DAVE LOMBARDO

'Dave Lombardo' (born February 16, 1965) is a heavy metal drummer born in Havana, Cuba. Lombardo's music career has spanned more than 25 years, during which he has been involved in the production of 29 commercial recordings with bands such as Grip Inc., Fantômas and Testament over a number of major genres. Lombardo's most notable work has been with the American thrash metal band Slayer, with which he recorded drums on six albums, including the 2006 release ''Christ Illusion'', for which he received critical praise.
Lombardo's musical interest was sparked by playing along with bongos to a Santana record and was later influenced by the musical styles of the bands Led Zeppelin and KISS. Lombardo is known as one of the most aggressive and influential drummers; his use of double bass drums has been called "astonishingly innovative"^[1] and earned him the title "the godfather of double bass". Over his career, he has had a significant influence on the metal scene, and has inspired many modern metal drummers.

Contents

Biography

Early years

Slayer

Grip Inc.

Fantômas

Side projects

Return to Slayer

Style and equipment

Influence on musicians

Discography

Fantômas

Slayer

Grip Inc.

Other works

References

Biography

Early years

Lombardo was born in Havana, Cuba on February 16, 1965. When he was only two years old, his family moved to South Gate, California. At the age of eight, Lombardo brought in a set of bongos with a Santana record for show and tell at school and played along with the rhythm. This inspired his musical interest in drums, which resulted in him joining the school band playing the marching drum, although he thought the marching drum was "not for him". Lombardo's father saw his persistent interest in music at age 10 and purchased him a five-piece Maxwin drum set for $350. As Lombardo now had a drumkit, he purchased his first record, ''Alive!'' by KISS to play along to. He taught himself the song "100,000 Years" by listening to the record repeatedly and word of Lombardo's ability spread for being able to perform the drum solo. Due to his new found popularity, he was asked if he could play the song "Moby Dick" by Led Zeppelin. Although he was aware of the band, he was not familiar with their material. After doing so, he was exposed to an all new genre with Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham influencing Lombardo's drumming ability.^[2]
With his new-found hobby Lombardo asked his parents for drum lessons — his parents accepted. However, the lessons lasted only one week as Lombardo got bored of the repetitiveness of constantly learning how to hit the drum left and right. Dave Lombardo - Slayer / Fantomas After leaving music lessons, Lombardo's friends exposed him to the disco genre, where he partied and became temporary DJ for a mobile disc jockey under the name of "A Touch of Class". Due to him arriving home at 4:00AM, his parents threatened to put him in a military school. Lombardo later said that disco music "showed me the effects of rhythm on the body."
In 1978, Lombardo returned to playing rock music and would talk with several musicians around town. They would travel to Lombardo's house to play renditions of songs by Jimi Hendrix, such as "Purple Haze", "Foxy Lady" and "Fire". Graduating from private school in eighth grade, Lombardo moved to Pius X High School, which had more musicians than his previous school. He signed up to the school talent show performing "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry with a guitarist named Peter Fashing; "I'll never forget the roar of the crowd during the drum solo. We brought the house down" states Lombardo, who became known as "David the drummer" the following day.
With his new found popularity, Lombardo formed a band in 1979 called Escape, with two guitarists. The group performed AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath songs in Lombardo's garage. After leaving Pius X school, due to not meeting grade expectations, Lombardo moved to South Gate High School where he found a vocalist to join the band. The band performed at parties under the name Sabotage, but were unsuccessful in making an impact. Lombardo's parents noticed his withdrawal from everything except music, and convinced him to quit and find a job. On leaving Sabotage, Lombardo received threats from the guitarist's girlfriend; "the so-called manager went as far as to write a poem about me leaving the band in the school news paper saying, 'we'll see who makes it to the top, let's place a bet.' I should've made that bet."

