Grip Inc.

All Music Guide:

Ex-Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo put Grip Inc. together in the mid-'90s after leaving one of metal's most successful acts in order to better manage his personal life and expand his creative possibilities. Lombardo was idolized by fans and musicians in awe of the power, speed, and control he exhibited on the drum kit while with Slayer, and the more dynamic but still quite heavy music of Grip Inc. only enhanced the drummer's reputation as a true metal virtuoso. While Grip Inc. is clearly led by Lombardo, the group's records are much more than the percussion exercises some listeners might expect. Vocalist Gus Chambers and guitarist/producer Waldemar Sorychta each play essential roles in the band's creative process and manage never to get overrun on record by Lombardo's unstoppable, massive drumming. The group debuted in 1995 on Metal Blade Records with the release Power of Inner Strength. The most relentless collection of their career, this first offering displayed Lombardo's musical depth and commitment to power, while his bandmate's (including bassist Jason Viebrooks) deftly rode Lombardo's rhythmic wave like surfers gliding over gushing molten rock.

Grip Inc. followed up Power of Inner Strength with Nemesis in 1997. This follow-up definitely followed the formula established two years earlier, but with some added progressive flavor and a few quieter moments. In 1999, bassist Stuart Caruthers replaced Viebrooks and Solidify was released featuring the updated lineup. Aptly titled, the group's third disc is perhaps their most accomplished and ambitious work. Solidify certainly furthered Grip Inc.'s trend toward more progressive and exotic rhythms, structures, and instrumentations, while never compromising intensity. Sorychta's producing efforts on each of the three recordings deserves special mention. The guitarist's blistering riffs are equaled if not eclipsed by his impressive tones and mixes that have a strengthening affect on the group's aggressive metal. With their commitment to musical growth and a great instinct for pure heaviness, Grip Inc. are one of metal's best late-'90s musical treats.

Wikipedia:

Grip Inc. is a groove metal band and side project of drummer Dave Lombardo. The band was formed in 1993, and are signed to SPV Records. The band has been on and off since it formed, although its future is uncertain due to drummer Dave Lombardo returning to Slayer and the death of frontman Gus Chambers. Grip Inc. reformed in 2013 with Casey Chaos of Amen on vocals.

History [edit]

Following the birth of his first child in 1993, Lombardo formed Grip Inc. with Voodoocult guitarist Waldemar Sorychta.

The pair recruited bassist Jason Viebrooks and vocalist Gus Chambers to complete the line-up, releasing their debut record in 1995. Entitled Power of Inner Strength, the album was distributed via California-based label Metal Blade Records.

Prior to the album's release Lombardo described leaving Slayer as a career low, because he did not know what type of music to play. Allmusic reviewer Vincent Jeffries singled out Lombardo for praise on the album, remarking that Slayer fans "will enjoy the drummer's double bass work and overall aggression throughout the disc." Sorychta asserts critics and music fans always spot mistakes in their music, because of Lombardo's popularity with Slayer – expecting the band to sound like Slayer and complain. However, when Lombardo uses the double bass drum, Sorychta asserted people complain "now Grip Inc. sound exactly like Slayer."

The band released Nemesis in 1997; Jeffries praised Lombardo's "crushing drum work" which takes center stage on the album. Bassist Viebrooks left the band and was replaced by Stuart Carruthers in 1997. With a new bassist, the band released Solidify in 1999, which was described as a step towards "progressive and exotic rhythms, structures, and instrumentations, while never compromising intensity" by Jeffries.

Members [edit]

Current line-up [edit]

Former members [edit]

Gus Chambers [edit]

Gus Chambers (1958 – 13 October 2008) took over vocals in Coventry punk band Squad (formed late 1977) from Terry Hall (who left to form The Specials). They released their first single Red Alert in 1978. Terry Hall had helped pen several of the tracks on the first single before he left.

Chambers later went on to form Grip Inc. in 1993 as well as Squad 21 and Squealer A.D. He died on 13 October 2008 of an apparent suicide, but was later confirmed to be caused by the accidental combination of medication and alcohol.

Chaz Grimaldi [edit]

Chaz Grimaldi played bass for the band, he is currently with Grim Reaper & Isolation in the U.K. He was with Baltimore band Unbroken from October 2004 to January 2008.

Bobby Gustafson [edit]

Bobby Gustafson played guitar for the group.

Jason Viebrooks [edit]

Jason Viebrooks played bass on the first two albums before his departure. He is currently with Cincinnati outfit Lorenzo. Jason is just a session player for Lorenzo and is the full time bassist for Heathen once again

Eric Glass [edit]

Eric Glass is a former bass player for the band, playing on the US & Japan legs of the Nemesis tour.

Stuart Carruthers [edit]

Stuart Carruthers is a former bass player for the band, having toured Nemesis as well as recording Bass Guitar on and touring the album Solidify.

Music videos [edit]