Dave Lombardo: The Godfather of Double Bass Drumming

- The Legendary Drummer Who Revolutionized Thrash Metal and Beyond

Dave Lombardo is a legendary heavy metal drummer, best known for his pioneering work with Slayer. Born in Havana, Cuba in 1965, he moved to Los Angeles and co-founded Slayer in the early 1980s. His fast, intricate drumming on Reign in Blood set new standards for thrash metal. Beyond Slayer, he played with Testament, Fantômas, Suicidal Tendencies, and John Zorn. Renowned for his technical skill and innovation, he was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2016.

DAVE LOMBARDO - Drums

Dave Lombardo (Full-name: David Vincent Lombardo) is widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in the history of heavy metal music. Known for his lightning-fast double bass drumming, complex rhythms, and innovative playing style, Lombardo has had a profound impact on the genre, influencing countless drummers and bands over the course of his career.

Lombardo was born in Havana, Cuba in 1965, but his family moved to Los Angeles when he was just two years old. He began playing drums at a young age and quickly developed a love for heavy metal music, citing bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden as early influences. In the early 1980s, Lombardo co-founded the thrash metal band Slayer along with guitarist Kerry King and vocalist/bassist Tom Araya.

With Lombardo on drums, Slayer quickly became one of the most influential and successful bands in the thrash metal scene. Their 1986 album "Reign in Blood" is widely regarded as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time, featuring Lombardo's lightning-fast drumming and complex rhythms on tracks like "Angel of Death" and "Raining Blood." Lombardo's playing on "Reign in Blood" set a new standard for thrash metal drumming and helped cement Slayer's place in heavy metal history.

Lombardo's playing continued to evolve over the years, and he became known for his technical skill, complex rhythms, and ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music. In addition to his work with Slayer, Lombardo has played with a wide range of other artists, including Testament, Fantômas, Grip Inc., and Suicidal Tendencies. He has also collaborated with musicians outside of the heavy metal genre, including avant-garde jazz saxophonist John Zorn.

One of Lombardo's most notable collaborations was with guitarist Mike Patton in the experimental supergroup Fantômas. The band's music was a fusion of heavy metal, avant-garde jazz, and noise rock, and Lombardo's playing was a key component of their sound. His ability to seamlessly transition between different time signatures and rhythms was especially evident in Fantômas' music, and his technical proficiency on the drums was a perfect complement to Patton's experimental vocals.

Despite his numerous accomplishments, Lombardo has remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his career. He has been praised by fans, fellow musicians, and critics alike for his technical skill, innovation, and contributions to heavy metal music. In recognition of his achievements, Lombardo was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2016.

Slayer: The Thrash Metal Pioneers and Controversial Legends of Heavy Music

SLAYER – Black Serenade
SLAYER – Black Serenade album front cover vinyl record

"Black Serenade" is not an official Slayer album. Released in Germany, it compiles various bonus tracks and B-sides, likely sourced from singles and EPs. While the vinyl itself might be a collector's item

Black Serenade 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Christ Illusion
SLAYER - Christ Illusion album front cover vinyl record

Slayer’s Christ Illusion (2006) marked the return of drummer Dave Lombardo and showcased the band’s aggressive thrash sound. Featuring Grammy-winning tracks ‘Eyes of the Insane’ and ‘Final Six,’ the album’s controversial Larry Carroll artwork and themes of war and religion cement it as a standout in Slayer’s legendary discography.

Christ Illusion 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Diabolus in Musica
SLAYER - Diabolus in Musica album front cover vinyl record

One of the standout features on "Diabolus in Musica" is the songwriting contributions of guitarist Jeff Hanneman. Known for his powerful riffs and dark lyrical themes, Hanneman's influence is palpable throughout the record.

