Drum Sheet – Bad Wolves – Zombie

For a fan of heavy drums, “Zombie” by Bad Wolves is a fascinating story of respect, tragedy, and explosive modern metal power. Released in January 2018 as the lead single from the band’s debut album Disobey, the song was never intended to be just another cover version of The Cranberries‘ 1994 classic. Instead, Bad Wolves wanted to honor the original while bringing it into a new era with crushing guitars, contemporary lyrics, and thunderous drumming.

The idea to record “Zombie” came while the band was working on material for Disobey. Vocalist Tommy Vext, guitarist Doc Coyle, and the rest of the group felt that the themes of war and violence in Dolores O’Riordan’s original song remained painfully relevant decades later. They updated some of the lyrics, replacing references to 1916 with 2018 and adding mentions of drones alongside tanks and bombs to reflect modern conflicts. Even so, the band hesitated to release it because they considered the original almost untouchable.

Everything changed when Bad Wolves reached out to Dolores O’Riordan herself. Through their label, they sent her the recording and asked for her blessing. O’Riordan loved the new version and even agreed to travel to the studio in London to record guest vocals for the track. Tragically, she passed away on the very day the recording session was scheduled to take place in January 2018. The band decided to release the song as a tribute to her memory, and the cover instantly took on a far deeper meaning than anyone could have imagined.

For drummers, however, the heart of Bad Wolves‘ version lies in the performance of John Boecklin. A veteran of groove metal, Boecklin transformed the song with massive tom accents, precise double-kick patterns, and a powerful modern backbeat that gave the track its muscular identity. Rather than overpowering the melody, his drumming creates tension during the verses before exploding alongside the guitars in the chorus. The transitions are especially satisfying, with every cymbal crash and kick drum hit feeling deliberate and cinematic.

After its release, “Zombie” became Bad Wolves‘ signature song and the centerpiece of their live shows across North America and Europe. Whether on festival stages or inside packed rock clubs, audiences sang every word while Boecklin‘s pounding groove shook the room. Fans of the drums quickly discovered that this was not simply a cover—it was a reinvention powered by rhythm, emotion, and respect for a timeless song.