Triumph over adversity, the old adage couldn’t be more apt. Bands like the Richmond quintet only come around once every decade. Consistently releasing punishing, groove oriented metal Lamb of God are one of the most forward thinking bands of our time. Often labelled as a Pantera copycat, which personally I feel to be completely wrong and derogatory of the entire Lamb of God ethos. Combine their already reliant back catalogue that the band pertain, with the now very public trial that Randy Blythe went through after the man was held in Prague, following an alleged case of manslaughter. Essentially the most important album of their career, VII : Sturm Und Drang is make or break
[tracklist]
1. Still Echoes
2. Erase This
3. 512
4. Embers
5. Footprints
6. Overlord
7. Anthropoid
8. Engage The Fear Machine
9. Delusional Pandemic
10. Torches
11. Wine And Piss*
12. Nightmare Seeker (The Little Red House)*
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]48 : 07[/length]
[record_label]Nuclear Blast Records[/record_label]
[release_date]July 24th 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
Pioneering their sound the band kick things off with single “Still Echoes” now firmly, excuse the pun, logged in fans brains. Its a defiant cry that Lamb of God are still just as every bit as devastating as they once were and have always threatened to be. What makes Sturm Und Drang superior however is the sense of creativity. Songs like the doom laden “512” mirror sounds felt in Ashes Of The Wake classic “Omertà” with Blythe’s immortal words “my hands are painted red” sure to be on the tip of fans tongues and at the top of their lungs. Coupled with Morton’s use of a talk box that would rival even Motley Crue’s classic “Kickstart My Heart” on “Erase This”.
A come back album is incredibly important to bands life, after the shell shock that was felt throughout the metal community with the arduous up hill struggle the band found themselves in. The future was uncertain. Many would have been content with releasing the same classic formula that fans would no doubt lap up, instead however the band decide to reinvent their metal wheel. “Overlord” features clean vocals, a first for the band. Taking on a Jekyll and Hyde personality the song becomes a compound of stop on a dime riffs and incredible dynamics. Very late in the game for the band to scrutinise other prospects. Yet it is precisely this, ballsy, we’re going to do it our way that has gotten fans the world over to fall in love with the band. Add in the fact that the band enlisted Chino Moreno on “Embers” for an anthemic vocal section which for that reason alone warrants you to pick up the album.
Previous release Resolution came to a premature end,though there was a beginning of experimentation on the record. It begs the question perhaps if the turn of events might not have happened, would we be hearing the metallers return with a devastating, catchy, renewed sense of life? Which is precisely why Lamb of God have the potential to be Modern Metal’s poster boys. Combining classic Sacrament era riffs on “Footprints” it’s clear that though the band have evolved they haven’t changed. Two words which can often become ambiguous. With this sense of experimental thinking is what leads the band to deliver such corrosive and surprising material.
Straight up no messing around attitude of “Anthropoid” does centre the listener ensuring that though the band are taking strides towards a new path, they haven’t forgotten exactly where they come from. Though contrast of extension seems to be apparent, “Engage The Fear Machine” see’s slivers of clean guitar homogenise into the final section of the song along with a more refined, less shred oriented solo from Morton. Which pop up throughout much of the album. Leaving Blythe’s very current warning about the dangers of modern media echoing in our ears.
Lamb of God were always headed for great things. Releasing consistent albums that didn’t betray both identity or integrity yet with each tableau a milestone was reached. With VII : Sturm Und Drang the band emerge more defiant than ever. Headstrong in their writing the songs practically sell themselves, diverse enough to be an interesting listen not to mention the album doesn’t particularly overstay its welcome. Easy to dip in and out of Lamb of God have created an astounding statement. After their unexpected absence from the scene, the band are back accept no imitations.
That truly tests a band’s mettle. The greats throughout Metal’s history have had some form of trauma, the trials and tribulations become part of how a band transcend being great to a true legend. Often asking friends who they believe to be the leading sound of the present day Modern Metal. With their defiant delivery, victorious battle over adversity, consistent reliability and boundless sense of creativity I can assure you it is definitely Lamb Of God.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]A shining example that Lamb of God are the unequivocal forerunners of not only their scene but of Metal in the modern day. Essential for any Metal head.[/why]
Lamb of God’s brand new album VII : Sturm Und Drang is out now via Nuclear Blast Records!
