• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Best overall metal rhythm section?

There isn't really much out there as far as a true "metal rhythm section" beyond Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Tool. Most other metal bassists and drummers don't really have the kind of push and pull and dynamic interaction that would merit the term "rhythm section".
 
IMHO, there are two basic roles for a metal rhythm section: lead the beat and propel the band forward like an out-of-control dragster (Megadeth, Skeletonwitch, every thrash band ever), or play behind the beat and drag the band through the sludge by main force (Black Sabbath, High On Fire, every doom band ever). Slayer is unusual in being able to do both, but on the whole I think the vast majority of bands take one road or the other, and it doesn't make much sense to compare across the two.

I guess the third way is "explode all over the place", a la Pig Destroyer. Grindcore rhythm sections are impressive in their way, but kind of hard to judge for technical quality...

-NT
 
IMHO, there are two basic roles for a metal rhythm section: lead the beat and propel the band forward like an out-of-control dragster (Megadeth, Skeletonwitch, every thrash band ever), or play behind the beat and drag the band through the sludge by main force (Black Sabbath, High On Fire, every doom band ever). Slayer is unusual in being able to do both, but on the whole I think the vast majority of bands take one road or the other, and it doesn't make much sense to compare across the two.

I guess the third way is "explode all over the place", a la Pig Destroyer. Grindcore rhythm sections are impressive in their way, but kind of hard to judge for technical quality...

-NT

This is a good point.

I would disagree with almost all previous posts. I think Megadeth, slayer and Anthrax have had great rhythm sections for thrash (I also include rhythm guitar in the metal rhythm section because... well, it is. Dream Theater also comes to mind... maybe not a lot of 'groove' going on, but to be able to hold such complex songs together, you gotta give them props. Check out Keep of Kalessin as well.
 
IMHO, there are two basic roles for a metal rhythm section: lead the beat and propel the band forward like an out-of-control dragster (Megadeth, Skeletonwitch, every thrash band ever), or play behind the beat and drag the band through the sludge by main force (Black Sabbath, High On Fire, every doom band ever). Slayer is unusual in being able to do both, but on the whole I think the vast majority of bands take one road or the other, and it doesn't make much sense to compare across the two.

I guess the third way is "explode all over the place", a la Pig Destroyer. Grindcore rhythm sections are impressive in their way, but kind of hard to judge for technical quality...

-NT

That's a good point, though odd that you would compare leading the beat to a "dragster".

But Slayer I think is under appreciated in that regard.