A big part of drumming, especially in a live setting, is mental focus. Before every show, I take a few minutes to clear my mind and visualize the performance. I think through the setlist, picture myself playing, and go over any tricky transitions in my head.

• I usually find a quiet spot backstage, put on some headphones, and listen to one or two of our songs. I close my eyes, breathe deep, and get in the zone. This helps me shake off any nerves and channel my energy into excitement. The adrenaline’s always there, but focusing like this helps me control it.

5. Getting pumped with the band: The power of the group huddle

• Right before we go on, the whole band comes together for a quick huddle. We might shout out some inside jokes or pump each other up with a “Let’s do this!” We’ve got a tradition where we all tap our fists together before heading to the stage—it’s like our version of a battle cry.

• It’s not just a routine; it’s a reminder that we’re a team. We feed off each other’s energy, and it’s a great way to sync up and feel like a unit. There’s nothing like sharing that moment with the band, knowing we’re about to bring the house down together.

6. Getting physically and mentally amped: A few last-minute touches

• I always have a quick hit of water or an energy drink before stepping on stage. Hydration is key, especially for drummers, because we’re losing a lot of fluids during the set.

• I’ll also do a few quick shadow drum moves to loosen up. This might sound a bit funny, but I even do a little “air drumming” while pacing backstage. It helps me stay loose and keeps the energy up. I know once I hit that first beat, it’s all systems go.

7. Embracing the chaos: Feeling the crowd’s energy

• Right before we step out, I take a moment to soak in the atmosphere. The sound of the crowd, the smell of the venue, the buzz in the air—it all fires me up. I remind myself that we’re here to put on a killer show, and that there are fans out there waiting to rock out with us.

• Walking onto the stage, I make eye contact with the crowd and let their energy fuel me. That connection with the audience is everything, and once I’m behind the kit, I’m ready to unleash everything I’ve got.

Why these rituals matter

All these rituals may seem small, but they’re what keep me at my best. Being on stage and playing metal is physically demanding, and having a solid pre-show routine makes all the difference. It’s not just about being prepared physically—it’s about being mentally ready to deliver a performance that’ll stick with the crowd long after the last note fades.

Every show is different, but my goal is always the same: to leave everything out there on the stage. I want the fans to feel every beat, every crash, every blast of double bass, because they deserve nothing less.

So there you have it—my pre-show rituals, straight from the drummer’s throne. If you’re coming to one of our shows soon, know that I’m back there giving it my all, fueled by these rituals and the insane energy you bring. Ready to join the madness? Check our upcoming gigs and come see how we rock the stage. Until then, keep it loud and keep it heavy! \m/

Want to receive these blogs straight into your inbox? Then subscribe to our newsletter!