Album Review: Lamb of God Drops New Album “OMENS” This Friday in Full-on Attack Mode
–by Robert Wilkins
Lamb of God’s new album Omens drops this Friday, 10/7/22. It is the band’s ninth studio effort and its first since 2020’s self-titled Lamb of God.
The band is known as one of the “Big Four” of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal and sits on top of the genre’s hierarchy for good reason. They have become as relevant in the current metal scene as Black Sabbath, Metallica and Pantera were to past generations. The band consists of Randy Blyth on vocals, Mark Morton and Willie Adler on guitar, John Campbell on bass and Art Cruz is behind the drum kit since the departure of founding member Chris Adler.
“Vanishing”, “To the Grave” and “Ill Designs” are all favorites of mine from the record. The brutal riffing of Morton and Adler are complemented by the extreme drumming of Art Cruz, and the guttural growl of Randy Blyth. These contributions to the record are everything LoG fans have come to expect from the group. I predict these will be a regular part of their live set going forward.
The song “Omens” is the real standout on this record. It is worthy of being the first single from the album and could prove to be one of the band’s biggest hits. The groove of the song and vocal delivery seem to be more easily digestible for new or casual fans. While the songwriting and delivery is friendly enough to entice new listeners it still slams hard enough for long time fans.
http://https://youtu.be/VHVsG2taJVs
The only thing I would change if it were up to me is the starting song of the album. Don’t get me wrong, “Nevermore” is worthy of being on the record and is not a bad song by any means. I just come from the old school. I like a metal or hard rock album to melt your face off from the start with the hardest song on the record.
In my opinion, “Ditch” would be a perfect opener to this album and would let all hell break loose from the start. The riff and drumming hit the ears ferociously as soon as the song starts. Emotionally, the song makes you feel like you are unleashing anger and breaking things without having to leave your seat. It is a true metal masterpiece.
Overall, this album is great! The all-out sonic aggression leaves your senses feeling attacked. The band seems to have their formula down and give their fans exactly what they want. Well written songs that are heavier than hell. This is obvious by the fact that the band has amassed a huge following with little to no radio airplay.
Lamb of God also puts on a hell of a live show. The amazing visuals and the impeccable sound make it a complete experience and they never phone it in. They are currently on tour with Killswitch Engage and I would highly encourage anyone to go take a look for yourself. If this album doesn’t make you a rabid fan, you just might be after seeing them live.
Track Listing:
- Nevermore
- Vanishing
- To the Grave
- Ditch
- Omens
- Gomorrah
- Ill Designs
- Grayscale
- Denial Mechanism
- September Song
Check out the Randy Blythe, band vocalist, documentary video clip titled “Rewilding” which shows Randy‘s initiative for reforesting in the South American country of Ecuador, solely funded through his Cameo sales. It’s really great to see how Randy put his Cameo sales into action, raising awareness and making a difference. This opportunity for global engagement could really make a change for the better for our planet.
You can view the Documentary here:
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CgcL_XuM2iS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
BROOKLYN, NY is the launching pad for the Heaviest Tour to hit North America —Here it comes! Join Lamb Of God as they kick off their most massive headline tour ever!
Lamb of God w/ Killswitch Engage, Spiritbox, Fit For An Autopsy
Sunday October 09 – Vancouver, BC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre*
Monday October 10 – Kent (Seattle), WA – Accesso ShoWare Center
Tuesday October 11 – Portland, OR – Theater of the Clouds
Lamb of God w/ Killswitch Engage, Animals As Leaders, Fit For An Autopsy
Thursday October 13 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater
Friday October 14 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theater
Saturday October 15 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Sunday October 16 – El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center
Tuesday October 18 – San Antonio, TX – Freeman Coliseum
Wednesday October 19 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
Thursday October 20 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory