---
name: "Jason Bittner"
band: "Shadows Fall / Overkill / Category 7"
genre: "Thrash Metal / Heavy Metal"
country: "USA"
primary_brand: "Mapex"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/jason-bittner"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Jason Bittner

Jason Bittner is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Shadows Fall / Overkill / Category 7, a defining act in thrash metal / heavy metal.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | 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 |
| Signature snare | Mapex Black Panther 14x6.5" Brass |
| Sticks | Promark Jason Bittner Signature 5BX |

## Biography

Jason Bittner (born January 11, 1970) is an American drummer best known for his work with Shadows Fall, Overkill, Flotsam and Jetsam, and supergroup Category 7. A Berklee College of Music alumnus, Bittner combines technical precision with raw power, making him a standout in the thrash metal scene. He joined Shadows Fall in 2001 and was integral to their commercial breakthrough, winning multiple "Best Metal Drummer" awards from Modern Drummer magazine. His playing on albums like "The Art of Balance" and "The War Within" earned him widespread recognition. Bittner joined Overkill in 2017, bringing his technical chops to the legendary thrash band. He has also filled in for Charlie Benante of Anthrax on multiple occasions. An accomplished educator, he has released instructional DVDs and written for drum publications worldwide.

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.

## Band History

- **Overkill** — 2017–present (current)
- **Shadows Fall** — 1999–2015
- **Category 7** — 2024–present (current)

## Gear

- **Drums:** Mapex Saturn V
- **Snare:** Mapex Black Panther 14x6.5" Brass
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian K & A Custom Series (14" K Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" A Custom Crashes, 21" K Custom Ride, 18" K China)
- **Hardware:** Mapex Falcon Double Pedal, Mapex T865 Throne
- **Sticks:** Promark Jason Bittner Signature 5BX
- **Heads:** Evans

## Notable Performances

- Mean Green Killing Machine - Drum Performance (2019)
- Last Man Standing - Drum Cam (Budapest) (2019)
- Overkill Live Performance (2020)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drum kit does Jason Bittner play?**

A: Jason Bittner plays a Mapex Saturn V.

**Q: What cymbals does Jason Bittner use?**

A: Jason Bittner uses Zildjian K & A Custom Series (14" K Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" A Custom Crashes, 21" K Custom Ride, 18" K China).

**Q: What band is Jason Bittner in?**

A: Jason Bittner drums for Shadows Fall / Overkill / Category 7, a thrash metal / heavy metal band.

## Quotes

> "Berklee taught me discipline, but the road taught me how to play metal."
>
> — Modern Drummer Magazine (2006)

> "Filling in for Charlie Benante was terrifying and amazing. Those are big shoes to fill."
>
> — Drumeo Interview (2018)

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Jason Bittner on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/jason-bittner)

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