Katatonia – Forsaker

Forsaker drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Daniel Liljekvist's drum part on Katatonia's “Forsaker”, from the album Night Is The New Day (2009). Every groove and fill is written out in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Forsaker drum sheet music

“Forsaker” opens Night Is The New Day, the 2009 album by Swedish band Katatonia, often seen as one of their best records.

The track is dark and heavy, with powerful grooves and atmospheric dynamics. Great for drummers into progressive and melancholic metal who want to play heavy with feel.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

Every bar of this Forsaker drum transcription comes from the original recording. Instead of an approximate groove with a couple of fills, you get the whole drum part – so if you need Forsaker drum notes that sound like the record when you play them, this is the version to use.

The sheet music is professionally engraved and easy to read on a music stand or on a tablet. Each part of the song is clearly labelled, and repeats with first- and second-time endings keep the layout compact, so you spend less time turning pages and more time playing.

Song facts

• Artist: Katatonia
• Album: Night Is The New Day (2009)
• Drummer: Daniel Liljekvist
• Style: progressive / dark metal

What you get

Your Forsaker drum sheet music download includes:

• The full song, transcribed note-for-note from the original recording
• Clearly labelled song sections
• Professionally engraved, print-ready PDF
• Instant download after purchase

How to practise Forsaker on drums

Here is a practice plan that works well for Forsaker:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Follow the dynamics.
2. Practise the grooves. Keep them heavy and steady.
3. Work on dynamics. Make the atmospheric parts quieter.
4. Learn the fills. Slowly first, then in context.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with the riffs.
6. Record yourself. Check your time and feel.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Learning Forsaker by ear or from a free tab usually means guessing the details – which fill goes where, what the hi-hat is doing, how a section ends. Accurate sheet music takes the guesswork out: the rhythms are exact, the song structure is clear, and you can focus on playing instead of decoding.

Who is this sheet music for?

Forsaker drum sheet music suits intermediate drummers and fans of Katatonia and progressive metal.

About Daniel Liljekvist

Daniel Liljekvist was Katatonia’s drummer from 1999 to 2014, playing on albums such as The Great Cold Distance and Night Is The New Day.

More Katatonia drum sheet music

This is currently the only Katatonia song in the store – the Katatonia drum sheet music page will list new ones as they are added. In the meantime, browse the full drum sheet music store – progressive metal fans can also try the Haken, Porcupine Tree and Gojira sheet music.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the complete Forsaker drum part?

Yes. The whole song is transcribed note-for-note from the record, including every fill, as heard on Night Is The New Day.

Is Forsaker drum sheet music a tab or real notation?

It is real drum notation on a five-line staff, the standard way drum parts are written. If you are used to tabs, it is worth the switch – notation shows the rhythm exactly, which tabs can’t.

How is the sheet music delivered?

As a PDF download. The link shows up as soon as you complete checkout and is emailed to you as well.

Is Forsaker hard on drums?

It is an intermediate song – heavy, with some dynamic changes.

Can’t find the song you need?

Order a custom drum transcription of any song on YouTube.

Listen to the song on YouTube · Got any questions? Get in touch