Haunting melodies. Towering guitars. Cinematic build-ups.
“Welcome Home” isn’t just another prog-rock epic — it’s a musical leviathan. And anchoring it all is the unmistakable pocket of Josh Eppard, whose groove-driven drumming adds grit, weight, and soul to every bar.
Josh doesn’t just play beats—he paints atmosphere. His approach on “Welcome Home” is a textbook example of how tasteful restraint and big, deliberate grooves can make a song truly unforgettable. Check out the Kit, Snare, and Cymbals Josh uses in this gear breakdown.
Eppard’s performance is pure feel over flash.
His backbeat is thunderous yet patient, almost teasing the listener by holding just a fraction behind the beat. He splashes tasteful ghost notes throughout the verses, brings the energy up with soaring cymbals in the choruses, and rides the crash to add urgency without ever losing control.
Rather than flood the song with fills, Josh locks in like a breakbeat producer — echoing his love for hip-hop and funk inside a progressive rock anthem. It’s that tension—huge but human—that makes his playing so captivating.
Josh’s tone is as iconic as the song itself. Here’s the setup helping him craft that massive yet controlled sound.
The hybrid shell construction gives Josh the warmth of walnut and the attack of birch, resulting in punchy toms and a thundering bass drum without sacrificing clarity.
🛒 Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch 3-Piece (Europe)
Josh uses a custom-finished Tama Starclassic 14×5.5 snare drum, offering a crisp, dry attack perfect for snapping ghost notes and delivering thick backbeats.
🎯 A comparable option would be the Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch 14×5.5 Snare (Europe – 14×6.5)
Josh’s cymbals cut through the wall of guitars without ever sounding harsh. His selection balances shimmering highs with explosive crashes — a perfect recipe for dynamic rock drumming.
Josh Eppard’s drumming on “Welcome Home” isn’t about pyrotechnics — it’s about pulse. It’s about knowing when to hold back, when to let go, and how to make every beat serve the song’s grand vision.
If you want to channel that Coheed spirit into your own playing, start with the same gear — but remember: the real magic comes from feel, not flash.
If you want to recreate Josh’s sound from this Gear Breakdown, you can find this gear at Sweetwater or Thomann if you are overseas. If this video lit a spark to start drumming (or sharpen your chops), take the next step and try Drumeo, free for 7 Days.
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Drumeo Team - We're professional, award-winning drummers and drum teachers, coaches, recording artists, and content specialists who are passionate about drums and helping drummers around the world. This post was written and/or edited by Brandon Toews, Jared Falk, Dave Atkinson, or another pro on our team (which has a combined 1000+ years of drumming experience). Are you looking for inspiration, education, and support to take your playing to the next level? Join the Drumeo community today!
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