Art Cruz Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Lamb of God Drummer | MetalForge
Art Cruz Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Art Cruz, Lamb of God's drummer since 2019. Explore his journey from Winds of Plague to one of metal's biggest bands, his powerful styl...
Quick Facts: Art Cruz
| Band | Lamb of God |
|---|---|
| All bands | Lamb of God, Prong, Winds of Plague |
| Genre | Groove Metal / Thrash Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Ludwig |
| Drum kit | Ludwig Drums |
| Snare | Ludwig 14x6.5" Black Beauty |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 5B |
Art Cruz Biography
Arthur Robert T Peyton Cruz (born May 27, 1988, in Downey, California) is an American drummer who has been the drummer for Lamb of God since 2019, following Chris Adler's departure. His powerful, precise drumming has seamlessly integrated with Lamb of God's crushing groove metal sound while bringing his own energy to the band's performances.
Before Lamb of God, Cruz built his reputation through extensive work with Winds of Plague and Prong, developing a reputation as a reliable, hard-hitting drummer capable of handling diverse metal styles. His work with Lamb of God on their 2020 self-titled album and 2022's "Omens" has proven him a worthy successor to Adler's legacy.
Career Highlights
- 2004-2006: Played in South El Monte High School marching band percussion section
- 2008: Joined Winds of Plague; recorded "The Great Stone War"
- 2011: Released "Against the World" with Winds of Plague (Billboard #60)
- 2012: Left Winds of Plague; joined Prong
- 2015: Recorded "Songs from the Black Hole" and subsequent albums with Prong
- 2015: Returned to Winds of Plague
- 2017: Released "Blood of My Enemy" with Winds of Plague
- 2018: Filled in for Chris Adler on Lamb of God's North American tour
- 2019: Officially became Lamb of God's drummer following Adler's departure
- 2020: Released self-titled Lamb of God album, first studio album with band
- 2022: Released "Omens" with Lamb of God
Style & Influences
Art Cruz's drumming style combines powerful groove metal precision with the intensity developed in deathcore and thrash metal. His playing emphasizes power, consistency, and the ability to drive songs with relentless energy while maintaining the groove-oriented approach Lamb of God is known for.
Key Influences:
- Chris Adler (Lamb of God): The foundation of Lamb of God's drum sound
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): Thrash metal power and intensity
- Groove Metal Drumming: Syncopated, powerful rhythms
Signature Techniques:
- Powerful, driving double bass patterns
- Precise, groove-oriented playing that complements Randy Blythe's vocals
- Consistency and reliability in live performance
- Ability to replicate Chris Adler's complex parts while adding personal flair
- Dynamic control across Lamb of God's diverse catalog
Gear Highlights
Art Cruz is a Zildjian Cymbals endorser and uses Ludwig drums. His setup is designed for the powerful, articulate sound required for Lamb of God's groove metal.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Ludwig Drums
- Snare: Ludwig 14"x6.5" (various models)
- Cymbals: Zildjian (including A Custom and K series)
- Hardware: Trick Pro 1-V Bigfoot double pedal
- Sticks: Vic Firth
- Heads: Evans
Additional Endorsements:
- Gibraltar Hardware
- Evans Drumheads
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Art Cruz use?
Art Cruz plays a Ludwig drum kit — the setup he brought to Lamb of God after joining in 2019, following stints with Winds of Plague and Prong. It centers on his Ludwig 14"x6.5" Black Beauty snare, delivering the sharp, cutting crack heard throughout Lamb of God's self-titled 2020 album and 2022's Omens.
What drum set does Art Cruz use?
Art Cruz's drum set pairs Ludwig shells and his Black Beauty snare with a Trick Pro 1-V double pedal mounted on Gibraltar hardware and a Ludwig Atlas throne, giving him the precise double bass response his aggressive groove metal style demands.
What cymbals does Art Cruz play?
Art Cruz plays an extensive Zildjian setup: 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats, an 18" A Custom EFX and 17" K China with EFX holes for trashy texture, 18" A Custom Medium, 19" A Custom Projection, and 20" A Custom Crashes, a 21" A Zildjian Mega Bell Ride, a 19" A Ultra Hammered China, plus 9" FX Trash Splashes and an FX Blast Bell for extra color.
What snare does Art Cruz use?
Art Cruz's snare is a Ludwig 14"x6.5" Black Beauty, giving him the sharp crack heard on Lamb of God's most recent releases.
What sticks does Art Cruz use?
Art Cruz uses Vic Firth American Classic 5B drumsticks.
What bass drum pedal does Art Cruz use?
Art Cruz drives his double bass patterns with a Trick Pro 1-V double pedal mounted on Gibraltar hardware.
What drumheads does Art Cruz use?
Art Cruz uses Evans drumheads.
What band is Art Cruz in?
Art Cruz has been the drummer for Lamb of God since 2019, replacing Chris Adler; he previously played with Prong (2012-2019) and Winds of Plague (2010-2012).
How did Art Cruz join Lamb of God?
Art Cruz filled in for Chris Adler on Lamb of God's 2018 North American tour supporting Slayer's farewell run, a stint that led the band to make him their official drummer in 2019 after he learned Adler's notoriously complex catalog.