Ok....i dont know if any of you will have a clue what exactly i'm on about, but basically, there is one drumbeat (synthesised) that is often found in techno, dance, i think it is also used by DJs occasionally and it is at the beginning of 'Eyeless' by Slipknot. Now what i want to know is a) Have you any idea what i'm referring to? b) Is it physically possible to play it or something like it? c) If so, could someone post a tab/explain to me how it's done. Reason? Sounds interesting, but i think would sound a hell of a lot better on real drums.

It's possible to play it live on an acoustic kit, but I've seen/heard very few people be able to do this. Jo Jo Mayer is one individual I've seen do this.

Keep in mind that Slipknot has three drummers, so they could probably play this techno groove live.

I've heard what you're talking about at the beginning of "Eyeless'. Perhaps someone else will take the time to write it out for you.

dont know the slipknot song, but "drum & bass" beats can easily be done on a drum kit.  course, depends on the programming, cause they can be as ridiculous as u-ziq song, or as easy as a "4 on the floor" paul oakenfold dance track.

and IMHO, while its a shame there arent more well known D&B style drummers like Tom Jenkinson, Thomas Lang, Marco Minnemann, Jojo Mayer, the fact of the matter is the context of electronica music lends more to the synthy sound of drum machines than the warm organic tones of a maple drum set.

little rant:  the problem however i have these days with alot of programmed beats is that many of the sounds they use are merely canned straight from the preset options in drum machines and software synths.  these vanilla beats and sounds have made songs quite boring and insipid.  thus playing these beats on regular drumsets actually does add a bit of life to them.  i.e. that sped up D&B, clyde stubblefield beats that EVERYONE AND THEIR MOM knows.

but there are guys like Matmus, Aphex Twin, UNKLE (w/ DJ Shadow), etc. breaking out of this rut by not only making some really creative grooves but are also manipulating everyday sounds into new beats that if played by regular drums wouldnt sound nearly as cool.  

i.e. the beat to Richard James' "Bucephalus Bouncing Ball" is a sampled marble hitting a glass table.  Bjork's recent "Medulla" is her take on acapella, and the song "Triumph of a Heart" is her way of literally "humanizing" computer generated sounds.  while guys like LTJ Bokem, Ben Watt of (defunct) Everything but the Girl fame and wunderkund Amon Tobin (recent work: Splinter Cell video game soundtrack) write some supremely catchy D&B style beats that while dancible, are quite inventive and fun.  end o' rant

but in the end, taking inspiration from non-drummers with programmers of electronica music is a fun way to break out of some old grooves and ruts.  start with some Roni Size, Grooverider, Squarepusher, Goldie, and go on from there.

If you are looking for some real cool, faster, technoie drumbeats you might want to check out Zack Velmer of Sound Tribe Sector 9. this band is quite unlike Slipknot so they may not be your bag. However, as producers and musicians they are exellent. they use both electronic and live drumbeats, primarily the latter. Just a suggestion for want you may be interested in. Check them out at www.sts9.com.

quite obviously, we do know what you're talkin' about...

never underestimate the power of the Cafe!!!

After giving that "eyeless" a listen too,I believe we are talking about the same thing.You might want to check out Gregg's dvd,He breaks down that same kinda beat.

Here's a little bit of hybrid techno drumming.
Some might remeber this cat from the TWIX commercials that aired, to others this might be new.

I think this guy is doing a good job of bridging the gap between techno and acoustic.

http://www.tonyverderosa.com/

Now, He's no Felix, but still worth a listen  
( just funnin wit ya Cat man!)

-RHS

I just got turned into this type of drumming from seeing JoJo Mayer at the MD Festival.  

Anyways, Johnny Rabb wrote a book on Drum N Bass beats.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=perc/search/detail/base_id/80099

dc

Zach Danzinger is another guy who really can dig that stuff- great drummer, check him out.

Dont be talkin the smack crack.