Charlie Benante Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Anthrax Drummer | MetalForge
Charlie Benante Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Charlie Benante, Anthrax drummer and thrash metal pioneer. Explore his revolutionary double bass and blast beat techniques, Big Four le...
Quick Facts: Charlie Benante
| Band | Anthrax / S.O.D. / Pantera |
|---|---|
| All bands | Anthrax, S.O.D., Pantera |
| Genre | Thrash Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic |
| Snare | Tama Charlie Benante Signature 14x6.5" |
| Sticks | Vic Firth Charlie Benante Signature |
Charlie Benante Biography
Charlie Benante (born Charles Lee Benante; November 27, 1962, in The Bronx, New York) is an American drummer best known as the drummer for thrash metal band Anthrax and crossover thrash pioneers Stormtroopers of Death (S.O.D.). He is credited as one of the pioneers of double bass drumming in thrash metal and with popularizing the blast beat technique.
Beyond his drumming, Benante is Anthrax's main composer and a talented graphic artist who has created many of the band's album covers and T-shirt designs. Since 2022, he has also toured with the reunited Pantera, filling in for the late Vinnie Paul, his close friend.
Career Highlights
- 1983: Joined Anthrax prior to recording debut album "Fistful of Metal"
- 1985: Formed S.O.D.; released "Speak English or Die," pioneering crossover thrash
- 1985: Released "Spreading the Disease" with Anthrax
- 1987: Released "Among the Living," Anthrax's breakthrough album
- 1988: Released "State of Euphoria"; helped define thrash metal drumming
- 1991: Released "Persistence of Time," showcasing technical evolution
- 2011: Released "Worship Music" with John Bush and reunited classic lineup
- 2016: Released "For All Kings" with Anthrax
- 2021: Released solo album "Silver Linings" during COVID pandemic
- 2022: Joined reunited Pantera as touring drummer, honoring Vinnie Paul
- 2025: Married singer Carla Harvey
Style & Influences
Charlie Benante is credited with pioneering several techniques that became standard in thrash metal. His double bass work and blast beats influenced an entire generation of extreme metal drummers. Despite his technical prowess, he maintains groove and serves the song.
Key Influences:
- Neil Peart (Rush): Complex arrangements and precision
- John Bonham (Led Zeppelin): Power and groove
- Bill Ward (Black Sabbath): Heavy metal foundation
- Jazz drummers: Technical vocabulary applied to metal
Signature Techniques:
- Pioneer of sustained double bass in thrash metal
- Credited with popularizing the blast beat in metal
- Complex, progressive arrangements
- Dynamic control within extreme tempos
- Ability to compose and arrange while drumming
Gear Highlights
Charlie Benante endorses Tama drums and hardware, Paiste cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Evans drumheads, and Roland electronics. He was one of few drummers to use Tama's vintage HP35 Camco pedals until switching to Speed Cobra in 2010.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Tama Starclassic Maple
- Snare: Tama Charlie Benante Signature
- Cymbals: Paiste (2002, Signature, and RUDE series)
- Hardware: Tama Speed Cobra double pedal (replaced Camco HP35 in 2010)
- Sticks: Vic Firth Charlie Benante Signature
- Heads: Evans
- Electronics: Roland for triggers
Historical Note:
- Used Tama HP35 Camco chain-drive pedals from 1984-2010
- Known for vintage pedal preference until Tama discontinued them
Frequently Asked Questions
What band does Charlie Benante play drums for?
Charlie Benante has been the drummer for Anthrax since 1983, and has toured with the Pantera reunion since 2022 in honor of his late friend Vinnie Paul.
What drums does Charlie Benante play?
Charlie Benante plays a Tama Starclassic drum kit.
What drum kit does Charlie Benante play?
Charlie Benante's drum kit is a Tama Starclassic shell pack, anchored by his Tama Charlie Benante Signature 14"x6.5" snare drum.
What drum set does Charlie Benante play?
Charlie Benante's drum set pairs Tama Starclassic shells and his signature 14"x6.5" snare with Paiste RUDE and 2002 Series cymbals, a Tama Speed Cobra double pedal, and Roland electronics.
What cymbals does Charlie Benante use?
Charlie Benante uses Paiste RUDE and 2002 Series cymbals, including 14" Hi-Hats, 18" and 19" Crashes, a 20" Power Ride, and an 18" China.
What snare drum does Charlie Benante use?
Charlie Benante's primary snare is his own Tama Charlie Benante Signature, a 14"x6.5" shell.
What pedals does Charlie Benante use?
Charlie Benante drives his thrash-defining double bass technique with a Tama Speed Cobra double pedal.
What drumsticks does Charlie Benante use?
Charlie Benante plays his own signature Vic Firth Charlie Benante Signature drumsticks.
What drumheads does Charlie Benante use?
Charlie Benante uses Evans drumheads across his Tama Starclassic drum kit and drum set.