Hey, it’s Jordi here, and today I’m diving into the bands that have had the biggest impact on me as a drummer. From the intense double bass of Fleshgod Apocalypse to the groove-heavy riffs of Pantera, these bands have shaped not only my playing but also the way I experience music. Each of these bands brings something unique to the table, and they all contribute to the style and power I aim to bring behind the kit. Let’s jump in!

1. Avenged Sevenfold: Blending melody and power

• Why They’re Influential: Avenged Sevenfold has been a huge influence on my drumming, especially The Rev (RIP) and Brooks Wackerman. These guys showed me that you can blend melodic elements with intense, hard-hitting drums. Tracks like Bat Country and A Little Piece of Heaven highlight The Rev’s ability to combine technical skill with groove and creativity, which really opened my eyes to new possibilities in metal drumming.

• Key Tracks to Check Out:

  • Bat Country – The rapid-fire bass drum work and syncopated rhythms are what really hooked me.

  • Afterlife – The combination of melody and powerful drums shows how versatility can elevate a song.

• How They Inspire Me: Avenged Sevenfold taught me that being a drummer is about more than just keeping time; it’s about adding layers to the music. I love how they create a full experience with their music, from harmonized guitar solos to intricate drum fills. Their style reminds me that I can get experimental with my playing and still keep things hard and heavy.

2. Fleshgod Apocalypse: Unleashing orchestral brutality

• Why They’re Influential: Fleshgod Apocalypse brings something entirely unique to the metal scene with their symphonic death metal sound. They take brutality to the next level by incorporating orchestral elements, and their drumming is just relentless. Francesco Paoli is a beast behind the kit—his speed and precision blew my mind the first time I heard The Violation. The way he uses double bass drumming as a backbone to support the symphonic elements is incredible.

• Key Tracks to Check Out:

  • The Violation – The blast beats are insane, and the drumming perfectly complements the orchestral elements.

  • Minotaur (The Wrath of Poseidon) – The drumming here is a relentless powerhouse that drives the song from start to finish.

• How They Inspire Me: Fleshgod Apocalypse taught me how to use speed and complexity to create a dramatic, larger-than-life sound. The idea of blending brutality with sophistication resonates with me, and I often try to incorporate that theatrical vibe into my own drumming. They showed me that metal can be both aggressive and refined, which is something I strive for in my playing.

3. Megadeth: The masters of precision and technicality

• Why They’re Influential: Megadeth’s technicality is something I’ve always admired, and they’ve had some incredible drummers over the years, like Nick Menza and Dirk Verbeuren. Their songs are filled with tight, complex rhythms that challenge you as a drummer. I remember the first time I heard Holy Wars… The Punishment Due—it was like a masterclass in precision. Megadeth has a way of building up tension and then unleashing it in a flurry of double bass and intricate fills.

• Key Tracks to Check Out:

  • Holy Wars… The Punishment Due – This song has it all: complex patterns, syncopation, and lightning-fast fills.

  • Hangar 18 – The shifts in tempo and dynamics make this track a blast to play and a great exercise in control.

• How They Inspire Me: Megadeth has taught me the importance of precision and control. Their music pushes me to refine my technique, making sure that every hit, fill, and roll is clean and sharp. The way they incorporate speed without sacrificing accuracy is something I try to emulate every time I play.

4. Pantera: The kings of groove and power

• Why They’re Influential: Pantera is all about groove and power, and Vinnie Paul is a huge reason why I fell in love with drumming. His playing is all about raw energy and heavy grooves, which made me realize that sometimes it’s about hitting hard and keeping things tight. Tracks like Walk and Cowboys from Hell are perfect examples of his groove-based style, which is all about finding the pocket and then blasting it wide open.

• Key Tracks to Check Out:

  • Walk – The groove in this song is legendary, and it shows that you don’t need to be fast to be powerful.

  • Cowboys from Hell – The rhythm here is infectious, and Vinnie Paul’s drumming drives the song in such an unforgettable way.

• How They Inspire Me: Pantera has taught me that groove is just as important as speed. Vinnie Paul’s style reminds me to keep things simple when I need to, and focus on hitting hard and keeping it tight. His groove-heavy approach helps me connect with the music and the crowd, making every beat count.

5. Saratoga: Blending power metal with emotional depth

• Why They’re Influential: Saratoga is a Spanish power metal band that really blends intensity with melody. Dani Pérez and other drummers have brought an emotional, almost theatrical quality to their drumming, which really resonates with me. Tracks like Perro Traidor are full of epic riffs and dramatic drum parts, which make you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster.

• Key Tracks to Check Out:

  • Perro Traidor – The tempo shifts and powerful fills showcase Saratoga’s ability to blend power and emotion.

  • Vientos de Guerra – This track has an anthemic quality, with drumming that builds tension and drives the song forward.

• How They Inspire Me: Saratoga showed me how to bring emotional depth into metal drumming. Their music reminds me that metal can be dramatic and storytelling-focused, with drumming that complements the mood of the song. I try to bring that emotional edge into my playing, making sure that my drumming reflects the vibe of each song.

Bringing it all together: My unique style

These bands have all influenced my drumming in different ways, from the power grooves of Pantera to the orchestral brutality of Fleshgod Apocalypse. They’ve taught me that being a drummer is about more than just keeping the beat—it’s about telling a story and adding your own flavor to the music. I aim to blend the precision of Megadeth, the groove of Pantera, the melody of Avenged Sevenfold, the complexity of Fleshgod Apocalypse, and the emotional depth of Saratoga into a style that’s uniquely my own.

If you’re a fellow drummer or just a metal fan, I hope these influences inspire you as much as they’ve inspired me. Let’s keep pushing the limits of what metal drumming can be. \m/

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