Lamb Of God

When one considers the heavyweights of modern metal music, the name Lamb of God invariably surfaces. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, this formidable quintet has carved out an undeniable legacy, solidifying their status as pioneers of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal. Their journey, steeped in relentless touring and an unwavering commitment to their visceral sound, offers a compelling narrative for any discerning fan of groove metal and thrash metal.

The roots of Lamb of God stretch back to 1994, when they first emerged under the moniker Burn the Priest. This early incarnation saw guitarist Mark Morton, drummer Chris Adler, and bassist John Campbell honing their craft, eventually joined by vocalist Randy Blythe. Their self-titled debut as Burn the Priest in 1999 laid the groundwork, a raw and aggressive statement that hinted at the colossal force they would soon become. A year later, with Willie Adler joining on second guitar and a new deal with Prosthetic Records, the band embraced their now-iconic name, Lamb of God. This change, contrary to some prevailing rumours, wasn’t due to any bans from venues but rather a reflection of their evolving lineup and a desire to shed any satanic misconceptions associated with their previous name.

Their sophomore effort, 2000’s New American Gospel, was instantly hailed as a benchmark in the burgeoning metal scene, often drawing comparisons to titans like Pantera for its sheer rhythmic intensity and brutal riffing. The band’s reputation for a meticulous, almost drill-sergeant-like approach to their craft, particularly in live settings, quickly became legendary. This dedication to their sound truly resonated, leading to significant accolades, including As the Palaces Burn being voted album of the year by both Revolver and Metal Hammer in 2003.