Diabolus in Musica 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Eyes of the Insane
SLAYER - Eyes of the insane (Red Vinyl) album front cover vinyl record

"Eyes of the Insane" is the 2006 single by Slayer, taken from their 2006 album Christ Illusion. The lyrics explore an American soldier's mental anguish following his return home from the second Gulf War

Eyes of the insane (Red Vinyl) 7" Vinyl Single
SLAYER - God Hates Us All
SLAYER - God Hates Us All album front cover vinyl record

The album opens with the track "Darkness of Christ," which features a sample from a speech by actress Gina Gershon in the film "Bound." This sample sets the stage for the rest of the album, as it is a chilling and ominous

God Hates Us All 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel (Canadian & USA Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel (Canadian & USA Releases) album front cover vinyl record

Slayer's 1984 EP "Haunting the Chapel" showcased their evolving thrash metal sound. Despite sharing the same haunting cover as the US release, the Canadian Banzai 12" Vinyl LP edition holds collector's appeal

SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel (1984, Canada) SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel (1984, USA)
SLAYER - Hell Awaits
SLAYER - Hell Awaits album front cover vinyl record

Released in 1985, "Hell Awaits" was the sophomore album from Slayer, following their debut opus, "Show No Mercy." It marked a significant evolution in their sound, as they delved deeper into the dark and macabre territories

Hell Awaits 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Live in Montreux 2002
SLAYER - Live in Montreux 2002 album front cover vinyl record

Slayer's "Live in Montreux - 2002" captures their fiery 2002 performance at the Swiss Jazz Festival. This double LP unleashes thrash anthems like "Raining Blood" and "Angel of Death" on hot wax,

Live in Montreux 2002 12" Vinyl 2LP
SLAYER - Live Undead (Two different versions) 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Live Undead (Two different versions) album front cover vinyl record

This reissue includes the bone-crushing bonus track "Chemical Warfare," a studio scorcher that complements the raw energy of the live recordings.

SLAYER - Live Undead ( Record Label with Blood Dripping AXE ) SLAYER - Live Undead (Record Label with Red Guitar)
SLAYER - Live Undead / Haunting the Chapel
SLAYER - Live Undead / Haunting the Chapel Ltd Ed Blue album front cover vinyl record

Calling all thrash maniacs and Slayer disciples! A sonic assault from the band's early days is back for a limited pressing on stunning blue vinyl. "Live Undead / Haunting the Chapel" combines the raw energy of Slayer's

Live Undead / Haunting the Chapel Ltd Ed Blue 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Reign in Blood
SLAYER - Reign in Blood album front cover vinyl record

Slayer’s Reign in Blood (1986) is a thrash metal masterpiece renowned for its relentless speed and aggression. Featuring iconic tracks like ‘Angel of Death’ and ‘Raining Blood,’ the album set a new standard for the genre. Its dark themes and technical brilliance earned critical acclaim, making it a landmark release in heavy metal history and a pivotal influence on countless bands.

Reign in Blood 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Seasons in the Abyss
SLAYER - Seasons in the Abyss album front cover vinyl record

This album Seasons in the Abyss is the fifth studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer. It was released on 9 October 1990, through Def American Records, and later through American Recordings

Seasons in the Abyss 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Show No Mercy (Black & Coloured Vinyl Versions)
SLAYER - Show No Mercy (Black & Coloured Vinyl Versions) album front cover vinyl record

"Show No Mercy" Three different versions of coloured vinyl, originally released in December 1983. Brian Slagel signed the band to Metal Blade after watching the band perform the song "Phantom of the Opera" by Iron Maiden.

SLAYER - Show No Mercy (Black Vinyl, Netherlands) SLAYER - Show No Mercy (Grey Vinyl, UK SLAYER - Show No Mercy (White Vinyl, UK)
SLAYER - South of Heaven
SLAYER - South of Heaven album front cover vinyl record

Slayer’s South of Heaven (1988) marks a turning point in their discography, introducing a slower, more atmospheric approach while retaining their trademark aggression. The album showcases tracks like ‘Mandatory Suicide’ and the title track, which became live staples. This release pushed the boundaries of thrash metal, cementing Slayer’s reputation as one of the genre’s most innovative and influential bands.

South of Heaven 12" Vinyl LP