Jason Bittner Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Overkill & Shadows Fall Drummer | MetalForge
Jason Bittner Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Jason Bittner, drummer for Overkill and Shadows Fall. Explore his career spanning thrash metal and metalcore, his powerful style, and s...
Quick Facts: Jason Bittner
| Band | Shadows Fall / Overkill / Category 7 |
|---|---|
| All bands | Overkill, Shadows Fall, Category 7 |
| Genre | Thrash Metal / Heavy Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Mapex |
| Drum kit | Mapex Saturn V |
| Snare | Mapex Black Panther 14x6.5" Brass |
| Sticks | Promark Jason Bittner Signature 5BX |
Jason Bittner Biography
Jason Bittner (born August 19, 1970, in Waterbury, Connecticut) is an American drummer best known for his work with thrash metal legends Overkill and metalcore pioneers Shadows Fall. His powerful, versatile drumming has made him one of the most respected drummers in the American heavy metal scene.
Bittner rose to prominence with Shadows Fall during the early 2000s metalcore explosion, contributing to Grammy-nominated albums. Following Shadows Fall's hiatus, he joined Flotsam and Jetsam before becoming Overkill's drummer in 2017, continuing the legacy of one of thrash metal's most enduring bands.
Career Highlights
- 1999: Joined Shadows Fall, New England metalcore band
- 2002: Released "The Art of Balance" with Shadows Fall, commercial breakthrough
- 2004: Released "The War Within," Grammy-nominated album
- 2005: Headlined Ozzfest with Shadows Fall
- 2007: Released "Threads of Life," continued success
- 2009: Released "Retribution" with Shadows Fall
- 2012: Released "Fire from the Sky," final Shadows Fall album
- 2013: Joined Flotsam and Jetsam
- 2017: Joined Overkill, replacing Ron Lipnicki
- 2019: Released "The Wings of War" with Overkill
- 2023: Released "Scorched" with Overkill, first album fully written with Bittner
Style & Influences
Jason Bittner's drumming combines thrash metal power with the groove and heaviness of modern metal. His playing is characterized by powerful double bass, tight snare work, and the ability to adapt to different subgenres while maintaining his distinctive sound.
Key Influences:
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): Thrash metal foundation
- Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden): Galloping rhythms
- Vinnie Paul (Pantera): Groove-based power drumming
- Charlie Benante (Anthrax): Thrash versatility
Signature Techniques:
- Powerful, driving double bass patterns
- Tight, punchy snare work
- Ability to blend thrash and modern metal elements
- Consistent, reliable live performances
- Dynamic control across metal subgenres
Gear Highlights
Jason Bittner is a long-time Mapex Drums endorser, using their drums for both Shadows Fall and Overkill. His setup is designed for power and durability.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Mapex Saturn V (or Black Panther series)
- Snare: Mapex Black Panther Brass 14"x6.5"
- Cymbals: Zildjian K and A Custom Series
- Hardware: Mapex Falcon double pedal
- Sticks: ProMark Jason Bittner Signature 5BX (TX5BXN)
- Heads: Evans (G2 Coated, EMAD)
Setup Philosophy:
- Power-oriented setup for thrash metal demands
- Reliable, road-worthy equipment
- Zildjian K and A Custom Series cymbals for tone and cut
- Emphasis on consistent sound night after night
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Jason Bittner use?
Jason Bittner's drum kit is a Mapex Saturn V build — the all-maple shell pack he has used since joining Overkill in 2017, after building his reputation on the same platform across more than a decade with Shadows Fall, including the band's Grammy-nominated The War Within (2004).
What drum set does Jason Bittner use?
Jason Bittner's drum set centers on his Mapex Black Panther 14"x6.5" Brass snare, delivering the steel-edged crack that cuts through both Shadows Fall's metalcore arrangements and Overkill's dense thrash riffing, driven by a Mapex Falcon double pedal.
What cymbals does Jason Bittner play?
Jason Bittner plays Zildjian K and A Custom Series cymbals: 14" K Hi-Hats, 18" and 19" A Custom Crashes, a 21" K Custom Ride, and an 18" K China.
What snare does Jason Bittner use?
Jason Bittner's snare is a Mapex Black Panther 14"x6.5" Brass, delivering the steel-edged crack heard on The War Within (2004) and The Art of Balance (2002).
What sticks does Jason Bittner use?
Jason Bittner plays his own signature Promark Jason Bittner Signature 5BX drumsticks.
What bass drum pedal does Jason Bittner use?
Jason Bittner drives his sustained double-kick passages with a Mapex Falcon double pedal, seated on a Mapex T865 throne.
What drumheads does Jason Bittner use?
Jason Bittner uses Evans drumheads across his Mapex Saturn V kit.
What band is Jason Bittner in?
Jason Bittner has drummed for Overkill since 2017, and previously drummed for Shadows Fall (1999-2015) and Flotsam and Jetsam (2013-2017).
What hi-hats does Jason Bittner use?
Jason Bittner plays 14" Zildjian K Hi-Hats, part of the K and A Custom cymbal setup he has used across Shadows Fall's The War Within and his ongoing tenure with Overkill.