Charles Lee Benante (born November 27, 1962) is an American musician, best known as the drummer for thrash metal band Anthrax and crossover thrash band Stormtroopers of Death. Known as one of the pioneers of double bass drumming and credited with popularizing the blast beat technique, he is Anthrax's main composer and has released twelve studio albums with the band. He also plays guitar on occasion. Benante has toured with the reunited Pantera since 2022.
Career
Benante joined Anthrax in 1983, prior to the recording of the band's debut album Fistful of Metal, and has appeared on every release by the band. He is known for having a very fast double kick technique and has been credited as one of the pioneers of double bass, as well as with popularizing the blast beat technique with thrash metal.
He is also a guitarist, having contributed lead guitar to S.O.D.'s Speak English or Die album. Along with his musician duties, Benante is also a graphic artist and has created many of Anthrax's album covers and T-shirt designs.
In 2021, Benante released a solo album entitled Silver Linings. Paul Stenning referred to the album as "a very worthy memento of attacking a crazy year with a positive outlook."
On July 14, 2022, it was announced that Benante had joined the reunited Pantera by filling in for original drummer, and his close friend, Vinnie Paul.
Personal life Benante grew up in Throggs Neck, Bronx.
Benante is a fan of the 1975 film Jaws, and owns a sizeable collection of the film's merchandise. He was featured in the documentary The Shark Is Still Working, which was included on the Jaws 2012 Blu-ray release.
Throughout the course of 2012, Benante faced several personal issues that forced him to miss several concerts with Anthrax. Early on in the year his mother died, which also resulted in Frank Bello (Benante's mother being Bello's grandmother) taking some time off during the band's tour in Argentina.Shadows Fall Drummer Jason Bittner To Play With Anthrax In Argentina Benante stepped out again during the summer's Rockstar Mayhem Fest run after suffering a "minor hand injury".Members Of Slipknot And Anthrax To Miss Mayhem Fest Dates Also during the summer, Benante was involved in a domestic dispute with his wife in front of his daughter which had them both arrested.ANTHRAX’S CHARLIE BENANTE AND WIFE ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY IN FRONT OF A CHILDMORE DETAILS ON THE ARREST OF CHARLIE BENANTE AND WIFE Benante later missed the band's UK and European tour in order to take care of "personal stuff" according to Scott Ian. In 2013, it was announced that Benante would be sitting out Australian tour dates, also for personal reasons.Anthrax Drummer Charlie Benante Sitting Out Australian Tour Dates Due to ‘Personal Issues’ Concern was raised in 2012 by MetalSucks over Benante's well-being and future with the band.What’s Going on between Charlie Benante and Anthrax?
In 2020, Benante had a cameo in the music video for "Everything She Wants," a Wham!-cover performed by Alien Ant Farm.
In 2025, Benante married musician Carla Harvey.
Equipment
Benante uses and endorses Tama drums and hardware, Paiste cymbals, Vic Firth sticks,Vic Firth Signature Artist: Charlie Benante. Retrieved on May 10, 2011. Evans Drumheads,EvansDrumheads.com: Charlie Benante. Retrieved on May 24, 2009. and Roland electronics.
Prior to switching to Tama's Speed Cobra pedals in 2010, Benante was one of the few drummers who used Tama's HP35 Camco chain-drive pedals, equipment he had used since 1984."This is the question. Well, recently Tama discontinued the pedals that I've been playing since like 1984, the Camco ones. And I was really, really bummed out about this. And I'm hoping they will bring those back fairly soon, or else my career is over (laughs)." – Special Interview: Charlie Benante . Retrieved on September 25, 2008.
Discography Solo Title Release date Label Chart positions US salesSilver LiningsMay 14, 2021Megaforce RecordsMoving Pitchers (EP)April 23, 2022Megaforce Records
Stormtroopers of Death albums Title Release date Label Chart positions US salesSpeak English or DieDecember 1985Megaforce RecordsLive at Budokan [Live]October 24, 1995Megaforce RecordsBigger than the DevilMay 22, 1999Nuclear Blast Records
Stormtroopers of Death videos Title Release date Label Chart positions US salesKill Yourself: The Movie (DVD or VHS)January 23, 2001 Nuclear Blast RecordsSpeak English or Live (DVD)September 25, 2001 Nuclear Blast Records20 Years of DysfunctionJuly 26, 2005 Nuclear Blast Records
With Anthrax
Others Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – When the Keyboard Breaks: Live in Chicago (guest drums) The Violent Hour - The Violent Hour EP
References
External links
Official website Anthrax official website