LAMB OF GOD drummer Art Cruz has offered an in-depth look into the creation of the band’s latest album, "Into Oblivion," a record that he describes as the most "organic" and personally resonant of his tenure with the iconic metal outfit. Speaking on the latest episode of the "Behind The Kit" podcast, hosted by Kyle Smith of Arizona Drummer, Cruz detailed the unique creative process behind the album, released on March 13 via Epic in the U.S. and Century Media in Europe. This release marks LAMB OF GOD’s tenth studio album and Cruz’s third contribution to their discography since officially joining the band in July 2019, following a period of filling in for original drummer Chris Adler.
"It was the most organic thing that we could have done as a band," Cruz stated, as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET. He elaborated on his personal drumming philosophy for this project, emphasizing a "less is more" approach. "I wanted to play what I thought 16-year-old Art would’ve wanted to hear," he explained, a sentiment that contrasts with the band’s historically technical sound. While acknowledging the absence of "extremely technical things" in the conventional sense, Cruz highlighted that the technicality present is relative to his own capabilities and artistic expression. "It’s technical for a player like me," he noted. This introspection led him to a more unadulterated creative flow, stating, "I went in very organically. I went in very purely. I went in very motivated… I feel like I just got all the shit out of the way that needed to get done. And it was just a lot of learning, evolving. And my creative flow – I think this is the most ‘me’ album."
Cruz’s reflections suggest a deliberate departure from the more elaborate arrangements of previous LAMB OF GOD albums, including 2020’s self-titled "Lamb Of God" and 2022’s "Omens." He articulated that "Into Oblivion" represents a significant personal milestone, signifying a deeper connection to his own artistic identity within the band’s established framework. The drummer’s evolution on this album is a key narrative, moving from a phase of learning the band’s established dynamics to a point of confident self-expression.
A New Era of Musical Purity and Personal Clarity
The drummer’s perspective on "Into Oblivion" is colored by a profound personal transformation. A significant factor in his creative approach was his sobriety, celebrating three years of sobriety in January. This personal victory fundamentally reshaped his perception and engagement with the music-making process. "My entire approach on this record was so different because not only is this my first record sober – that’s a big deal," Cruz revealed. He described a heightened sensory experience, where "the emotions are very loud and I’m feeling everything extra. Everything I touch is very – the smells are stronger, the studio is stronger, the lights are brighter." This enhanced presence allowed him to fully immerse himself in the creative endeavor, impacting his performance, preparation, and overall outlook.
Cruz detailed a rigorous six-month regimen of physical training and mental preparation leading up to the recording sessions. This commitment extended to his diet and overall well-being, a stark contrast to previous periods where he admits to being less present due to struggles with alcohol. "I actually was really hard on myself, and I had to learn how to get out of that too, ’cause I was being super paranoid about, like, ‘Oh, this part’s not good.’" This self-imposed pressure eventually gave way to a realization of core artistic principles: "less is more; real recognizes real; air drumming – literally all three of those things, man."
Charting the Creative Evolution: From "Lamb Of God" to "Into Oblivion"
The journey to "Into Oblivion" has been a deliberate evolution for Art Cruz within LAMB OF GOD. His initial integration into the band was a whirlwind. "My first LAMB OF GOD album, the self-titled, I was just getting off the last SLAYER tour and it’s, like, we’re gonna go home. ‘You wanna be in the band, right?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Okay, cool. We’re gonna write a record. We got songs already.’ I’m, like, ‘What is happening?’ Right into it." He characterized that debut as a "safe album," where his primary focus was learning the band’s established methodology and not deviating too far from their existing sound. This period was marked by a steep learning curve as he navigated the dynamics of working with a band of LAMB OF GOD’s caliber.
The subsequent album, "Omens," presented a different set of challenges and experiences. "The ‘Omens’ album that we did was a very high production, the band’s peak production – big-ass studio [in] Hollywood, month at a time, where you’re gonna stay out there for a month and pre-production and writing sessions." This experience, while valuable and novel for the band, was a departure from the more organic approach that would define "Into Oblivion."
