The Drummer Who Stays: 5 Shocking New Updates On James Cassells And Asking Alexandria's Future After Ben Bruce's Exit

The landscape of Asking Alexandria has dramatically shifted in 2024, placing drummer James Cassells, one of the band's longest-serving members, at the core of its future. As of December 17, 2025, the band is navigating a new era marked by a major founding member's exit, a new album cycle, and Cassells' own recent personal challenges and high-profile side projects.

The veteran drummer’s recent activities—from a serious injury that forced tour cancellations to an unexpected fill-in role for another major rock act—cement his status not just as the rhythmic backbone of Asking Alexandria, but as a respected figure across the wider rock and metal community. This deep dive explores the current status, latest news, and enduring legacy of James Cassells.

James Cassells: Full Biography and Profile

James Cassells is an English musician best known as the powerhouse drummer for the metalcore band Asking Alexandria. His consistent presence and high-energy style have been a defining characteristic of the band since its formation.

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• Full Name: James Cassells
• Role: Drummer, Percussionist
• Band: Asking Alexandria (2008–Present)
• Date of Birth: December 27, 1989
• Origin: United Kingdom
• Genre: Metalcore, Post-Hardcore, Hard Rock
• Marital Status: Married (April 2018)
• Children: One child (Welcomed in December 2020)
• Associated Acts: Breaking Benjamin (Fill-in Drummer)

Cassells, alongside vocalist Danny Worsnop, bassist Sam Bettley, and guitarist Cameron Liddell, is now part of the core quartet driving the band's post-2024 evolution. His commitment to the band's demanding sound, from the blistering speed of their early metalcore days to the hard rock grooves of their recent work, is a testament to his versatility and skill.

The Post-Bruce Era: How James Cassells Became Asking Alexandria's Anchor

The biggest news impacting Asking Alexandria in recent memory was the departure of founding guitarist and primary songwriter Ben Bruce in January 2024. Bruce announced he was stepping away to focus on his family, leaving Cassells as one of the few remaining original members. This major shift has fundamentally redefined the band's structure and future.

A New Core Lineup

With Bruce's exit, the current lineup solidified around Danny Worsnop (vocals), Sam Bettley (bass), Cameron Liddell (guitar), and James Cassells (drums). This change puts more creative and performance weight on the shoulders of the remaining members, especially Cassells, who must maintain the band's signature intensity live.

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The band’s most recent album, *Where Do We Go from Here?*, released in August 2023, serves as the final studio effort featuring the five-piece lineup. Moving forward, the creative direction will be steered by this new, four-member core, with Cassells’ rhythmic input expected to be more crucial than ever in defining their next sound.

Touring and Injury Setbacks in 2024

The year 2024 proved to be a challenging one for Cassells personally. Asking Alexandria was forced to withdraw from major US festivals, including Rock Fest, Upheaval Festival, and Inkcarceration Fest, due to a severe injury sustained by the drummer. Cassells broke his foot, a significant setback for any touring musician, especially one known for his physically demanding drumming style.

This incident highlighted Cassells' importance, as the band made the difficult decision to cancel the appearances rather than use a temporary replacement. The health update was a reminder of the physical toll of metal drumming and the dedication required to perform at the highest level. Despite the setback, the band quickly returned to the stage, including a high-energy set at RIFF Fest 2024, demonstrating their resilience.

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High-Profile Side Gig: James Cassells Joins Breaking Benjamin for 2025

Perhaps the most fascinating recent development is James Cassells' announcement that he will be temporarily joining another rock giant, Breaking Benjamin. In a surprising move, Cassells is slated to fill in for Breaking Benjamin's drummer, Shaun Foist, who had to step away from the band due to illness.

A Testament to Versatility

This temporary role, scheduled for August 2025, is a major career milestone. It showcases the high regard Cassells is held in by his peers and proves his adaptability across different sub-genres of rock. While Asking Alexandria’s sound is rooted in the technicality of metalcore, Breaking Benjamin operates in a more mainstream, alternative metal space. Cassells’ ability to transition between these styles speaks volumes about his technical skill and musicality.

This fill-in position will undoubtedly expose Cassells to a new audience and further solidify his reputation as one of modern rock's most reliable and powerful drummers. Fans are eager to see how his aggressive, precise style will integrate with Breaking Benjamin's anthemic sound.

The Technical Mastery of James Cassells' Drumming Style

James Cassells’ drumming is characterized by a blend of raw power, incredible stamina, and technical precision. His style is a cornerstone of the Asking Alexandria sound, particularly in their earlier, more aggressive albums like *Reckless & Relentless* and *From Death to Destiny*.

Signature Gear and Technique

Cassells is known for his fast double-bass drumming, complex time signatures, and the ability to maintain a relentless pace throughout a set. His gear choices reflect his need for durability and speed:

• Drums: Truth Custom Drums
• Hardware: DW 9000 Series
• Pedals: Axis 21 Laser Pedals (known for their speed)
• Cymbals: SABIAN Cymbals
• Drum Heads: Remo Heads (Emperor on toms, coated Emperor X on snare, Pinstripe on kick)

His use of high-performance gear like the Axis pedals is essential for delivering the intricate blast beats and rapid-fire kick patterns that define tracks like "The Final Episode (Let's Change the Channel)." His technique has inspired countless aspiring drummers in the metalcore genre, cementing his legacy as a true modern master of the kit.

The Future of Asking Alexandria and Upcoming Tours

Despite the significant lineup change and Cassells' injury, Asking Alexandria remains a formidable force on the touring circuit. Their commitment to their fanbase is evident in their aggressive touring schedule, which continues to promote their latest material.

The band is actively involved in US tours, recently sharing the stage with acts like Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, and NERV. Looking ahead, they have confirmed a co-headlining tour in 2025 with the band From Ashes To New. This commitment to the road ensures that James Cassells, alongside Danny Worsnop, Cameron Liddell, and Sam Bettley, will continue to deliver their high-octane performances to fans globally, solidifying their position as one of the most enduring acts in modern rock. The question of "Where Do We Go from Here?"—the title of their latest album—is being answered on the road, one powerful drum beat at a time.