Linkin Park drummer Colin Brittain has stepped into a classic he has never played before, and the result is a wild ride of improvised fills and double-time grooves. Drumeo’s “For the First Time” series challenged Brittain to play Iron Maiden’s “Hallowed Be Thy Name” as he listened to the track minus the drums, and the video shows him picking up some of the dynamics of Clive Burr’s original arrangement.
Brittain opens the clip by showing off his vast knowledge of contemporary rock before the video lands on the Iron Maiden track. He only takes a single improvised pass, leaning on fast double-time rhythms and even some punky beats. He still manages to pick up some of the dynamics of Clive Burr’s original arrangement, even as he digs deep into his bag of beats and rudiments to keep the drum parts coming during the closing instrumental section.
Brittain’s First Take on “Hallowed Be Thy Name”
The moment that stands out is the surprise on Brittain’s face as the final instrumental section keeps going. He expected a shorter track, and the extended run forces him to improvise constantly. He leans on his practiced rudiments to keep the drum parts coming.
What He Said About the Original
After his improvised take, Brittain listens to the original performance. He praises it for its pocket and the depth of its arrangement, noting how the rhythm holds together across the various instruments. He then gives advice on improvisation, urging musicians to step outside of their comfort zone of known licks and grooves while balancing practiced elements with attention to the particular arrangement of a song.
Brittain’s Path to Linkin Park
Brittain joined Linkin Park upon their return in 2023 after original drummer Rob Bourdon opted not to take part in the band’s reunion. The move brought a new drummer to a band known for its heavy sound.
Unshatter, a documentary covering the return of Linkin Park directed by the band’s own Joe Hahn, is set to be released September 30th.
Iron Maiden’s Current Run
Iron Maiden are currently on their “Run for Your Lives” North American tour, featuring Megadeth and Anthrax.
How to Hear It
Those interested in starting their drum learning journey or honing their skills can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Drumeo.
KEY FACTS
– Song: “Hallowed Be Thy Name” by Iron Maiden
– Series: Drumeo’s “For the First Time”
– Drummer: Colin Brittain, Linkin Park
– Original drummer: Rob Bourdon (did not return in 2023)
– Documentary release: Unshatter, September 30th
– Tour: Iron Maiden “Run for Your Lives” North American tour with Megadeth and Anthrax
– Free trial: 30-day trial of Drumeo
SCHEDULE
| Event | Date |
|—|—|
| Documentary release | September 30th |
| Tour: Iron Maiden “Run for Your Lives” | Ongoing, North America |
The video is a reminder that great drumming is about adaptability as much as practice. Brittain surprises himself with the length of the song and the depth of his own instincts, picking up Clive Burr’s arrangement despite never having heard it before.
See the video the story is built around at Consequence.
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