"Indians" is a standout track from Anthrax's landmark 1987 thrash metal album Among The Living, a record widely regarded as one of the defining releases of the genre's golden era. The song is notable for its socially conscious lyrics addressing the mistreatment of Native Americans, setting it apart from typical thrash subject matter of the time.
Charlie Benante's drumming on "Indians" is characterized by a driving, mid-tempo groove that prioritizes rhythmic power and consistency over sheer speed, making it one of the more accessible performances on the album. At 112 BPM in a straightforward 4/4 time signature, the track showcases Benante's ability to lock in a heavy, propulsive feel that serves the song's anthemic quality.
Unique Drumming Characteristics
- Steady, mid-tempo thrash groove built around a driving kick and snare pattern in 4/4
- Consistent use of the hi-hat to maintain forward momentum throughout verses
- Punchy, accented backbeats on the snare emphasizing beats 2 and 4
- Controlled dynamic shifts between verse and chorus sections
- Straightforward ride or crash cymbal transitions used to delineate song sections
Skills You'll Develop
- Maintaining a steady, confident groove at a moderate thrash tempo
- Controlling dynamics across contrasting song sections
- Developing consistent hi-hat technique in a repetitive groove context
- Building endurance and timing stability at 112 BPM
- Learning to serve a song's rhythmic and anthemic feel rather than overplaying
Drumscore
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