# Art Cruz vs Jay Weinberg — Q&A Comparison | MetalForge

> Structured Q&A: Art Cruz (Lamb of God, 2019–present) vs Jay Weinberg (Slipknot, 2014–2023 / Suicidal Tendencies, 2024–present). Two modern American metal drummers who each replaced a legendary predecessor in one of metal's biggest bands.

**Category:** Groove Metal / Alternative Metal · **URL:** https://metalforge.io/vs/art-cruz-vs-jay-weinberg

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**Q: Who is Art Cruz?**
A: Art Cruz (born May 27, 1988, in Downey, California) has been the drummer for Lamb of God since 2019, replacing Chris Adler after first filling in for Adler on the band's 2018 North American tour supporting Slayer's farewell run. Before Lamb of God, Cruz built his reputation touring and recording with Winds of Plague (2008–2012, 2015–2021) and Prong (2012–2018/2019). He has recorded "Lamb of God" (2020) and "Omens" (2022) with the band.

**Q: Who is Jay Weinberg?**
A: Jay Weinberg (born September 8, 1990, in Middletown Township, New Jersey) is the son of E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg. He was Slipknot's drummer from December 2014 to November 2023, replacing founding drummer Joey Jordison, and recorded ".5: The Gray Chapter" (2014), "We Are Not Your Kind" (2019), and "The End, So Far" (2022) with the band. In 2024 he joined Suicidal Tendencies.

**Q: Who replaced Chris Adler in Lamb of God?**
A: Art Cruz replaced Chris Adler as Lamb of God's drummer in 2019. Cruz first filled in for Adler on Lamb of God's 2018 tour supporting Slayer's farewell run before being made an official member, making his studio debut on the band's 2020 self-titled album.

**Q: Who replaced Joey Jordison in Slipknot?**
A: Jay Weinberg replaced Joey Jordison as Slipknot's drummer, joining in December 2014 after Jordison's departure. Weinberg served as Slipknot's drummer #1 for nine years until November 2023, when he departed and Eloy Casagrande (ex-Sepultura) took over the drum chair.

**Q: What is the main stylistic difference between Art Cruz and Jay Weinberg?**
A: Art Cruz favors powerful, groove-oriented double bass patterns that complement Lamb of God's mid-tempo grooves while faithfully replicating Chris Adler's complex parts. Jay Weinberg combines the professional discipline instilled by his father, E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg, with sustained blast beats and hardcore-punk-influenced aggression developed through early stints with Against Me! and Madball.

**Q: What drums does Art Cruz play?**
A: Art Cruz plays Ludwig Drums with a Ludwig 14"x6.5" Black Beauty snare, driven by a Trick Pro 1-V double pedal, Gibraltar hardware, and a Ludwig Atlas throne.

**Q: What drums did Jay Weinberg play with Slipknot?**
A: Jay Weinberg played an SJC Custom Drums kit (OBEY x ST Collaboration Kit) with his signature SJC "The Crucible" 14"x6.5" 48-ply brass snare, powered by a DW 9000 Series double pedal and DW 9100 throne.

**Q: What cymbals do Art Cruz and Jay Weinberg use?**
A: Art Cruz uses an extensive Zildjian setup (14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats, multiple A Custom crashes, a 21" A Zildjian Mega Bell Ride, plus K China and FX cymbals for texture). Jay Weinberg used Zildjian cymbals as well (14" A New Beat Hi-Hats, 18"/19" A Custom Crashes, 21" K Custom Ride, 19" K China).

**Q: What bass drum pedals and sticks do they use?**
A: Art Cruz uses a Trick Pro 1-V double pedal with Vic Firth American Classic 5B sticks and Evans drumheads. Jay Weinberg used a DW 9000 Series double pedal with his signature Vater Jay Weinberg 908 sticks and Evans Black Chrome drumheads.

**Q: Is Jay Weinberg still in Slipknot?**
A: No. Jay Weinberg departed Slipknot in November 2023 after nine years as the band's drummer. He joined Suicidal Tendencies in 2024 and has since toured with them, including dates on Metallica's M72 World Stadium Tour.

**Q: What is the verdict — Art Cruz vs Jay Weinberg?**
A: Art Cruz and Jay Weinberg represent modern American metal drumming's two dominant philosophies: groove-first precision versus powerhouse intensity. Both inherited massive legacy drum chairs — Cruz stepping in for Chris Adler at Lamb of God, Weinberg stepping in for Joey Jordison at Slipknot — and both proved themselves worthy successors while adding their own identity to the role.

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*Full comparison: [metalforge.io/vs/art-cruz-vs-jay-weinberg](https://metalforge.io/vs/art-cruz-vs-jay-weinberg)*

*[Art Cruz drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/art-cruz)*
*[Jay Weinberg drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/jay-weinberg)*

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*Last updated: 2026-07-02 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*
