For July, I have decided to go back in time. All the way back to 2012. To an album that is, in my opinion, criminally overlooked. I can’t tell you why its overlooked, but I feel like it did not, and even now, doesn’t get the attention it deserves. The album is Resolution, and the band that put out this slice of Pure American Metal is Lamb of God.
My first brushes with Lamb of God were brief affairs – their earlier albums had a rough-around-the-edges aspect that just did not appeal to me at that time. Every song I listened to just sounded like noise, I couldn’t hear the pattern in the music, and I didn’t understand why anyone would listen to them.
This all changed with the release of Lamb of God’s Sacrament album, back in 2006. Particularly the first song on this album – Walk with Me in Hell. A song so intense, so brilliant, so unexpected, that it was my Song of the Year – 2006. From then on, I have been a Lamb of God fan. I wouldn’t say its due to the band changing their sound, but more refining it. Not exactly to appeal to the masses, mind you, but, as with any artist, they grow and get better in their chosen craft.
After Sacrament, the next release – Wrath – entered my audio orbit, but never grabbed my attention as much. That all changed with Resolution. And the funny thing is that Wrath is also a great album, it just didn’t click at the time. Which is how we ended up here… All the way back in 2012.
I can’t tell you when I first listened to this album, or when it entered my library. Just like I can’t tell you when it clicked with me. I can’t tell you these things because this album feels like something that has always been around. It must have been around 2016 when I really dove into Lamb of God’s discography, played in no small part by seeing them live with Slipknot in Auckland.
Resolution is pure Lamb of God in every way. Pure American Metal with no fluff, no posturing, nothing more and nothing less. There is something so unique with how Lamb of God are able to refine, distill and yet expand on their sound.
With Resolution, Lamb of God proved, yet again, that American Metal is going strong, that there is a lot to be angry about. I would typically go through song by song, but I’ll leave you to do that. Why you ask. Well everyone who likes this album enjoys different songs for very different reasons. And my telling you what I like may mean you skip the one that could turn you from a Lamb of God listener into a Lamb of God fan. Much like how Walk with Me in Hell did with me.
Give this album a listen, and then go over the lyrics, and be amazed at Randy Blythe’s vocal prowess. In my opinion, he is one of the most talented men in metal today. And this is an album that deserves its place in your collection.
Oh, and give Ghost Walking a listen – honestly, that song is incredible.
(I know, I just broke my rule, but it’s worth it.)
3 Comments
Paul · August 21, 2020 at 13:03
Nice review Kyle. I got my first taste of LOG when they opened for Metallica in Auckland 10 years ago. Chris Adler’s kit was right in front of me and I got a taste of what an elite drummer he is. As I went both nights, I was in a different part of the floor so I was able to take in more of the band rather than just the drums.
Kyle · August 21, 2020 at 13:05
That’s awesome! I’m so jealous of your concert going!
Chris was is an amazing drummer, and I look forward to what he puts out now after his separation with LOG.
Hopefully we’ll be seeing them again next year, when touring can happen again.
Simone · August 21, 2020 at 12:06
Great review!
I love the fact that you originally didn’t like Lamb of God.
It takes a kind of maturity to change your mind on stuff like that, and to stick by your honest opinions.
And no, they don’t look like a friendly bunch at all 😛
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