Blast Beat - Characteristics

Characteristics

Early blast beats were generally quite slow and less precise compared to today's standards. Nowadays, a blast beat is normally played in tempos from 180 beats per minute upwards, with so-called "hyper blasts" existing in the range of 250-280 bpm (or even higher). There is also the "gravity blast", not to be confused with the one-handed gravity roll. This technique uses the hand as a fulcrum, allowing two snare hits with one downward motion (essentially doing the work of two hands with only one).

Typical blast beats consist of 8th-note patterns between both the bass and snare drum alternately, with the hi-hat or the ride synced. Variations exist such as displacing hi-hat/ride, snare and bass drum hits and/or using other cymbals such as splashes, crashes, chinas and even tambourines for accenting, for example when using odd time or playing progressively. While playing 8th or 8th note triplets some drummers choose to play in sync with one foot while others split the 8th notes between both feet.

Different drummers use different foot or hand techniques. Certain drummers, such as George Kollias, prefer to only use one foot while performing blast beats (known as "pushing"), as it gives them extra precision that is not easily attainable with two feet, and leaves the left foot free to add in more subdivisions, turning 16th note blasts with the feet into 32nd note blasts. Others, such as Trym Torson, prefer using two feet, as it gives extra power and allows for playing without triggers. Drummers also will either use their wrists, their fingers, or a combination of both to control their drumsticks.

Examples of the most common blast beats in drum tab:

The first example is a unison blast, known in metal circles as a "hammer blast". The second example shows a traditional blast beat - essentially a skank beat played at a high tempo (this particular one leads with the bass drum, but the snare can lead as well). Example #3 shows a blast beat with double bass, known in metal circles as a "bomb blast". Example #4 illustrates a "gravity blast".