World's Fastest Drummer Puts Unique Spin on Soundgarden's 'Rusty Cage'

Riccardo Merlini's creative interpretation of the grunge classic showcases his technical prowess and musical intuition.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:06am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered, glittering drum sensor reflecting a bright light, conceptually representing the technical precision and raw energy of drumming.Merlini's unique interpretation of 'Rusty Cage' showcases the raw power and technical mastery of the world's fastest drummer.Buffalo Today

Drumeo's 'For the First Time' series has featured renowned 'World's Fastest Drummer' Riccardo Merlini, who put his own spin on Soundgarden's 'Rusty Cage.' Merlini's diverse musical background and focus on accents rather than grooves offer a refreshing take on the classic song, transforming it into something entirely new and abstract. The episode captures Merlini's deep connection to the music and his ability to push the boundaries of drumming.

Why it matters

Merlini's unique interpretation of 'Rusty Cage' showcases the power of musical creativity and the diverse talents within the drumming community. The episode highlights the beauty of interpretation and the ability of musicians to bring a fresh perspective to familiar songs, inspiring both drummers and music enthusiasts alike.

The details

Merlini, known for his lightning-fast hands, approaches the song with a focus on accents rather than traditional grooves. His interpretation of the swung verses and the famous Sabbathian ending section transforms the song into something entirely new. The episode captures Merlini's deep connection to the music, as he explains his desire to 'sing' the song through his drumming.

  • The 'For the First Time' episode featuring Riccardo Merlini was released on April 10, 2026.

The players

Riccardo Merlini

Riccardo Merlini is the current holder of the 'World's Fastest Drummer' title and a student of the legendary Mike Mangini. He has a diverse musical background, ranging from death metal to backing a guitar virtuoso.

Matt Cameron

Matt Cameron is the drummer for the grunge band Soundgarden, whose song 'Rusty Cage' was the focus of Merlini's performance.

Brandon Toews

Brandon Toews is the host of Drumeo's 'For the First Time' series, which challenges drummers to create a drum part on the spot as they hear a song for the first time.

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What they’re saying

“I want to sing it.”

— Riccardo Merlini, World's Fastest Drummer

“Merlini's take on the verse is really unique.”

— Matt Cameron

The takeaway

This episode of Drumeo's 'For the First Time' series not only showcases the incredible talent of Riccardo Merlini but also highlights the power of musical interpretation and the diverse perspectives within the drumming community. It's a testament to the ability of musicians to transform familiar songs into something entirely new and inspiring.