Former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo discussed his creative frustrations in a recent interview with Fistful of Metal. He detailed how Slayer’s repetitive touring schedule in the late 1980s led him to pursue new musical challenges.
“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 revealed. “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.”
This period marked a significant transition in Lombardo’s career. His journey led to several notable collaborations and musical experiments that shaped his artistic path.
Personal Reasons Behind The Departure
Documentation from historical records revealed multiple factors behind Lombardo’s first departure from Slayer in the early 1990s. Beyond creative differences, he prioritized being present for the birth of his first child.
This transitional period gave Lombardo space to evaluate his musical direction. He balanced his family commitments while exploring new artistic territories.
The Fantômas Challenge
Blabbermouth highlighted Fantômas as the most demanding project in Lombardo’s career. The band’s complex compositions pushed his technical abilities to unprecedented levels.
Lombardo drew parallels between Fantômas’ innovative sound and Picasso’s artworks. The music demanded both emotional depth and technical precision from his playing style.
Collaboration With Mike Patton
Metal Injection documented the significant impact of Lombardo’s partnership with Faith No More’s Mike Patton. Their creative synergy extended far beyond their initial work in Fantômas.
The duo’s musical connection flourished through various projects, including Dead Cross. This collaboration showcased Lombardo’s successful transition from structured thrash metal to experimental musical territories.
