Former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo shared his experiences about creative restrictions in the band. He revealed these details in an interview with Fistful of Metal.
“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,” Lombardo said. “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,” he continued. “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.”
His revelation illuminates a pivotal period in his career that sparked significant musical changes.
Wikipedia documented Lombardo’s complex history with Slayer. His first departure occurred in 1986 due to financial concerns. He returned to the band the following year.
The drummer’s second exit in 1992 stemmed from personal priorities. Metal Addicts reported that Lombardo left when Slayer scheduled a festival conflicting with his first child’s expected birth date. He chose family commitments over the band’s schedule.
Lombardo’s musical journey took an experimental turn after these departures. He joined Fantômas in 1998, collaborating with Faith No More’s vocalist Mike Patton and Melvins’ guitarist Buzz Osborne. Wikipedia noted that Lombardo compared Fantômas’s sound to Picasso’s work. He described the project as physically demanding.
The mid-1990s saw Lombardo form Grip Inc. This new venture demonstrated his versatility beyond thrash metal. It showcased his willingness to explore diverse musical styles.
