Art Cruz is a celebrated heavy metal drummer known for his powerful drumming and dynamic stage presence. Born on May 27, 1988 in the East Los Angeles suburb city of South El Monte, Cruz’s initial introduction to drumming began at home to the sounds of Carlos Santana. In addition to the standard drum kit inspirations for most drummers, it was Santana’s variety of percussion instruments, such as congas, timbales, and bongos, that truly created the foundation for Art’s passion for drumming.
His journey in the heavy metal scene began in the backyards of East LA, performing with his first musical group composed of students and members of the South El Monte High School Marching Band. Through countless competitions, parades, and backyard shows, these valuable performance experiences provided Cruz the confidence, stage presence, and drive which carried him to the next chapter of his drumming career.
Art soon became the Metal genre's top touring drummers with bands like Winds of Plague and Prong, but truly rose to prominence as the drummer of Lamb Of God in 2019. With LOG as his favorite band, he made his 2020 recording debut with the band with a whirlwind introduction. Like the historic additions of Bruce Dickinson, Jason Newsted, or Paul Bostaph, Cruz commands his position with passion, sweat, and expansive dynamics, reenergizing Lamb Of God's overall sound.
He often speaks about the influence of his cultural background on his creativity and musical identity. Cruz’s passion for music and his heritage resonates deeply with fans, inspiring a new generation of musicians from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams. With each performance, he honors his roots while pushing the boundaries of heavy metal, making him a powerful voice in the genre.