---
name: "Charlie Benante"
band: "Anthrax / S.O.D. / Pantera"
genre: "Thrash Metal"
country: "USA"
primary_brand: "Tama"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/charlie-benante"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Charlie Benante

Charlie Benante is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Anthrax / S.O.D. / Pantera, a defining act in thrash metal.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Charlie Benante |
| Band | Anthrax / S.O.D. / Pantera |
| All bands | Anthrax, S.O.D., Pantera |
| Genre | Thrash Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic |
| Signature snare | Tama Charlie Benante Signature 14x6.5" |
| Sticks | Vic Firth Charlie Benante Signature |

## Biography

Charlie Benante, born in 1962 in The Bronx, New York, is a pioneer of thrash metal drumming and credited with popularizing the blast beat technique. He joined Anthrax in 1983 and has appeared on all 11 of the band's studio albums. Known for his extremely fast double kick technique, Benante is also a talented guitarist who contributed lead guitar to S.O.D.'s "Speak English or Die" album. He serves as Anthrax's main composer and is a graphic artist who created many of their album covers and T-shirt designs. In 2022, he joined the reunited Pantera, filling in for his late friend Vinnie Paul.

Charlie Benante (born Charles Lee Benante; November 27, 1962, in The Bronx, New York) is an American drummer best known as the drummer for thrash metal band Anthrax and crossover thrash pioneers Stormtroopers of Death (S.O.D.). He is credited as one of the pioneers of double bass drumming in thrash metal and with popularizing the blast beat technique.

Beyond his drumming, Benante is Anthrax's main composer and a talented graphic artist who has created many of the band's album covers and T-shirt designs. Since 2022, he has also toured with the reunited Pantera, filling in for the late Vinnie Paul, his close friend.

## Band History

- **Anthrax** — 1983–present (current)
- **S.O.D.** — 1985–1999
- **Pantera** — 2022–present (current)

## Gear

- **Drums:** Tama Starclassic
- **Snare:** Tama Charlie Benante Signature 14x6.5"
- **Cymbals:** Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series (14" Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" Crashes, 20" Power Ride, 18" China)
- **Hardware:** Tama Speed Cobra Double Pedal, Roland Electronics
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth Charlie Benante Signature

## Notable Performances

- Indians - Drumeo Breakdown (2023)
- Caught In A Mosh (Official Channel) (2011)
- Drum Cam Compilation (2018)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drum kit does Charlie Benante play?**

A: Charlie Benante plays a Tama Starclassic.

**Q: What cymbals does Charlie Benante use?**

A: Charlie Benante uses Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series (14" Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" Crashes, 20" Power Ride, 18" China).

**Q: What band is Charlie Benante in?**

A: Charlie Benante drums for Anthrax / S.O.D. / Pantera, a thrash metal band.

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Charlie Benante on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/charlie-benante)

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*Last updated: 2026-06-06 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*