How to Sound Like Art Cruz — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Art Cruz's Lamb of God drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Art Cruz become Lamb of God's drummer?
Cruz filled in for Chris Adler on Lamb of God's 2018 North American tour supporting Slayer's farewell run, then officially became the band's drummer in 2019 after Adler's departure. He recorded the band's 2020 self-titled album and 2022's "Omens" as his first studio work with the band.
What gear should I use to sound like Art Cruz?
Cruz plays a Ludwig drum kit with a 14" x 6.5" Ludwig Black Beauty bronze snare, Zildjian A Custom cymbals, a Trick Pro 1-V double pedal, and Vic Firth American Classic 5B sticks. A Pearl Export kit with Zildjian ZBT cymbals approximates the full-bodied, powerful character on a budget.
What was Art Cruz's drumming background before Lamb of God?
Cruz built his reputation through extensive touring and recording with Winds of Plague and Prong, developing the reliability, power, and versatility that made him a natural fit to handle Chris Adler's technical catalog live while bringing his own explosive dynamics to new Lamb of God material.
What songs best showcase Art Cruz's technique?
"Memento Mori" and "Ditch" from 2022's "Omens" showcase his explosive dynamic drops and precise, riff-locked double bass work, while "Nevermore" from the 2020 self-titled album marks his studio debut with the band.
What should I practice first to sound like Art Cruz?
Start with the Riff-Lock Precision Drill — learning a groove-metal riff's exact syncopated accents by ear, then building a drum pattern that reinforces those specific accents. Cruz's power comes from precision locked to the riff, not raw speed or force.