Many years on from the heyday of Ashes Of The Wake, I picked up this self titled record from the legendary American Metal band on an assumption of something special given the title. Their fusion of Groove, Thrash and Metalcore has been a continual source of energy over the years, the tight choppy sound of precision assault sets them aside in the crowd. Unfortunately I've drifted from them as newer recorded just didn't keep me interested. Its their tenth, or eighth depending on how you count them, and to my ears they sound like a band that's exhausted their greatness.
Lamb Of God's tone and temperament is routine, their new drummer makes a competent replacement but perhaps lacks a little bite I remember the percussion having in the past. Trading off a run of riffs and grooves, the album goes through its motions with a particular "festival metal" vibe where once they had a unhinged apatite for aggression, now seeming tame and more about a general atmosphere. Its very enjoyable at its surface, tightly performed Metal banger with typical intervals of break out riffs, either a break down or a blood pumping tempo increase diving into a thrash.
As it grows in age, a lot of their characteristics fade into the mid tempo passes as foot is let of the gas. Randy Blythe's tend to penetrate at their worst with typically apathetic and disenfranchised lyrics. "The American scream" and "segregate the living dead" two that stick out like sore thumbs. It has all the components of something I would of once loved. Is it an aging band or a listener who doesn't get the same kicks anymore? Reality is little of the music here surprised me after decades of consuming Metal.
Later into its runtime Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed lends vocals for a number, as does Chuck Billy on another who's iconic voice transforms the song and gives it a keen Testament vibe. They really show their Thrash Metal flair on this track with the drummers hammering out those classic Slayer like chops. Its a decent track buried among the rubble of routine Metal that is struggling to find new ideas. If this were you're first time with the band you'll probably have an absolute blast. It seems to be a common problem for me, old bands doing the same tricks and my appetite is full.
Favorite Track: Routes
Rating: 5/10