Dave Lombardo, renowned as one of metal's top drummers, solidified his legacy with Slayer through his technical prowess and lightning-fast drumming on albums like Reign in Blood and Seasons in the Abyss. His diverse musical journey extended beyond Slayer, collaborating with artists such as Mike Patton and the Melvins in Fantômas, drumming for bands like the Misfits and Suicidal Tendencies, and exploring different genres with various projects. Lombardo's solo album, Rites of Percussion, released in 2023, showcased his wide-ranging drumming skills and atmospheric compositions.

Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1965, Lombardo's move to Los Angeles ignited his passion for drums at a young age, influenced by rock rhythms and genres spanning from blues to disco. Co-founding Slayer in 1982 with Kerry King, Lombardo's drumming was integral to the band's rise in the thrash metal scene, notably on Reign in Blood. Departing Slayer in 1992, Lombardo pursued diverse musical endeavors with Grip Inc. and collaborations with Testament, John Zorn, and Mike Patton. Despite reuniting with Slayer in 2001, Lombardo continued to explore new projects, culminating in his solo album release, Rites of Percussion, in 2023.