Former Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler has disclosed details about band offers he received following his departure from the metal group, including an opportunity with Testament, in an interview with Blabbermouth.
When asked about joining other bands, Adler revealed he continues to receive various opportunities and has been selective about his choices.
“It still happens, yes,” Adler said. “In the past month, I’ve done maybe three or four for-hire things. I’m able to do those from the studio that I have in my house.”
The drummer explained his approach to selecting new projects. He emphasized his desire to explore different musical territories.
“If I’m into it and it’s something interesting, and actually, the more recent ones that I’ve picked to do were really outside of what I’m known to do, just to challenge myself and do something different,” he continued. “I know people are going to expect me to do what I did in Lamb, but I want to challenge myself and do something else. Part of this chapter two is something new.”
Adler then revealed the Testament opportunity. It came at a particularly challenging time in his personal life.
“There have been offers, right from the start,” he said. “I don’t think they would mind saying it. I think Gene [Hoglan] was leaving Testament, and they got in touch right away. That was right when I decided to start chapter two.”
He explained why he ultimately declined the Testament position. He cited personal circumstances that made the timing unsuitable.
“There were a lot of things going on,” Adler said. “I was in the middle of a terrible divorce; my mom just died. I got diagnosed with an issue that was making things a lot more difficult at the time. It wasn’t right for me. There are opportunities, but I’m enjoying, right now, saying yes to the ones I like and being able to be comfortable enough to turn some things down.”
Adler’s departure from Lamb of God marked the end of a significant chapter in his career. He spent two decades with the Richmond-based metal band he co-founded in 1999.
Loudwire reported that Adler’s decision to turn down Testament’s offer came after establishing himself as one of metal’s most recognizable drummers through his work with Lamb of God. His drumming style, characterized by a unique open-handed technique and heel-toe method, helped define the band’s sound across multiple Grammy-nominated albums.
Beyond his work with Lamb of God, Metal Injection noted that Adler also made his mark with Megadeth. He contributed to their Grammy-winning album “Dystopia” and participated in the subsequent touring cycle. This collaboration with the thrash metal legends further solidified his reputation in the metal community. It demonstrated his versatility across different subgenres.
The Testament opportunity represented a potential continuation of Adler’s high-profile career. The band sought to replace Gene Hoglan, who had been their drummer since 2011. Blabbermouth revealed that Testament’s immediate outreach to Adler following Hoglan’s departure highlighted the drummer’s standing within the metal community. It showed the respect he commands among his peers.
Instead of joining Testament, Adler has focused on his new project Firstborne. This multinational collaboration represents his “chapter two” approach to music. The band features Indian vocalist Girish Pradhan and guitarist Myrone. Their debut album “Lucky” is scheduled for release, marking Adler’s commitment to exploring new musical territories beyond his established metal foundation.