Slayer

Lombardo took his parents' advice and applied as a pizza delivery boy at the local pizza shop in 1981. With money earned from the job and loaned from his father, he was able to purchase a TAMA Swingstar drum set and Paiste Rude cymbal package for $1100. While making a delivery, Lombardo was told about a guitarist that lived five blocks away named Kerry King. He introduced himself to King, and asked if he would like to jam with him. King agreed and offered to show Lombardo his guitar collection at his house later that night. As King was looking for a drummer for his band, Slayer, he extended an invitation to Lombardo to perform drumming duties. He accepted.
As Slayer's line-up was complete, the band toured extensively in the early 1980s to promote their debut album ''Show No Mercy''. At the time, Lombardo was working at K-Mart and described it as his most memorable day job. During this period of touring, Lombardo formed a strong bond with drummer Gene Hoglan, who was the band's roadie at the time. Lombardo asked Hoglan to become his drum tutor, however, Hoglan was fired as a roadie as he had no idea what to do.^[3] During Slayer's 1986 "Reign in Pain" tour, which promoted the album ''Reign in Blood'', Lombardo left the band; "I wasn't making any money. I figured if we were gonna be doing this professionally, on a major label, I wanted my rent and utilities paid." The band enlisted Tony Scaglione of Whiplash as his replacement, however, Lombardo's wife, Teresa, convinced Dave to return in 1987.^[4] In 1992, Lombardo left Slayer, due to conflicts with band members and refusing to tour, as he desired to witness the birth of his first child.^[5]

Grip Inc.

Following the birth of his first child in 1993, Lombardo formed his own band with Voodoocult guitarist Waldemar Sorychta called Grip Inc.^[6]
The two recruited bassist Jason Viebrooks and vocalist Gus Chambers to complete the line-up, releasing their debut record in 1995. Entitled ''Power of Inner Strength'', the album was distributed via California based label Metal Blade Records. Prior to the release Lombardo described leaving Slayer as a career low, because he did not know what type of music to play.^[7] ''All Music Guide'' reviewer Vincent Jeffries singled out Lombardo for praise on the album, remarking that Slayer fans "will enjoy the drummer's double bass work and overall aggression throughout the disc."^[8] Sorychta asserts critics and music fans always spot mistakes in their music, because of Lombardo's popularity with Slayer – expecting the band to sound like Slayer and complain. However, when Lombardo uses the double bass drum, people complain "now Grip Inc. sound exactly like Slayer."^[9]
The band released ''Nemesis'' in 1997, which Jeffries praised due to Lombardo's "crushing drum work" that takes center stage. Bassist Viebrooks left the band and was replaced by Stuart Caruthers in 1999. With a new bassist, the band released ''Solidify'' in 1999, which was described as a step towards "progressive and exotic rhythms, structures, and instrumentations, while never compromising intensity." by Jeffries. Lombardo was once again praised for his drumming on the album by Jeffries, who stated his style is "expressive and technically excellent tom work on cuts like "Bug Juice" and "Lockdown".^[10] Lombardo is proud of Grip Inc. and believes it made him more creative as a musician.^[11]

Fantômas

In 1998, Lombardo joined a side project called Fantômas with former Faith No More vocalist Mike Patton. The band formed when Lombardo attended a Faith No More concert and was approached by Patton as concerns his "fusion" project (Grip Inc.). Several months later following the break-up of Faith No More, Lombardo received a phone call from Patton who asked if Lombardo would like to join his own fusion project. Lombardo accepted and replied "Fuck yeah!"^[5]
Lombardo asserted it was the hardest music he's played, saying "Slayer doesn't even come close. Slayer was hard in a physical way, but this is physically demanding as well and requires "feeling". (The kind of connectedness that demands) no clicking of sticks." The drummer musically described Fantômas by stating "if Picasso was a musician, this would be his music." Lombardo recorded five albums with the band and played drums for Testament on their 1999 album ''The Gathering''.

Side projects

In 1999, on his constant quest to expand his horizon as a drummer, Lombardo collaborated with Italian classical musician ''Lorenzo Arruga'' to record ''Vivaldi - The Meeting''. It is a seven-track album with drum improvisions on Vivaldi's work including two pieces from ''The Four Seasons'' composition.
In 2005 Lombardo recorded ''Drums of Death'' with DJ Spooky. Spooky played some records, with Lombardo playing along – interpreting his own rhythms. Spooky recorded the session and took the tapes to his New York recording studio, downloaded it onto his computer, mixing the beats and drums incorporating scratching and other DJ techniques.^[13] In a review by ''Glide Magazine'' Scott Peace-Miller gave the album a positive review for Lombardo's presence; "Lombardo's influence is front and center in the driving, up tempo "Quantum Cyborg Drum Machine," and the almost straight-up thrash of Kultur Krieg."^[14]
Lombardo recorded five tracks with the two Finnish classical heavy metal groups, Apocalyptica and Wintersun and on their 2004 album's ''Reflections'' and ''Wintersun''. Members of Apocalyptica members approached Lombardo at a drum clinic in Holland titled "Headbangers fest", and asked if Lombardo would like to do a duo with the band, he agreed. Apocalyptica enjoyed playing a duo and asked Lombardo if would like to record a song for their next album. He agreed, and the band sent him the recording tapes to his home recording studio in California where he recorded the drums.

