Learn to play the rhythm at the beginning of the song. This is a repeated pattern which lasts for two 4/4 measures and is played on a closed hi-hat. Using the common spoken counting method, the rhythm count for this pattern is: 1 e and a (2) e (and) a (3) e (and) a 4 e and / 1 e and a (2) e (and) a (3) e and (a) 4. Rhythm words in parentheses represent rests, so count these parts of the rhythm but do not play the hi-hat on these rhythmic rests. Play this pattern a total of three times in the instrumental introduction, then a further two times through the pattern when the vocals begin. Memorize this pattern or write it down in music notation--it will be referred to as "A".
Learn the full-kit rhythms that are played when the heavy section of the song starts at 0:29. Essentially, this rhythm consists of a constant string of sixteenth notes between the snare drum and crash cymbal in unison, the bass drum, and the tom toms. The basic pattern--with "sc" representing snare and crash cymbal together--is: sc-sc-bass-sc-sc-bass-sc-sc-tom-tom-tom-tom. This pattern lasts for one measure of 4/4. There are variations to the pattern. Write down or memorize this section, which will be referred to as "B"
Learn the drum groove that accompanies the verse of "Paschendale." This is a regular groove between the hi-hat, snare and bass drum which starts at 1:15 into the song. To learn this groove, start playing regular eighth notes on the hi-hat with your right hand, together with the count "1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and." With your left hand, add the snare drum on beats 2 and 4. This means that on "2" and "4", both your hands will be playing in unison. Add the bass drum on the following rhythm: 1 (and 2 and) 3 e and (4) and. The consecutive sixteenth notes on "3 e and" are quite fast--relax your right foot on the bass drum pedal and push towards the last of the three bass drum strokes to keep this rhythm up to speed. Listen to the recording of "Paschendale" to work out where Nicko McBrain inserts short fills lasting one or two beats into this groove. Memorize or notate this groove, which will be referred to as "C."
Learn to play the interlude section that starts at 1:36. The hi-hat keeps a steady eighth-note beat while bass and crash cymbal together interject on the following rhythm: 1 (and 2 and) 3 (and) a (4) and. Memorize this section, which will be referred to as "D."
Learn the drum groove accompanying the chorus, which first starts at 2:08 in the song. The hi-hat rhythm is: 1 and 2 and a 3 and 4 and. Again, the snare drum plays on the backbeat, beats 2 and 4. Together with the hi-hat and snare, the bass drum plays the following rhythm: 1 and (2) 3 (and) a (4) and. Layer all three parts togeter, and memorize or notate this chorus groove as "E."
Learn the drum part that accompanies the first guitar solo, starting at 4:56. This is a syncopated rhythm between bass drum, snare and hi-hat, on the following rhythm: 1 (e and) a (2) and (3) e (and a) 4 and. Listen to the rhythm guitar and bass in this section of the song, as the drum part plays the same rhythmic accents as these instruments. This part will be referred to as "S1."
Learn the drum part, which goes with the second guitar solo. This is very similar to S1--again, listen to the instruments which are not soloing during this section to understand the overall rhythmic emphasis. Notate this section as "S2."
Connect all the different drum parts in the order in which they appear in the song. "Paschendale" is a long song at eight-and-a-half minutes, so the form of the song is quite complex. The order in which you will play the different drum parts you have learned is as follows: A, B, A, B, C, D, C, B, E, C, B, A, C, C, D, (hi-hat eighth notes), S1, S2, C, S3 (variation of S1/S2), B, E, D, A.
Play along on the drums with the whole of "Paschendale." Congratulations, metal tubthumper!