Ben Koller Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Converge Drummer | MetalForge
Ben Koller Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Ben Koller (Converge) plays a Tama Starclassic Maple kit with Zildjian K Dark Series cymbals and a Tama S.L.P. 14"x6" Brass snare. Full gear breakdown, caree...
Quick Facts: Ben Koller
| Band | Converge / Mutoid Man / Killer Be Killed |
|---|---|
| All bands | Converge, Mutoid Man, Killer Be Killed |
| Genre | Metalcore / Hardcore Punk / Grindcore |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic Maple |
| Snare | Tama S.L.P. 14x6" Brass |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 5B |
Ben Koller Biography
Ben Koller (born March 12, 1978) is an American drummer best known for his work with influential metalcore/hardcore band Converge since 1999. He is widely regarded as one of the most important drummers in heavy music, having helped define the sound of modern metalcore and hardcore through his work on landmark albums like "Jane Doe."
Beyond Converge, Koller maintains an impressive roster of projects including Mutoid Man (with Stephen Brodsky of Cave In), All Pigs Must Die, and Killer Be Killed. His relentless energy, creative approach, and ability to shift between genres while maintaining intensity has made him an icon in underground heavy music.
Career Highlights
- 1999: Joined Converge, replacing original drummer Damon Bellorado
- 2001: Recorded "Jane Doe," considered a genre-defining masterpiece
- 2004: Released "You Fail Me" with Converge
- 2006: Released "No Heroes" with Converge
- 2009: Released "Axe to Fall" with Converge
- 2010: Formed All Pigs Must Die with members of Hope Conspiracy
- 2012: Co-founded Mutoid Man with Stephen Brodsky (Cave In)
- 2012: Released "All We Love We Leave Behind" with Converge
- 2017: Released "The Dusk in Us" with Converge, Grammy-nominated
- 2021: Released "Bloodmoon: I" with Converge featuring Chelsea Wolfe
- 2024: Continued touring and recording with multiple projects
Style & Influences
Ben Koller's drumming style is characterized by relentless intensity, creative cymbal work, and an ability to balance chaos with groove. His approach draws from hardcore punk energy, death metal technicality, and progressive experimentation, creating a sound that is both visceral and musical.
Key Influences:
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): Thrash metal intensity
- Pete Sandoval (Morbid Angel): Extreme metal precision
- Keith Moon (The Who): Creative chaos
- Damon Che (Don Caballero): Math rock complexity
Signature Techniques:
- Controlled chaos and explosive fills
- Creative cymbal accents and splash work
- Blast beats with hardcore punk energy
- Groove-based patterns within chaotic structures
- Seamless transitions between extreme tempos
Gear Highlights
Ben Koller uses Tama Drums and Zildjian Cymbals, favoring a stripped-down setup that emphasizes power and response over complexity.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Tama Starclassic Maple
- Snare: Tama S.L.P. 14"x6" Brass
- Cymbals: Zildjian K Dark Series (14" Thin Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" Medium Thin Crashes, 21" K Custom Ride, 18" K China)
- Hardware: Tama Iron Cobra double pedal
- Sticks: Vic Firth or Promark 5B
- Heads: Remo
Setup Philosophy:
- Minimal kit for maximum impact
- Durable equipment for aggressive touring
- Quick snare response for blast beats
- Bright, cutting cymbals for live volume
Frequently Asked Questions
What band is Ben Koller most known for?
Ben Koller is best known as the drummer for Converge since 1999, particularly for his work on the landmark "Jane Doe" album.
What other bands is Ben Koller in?
Ben Koller also plays in Mutoid Man, All Pigs Must Die, and has recorded with Killer Be Killed.
When did Ben Koller join Converge?
Ben Koller joined Converge in 1999, replacing original drummer Damon Bellorado.
What drum kit does Ben Koller use?
Ben Koller plays a Tama Starclassic Maple drum kit, the streamlined, hard-hitting configuration that powers Converge's sonic brutality on records like "Jane Doe," "You Fail Me," and "The Dusk in Us."
What drum set does Ben Koller use?
Ben Koller's drum set pairs his Tama Starclassic Maple shells and S.L.P. 14"x6" Brass snare with a Tama Iron Cobra 900 double pedal, the stripped-down, hard-hitting configuration that powers Converge's sonic brutality.
What snare does Ben Koller use?
Koller's snare is a Tama S.L.P. 14"x6" Brass, delivering the sharp, cutting crack that slices through Converge's dense guitar assault.
What cymbals does Ben Koller play?
Ben Koller plays Zildjian K Dark Series cymbals: 14" K Dark Thin Hi-Hats, 18" and 19" K Dark Medium Thin Crashes, a 21" K Custom Ride, and an 18" K China.
What sticks does Ben Koller use?
Ben Koller plays Vic Firth American Classic 5B sticks, paired with Remo drumheads.
What bass drum pedal does Ben Koller use?
Koller drives Converge's blistering tempos with a Tama Iron Cobra 900 double pedal.