Return to Slayer

Ten years after departing from Slayer, Lombardo received a phone call from King, who asked if he would like to perform a few shows;^[15] Paul Bostaph left the band because of a chronic elbow injury, stating it would hinder his ability to play. Slayer: Lombardo's back! Lombardo accepted, touring with the band – attending Ozzfest, H82k2, Summer Tour, and the 2004 Download Festival. While preparing for the Download Festival in England, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich was hospitalized for a mysterious illness. Metallica's vocalist James Hetfield searched for volunteers to replace Ulrich; Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison and Lombardo volunteered. Lombardo performed the songs "Battery" and "The Four Horsemen".^[16] While fans were pleased with Jordison and Lombardo's performance, many fans walked away disappointed after waiting over 90 minutes with no announcement of the delay, and the hour long set, which was deemed short.^[17] Lombardo recorded his final album to date with Grip Inc. in 2004, ''Incorporated''. However, he asserts the band is on the "back burner", because of time taken up touring with Slayer.

Lombardo rehearsing with Metallica hours before their set.

Lombardo recorded drums on Slayer's 2006 release ''Christ Illusion'', promoting the album on The Unholy Alliance tour. King asserts Lombardo is a major attraction for the fans, and one of the reasons for their surge in popularity. King and the other members of Slayer prefer him helming the drumkit, as do the other band members.^[18] Slayer bassist Tom Araya enjoys having Lombardo back in the band; "It's kind of right back where we started. He's an amazing performer. We took off right where we left off, you know? It's like he was never gone. He's working with Kerry on his tunes. He's helped out a lot actually!"^[19]
While ''Christ Illusion'' received mixed reviews, Lombardo's return was praised by critics.^[20] Chris Steffen of ''Rolling Stone'' asserts "''Christ Illusion'' is ''God Hates Us All'' without the memorable riffs, at least their awesome drummer Dave Lombardo shows off some chops, particularly on the raging "Supremist"."^[21] Don Kaye of ''Blabbermouth'' gave the album a mediocre review, however praising Lombardo; "One thing's for sure: Lombardo's influence on this band is absolutely undeniable. With no disrespect to Paul Bostaph, a fine drummer (and Jon Dette, who also did some work with the group in the mid-Nineties), Lombardo is simply essential to the Slayer sound. He is one of heavy rock's all-around best drummers, perhaps the very best in the field of thrash /speed metal, and his power, style, and chops — not to mention his intangible chemistry with the rest of the group and those amazing flying feet — bring Slayer's overall performance, intensity and music to a higher level."^[22]

Style and equipment

Lombardo is known for his fast, aggressive style of play utilizing the double bass technique which has earned him the title "the godfather of double bass" by Drummerworld. Lombardo states his reasons for using two bass drums: "when you hit the bass drum the head is still resonating. When you hit it in the same place right after that you kinda get a "slapback" from the bass drum head hitting the other pedal. You're not letting them breathe." When playing the double bass Lombardo uses the "heel-up" technique and places his pedals on an angle.^[23]
Lombardo has used a TAMA drum set since he was fourteen, purchasing a drum set/cymbal package sold at Guitar Center. The drum set was a TAMA Swingstar and a Paiste cymbal package. Lombardo used this kit to record Slayer's first record: "man, these are great drums. And they were synonymous with me, because I recorded my first record with that drumset, which is on the back of ''Show No Mercy''… you see that drumset." On Slayer's 2006 tour Lombardo used TAMA Starclassic Maple, with 18x24 kick drums, 6”, 8”, 10”, 12”, 14”, 15” rack toms, and 18” and 20” floor toms, 5.5”x14” hammered bronze snare and HP900P’s Power Glide drum pedals.

