Lamb of God - "Resolution"
January 24, 2012
Producer: Josh Wilbur
On August 31, 2004. A quintet from Richmond, Virginia named Lamb of God released their fourth album (third under the Lamb of God banner) entitled: "Ashes of The Wake". This record went on to become their most successful and well received album to the fans and critics alike. Having sold over 398,000 units "Ashes of The Wake" is to date the best selling Lamb of God record.
For the longest time "Ashes of The Wake" was my favorite Lamb of God record as well. Not only for the fact that I thought it was their best written album, but also for the fact that the record in question also turned out to be one of the albums in the first decade of the 21st century to save Heavy Metal music in a time where digital "music" was starting to take over. "Ashes of The Wake", in a time of need, introduced many new fans to the world of Metal, furthermore still keeping the interest alive. Much like Pantera did in the early 90's when they released "Cowboys From Hell" in a time where Metal was starting to lose interest to the Grunge movement front-lined by bands such as Soundgarden and Nirvana.
I was starting to think that Lamb of God wouldn't release another album that hit me nearly as hard as Ashes did. Well, here we are in 2012 eight years later, and Lamb of God proved me wrong with their 7th full length album entitled: "Resolution".
"Resolution" completes a metamorphosis that started on their previous album, 2009's "Wrath". Along with their always improving writing skills, producer Josh Wilbur (who also worked with the band on "Wrath") just might have been the man to give Lamb of God that extra insight they needed in writing the album that all their musical abilities shine their brightest lights.
Starting with the core rhythm section of drummer Chris Adler and bassist John Campbell, their presence together is felt much more on this album compared to anything they've done in the past.
The drums are crisp, clear and more detailed than ever before. Your ears won't miss even the smallest splash cymbal accent and the toms are tuned deeper than ever imagined which makes for a pummeling listening experience all the way through. Every fill Chris plays around the kit you will in your bones more so than any other Lamb of God record.
With every great drummer goes a great bassist. Finally on this record John Campbell can be heard in all his glory. His sense of groove is un-parallel and is a major key that shouldn't go unnoticed in Lamb of God's success. There is no doubt in my mind John brings a portion of the riffs to the table that Mark and Willie translate to the 6-stringers.
Quite possibly the biggest standout feature on this record is guitarist Mark Morton stepping out of his shadow and showing off his lead playing abilities. We've always known he was capable of playing leads in the past as we heard on previous songs like "Ruin" and "Walk With Me In Hell". But on this record he by far surpasses anything he has ever done before. Songs like "The Undertow", "Ghost Walking" and "Invictus" surprised the hell out of me upon my first listen of the album and still do from time to time.
To me the major selling point of this record is how much they have grown as a band. Gone are the breakdowns, which is one of the key things that brought Lamb of God to the table in the first place. In exchange for this we get far much more mature, creative and compelling song-writing. The very dense and constantly changing "The Number Six", the very atmospheric and emotionally charged "King Me" along with quite possibly the most addicting and hook-driven song they have ever composed entitled "Terminally Unique" are all stand-out tracks and signs of musical growth for this very accomplished band, always looking to challenge themselves and to never get too comfortable writing a certain way.
With that being said with their next album should be quite interesting to see how much more they develop as writers and to see if they'll incorporate their now completely Groove-driven sound with their Metalcore roots. Or, mix it with another style or influence of theirs that we don't know about?, only time will tell.
"Resolution" is a album full of good surprises for fans that don't condemn Lamb of God's evolution and artistic growth. There are many chaotic, catchy choruses. Guitar riffs and hooks galore. Plus a few other surprises that you'll have to listen to and experience for yourself.
"Resolution" isn't a selling-out point. It's a point of growth. Intensity, aggression and purpose are not missing on this album. Some may frown upon it now, but give this album another 6 years and I know people will look back on this record and see how much of a turning point this album was for the better. "Resolution" is properly titled, Lamb of God have turned over a new leaf and are only broadening their musical capabilities.
My Killer Kutz: "Terminally Unique", "King Me" and "The Undertow"
