Art Cruz Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Lamb of God Drummer | MetalForge
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.
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 style, and gear setup.
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