Chris Turner Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Oceans Ate Alaska Drummer | MetalForge
Chris Turner Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Chris Turner, founding drummer of Oceans Ate Alaska. Explore his revolutionary technical drumming style, viral videos, and influence on...
Quick Facts: Chris Turner
| Band | Oceans Ate Alaska |
|---|---|
| Genre | Progressive Metalcore |
| Country | UK |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic Maple/Birch |
| Snare | Tama S.L.P. 14x5.5" G-Maple |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 5A |
Chris Turner Biography
Chris Turner (born October 4, 1993, in Birmingham, United Kingdom) is a British drummer and founding member of progressive metalcore band Oceans Ate Alaska. He has gained widespread recognition as one of the most technically proficient drummers in modern metal, known for his jaw-dropping precision, lightning-fast footwork, and complex polyrhythmic patterns.
Turner's drumming videos have gone viral on social media, showcasing his ability to execute incredibly demanding patterns with apparent ease. His style blends djent rhythms, progressive metal complexity, and metalcore intensity, influencing a new generation of drummers in the heavy music scene.
Career Highlights
- 2010: Co-founded Oceans Ate Alaska in Birmingham, UK
- 2012: Released debut EP "Into the Deep" with independent label
- 2015: Signed to Fearless Records; released debut album "Lost Isles"
- 2017: Released "Hikari" to critical acclaim; viral drumming videos began gaining millions of views
- 2020: Social media presence exploded with technical drum playthrough videos
- 2022: Released third album "Disparity" showcasing even more advanced drumming
- 2023: Became one of the most followed metal drummers on Instagram and TikTok
Style & Influences
Chris Turner's drumming style is characterized by extreme technical precision, complex polyrhythms, and seamless integration of blast beats, groove patterns, and jazz-influenced fills. His ability to play incredibly demanding patterns while maintaining groove and musicality sets him apart in the progressive metalcore scene.
Key Influences:
- Tomas Haake (Meshuggah): Polyrhythmic concepts
- Matt Greiner (August Burns Red): Metalcore technicality
- Matt Halpern (Periphery): Djent drumming approach
- Danny Carey (Tool): Progressive metal musicality
Signature Techniques:
- Extreme-speed double bass patterns with clarity
- Complex polyrhythmic patterns over odd time signatures
- Seamless transitions between blast beats and groove sections
- Jazz-influenced fills within extreme metal context
- One-handed blast beats and gravity blasts
Gear Highlights
Chris Turner endorses Tama Drums and Meinl Cymbals, using high-end equipment designed to withstand his demanding playing style while providing the clarity needed for technical patterns.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Tama Starclassic Maple/Birch in custom finish
- Snare: Tama S.L.P. 14"x5.5" G-Maple
- Cymbals: Meinl Byzance Series (Extra Dry / Dual)
- Hardware: Tama Speed Cobra 910 double pedal
- Throne: Tama 1st Chair Throne
- Sticks: Vic Firth American Classic 5A
- Heads: Evans
Setup Characteristics:
- Emphasizes speed and responsiveness
- Meinl Byzance cymbals for dark, complex tones
- Speed Cobra pedals optimized for rapid footwork
Frequently Asked Questions
What band is Chris Turner in?
Chris Turner is the founding drummer of progressive metalcore band Oceans Ate Alaska since 2010.
Why is Chris Turner famous?
Chris Turner is known for his extreme technical precision, viral drumming videos, and innovative approach to progressive metalcore drumming.
What drum kit does Chris Turner use?
Chris Turner plays a Tama Starclassic Maple/Birch drum kit, the setup behind Oceans Ate Alaska's technical, polyrhythmic metalcore on albums like "Hikari" (2017).
What drum set does Chris Turner use?
Chris Turner's drum set pairs his Tama Starclassic shells and S.L.P. 14"x5.5" G-Maple snare with a Tama Speed Cobra 910 double pedal mounted on a Tama 1st Chair Throne, giving him the rapid footwork response his polyrhythmic patterns demand.
What snare does Chris Turner use?
Turner's snare is a Tama S.L.P. 14"x5.5" G-Maple, chosen for a fast, articulate attack that keeps pace with his complex time signatures.
What cymbals does Chris Turner play?
Chris Turner plays Meinl Byzance Series cymbals: 15" Dual Hi-Hats, 18" and 20" Extra Dry Medium Crashes, a 22" Dual Ride, and an 18" Extra Dry China.
What bass drum pedal does Chris Turner use?
Turner drives his polyrhythmic footwork with a Tama Speed Cobra 910 Double Pedal, mounted on a Tama 1st Chair Throne.
What sticks does Chris Turner use?
Chris Turner plays Vic Firth American Classic 5A sticks, paired with Evans drumheads.
How fast can Chris Turner play?
Chris Turner is capable of playing extremely fast double bass patterns (200+ BPM) while maintaining clarity and groove.