Grip Inc.

History

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.

Current line-up

Dave Lombardo – Drums, Percussion

Waldemar Sorychta – Guitar, Bass

Former members

Gus Chambers

Gus Chambers (1956 – 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 a toxic combination of his medication and alcohol.

Chaz Grimaldi

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

Bobby Gustafson played guitar for the group.

Jason Viebrooks

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

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

Stuart Carruthers

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.