# Paul Bostaph vs Jon Dette — The Slayer Replacement Drummers Compared > Side-by-side career and gear comparison between Paul Bostaph and Jon Dette — the two drummers who replaced Dave Lombardo in Slayer. **Category:** Thrash Metal · **URL:** https://metalforge.io/vs/paul-bostaph-vs-jon-dette Two drummers united by their role in one of thrash metal's most famous succession stories: Paul Bostaph, Slayer's longest-serving replacement drummer across two tenures, vs Jon Dette, the reliable touring fill-in who became a Testament mainstay. --- ## Paul Bostaph Setup (Final Slayer Era) - **Drums:** DW Collector's Series Maple/Mahogany - **Snare:** DW 14"x6.5" Collector's Maple - **Cymbals:** Paiste RUDE Series - **Pedals/Hardware:** DW 9000 Series double pedal - **Sticks:** Vater Power 5B - **Heads:** Remo Emperor/Ambassador ## Jon Dette Setup (Career) - **Drums:** Pearl, Tama, or DW (depending on period) - **Snare:** 14"x6.5" metal or maple snares - **Cymbals:** Sabian or Zildjian - **Pedals/Hardware:** DW 9000 or Tama Iron Cobra double pedal - **Sticks:** Promark or Vater 5B ## Career Overview Paul Bostaph is Slayer's longest-serving drummer outside of Dave Lombardo — the Bay Area thrash veteran who joined in 1992 after Lombardo's first departure and recorded four studio albums across two tenures (1992–2001, 2013–2019). He was the drummer for Slayer's final show at the Forum in Los Angeles on November 30, 2019. Jon Dette is thrash metal's most reliable fill-in specialist — the Milwaukee-born drummer who served as Slayer's touring replacement during 1996–97 while Bostaph recovered from injury, then went on to long-term Testament membership from 1997–2012, recording three albums including *The Gathering* (1999). ## Playing Style Bostaph brings relentless power and consistency — his double bass at thrash tempos is metronomic, his snare attack is authoritative, and his ability to replicate and extend Lombardo's complex parts night after night across years of global touring made him the definitive long-term replacement. His style is machine-like in its consistency while maintaining the explosive energy Slayer's catalog demands. Dette is defined by rapid adaptability — the ability to learn complete setlists quickly, deliver professional performances on short notice, and maintain each band's established drum parts with integrity. His Testament work evolved from fill-in to genuine compositional contributor. ## Technique Bostaph's technique combines machine-like double bass consistency at high thrash tempos with tight, controlled fills that serve the song rather than drawing attention to themselves. His powerful snare attack and ability to maintain momentum through Slayer's demanding catalog — across "Divine Intervention," "Diabolus in Musica," "Repentless," and the Final World Tour — speaks to extraordinary stamina and precision. Dette's technique is characterized by adaptability and professionalism. His work on Testament's *The Gathering* (1999) showcased intense, focused drumming that matched the album's brutal energy, and his appearances across multiple major thrash bands demonstrated rare versatility in maintaining different bands' distinct rhythmic identities. ## Key Differences Bostaph is the long-term anchor — 12 total years with Slayer, four studio albums, the band's entire final era. His legacy is defined by consistency and commitment. Dette is the consummate professional fill-in who elevated to genuine membership — his Testament catalog spans three albums over 12 years and represents his primary creative contribution beyond Slayer. One drummer built a Slayer legacy; the other built a Testament one. ## Influence & Legacy Bostaph is one of thrash metal's most underrated drummers — despite recording four Slayer albums and serving 12 total years, he operates permanently in Lombardo's shadow. His consistency and professionalism kept one of metal's most demanding catalogs alive for decades. He's been called one of the most underrated drummers in thrash metal history. Dette's primary legacy lives in Testament's catalog, particularly *The Gathering* — considered one of Testament's finest albums, featuring some of the most intense thrash drumming of the late 1990s. ## Verdict Paul Bostaph and Jon Dette are united by their shared role in one of metal's greatest succession stories. Bostaph was the long-term anchor who carried Slayer through two full eras — the definitive Dave Lombardo replacement. Dette was the consummate professional fill-in who evolved into genuine Testament membership. Together they answer the most common Slayer trivia question: who played drums for Slayer besides Dave Lombardo? ## FAQ **Q: Who played drums for Slayer besides Dave Lombardo?** A: Two drummers replaced Dave Lombardo in Slayer: Paul Bostaph (1992–2001 and 2013–2019), who recorded four studio albums including "Divine Intervention" and "Repentless," and Jon Dette (1996–97), who served as a touring fill-in while Bostaph recovered from injury. Bostaph is Slayer's longest-serving drummer by total years (12 across two stints). **Q: What albums did Paul Bostaph record with Slayer?** A: Paul Bostaph recorded four studio albums with Slayer: *Divine Intervention* (1994), *Undisputed Attitude* (1996, punk covers), *Diabolus in Musica* (1998), and *Repentless* (2015). He also performed on Slayer's Final World Tour (2018–2019) and their last show ever at the Forum in Los Angeles on November 30, 2019. **Q: What is Jon Dette best known for besides Slayer?** A: Jon Dette is best known for his long-term membership in Testament (1997–1999, 2001–2012), where he recorded *The Gathering* (1999), *The Formation of Damnation* (2008), and *Dark Roots of Earth* (2012). He also filled in for Charlie Benante on Anthrax tour dates in 2010, making him one of few drummers to perform with three Big Four bands. **Q: What gear does Paul Bostaph use vs Jon Dette?** A: Paul Bostaph's final Slayer setup used DW Collector's Series Maple/Mahogany drums, Paiste RUDE cymbals, and DW 9000 Series double pedal with Vater Power 5B sticks. Jon Dette used various configurations including Pearl, Tama, and DW drums with Sabian or Zildjian cymbals and DW 9000 or Tama Iron Cobra double pedals — versatile setups suited to fill-in work across multiple bands. **Q: Who is the better Slayer replacement drummer, Paul Bostaph or Jon Dette?** A: The full comparison is at [metalforge.io/vs/paul-bostaph-vs-jon-dette](https://metalforge.io/vs/paul-bostaph-vs-jon-dette). By longevity and studio contribution, Bostaph is clearly the primary Lombardo successor — 12 years and four albums vs Dette's touring-only 1996–97 tenure. But Dette's career trajectory beyond Slayer, particularly his Testament work, proves his abilities extended well beyond emergency fill-in status. --- *Full comparison: [metalforge.io/vs/paul-bostaph-vs-jon-dette](https://metalforge.io/vs/paul-bostaph-vs-jon-dette)* *[Paul Bostaph drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/paul-bostaph)* *[Jon Dette drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/jon-dette)* *[Lars Ulrich vs Dave Lombardo comparison](https://metalforge.io/vs/lars-ulrich-vs-dave-lombardo)* *[Dave Lombardo vs Gene Hoglan comparison](https://metalforge.io/vs/dave-lombardo-vs-gene-hoglan)* --- *Last updated: 2026-06-29 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*