Lamb Of God "Lamb Of God" (2020)

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

Download Festival 2015 Top 10 Performances

I've been going to donington for nearly a decade now, and although I've missed a couple on recent years I absolutely adore this festival which proves time and time again to be an amazing and truly inspiring event. With the venues history and size its like mecca for metal heads and fans of heavy, alternative music. In recent years the direction has broadened to incorporate more rock and alternative than in previous years and the result is a diverse line up rammed with so many bands you'll never be short of something to watch!

(10) Corrosion Of Conformity

My first time seeing this band and they had one of the best sounds, everything was crisp, guitar tones where niche and the performance tight. Especially enjoyed bassist Mike Dean's groove and energy while playing.

(9) Madball

Having recently enjoyed their debut "Set It Off" I had no reason not to check them out, and they rocked a great set for a smaller crowd who were really into it. Especially liked frontman Freddy Cricien's attitude on stage.

(8) Lamb Of God

Tight, solid performance with decent sound from a band that delivered the aggression and Metal I was in the mood for. Good set, included some new songs which sounded decent.

(7) Slipknot

Disappointed the weather held me back from going down the front where the action is. Even though my hunger for this band is still strong I found myself enjoying it from a distance despite being cold and wet. They still put on a great show.

(6) Dolomite Minor

Visiting the forth stage in between bands is a must! I've discovered many gems doing this and Dolomite is one of them! This duo rocked some serious oldskool Rock / Metal grooves on Sabbath like tones, playing them over and over to great effect.

(5)  Evil Scarecrow

Was blown away by how fun this band were at Bloodstock. There was big anticipation in a rammed tent for these guys who's reputation is growing. The show and music was spot on and very entertaining. It felt like they were ready for a bigger crowd, maybe second stage next year.

(4) Suicidal Tendencies

Absolute legends, I hastily made my way from Shikari to find myself in a wild and energetic crowd that were living up every song in the tent, crowd surfing, moshing and general chaos ensued seeing out the festival in unforgettable style.

(3) Marilyn Manson

At 46 it was obvious that his performance wouldn't be quite the spectacle it once was but given my recent found love for his music this would only be fantastic. His persona was a little strange, he seemed fascinated with Ice-T who was watching but it just added to the mystique and turned out to be one hell of a show.

 (2) Body Count

Never thought id see this band. Seeing them on the bill was like a wet dream and I made sure I was there at the killing floor to watch an absolute legend perform with a band I've been listening to since I found Gangster Rap and Metal. The set was explosive, the band came out looking mean and ready for war. They rocked a hard set of classics, Ice-T hardly looked his age and gave a lot of energy, their bassist shocked me as he bare handed ripped the strings of his bass during their exit from the stage. Amazing.

(1) Enter Shikari

I wasn't anticipating much more than an enjoyable show. Got a spot right behind the barrier center stage and found myself getting totally into their performance. A few songs in I made my way to the pit and moshed the night away to a fantastic set that had me in high spirits. The mud, the weather wouldn't stop us! It was all about the music and reminded me that this is what download festival is all about, and why I will keep going.