CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Lamb of God
Album: Wrath (2009 Roadrunner Records)
Tracks: 11 + 2
Artist website: http://www.lamb-of-god.com
REVIEW OVERVIEW:
Wrath is the fifth studio album by this Richmond, Virginia, quintet. It is clearly an evolution from their previous effort, Sacrament. This album has many things one has come to expect from LoG, particularly in the riff department, speed, and heaviness. However, it is in the vocal performances where one really hears the evolution in the sound of the band this time around. Wrath is a very impressive record that is sure to satisfy the needs of just about any metal fan.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Fake Messiah, Grace, Dead Seeds, Choke Sermon
PLAY BY PLAY REVIEW
Track 1 – The Passing
The mellow acoustic leads in to a mellow instrumental intro that sets the mood for the album. Very ambient and has a bit of an 80’s Metallica feel to it.
Track 2 – In Your Words
Forget everything you heard in track 1, this is after all a Lamb of God album. There is nothing old school about this track and it is very much in the vein of modern metal. Lots of riffing for the riff lovers.
Track 3 – Set To Fail
I have but one question: How in the world does Chris Adler drum so fast? This is such a cool song. It almost sounds like Randy is singing! That is quite the evolution in the band’s sound.
Track 4 – Contractor
I love the contrasting sections in this song. Fast verses and slow, heavy choruses. Awesome!
Track 5 – Fake Messiah
This is a nice change in pace because the song is in 6 rather than 4. Very cool half time feel.
Track 6 – Grace
What a beautiful intro! The rest of the track is great too.
Track 7 – Broken Hands
This song is for the riff oriented listeners because it has that classic LoG thing going on.
Track 8 – Dead Seeds
The band is on absolute fire on this song! I love the short odd time thing that they do in this song.
Track 9 – Everything To Nothing
All I have to say about this track is: “Yes!” (In my best Beavis and Butt-Head impersonation tone) “Um-huh-huh…”
Track 10 – Choke Sermon
…”Um-huh-huh…” And the party continues. \m/
Track 11 – Reclamation
So very heavy! So very good! Go directly to this track if you have any doubt about just how heavy these guys can get.
Track 12 – We Die Alone (Bonus Track)
Such groove and heaviness. Excellent!
Track 13 – Shoulder Of Your God (Bonus Track)
Power, heavy, riffy, what’s not to like?
ADDITIONAL NOTES: (None)