ALBUM OF THE WEEK: LAMB OF GOD- LAMB OF GOD (DELUXE EDITION)

 

Disc 1- Lamb Of God plus two bonus tracks

 NWOAHM titans Lamb Of God recently re-released last year's critically acclaimed self-titled album last month via Epic Records.

The three-disc deluxe edition features the original album, plus two bonus tracks, including a live stream performance of the full album recorded in September. The live CD + DVD features four additional tracks, including the new track "The Death Of Us" that appears in the latest installment of the Bill and Ted franchise.

Randy Blythe growls his way through the twelve- politically charged tracks with the same poise and venom expected from the veteran singer. I shall take on the unenviable task of exploring both CDs in their entirety.

The Gothic-inspired "Memento Mori" begins proceedings like a foreshadowing of the ferocity to come. Next up is the equally rousing "Checkmate" sees Blythe vent over "The American Scream" The track starts with a bluesy riff that erupts into double-bass beats and blistering guitar riffage from Mark Morton that has become a signature for the group.

 Blythe has improved his tonal palette to a controlled method that amplifies rage and discomfort with American politics. This can be heard on the contemptuous "Ressurection man", as he declares "I was born in a cemetery". Blythe howls like a wounded wolf over skull-battering grooves and intense drumming. The vocalist is joined on two tracks by some iconic guests. "Poison Dream" features Hatebreed frontman Jamie Jasta, like two jackals playing a game of chess. "Routes" is a fast-paced metal track that features Chuck Billy of Testament fame providing the melodic counterpoint to Mr. Blythe.

And finally, the bonus tracks!. "Ghost-Shaped People" is full-throttle bile at the current government, as he asks " What will you believe/who will you betray? "Hyperthermic_accelerate" completes this with headache-effectuate riffage and drumming. Overall, This may be one of the better albums Lamb of God will make, and the additional tracks are befitted of this. WORDS BY ANSELM ANDERSON.

TRACKLISTING-DISC 1
Memento Mori
Checkmate
Gears
Reality Bath
New Colossal Hate
Resurrection Man
Poison Dream feat. Jamey Jasta
Routes feat. Chuck Billy
Bloodshot Eyes
On The Hook
Ghost Shaped People
Hyperthermic/Accelerate
"Ghost Shaped People"

"Resurrection Man"

Disc 2- Livestream, September 2020.

The Live Cd is the first of two successful recordings the band made in September last year during the pandemic. They decided to perform the full album with additional tracks. I have decided to review those songs. "Contractor" differs from what you may hear on Lamb Of God", as Blythe proudly announces at the beginning " This is a punk rock song".  The frenetic pace and head-inducing blast beats explode into a catastrophic opener before "Ruins" arrives. 

Blythe resumes his earlier harsh vocals in an illustrious career over jugular chugging. The Bill And Ted dedicated "The Death Of Us" is another guttural piledriver steeped with neck-breaking riffs and blistering drumming that leads to an exhilarating solo. The live material reveals a softly spoken frontman with a wry sense of humour, and raw energy to connect with listeners at home. This can be heard on  "512", where Blythe informs us this is the final track "to feel free to destroy your living room". The dark undertones combine with melodic guitar lines and introspective lyrics to complete an interesting release from the Lambs of God.

Overall, This is an album for the diehard fans, who can't get enough of the band. Lamb of God returns with a battering ram to the stomach with well-written music, and lyrics still relevant to the citizens of the States, and beyond.  Words by Anselm Anderson

Lamb Of God is now available via all major streaming platforms.

Disc 2

Lamb Of God - Live From Richmond, VA



Memento Mori (Live)
Checkmate (Live)
Gears (Live)
Reality Bath (Live)
New Colossal Hate (Live)
Resurrection Man (Live)
Poison Dream (Live)
Routes (Live)
Bloodshot Eyes (Live)
On The Hook (Live)
Contractor (Live)
Ruin (Live)

512 (live)  

"The Death Of Us"

"Memento Mori (Live)"

LAMB OF GOD is:

D. Randall Blythe – Vocals

Mark Morton – Guitar

Willie Adler – Guitar

John Campbell – Bass

Art Cruz – Drums




LAMB OF GOD online:

www.lamb-of-god.com

www.facebook.com/lambofgod

https://twitter.com/lambofgod