Influence on musicians

Rocky Gray, former member of the alternative rock band Evanescence was influenced by Lombardo's choice of equipment stating he was his hero; "All those old school guys are all TAMA guys. Where I'm from, if you're in the big time, you get a TAMA drum set. You have to be good if you've got a TAMA set."^[24] Per Möller Jensen of The Haunted cites Lombardo as a major influence, growing up listening to Slayer, which has a big influence on his style and The Haunted's.^[25] Suffocation drummer Mike Smith also cites Lombardo as an influence.^[26]
Richard Christy, former member of Death was 'blown away' by Dave's performance and double bass on the album ''Reign in Blood'',^[27] as was Cannibal Corpse drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz.^[28] Ray Herrera of the band Fear Factory cites Lombardo as one of his major influences,^[29] as does Pete Sandoval of Morbid Angel,^[30] exCradle of Filth drummer Adrian Erlandsson,^[31] Joey Jordison (Slipknot),^[32] and Krisiun drummer Max Kolesne.^[33] Patrick Grün of Caliban inspiration to play drums came from Lombardo,^[34] while Jason Bittner of Shadows Fall was inspired by Lombardo's double bass, utilizing double bass when starting his own music career.^[35]

Discography

Main articles: Dave Lombardo discography

Fantômas ★ 1999: ''Fantômas'' ★ 2001: ''The Director's Cut'' ★ 2004: ''Delìrium Còrdia'' ★ 2005: ''Suspended Animation'' Slayer ★ 1983: ''Show No Mercy'' ★ 1984: ''Haunting the Chapel'' ★ 1985: ''Hell Awaits'' ★ 1985: ''Live Undead'' ★ 1986: ''Reign in Blood'' ★ 1988: ''South of Heaven'' ★ 1990: ''Seasons in the Abyss'' ★ 1991: ''Decade of Aggression'' ★ 2006: ''Christ Illusion''

Grip Inc. ★ 1995: ''Power of Inner Strength'' ★ 1997: ''Nemesis'' ★ 1999: ''Solidify'' ★ 2004: ''Incorporated'' Other works ★ 1994: ''Jesus Killing Machine'' (Voodoocult album) ★ 1999: ''Taboo and Exile'' (John Zorn album) ★ 1999: ''The Gathering'' (Testament album) ★ 2000: ''Xu Feng'' (John Zorn album) ★ 2003: ''Reflections'' (Apocalyptica album) ★ 2005: ''Drums of Death'' (DJ Spooky vs. Dave Lombardo)

References

1. Jem Aswad & Ira Robbins, "''Slayer''" Overview, at TrouserPress.com; accessed September 9, 2006.
2. Drummerworld - Dave Lombardo
3. Dark Angel
4. An exclusive oral history of Slayer
5. Dave Lombardo: moving beyond Slayer Cohen, Albert
6. Waldemar Sorychta interview Lolk
7. Dave Lombardo interview Linsday, Cam
8. Power of Inner Strength - Review Jeffries, Vincent
9. Waldemar Sorychta interviewed by Lolk Lolk
10. Biography - Grip Inc. Jeffries, Vincent
11. Andrew Haug speaks with Dave Lombardo from Slayer Haug, Andrew
12. Dave Lombardo: moving beyond Slayer Cohen, Albert
13. Full Metal Racket - Audio interview with Dave Lombardo Haug, Andrew
14. DJ Spooky and Dave Lombardo Peace-Miller, Scott
15. Dave Lombardo (Slayer) Interview Bowar, Chad
16. Metallica's Lars Ulrich Hospitalized In Switzerland, Misses Show
17. Metallica review Download Festival 2004 Powell, Guy
18. Kerry King about Dave Lombardo
19. SLAYER INTERVIEW - TOM ARAYA
20. KNAC Review - Christ Illusion Atkinson, Peter
21. Advance of the Day: Slayer, “Christ Illusion” Steffen, Chris
22. SLAYER Christ Illusion (American) Kaye, Don
23. Dave Lombardo Modern Drummer Festival 2000
24. Rocky Gray (Evanescence)
25. A Telephone Conversation with The Haunted’s Drummer, Per M. Jensen
26. DRUMMER MIKE SMITH REMINISCES AS LEGENDARY NEW YORK DEATH METALLERS SUFFOCATION PREPARE TO UNVEIL THEIR LATEST ALBUM Morgan, Anthony
27. A Conversation With Richard Christy Bowar, Chad
28. Interview With Paul Mazurkiewicz of Cannibal Corpse L. Wilson, David
29. Fear Factory screams through the U.S. on Machines At War Tour Wolf, DC
30. MORBID ANGEL interview Cortez, Rick
31. INTERVIEW WITH ADRIAN ERLANDSSON Tobin, Dan
32. liveDaily Interview: Joey Jordison of Slipknot Zulaica, Don
33. Krisiun German, Eric
34. Caliban - Living The Dream Day, Tom
35. Proving Speed, Power, And Musicality Can Go Hand In Hand Haid, Mark