by Former Overkill drummer Jason Bittner recently opened up about the financial motivations behind his departure from the thrash metal band. He shared his perspective during an interview on All Access Live! With Kevin Rankin.
Bittner addressed his decision to leave the band after nearly eight years. He focused on the business aspects of his situation rather than personal conflicts.
“I’m not gonna talk anything negative about my old situations or anything like that. People leave bands for their own reasons. Let’s just say I was stagnant in my old situation,” Bittner said. “I was not happy with where I was in a business sense with Overkill.”
The drummer elaborated on feeling undervalued in his role with the band.
“I was basically giving more of myself than I was getting in return. And after almost eight years, I had pretty much had enough of that,” he continued. “And when I knew that there wasn’t even any negotiation aspect to anything, I’m, like, ‘Okay, well, it’s time to start thinking about myself.’”
Bittner used a relatable comparison to illustrate his frustration with the financial arrangement.
“When you go to a job, when you start a job, do you ever go to a job — I don’t care what job it is; it could be McDonald’s — do you ever go to a job and never get a raise after eight years? This is not a hypothetical situation. This is a true story,” he explained.
Bittner’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in both his career and Overkill’s history. The drummer brought considerable experience and credentials to the band.
Pearl Drum reported that Bittner is a two-time Grammy-nominated drummer and Berklee College of Music alumnus who joined Overkill in early 2017 after an extensive career with Shadows Fall and other metal acts. His professional background extends far beyond the metal scene. Zildjian noted his versatility across various drumming styles, including Latin and Jazz, which underscores his technical proficiency and dedication to the craft.
Bittner contributed to the band’s creative output on their last two studio albums during his tenure with Overkill. Blabbermouth confirmed he played on The Wings Of War (2019) and Scorched (2023), helping to maintain the band’s thrash metal legacy during a productive period.
The drummer’s reputation in the metal community is built on more than just his technical skills. Sick Drummer Magazine recognized him for his rigorous practice schedule and professional approach, qualities that made his departure from Overkill particularly notable within the metal drumming community.
The drummer’s candid comments provide insight into the business side of professional musicianship and band dynamics. They highlight the financial realities that even accomplished musicians face in the industry.
