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On the Beaten Path: Metal

Rich Lackowski, with the support of Alfred Publishing, does it again with his third book of the On the Beaten Path series, “On the Beaten Path: Metal – The Drummers Guide to the Genre and the Legends Who Defined it”.

Lackowski’s goal has always been to provide the reader with an accelerated path of discovery within a particular genre. It all started with his first book, On the Beaten Path: The Drummers Guide to Musical Styles and the Legends Who Defined Them” which earned #1 Educational book 2008 Modern Drummer Magazine, #1 Book 2008 Drum Magazine. I am also pleased to report that Lackowski’s second book, “On the Beaten Path: Progressive Rock” has also taken honors as the 2009 Best Educational Book, Modern Drummer Magazine!

Lackowski and Alfred Publications knew better than to change the format for the latest O.B.P.-Metal; and for those who have enjoyed the book layout in this series, this latest installment stays true to form.

As with Lackowski’s previous releases, O.B.T.-Metal is more than just a book; it is a historical time-line that details the drummers whose individual technique have impacted the metal genre’s evolution. You will experience metal greats such as Chris Adler, Lars Ulrich, and Jason Bittner, to name a few.

In terms of the nuts and bolts of playing the featured metal classics, this is where Lackowski shines with his ability to break down the transcriptions into logical steps that serve as the building blocks to ultimately becoming proficient in this musical style. He also organizes each drummer’s work from beginner to intermediate to advanced level; however you may find some of the advanced level to be easier than intermediate level, as it’s more of a personal thing than a rule. Either way, Lackowski’s strength is putting forth a road map to tackle each bombastic groove and fill.

As always, the On the Beaten Path – Metal is accompanied with a CD where most, if not all, tracks are played proficiently by Rich himself; and without any drum machine assistance that I could tell.

I highly recommend Rich Lackowski’s “On the Beaten Path: Metal – The Drummers Guide to the Genre and the Legends who defined it”. This is a well thought out project that not only explains the mechanics required to perform the selected works, but provides a map to understanding the history of metal drumming. It showcases the many (not all) uniquely gifted artists and their contributions to the genre, and offers the inspiration to further continue your own pathway of discovery.

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