How to Write DRUMS like Periphery

<p> </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-FARu62OQFc" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-FARu62OQFc?rel=0&amp;wmode=transparent&amp;enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p><h2 style="text-align:center;"><span class="text-huge"><strong>How to Write DRUMS like Periphery</strong></span></h2><p> </p><h3 style="text-align:center;"><span class="text-big"><strong>Step 1. Kick in 7</strong></span></h3><p style="text-align:justify;">The new Periphery single “Atropos” (from the album Periphery V: Djent Is Not a Genre) opens with a classic djent polymeter, which we love! Staying true to Meshuggah’s original polymeter recipe, the kick is in odd time while the snare and cymbals are in 4|4. So, start by programming a one-bar kick rhythm in 7|8. And just cos you’re in 7|8, doesn’t mean you have to only use 1/8 notes, so change your grid to 1/16 notes. By the way, the tempo is 80 BPM.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Once you’re happy with your kick rhythm, copy and paste it over four bars of 4|4. At the end of your 4-bar loop, you’ll notice that you can’t fit a full bar of 7|8. Don’t worry, that’s part of the fun of playing these polymeters. Simply chop off whatever doesn’t fit of your 7|8 rhythm. In fact, that’s how you get those abrupt-sounding loops that are one of the main characteristics of djent polymeters.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Just before we jump into the next step. If there’s an artist you want us to hack, drop us a comment on the YouTube video. Also, are you new to music theory? Or are you experienced, but you want a refresher? Then download our free book (below). It only takes 30 minutes to read, then you’ll have a solid theory foundation that you can instantly apply to your songwriting and producing.</p><p> </p><h3 style="text-align:center;"><span class="text-big"><strong>Step 2. Snare in 4</strong></span></h3><p style="text-align:justify;">