By Justin Smulison
Since his early days with Shadows Fall in 2001, Jason Bittner has emerged to become one of metal’s top drummers. A former student at the Berklee College of Music, Bittner has played with several rock and metal groups, and his abilities behind the kit pushed him to new heights with stints in notable bands like Toxik, Flotsam & Jetsam, and more recently, Overkill.
When it was announced that he had co-created a new metal band with veterans such as Phil Demmel (ex-Machine Head), Jack Gibson (Exodus), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob) and singer John Bush (Armored Saint), I was admittedly an instant fan. That quintet, Category 7, released their debut in 2024 to widespread fan and critical acclaim, highlighted with anthems like “Exhausted,” and “Mousetrap,” and “Apple of Discord.”
The success of Category 7 and what Bittner has referred to online as his co-ownership of the band, as well as the return of Shadows Fall, ultimately forced him to exit Overkill after two powerful albums (2023’s Scorched is a standout in their discography).
We talk about standout songs and albums from Bittner’s impressive body of work and what it’s like to be behind the kit for a superb metal group that is not a “supergroup.” We also learn a bit about his musical philosophies and contributions to an upcoming album from a rising metal unit out of California, Becoming.
Full Disclosure: Some references during the interview may be obsolete, since this was produced just prior to Bittner’s departure from Overkill and Category 7’s tour announcement for 2025.
Category 7 song clips: “In Stitches,” “Land I Used To Love”
Category 7 online
https://www.category7official.com
https://www.facebook.com/category7band
https://www.instagram.com/category7band
https://www.twitter.com/category7band
https://www.youtube.com/@Category7Band
Check Out John Bush’s Category 7 interview here on Jace Media!
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Category 7 – Tour 2025
Mar 6
Baltimore Soundstage @ 7:00pm
Baltimore, MD
Mar 7
Starland Ballroom @ 7:00pm
Sayreville, NJ
Mar 8
Middle East Downstairs @ 7:00pm
Cambridge, MA
Mar 9
Underground Arts @ 7:00pm
Philadelphia, PA
Mar 11
Jergel’s Rhythm Grille @ 7:00pm
Warrendale, PA
Mar 12
The Asylum at TempleLive Cleveland @ 7:00pm
Cleveland, OH
Mar 14
The Machine Shop @ 7:00pm
Flint, MI
Mar 15
The Forge @ 7:00pm
Joliet, IL
Mar 16
The Rave / Eagles Club @ 7:00pm
Milwaukee, WI
Mar 18
Fine Line @ 7:00pm
Minneapolis, MN
Mar 19
Bourbon Theatre @ 7:00pm
Lincoln, NE
Mar 21
Pop’s Blue Moon @ 7:00pm
St. Louis, MO
Mar 22
Exit/In @ 7:00pm
Nashville, TN
Mar 23
Hell at The Masquerade @ 7:00pm
Atlanta, GA
May 11
Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival 2025 @ 12:00am
Columbus, OH
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