Art Cruz

Arthur "Art" Cruz (born May 27, 1988) is an American drummer and songwriter who is currently playing with heavy metal band Lamb of God and symphonic deathcore band Winds of Plague. He is also the former drummer of Prong and Klogr.

Art Cruz
Cruz performing with Prong in 2014
Background information
Birth name	Arthur Cruz
Born	May 27, 1988 Downey, California, U.S.
Origin	South El Monte, California, U.S.
Genres	Groove metal thrash metal deathcore metalcore symphonic metal
Occupation(s)	Musician songwriter
Instruments	Drums percussion
Years active	2008–present
Labels	Epic Century Media eOne Good Fight
Associated acts	Lamb of God Winds of Plague Prong Klogr The Rasmus

Early life

Cruz was born May 27, 1988 in Downey, California. He grew up in the suburb city of South El Monte located east of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley. While attending South El Monte High School, Cruz joined the marching band percussion section and performed from 2004–2006.[1]

Music career

Winds of Plague

In 2008, Cruz was asked to join Winds of Plague and recorded the album The Great Stone War. The album peaked at No. 72 on the Billboard 200.[2] In 2011 he performed on the band's next album, Against the World, which peaked at No. 60 on the Billboard 200. In 2012, Cruz left Winds of Plague citing "creative differences".[3] Cruz returned as their drummer in 2015, and would also perform on the album Blood of My Enemy in 2017.

Prong

Following his departure from Winds of Plague, Cruz was asked to play for Prong. Cruz has toured and recorded on their album Songs from the Black Hole. Cruz left Prong in 2018.

Klogr and The Rasmus

In 2017, Cruz collaborated on drums on alternative metal project Klogr for the single Technocracy and a European Tour with The Rasmus.

Lamb of God

In 2018, Cruz filled in for Chris Adler on Lamb of God's North American tour, which also included supporting Slayer on their farewell tour.

In 2019, he officially became the drummer for Lamb of God following Chris Adler’s departure from the band.[4]

Cruz's first release with Lamb of God was their 2020 self-titled album.[5]

Equipment

Cruz endorses Meinl Cymbals,[1] Ludwig Drums, Trick Pedals, and Vic Firth.

Drums: Ludwig Classic Oak

Sticks: Vic Firth

• Vic Firth 5B drumsticks

Cymbals: Meinl

• Classics Custom Dark dark trash china 16"
• Classics Custom Dark dark hi-hats 14"
• Classics Custom Dark dark trash crash 14"
• Classics Custom Brilliant bell 8"
• Classics Custom Dark dark splash 8"
• Byzance Brilliant 19" medium thin crash
• Classics Custom Dark dark trash crash 16"
• Pure Alloy medium crash 18"
• Classics Custom Dark dark crash 20"
• Byzance Brilliant heavy hammered ride 22"
• Classics Custom Dark dark china 18"

Personal life

Cruz is an avid baseball fan and is known to be a die hard Los Angeles Dodger fan. With this, Cruz Founded and owns the Lifestyle Baseball Apparel brand, BASELORDS. In addition, Cruz is an amateur Illusionist and is said to perform sleight of hand or micromagic.

Discography

Lamb of God

• Lamb of God (2020)

Winds of Plague

• The Great Stone War (2009)
• Against the World (2011)
• Blood of My Enemy (2017)

Prong

• Songs from the Black Hole (2015)
• X – No Absolutes (2016)
• Zero Days (2017)

References

1. Art Cruz - Meinl Cymbals
2. "Winds of Plague – Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
3. Winds of Plague and Drummer Art Cruz Go Their Separate Ways - Loudwire.com
4. "LAMB OF GOD Parts Ways With Drummer Chris Adler; Replacement Announced". Metal Injection. 2019-07-19. Retrieved 2019-07-22.
5. "LAMB OF GOD To Release Self-Titled Album In May; Track Listing, Cover Artwork Unveiled". Blabbermouth.net. February 5, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2020.