Chris Turner Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Oceans Ate Alaska Drummer | MetalForge
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.
Complete biography of Chris Turner, founding drummer of Oceans Ate Alaska. Explore his revolutionary technical drumming style, viral videos, and influence on progressive metalcore.
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 and Pure Alloy series)
- 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