A short, yet long, five years have come to pass since the Heavy Metal leviathan called Lamb Of God graced the world with new music. In 2015, the Lamb Of God LP VII: Sturm und Drang debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and finished in the No. 2 spot on the world charts, reaching the Top 5 in five countries, and six additional Top 15 positions. Since then, Lamb Of God have taken a couple of short breaks.
In 2018, Lamb Of God held the direct support spot on Slayer’s final tour. Then, early 2019 saw Guitarist Mark Morton release his first solo effort with the album Anesthetic which featured appearances by major names like the late Chester Bennington. Sadly, fall of 2019 saw the official departure of Drummer Chris Adler as Lamb Of God welcome new drummer, Art Cruz (Winds of Plague, ex-Prong).
Today, a loyal fanbase will have their hunger for new material satisfied when Lamb Of God officially release their new album, simply titled Lamb Of God, on Friday, June 19, 2020 via Epic Records. With Producer Josh Wilbur (Korn, Megadeth, Gojira, Trivium) once again on board, Lamb Of God set out to create new music that ultimately defines this band who once delivered masterful hits like “Redneck,” Walk with Me In Hell,” and “Black Label.” Overall, Lamb Of God are extremely proud of this new material and in regard to the decision to poetically label it a self-titled album, Vocalist Randy Blythe stated:“Putting only our name on it is a statement. This is LAMB OF GOD. Here and now.”
To warm up the fans, Lamb Of God began releasing singles early in the year. On February 5, 2020, Lamb Of God released the first single, “Checkmate.” Politically charged and heavy, this track really takes the time to grow under your skin before you realize the true viciousness of the track. With an emphatic statement, Morton said: “Checkmate” brings together all the components of the LAMB OF GOD sound that we’ve been developing over the last two decades, but with the ambition and ferocity that comes with the start of a new chapter for our band. Re-energized and reignited, this is LAMB OF GOD 2020. We’ve never been more excited.”
Following the release of “Checkmate,” Lamb of God dropped the next single, “Memento Mori.” As single number two, “Memento Mori” opens Lamb Of God tearing it up with brutality and an end that is imminent. Jumping into deeper tracks, “Gears” is a song which exposes the evils that attempt to direct our lives followed by a track which is a vivid and aggressive reminder of todays world in “Reality Bath.” The third single off Lamb Of God, “New Colossal Hate” is next followed by “Resurrection Man.” An unexpected surprise, Lamb Of God welcome two legendary guests as Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta joins in on “Poison Dream” and Testament’s Chuck Billy for “Routes.” Lastly, Lamb Of God bring it home with a very enjoyable “Bloodshot Eyes” and take it back to their roots and darkest depths for “On The Hook.”
Depending on your taste in Metal, not including the cover album performed under the name Burn The Priest, 2018’s Legion: XX, between 2012’s Resolution, 2015’s VII: Sturm und Drang, and now Lamb Of God, Lamb Of God have engineered what is arguably the best of these three albums. Socially charged, Blythe is well read in societies issues and it shows through the lyrics and his passionate screams. Beside him, Morton, Cruz, Bassist John Campbell, and Guitarist Willie Adler all do a killer job blazing through these new tracks. That being said, dedicated fans will be pleased as Cryptic Rock gives Lamb Of God 4 out of 5 stars.
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