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Blast beats are the torrents of alternating snare and bass drums which increase the speed, density, and percussiveness of death metal, black metal and grindcore. The hi-hat or a ride cymbal is often played on the bass drum; occasionally a crash cymbal or china cup is played. Alternate patterns are also used by some drummers, including two kicks and one snare (Dave Culross), one kick and two snare (Pete Sandoval), full speed double-bass drum and snare (Andy Whale, Dave Culross) or the so called "hammer-blasts" where the snare, bass drum and ride are played at once. The technique is also used less extensively in other genres of metal.
Some people maintain the bass drum should be played with one foot for the best effect; others use dual bass drum pedals.
Blast beats have their roots in hardcore punk as well as thrash metal. Early blast beats were generally quite slow when compared to today's standards.
One of the first important metal albums to use blast beats was Cryptic Slaughter's Convicted (1986). Though the execution was fairly sloppy (some say that is what made them so good), their role in the song and speed (it was some of the fastest drumming around at the time) greatly influenced death metal, grindcore and black metal. Cryptic Slaughter's legacy is probably heard more in death metal, black metal and grindcore than hardcore-influenced thrash metal that they themselves played.
The very first band, however, playing a blast beat is the Stormtroopers Of Death on the song "Milk" on their Speak English Or Die album from 1985. However, it was played double-handed on the snare, instead of a typically single-handed. Later on Live At Budokan it was played single-handed.
Recently, some have criticised drummers for using blast beats too often, particularly in black metal were some drummers play whole songs as simply one long string of blast beats. Critics claim that these drummers lack creativity and simply replace it with sheer speed. Additionally, drummers are sometimes criticised for using triggers. Some people see this as cheating, as it is much easier to play fast with triggers since even a soft hit on the bass-drum or snare-drum produces a loud sound. Others see this as just another effect to help the musician accomplish his musical vision (the same way that electronics used with guitars are not considered cheating). One frequent downside of triggers is that they can create an unnatural "click" sound.
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