Drum Sheet – Greta Van Fleet – Built By Nations

“Built by Nations” by Greta Van Fleet is a hard-hitting track from their 2021 album The Battle at Garden’s Gate. The song’s story is wrapped in its heavy, blues-inspired rock and powerful lyrical themes about the rise and fall of nations. It reflects the band’s influences from classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin, combined with their unique modern touch.

The track emerged during the band’s songwriting sessions for the album, which they’ve described as a time of great creative exploration. Greta Van Fleet‘s drummer, Daniel Wagner, played a crucial role in shaping the song’s driving rhythm, crafting dynamic, thunderous patterns that evoke the bombastic drumming styles of rock’s golden age. Wagner’s performance anchors the track, pushing its momentum with pounding beats and syncopated fills, lending the song a feeling of epic intensity.

According to the band, the composition of “Built by Nations” was a collaborative effort. Wagner‘s drumming, paired with Jake Kiszka’s bluesy guitar riffs, Sam Kiszka’s bass groove, and Josh Kiszka’s commanding vocals, all came together to create a song that is both a tribute to classic rock and a statement of the band’s growing identity. The song’s heavy drumming was intended to reflect the theme of power struggles and the destructive nature of war, with Wagner emphasizing forceful accents and cymbal crashes to convey tension and resolve.

The band debuted The Battle at Garden’s Gate during their live performances, including their highly anticipated 2021 tour. “Built by Nations” became a standout track during these concerts, with Wagner’s intense drumming elevating the live experience. Fans of Wagner’s drumming particularly appreciate how he adapts the energy of the recorded track into an even more explosive live setting, with improvisations and extended drum fills that highlight his technical skill.

For fans of drums, “Built by Nations” is a masterclass in the fusion of classic rock rhythms with modern power. Wagner‘s performance throughout the song demonstrates both restraint and aggression, making the drums feel like the heart of the song’s narrative of strength, conflict, and resilience.