"Into Oblivion," in contrast, unfolded with a naturalistic rhythm. "It happened so naturally, man. And early on in the creative process, I wasn’t sure what to expect, because it wasn’t the same. It was not like the ones we did before. So I’m, like, ‘This doesn’t feel right. Something feels off.’ So me, the way that I am as a person, like, ‘Oh, what do I do?’ I’m trying to figure out how to be involved in this and this. And sometimes you just have to settle down and pause and let it be what it’s gonna be. It’s totally out of my control." This acceptance of the process, a departure from his earlier anxieties, proved crucial.
The Uninfluenced Creation: Trust and Artistic Autonomy
A significant aspect of the "Into Oblivion" recording sessions, as articulated by Cruz, was the level of trust and creative freedom extended to him by his bandmates. Recognizing his role as a drummer who doesn’t play guitar, he understood the necessity of allowing the songwriting process to unfold organically. "I don’t play guitar. I gotta wait for the riff or wait for the song to be where it’s at," he explained. This led him to adopt a philosophy of attentive listening and ego suppression. "Shut up, drop the ego, listen. Learn to listen, listen to learn. That’s what I’ve learned a lot over the years. And these guys have taught me that."
This mindset was instrumental in his approach to "Into Oblivion." He deliberately purged external influences. "I’m gonna try to go in as pure as they possibly can. I’m gonna get off YouTube. I’m gonna get off social media. I’m gonna stop looking at other drummers, perfect drummers, and listening to albums that are coming out right now." This intentional isolation from the contemporary music scene allowed him to tap into his own creative wellspring.
The band’s faith in his abilities was palpable. "The songs weren’t gonna change. It was like, ‘Here, kid. Here are the songs.’ I didn’t know that then, but I know that now, that that was them putting faith in me and knowing what I can do." This trust manifested as a directive to simply "Do what you do." "They weren’t directing me. They’re just, like, ‘Just do what you’re gonna do. The songs aren’t changing.’" For Cruz, this was a pivotal moment, representing "the best thing that ever happened to me." The result is an album he considers "uninfluenced," a pure distillation of his own artistic essence, leading him to proudly declare it "my best record. For me, it’s my favorite record of all time. Like, for real."
Critical Acclaim and the Enduring Legacy of LAMB OF GOD
"Into Oblivion" has been met with considerable critical praise, solidifying LAMB OF GOD’s position as a dominant force in contemporary heavy metal. In the lead-up to its release, the band graced the covers of prominent music publications such as Metal Hammer and Kerrang!, with critics lauding the album’s visceral intensity and continued relevance. The Associated Press, in their weekly highlights, described the album as "10 tracks of ferocity," underscoring its raw power. Brooklyn Vegan offered a compelling assessment, stating, "the band spends these 10 songs reminding the world that their reign as New Wave Of American Heavy Metal giants is far from over." SPIN echoed this sentiment, noting that the band is "channeling America’s unraveling into a ferocious new album."
The album’s production, helmed by longtime collaborator Josh Wilbur, further enhances its impact. Recorded across geographically significant locations for the band, the drums were tracked in Richmond, Virginia, a city deeply intertwined with LAMB OF GOD’s origins. Guitars and bass were laid down at guitarist Mark Morton’s home studio, fostering an intimate creative environment. Vocals were recorded by Randy Blythe at the legendary Total Access studio in Redondo Beach, California, a site steeped in punk rock history, having hosted seminal recordings by bands like BLACK FLAG, HÁœSKER DÃœ, and DESCENDENTS. This diverse recording approach contributes to the album’s multifaceted sonic landscape.
"Into Oblivion" is available in multiple formats, catering to a wide range of fans. These include various vinyl editions, offering collectors different sonic and visual experiences. A special collectible CD edition features a limited-edition companion zine, complete with album art sketches, handwritten lyrics, and exclusive studio photographs, providing fans with a deeper dive into the album’s creation.
Art Cruz’s journey from filling in for a founding member to becoming an integral and influential voice within LAMB OF GOD is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and artistic growth. "Into Oblivion" stands not only as a significant chapter in the band’s illustrious career but also as a powerful personal statement from a musician who has found profound clarity and creative fulfillment through embracing authenticity and overcoming adversity. The album’s reception suggests that this blend of raw honesty and artistic evolution resonates deeply with both critics and fans alike, ensuring LAMB OF GOD’s continued reign at the forefront of heavy music.