Charlie Benante's Drum Setup on Anthrax's State of Euphoria (1988) | MetalForge
Complete breakdown of Charlie Benante's drum setup on Anthrax's State of Euphoria (1988). Tama Granstar kit, Bell Brass snare, Sabian cymbals, and the first ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit did Charlie Benante use on State of Euphoria?
Charlie Benante used a Tama Granstar kit on State of Euphoria (1988). The setup included two 22" bass drums, three rack toms (10", 12", 13"), and a 16" floor tom, all with birch shells in a black finish. This was the late-80s Tama configuration that bridged the Artstar II era of Among the Living and the kits Charlie used heading into the 1990s.
What snare did Charlie Benante use on State of Euphoria?
Charlie Benante used a Tama Bell Brass 14" x 6.5" snare on State of Euphoria. The Bell Brass — a seamless cast bell-brass shell — is one of the most prized snare drums in metal history, known for combining cutting attack with warm sustain and exceptional projection. Charlie tuned it tight, and producer Mark Dodson placed it forward in the mix, giving the album its defining snare voice.
Where was State of Euphoria recorded and who produced it?
State of Euphoria was recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, in 1988. It was produced by Mark Dodson together with Anthrax — the first Anthrax album not produced by Eddie Kramer. Dodson chose a tighter, drier, more forward drum mix than Kramer's Among the Living approach, capturing a distinctly late-80s thrash production aesthetic.
What cymbals did Charlie Benante play on State of Euphoria?
Charlie Benante played Sabian AA / HH cymbals on State of Euphoria — 14" Rock Hats, 16"/17"/18" AA Medium Crashes, a 21" AA Rock Ride, and an 18" AA Chinese. His Sabian endorsement was already well established by 1988, and the AA series gave him the bright, cutting projection needed to cut through Mark Dodson's aggressive late-80s thrash mix.
Why is State of Euphoria important in Charlie Benante's gear story?
State of Euphoria is the first Anthrax album recorded after Charlie Benante's Remo drumhead endorsement was finalised, making it the structural anchor for understanding his late-80s tom and bass drum tone. It also bridges the Among the Living (1987) configuration and the late-80s Tama setup Charlie carried into the 1990s, filling the middle chapter of his Anthrax studio arc.
How did State of Euphoria perform commercially?
State of Euphoria debuted at #30 on the Billboard 200 — Anthrax's highest chart position at the time — and was certified Gold by the RIAA. It produced enduring fan favourites including "Be All, End All," "Make Me Laugh," and the band's cover of Trust's "Antisocial," which remains a live staple decades later.