Well, it goes without saying that Lamb Of God is one of the best metal bands on the scene today. And having survived the trauma that accompanied the band when Randy Blythe was charged with manslaughter in the Czech Republic before being acquitted and living to tell about it, the band has returned with a stronger, heavier record than 2012’s Resolution and Yeezus, is this record amazing!
First off, “Overlord” “Overlord” “Overlord!” Without a doubt, this is one of the absolute best songs the band has ever done and a strong contender for song of the year. On this track, Blythe actually sings ‘straight’ and it sounds amazing. He has a croon mixed with a wail that really works wonders with the music, which is some of the best the band has come up with. The guitar work of Willie Adler and Mark Morton is top notch here and the whole band is absolutely on fire. I could write a review of this one damn song, but there are other great tracks here as well.
A couple of songs talk about Randy’s time in the Czech Republic, namely “Still Echoes” and the thundering, punishing “512.” The overall tone of the album is very dark and ominous but it still sounds and feels amazing – and it goes without saying that this is the best damn record this band has put out since Ashes Of The Wake in 2004.
“Embers” features Chino from the Deftones and “Torches” features Greg from Dillinger Escape Plan and both vocalists help add so much atmosphere to their respective tracks. Vocally speaking, Randy is at his peak on “Overlord” and “Anthropoid;” he absolutely cannot be beat as a vocalist.
While we’re at it, let’s give it up for bassist John Campbell and drummer extraordinaire Chris Adler, clearly one of the best rhythm sections in all of music today. “Delusion Pandemic” is the best example on this record; all it does it show how deep in the pocket these guys are and how they push the rest of the band to absolute heights.
I literally cannot stress this enough, but VII: Sturm Und Drang is one of the high points of the band’s career and a record that every metalhead should wear out with pride.