When coming up with new patterns

When coming up with new patterns, pick up a cheap microphone from the dollar store, and record yourself just messing around for however long - then, go back and listen to what you came up with. Save the patterns you like, but be sure to come back to them later - what you like one day can sound really horrible the next. Also, if you are bored of drumming for any amount of time (and even if you're not) - try playing in odd time signatures! It's an entire world that can be passed by if you just play boring metal in 4/4. - Philip Gordon