# Lars Ulrich vs Charlie Benante — Drum Kit & Gear Comparison | MetalForge > Side-by-side gear comparison between Lars Ulrich (Metallica) and Charlie Benante (Anthrax). **Category:** Thrash Metal · **URL:** https://metalforge.io/vs/lars-ulrich-vs-charlie-benante Metallica's Lars Ulrich vs Anthrax's Charlie Benante. Big Four thrash drumming compared — two icons who helped define 1980s heavy metal drumming. --- ## At a Glance | Spec | Lars Ulrich | Charlie Benante | |------|------------|----------------| | Drums | Tama Starclassic Maple | Tama Starclassic | | Cymbals | Zildjian A Custom Series | Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series | | Snare | Tama LU1465 Lars Ulrich Signature 14x6.5" | Tama Charlie Benante Signature 14x6.5" | | Pedals | Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide Double Pedal | Tama Speed Cobra Double Pedal | | Sticks | Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature | Vic Firth Charlie Benante Signature | --- ## Gear Deep Dive ### Lars Ulrich Setup - **Drums:** Tama Starclassic Maple - **Cymbals:** Zildjian A Custom Series (14" Dyno Beat Hi-Hats, 16", 17" & 18" Rock Crashes, 20" Z Custom China, 22" Ride) - **Snare:** Tama LU1465 Lars Ulrich Signature 14x6.5" - **Pedals/Hardware:** Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide Double Pedal, Tama 1st Chair Throne - **Sticks:** Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature Drumsticks Lars Ulrich's Tama Starclassic Maple kit has been his home for decades, providing the warm, punchy tone that defines Metallica's studio sound. His Zildjian A Custom cymbals deliver a bright, cutting attack that sits perfectly in Metallica's dense guitar-driven mix. The Tama Iron Cobra 900 is one of the most reliable double pedals on the market and matches Lars's power-over-speed playing style. ### Charlie Benante Setup - **Drums:** Tama Starclassic - **Cymbals:** Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series (14" Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" Crashes, 20" Power Ride, 18" China) - **Snare:** Tama Charlie Benante Signature 14x6.5" - **Pedals/Hardware:** Tama Speed Cobra Double Pedal, Roland Electronics - **Sticks:** Vic Firth Charlie Benante Signature Charlie Benante also plays Tama drums — a shared choice that reflects Tama's dominance in 1980s thrash metal. His Paiste RUDE series cymbals are legendary for aggressive, cutting attack and extraordinary durability under heavy playing. The RUDE line was designed for hard-hitting players, making it a natural fit for Anthrax's relentless thrash style. Benante incorporates Roland electronics into his setup for expanded sonic options. --- ## Style & Technique Comparison Lars Ulrich helped invent the thrash metal drumming template through Metallica's early albums — *Kill 'Em All*, *Ride the Lightning*, and *Master of Puppets* defined thrash's rhythmic vocabulary. His style prioritizes groove and power over raw speed, with signature mid-tempo stomps and punchy fills. Lars is not the fastest drummer in thrash metal, but his feel and musical sensibility drove Metallica to become the biggest band in metal history. Charlie Benante is widely regarded as technically superior to Ulrich within the thrash genre. His playing combines the punk aggression of his hardcore roots with sophisticated double bass patterns and complex fills. Benante pioneered the "skank beat" that became a thrash staple and brought a harder, more frantic energy to Anthrax's sound. He is also notable as a left-handed drummer playing a right-handed kit. --- ## Key Differences Both players endorse Tama drums, but their cymbal choices tell the story: Lars uses Zildjian A Custom for bright, musical tones; Charlie uses Paiste RUDE for maximum aggression and cut. Lars's Iron Cobra pedal suits powerful, groove-oriented playing; Charlie's Speed Cobra reflects his preference for speed and responsiveness. Benante's incorporation of electronics broadens his creative range beyond pure acoustic thrash drumming, while Ulrich maintains a traditional setup focused on the fundamentals. --- ## Influence & Legacy Lars Ulrich's influence is impossible to overstate — he helped create thrash metal as a genre and drove Metallica from the underground to stadium headliners. Regardless of technical debates, his musical vision and infectious groove have inspired generations of drummers worldwide. Charlie Benante influenced the thrash and hardcore crossover movements. His drumming on *Among the Living* and *Persistence of Time* set standards for Anthrax and remains required listening for thrash drummers studying the genre's classic era. --- ## Verdict Lars Ulrich and Charlie Benante are both essential figures of the Big Four thrash era. Lars shaped the genre's commercial success; Charlie pushed its technical boundaries. Both represent thrash metal at its finest, and any comparison ultimately reflects what aspect of the genre matters most to you. --- ## FAQ **Q: Who is the better thrash metal drummer, Lars Ulrich or Charlie Benante?** A: Technically, Charlie Benante is generally considered the more accomplished drummer by musicians and critics. Lars Ulrich's influence and feel, however, shaped thrash metal's identity in ways that go beyond technique. Both are essential icons of the Big Four era. **Q: What gear does Lars Ulrich use vs Charlie Benante?** A: Lars Ulrich plays Tama Starclassic Maple drums with Zildjian A Custom cymbals and Tama Iron Cobra 900 double pedals. Charlie Benante plays Tama Starclassic drums with Paiste RUDE & 2002 cymbals and Tama Speed Cobra double pedals, plus Roland electronics. **Q: How do Lars Ulrich's cymbals compare to Charlie Benante's?** A: Lars uses Zildjian A Custom Series for a bright, musical tone suited to Metallica's melodic approach to thrash. Charlie uses Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series for maximum aggressive attack and durability — the RUDE line is designed specifically for hard-hitting players like Benante. --- *Full comparison: [metalforge.io/vs/lars-ulrich-vs-charlie-benante](https://metalforge.io/vs/lars-ulrich-vs-charlie-benante)* *[Lars Ulrich drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich)* *[Charlie Benante drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/charlie-benante)* --- *Last updated: 2026-06-20 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*