6 days ago
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Drumeo‘s famed “For the First Time” series, in which a drummer has to come up with a drum part for a song as they hear it for the first time, strikes again. This time, it’s “World’s Fastest Drummer” Riccardo Merlini on the throne tackling Soundgarden‘s “Rusty Cage.”
The “first time” series is special for showcasing how different drummers feel different parts, giving an insight into both how they compose their parts as well as the psychology behind them.
Merlini is the current holder of the fastest hands on the planet. He’s been measured at performing 400bpm single stroke rolls and over 300bpm with his bare hands, which is beyond blistering to those not in the know. He studied in part under former Dream Theater stickman Mike Mangini, who was a previous holder of that same prestigious title. Merlini currently plays with death metal groups Illogicist and Faust as well as backing guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert.
For those of us mere mortals with our instruments, seeing someone as accomplished as Merlini stumped on his first listen, quietly focused on tracking the shifting accents and riffs, does exactly what this series is so beloved for. There is a humanity to it, a peek behind the curtain of otherwise finished and accomplished creative work before you get to see what a mind like his does with the material.
Merlini winds up going totally Toto on the song, pushing the already swung verses even further into that territory. He keeps the uptempo parts as pummeling as ever but takes the famous slowed down Sabbathian ending section into a much more spacious and abstract direction.
When asked by host Brandon Toews about his approach to playing a part, Merlini said, “I want to feel the flow of the music and be part of the accent. I want to sing it.” He later added, “I’m much more focused on the accents than the groove.”
The real surprise is at the end when Drumeo reveals that they played the take for Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron to get his perspective on the performance. Cameron’s jaw drops and he begins to slowly headbang immediately to the unique take.
“I love what he’s doing in the verse,” said Cameron. “It’s such a unique approach. I love it.”
Cameron himself was on Drumeo in recent months, breaking down his drum part for Soundgarden’s “Spoonman” in one video.
Soundgarden, meanwhile, reported late last year that they are nearly done tracking their new album, featuring the final recorded vocals of legendary vocalist Chris Cornell. The band performed “Rusty Cage” with Taylor Momsen on vocals at their 2025 induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Watch the video of Riccardo Merlini playing “Rusty Cage” below, and if you’re looking to pick up the drums or improve your skills, Drumeo is offering a 30-day free trial for new members.
English (US) · 