The ferocious heavy metal band, Lamb of God have returned with a vengeance. Their ninth studio album ‘Omens’ may just be their angriest sounding yet. ‘Omens’ is set for release on October 7th via Nuclear Blast.
Right through the gate, the album starts off with the power-hungry track “Nevermore.” For the first few seconds, you’re greeted with screaming guitars and blast beats before Randy Blythe welcomes you with his signature growling vocals. As the lyrics go, “you will choke on it.” What stood out to me on this track, was about halfway through the tempo changes and ‘Nevermore’ takes a softer tone. That gentle rhythm only lasts a moment before the anger sets back in, and you’re met with face-melting beats.
This is exactly how I want an album to start off. Angry, shocking, and unpredictable, while still maintaining familiarity. We are off to a good start.
This brings us to our second track, “Vanishing.” Vanishing has a head-banging beat. This has mosh pit written all over it. Not even a full minute in, and I already want to shove someone around. Similar to ‘Nevermore’ there is a moment in this track where there are cleaner guitars and softer almost melodic bridges. It stands out but in a welcoming way.
Did I mention this album sounds angry? Just wait until you hear “To the Grave” This sound solidified what I already expected, these guys sound pissed! The sheer power in drumming brought on by Art Cruz, and the bada*s bass line is something that will ring in your ears, and you won’t soon forget.
Now, there are always high expectations for the self-titled track, and “Omens” did NOT disappoint. This song shrieks forcefully and explodes with brutality. What I love about Blythe is that he always tells a story, and this story is a scary one. The chorus is catchy, and the riffs are sharp. This song is a banger, and one I predict will have fun audience participation during live shows, especially when screaming “omens”. This song will sink its hooks into you, and the crowd will go wild for it.
I was delighted to listen to the track “ Grayscale” I kept going back to this one. Not only because it’s a good song, but because John Campbell, Bass player for Lamb of God said that this song excited him off the album, and I can see why. This song is fast, it’s brutal, and showcases the band’s catalog of experience. I was very impressed with Art Cruz’s drumming on this track. This is a must-hear live song. The sheer power in drumming and the unrelenting razor-sharp riffs will have you coming back for more.
Overall, I was impressed with the takeaway from ‘Omens’. The album brought throat punching power. I was surprised with the softer melodies but happy to hear that Randy Blythe’s vocals are better than ever.
This is a must-hear album and I love the familiarity in sound, but I love being surprised by some of the changes in their direction even more. You can hear that “newish” drummer, Art Cruz has brought a new perspective to the album. ‘Omens’ is set for release on October 7th via Nuclear Blast.
