ca·dence ˈkā-dᵊn(t)s
The beat, time, or measure of rhythmical motion or activity.
Used as a noun or adjective
The first know use of cadence was in the 14th century, borrowed from the Medieval Latin 'cadentia' to mean "rhythm in verse" (Source: Merriam-Webster).
The steady cadence of the drums set the rhythm for the piece.