State of Euphoria Mid-Tempo Groove — Charlie Benante (Anthrax) Drum Lick | MetalForge
Learn the State of Euphoria Mid-Tempo Groove drum lick by Charlie Benante of Anthrax. From Be All, End All (State of Euphoria (1988)). "Be All, End All" opens Anthrax's 1988 album State of Euphoria with a swaggering, mid-tempo groove t...
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1. Charlie Benante's Signature Licks — "Be All, End All" opens Anthrax's 1988 album State of Euphoria with a swaggering, mid-tempo groove that is among Charlie Benante's most accessible and instructive drum performances on record. Recorded in the year between the frantic intensity of Among the Living and the darkness of Persistence of Time, State of Euphoria captures the band in a more confident, groove-focused state, and Benante's drumming reflects that assurance: he plays with a relaxed authority that is more difficult to achieve than flat-out thrash assaults. The main groove of "Be All, End All" sits at approximately 156 BPM — fast for most drumming contexts but mid-tempo by thrash standards — and it is built on a propulsive, chugging kick pattern that locks to the song's meaty riff. Benante holds a wide, authoritative backbeat, uses the hi-hat to keep the groove swinging forward, and decorates the transitions with tom fills that are confidently placed but never excessive. What makes this groove such a valuable study is its combination of technical demand with musical accessibility: the pattern is achievable for developing drummers but requires real command of groove, fill placement, and dynamic control to play convincingly at the song's original energy level. The State of Euphoria era was a defining period for Benante's rhythmic identity: he was refining the techniques developed on Among the Living and shaping them into a more mature, groove-conscious approach that would inform his playing for the rest of his career. The album was recorded at a pivotal moment for thrash, when bands were beginning to explore more varied tempos and arrangements, and "Be All, End All" is a perfect example of how Benante's feel and groove authority could generate excitement at a mid-pace that no amount of pure speed could replicate. For drummers, it is the ideal entry point into the Benante rhythmic vocabulary and into the art of making a mid-tempo groove feel as powerful as a full-speed thrash assault.2. Charlie Benante Profile — Lock a propulsive, chugging kick pattern to the mid-paced riff with relaxed authority Hold a wide, confident backbeat on 2 and 4 that gives the song its swagger and drive Keep the hi-hat tight and consistent so the groove swings forward without losing the metal weight Deploy tom fills at the transitions with confidence and precision — each fill should lift the section Aim for a relaxed, authoritative feel rather than forced intensity — the groove's power comes from control
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