Dave Lombardo reflects on artistic growth outside of Slayer

Dave Lombardo is one of the few drummers who has had such an impact on heavy metal music. Lombardo has spent decades pushing the limits of percussion in a variety of projects, but he is most known for his work with Slayer. During a recent interview with Fistful of Metal magazine (via Blabbermouth), Lombardo talked candidly about his strength, which is his ability to fit in with a wide variety of musical styles. When the relentless touring cycle with Slayer left him looking for fresh creative outlets in the late 1980s, Lombardo showed a willingness to venture outside of his comfort zone.

Way back in ’89, after touring month after month with Slayer, I was feeling a little frustrated after doing the same old thing day after day. It became so repetitive, and I really had an overwhelming urge to do something different. Something that really challenged my ability. I wanted to branch out and work with other musicians, so in the early ’90s, I started working with Testament and Fantômas. I felt that I was a little bit of a chameleon, where I could just adapt to so many different styles of music and work with a varied range of guitar players and tempos – especially with Fantômas. The dynamics change so fast with Fantômas, so I had to adapt very quickly to the arrangements, and I’m so thankful that Mike saw my ability to do just that. It was a lot of fun working together back then, and it still is today. I’m eternally grateful to him for inviting me along for this wild ride – not to mention introducing me to John Zorn. That was really the moment for me that changed so much. This was what I was really hungry for when I think back to that frustrated feeling in ’89.

Lombardo has always been motivated by the need for artistic freedom. That belief has only been strengthened by his longstanding partnerships with Mike Patton.

I’ve worked with Mike on so many projects, and he always told me to follow my instincts and not to be afraid to put out my art into the world. That made a huge impact on my confidence and was a big part of the decision process when it came to my solo stuff. I’m also very aware that social media is a monster, and as good as it can be at times, it can also destroy artists. So that’s always in the back of my mind, but then that punk attitude kicks in and I just don’t give a fuck of what anyone thinks.

With his most recent project, Venamoris, he and his wife, Paula Lombardo, are delving into a very intimate aspect of his artistic side. Regarding the creation of Venamoris‘ most recent album, “To Cross Or To Burn”, he said it was an experience that had never been had in his illustrious career.

This is such a personal album, that is born and created in our home. We have full control of sounds, rhythms, atmospheric drones and textures, etc. We decide on everything, and that makes it so special. The fact that these are Paula’s lyrics also is kind of scary for her, as it’s some very personal lyrics for her, and that can be very daunting to show the world. Making this album was a very liberating experience for both of us. I’m used to a producer breathing down my neck or a tight deadline for some projects, but with Venamoris, everything was on our terms.