LAMB OF GOD – ‘Lamb of God’ Album Review

Review by JOHN BEAR

20 June, 2020

It’s been five years since LAMB OF GOD’s last release and this ‘self-titled’ album could be their best to date. Bringing in new drummer, Art Cruz, has made the band sound more vital with a new level of groove and aggression.

‘Memento Mori’ opens the proceedings with heavy dark atmospheres, before kicking the doors down with a brutal riff that gives way to a moshing that can only be LAMB OF GOD. True to us all, the mental torture of every day life “A depression fed by overload, False perceptions, the weight of the world” you can feel the sensory and emotional torment. ‘Checkmate‘ ups the anti with a brutal slab of thrash that screams for a circle pit to break out. A two finger salute to the manipulative establishment, powers that be. Single ‘New Colossal Hate’ is a real high point harmoniously, showcasing just how impressively Art Cruz and bass player John Campbell have gelled into a formidable rhythm section, combined with a faultless vocal performance by Randy Blythe.

‘Resurrection Man‘ takes the tempo down a touch and brings to mind the horror of your worst fears, nightmares, before morphing into a classic Slayer vibe, with Blythe’s vocals verging on the demonic. ‘Poison Dream’ featuring Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta, is just immense with some sublime interplay from guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler wearing their Slayer influences with pride. ‘Routes‘ is an absolute riot, as the band and Testament’s Chuck Billy brings it Bay Area style with this classic thrash monster.

‘Blood Shot Eyes’ Blythe’s venomous vocals spew out anger and regret for time and effort wasted on a bad relationship, slamming the door and making it plain there’s no way back – this aggressive track begs for repeated plays with a relentless riff that refuses to quit.

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This whole album is monstrous, a psychological turmoil, true or imagined, without fear of consequence.

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8 Albums in and LAMB OF GOD have manifested with such force, ready to take it all on with an iron fist. You’ll have no choice but to take notice. Masters of creation… the throne is theirs!! 10/10

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The self-titled ‘Lamb Of God’ out via Nuclear Blast Records.