Blast beats are the torrents of alternating snare and bass drums which increase the speed, density, and percussiveness of death metal, black metal and grindcore. The hi-hat or a ride cymbal is often played simultaneously with the bass drum; as well as a crash cymbal or china cup is played. Diverse patterns and timings are also frequently employed by more technical players. This method is often used to create a forceful climax or sometimes the basis of an entire song, although a blastbeat occasionally constitutes the bulk of a song.

Blast beats are normally played in tempos from 180 bpm upwards. A typical blast beat consists of alternating 16th note snare and bass drum hits, on the top of which a cymbal, normally a hi-hat or a ride, is hit, in 16th notes as well. Variations exist. Some people maintain the bass drum should be played with one foot for the best effect; others prefer dual bass drum pedals.

Blast beats have their roots in hardcore punk as well as thrash metal, however in modern standards the snare work is frequently comparable to established snare patterns in jazz. Early blast beats were generally quite slow and less precise compared to today's standards. The blast beat is a fundamental component in nearly all of extreme metal. Bands making extensive use of it include Napalm Death, Dying Fetus, Suffocation, Cryptopsy and Dark Funeral among others.

Notable artists

• Flo Mounier (Cryptopsy)
• Mitch Harris (Napalm Death)
• Pete Sandoval (Morbid Angel, Terrorizer)
• Danny Herrera (Napalm Death)
• Andy Whale (Bolt Thrower)
• Hellhammer (Mayhem)
• Trym Torson (Emperor, Enslaved)
• Charlie Benante (Anthrax, SOD)
• Alex Hernandez (Immolation)
• Mike Smith (Suffocation)
• Ken Owen (Carcass)
• Nicholas Barker (Dimmu Borgir, Lock Up, Cradle Of Filth)
• Tommy Buckley (Soilent Green)