"Closer to the Edge" was released in 2009 as part of 30 Seconds to Mars' critically acclaimed album This Is War, becoming one of the band's most enduring anthems and reaching the top of rock charts worldwide. The song's anthemic quality and emotionally charged message resonated with a generation of rock fans, cementing its place as a defining track of the late 2000s rock landscape.
The drumming on "Closer to the Edge" is driven by a steady, powerful rock beat at 140 BPM that serves the song's anthemic, arena-ready sound without overcomplicating the arrangement. The drum performance prioritizes consistency and energy over complexity, making it an accessible yet satisfying part to learn for developing drummers.
Unique Drumming Characteristics
- Straightforward 4/4 kick and snare rock groove that anchors the song's driving momentum
- Consistent hi-hat patterns that maintain energy and forward motion throughout verses and choruses
- Dynamic shifts between verses and choruses achieved through cymbal and volume variation
- Steady, metronomic feel at 140 BPM that demands reliable tempo control
Skills You'll Develop
- Maintaining a consistent rock groove at a moderate-to-fast tempo
- Building dynamic contrast between song sections using cymbal and velocity changes
- Developing steady hi-hat control to drive an uptempo rock pattern
- Improving kick and snare coordination within a reliable 4/4 framework
- Playing confidently in service of a song's arrangement rather than drawing attention to the drums
Drumscore
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