Navene Koperweis Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Entheos Drummer | MetalForge
Navene Koperweis (born May 31, 1985, in San Jose, California) is an American drummer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his work with progressive metal band Entheos and his former tenure with Animals as Leaders. His drumming combines extreme technical precision with creative musical expression, spanning genres from djent to deathcore to electronic music. Beyond his drumming career, Koperweis is a prolific producer and electronic artist who releases music under the name "Navene K." He runs his own technical death metal project Fleshwrought, where he plays all instruments, demonstrating his versatility as a complete musician. Recently, he has served as session drummer for Machine Head and tour drummer for Job for a Cowboy.
Complete biography of Navene Koperweis, Entheos drummer and former Animals as Leaders member. Explore his technical drumming, electronic production, and diverse musical career.
Navene Koperweis Biography
Navene Koperweis (born May 31, 1985, in San Jose, California) is an American drummer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his work with progressive metal band Entheos and his former tenure with Animals as Leaders. His drumming combines extreme technical precision with creative musical expression, spanning genres from djent to deathcore to electronic music.
Beyond his drumming career, Koperweis is a prolific producer and electronic artist who releases music under the name "Navene K." He runs his own technical death metal project Fleshwrought, where he plays all instruments, demonstrating his versatility as a complete musician. Recently, he has served as session drummer for Machine Head and tour drummer for Job for a Cowboy.
Career Highlights
- 1996: Started playing drums at age 11
- 2003: Joined hardcore band Hoods
- 2003: Joined grindcore/death metal band Animosity
- 2006: Contributed to The Faceless' "Akeldama" album (track #4)
- 2007: Released "Animal" with Animosity
- 2010: Joined Animals as Leaders; released "Weightless" demo/recordings
- 2011: Recorded and released "Weightless" with Animals as Leaders
- 2012: Left Animals as Leaders; released electronic EP "Human Design" as Navene K
- 2014: Co-produced Animals as Leaders' "The Joy of Motion" (production credit)
- 2015: Founded Entheos; released debut EP "Primal"
- 2016: Released "The Infinite Nothing" with Entheos
- 2021: Enlisted as session drummer for Machine Head's new album
- 2023: Released "Time Will Take Us All" with Entheos
Style & Influences
Navene Koperweis's drumming style bridges extreme metal precision with electronic music sensibilities. His technical proficiency allows him to navigate complex djent rhythms, death metal blast beats, and intricate polyrhythmic patterns, while his production background informs his approach to tone and dynamics.
Key Influences:
- Tim Alexander (Primus): Creative, unconventional approach
- Joey Jordison (Slipknot): Extreme metal intensity
- Kevin Talley: Technical death metal precision
- John Longstreth (Origin): Brutal technicality
- Terry Bozzio: Progressive complexity
- Electronic Artists: Skrillex, Noisia, Deadmau5 influence his production work
Signature Techniques:
- Complex polyrhythmic patterns incorporating djent elements
- Blast beats with clarity and musicality
- Integration of electronic elements in metal context
- Dynamic control within extreme metal
- Multi-instrumentalist approach to composition
Gear Highlights
Navene Koperweis is a Meinl Cymbals endorser, favoring their Byzance series for its dark, complex tones. His setup is designed for the technical demands of progressive and extreme metal.
Current Setup:
- Drums: DW Drums Performance Series
- Snare: DW Performance 14"x6.5" Steel
- Cymbals: Meinl Byzance Series (15" Dual Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" Extra Dry Medium Crashes, 21" Transition Ride, 18" Extra Dry China, 10" Splash)
- Hardware: DW 9000 Series double pedal, DW Throne
- Sticks: Vic Firth American Classic 5B
- Heads: Evans
Production Work:
- Operates recording studio for drum production
- Produces electronic music as "Navene K"
- Has released multiple electronic EPs and singles