One of the Greatest Drum Solos of All Time Belongs to 1990 Classic – And It Still Rocks
A great drum solo does more than fill space and hold rhythm. An iconic drum solo should wow the crowd and take the song to a new level. That's the case with one of the greatest drum solos of all time that hails from 1990.
Scott Travis of Judas Priest has no doubt inspired generations of drummers to create their own style and sound in the metal genre. He first joined Judas Priest in 1989, so he's been helping to hold down the rhythm section for the band for more than 35 years.
One of Travis' greatest works is the song "Painkiller" off the band's album by the same name, out on Sept. 3, 1990. Even decades later, his drum solo in this song hits fast and hard and in all the right places.
Drum Solo From Classic 1990 Metal Song Named One of the Greatest of All Time
Now, Travis' solo in "Painkiller" has been named one of the greatest drum solos of all time by Drum Magazine. They call it a "highlight" of the band's career, and that's certainly the case.
"Subtlety? No thanks," the outlet states of the song and solo. "The heavy metal legends Judas Priest would rather hit you over the head with this pile-driving title track to their 1990 opus Painkiller."
The publication adds that Travis absolutely "pummels listeners with an unaccompanied double bass intro and never looks back, driving the song from first note to last with furious aggression."
What else makes this drum solo special is that the band's Painkiller album marked Travis' first record with the group. I've interviewed plenty of members of Judas Priest, including vocalist Rob Halford and bass player Ian Hill, but have yet to sit down with Travis. He's certainly one of the greatest metal drummers ever, and his solo in "Painkiller" deserves to be named one of the greatest drum solos of all time.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 2:16 PM.