Lamb of God Ashes of the Wake
Epic Records 2004
By Jason Jordan
Add a cowbell or two to the bludgeoning Lamb of God, and its easy to see that the aforementioned is basically the latest iteration of Pantera. The requisite elements all converge to create an image/sound that conjures the former metal giants: similar riffage, Anselmo-esque vocals, better-than-average drumming, and profanity-laced material. Ashes of the Wake either way will grow on you, but probably not enough to be substantial.
Laid to Rest is a fitting introduction as were greeted to guitar squeals and notable double-bass drumming. Emphasis on the riffing takes place a lot throughout the former. Hourglass is hoppy, aggressive, and generally gravitating. Now Youve Got Something to Die For has the potential for greatness; similarly, the song works on many levels: rhythmically, musically, lyrically. The Faded Line commences on an average plain, but the drum variations that are manifested within the first minute of the track are fantastic. And, the guitars at the 2:00 minute mark are nice touches as well. Omerta features spoken vocalizations at first, which is essentially an inane, overt-attempt-at-being-tough shtick. Nevertheless, Omerta is a pretty good number. Blood of the Scribe chases with its thrashiness; or Slayer-like instrumentations. One Gun, Break You, and What Ive Become abide by the same precepts alluded to above. Ashes of the Wake is a riveting instrumental that utilizes the talents of Alex Skolnick (ex-Testament) and Chris Poland (ex-Megadeth). There simply arent enough metal instrumentals. In any case, Remorse is for the Dead is the last song on the record.
I would be comfortable placing Lamb of God at the forefront of the NWAHM movement. But, their musical persuasion definitely hints at earlier days. Though Ashes of the Wake is not classy, it is above the bar. If thats enough for you, then so be it.
7.5/10
Official Lamb of God website
Official Epic Records website
Epic Records 2004
By Jason Jordan
Add a cowbell or two to the bludgeoning Lamb of God, and its easy to see that the aforementioned is basically the latest iteration of Pantera. The requisite elements all converge to create an image/sound that conjures the former metal giants: similar riffage, Anselmo-esque vocals, better-than-average drumming, and profanity-laced material. Ashes of the Wake either way will grow on you, but probably not enough to be substantial.
Laid to Rest is a fitting introduction as were greeted to guitar squeals and notable double-bass drumming. Emphasis on the riffing takes place a lot throughout the former. Hourglass is hoppy, aggressive, and generally gravitating. Now Youve Got Something to Die For has the potential for greatness; similarly, the song works on many levels: rhythmically, musically, lyrically. The Faded Line commences on an average plain, but the drum variations that are manifested within the first minute of the track are fantastic. And, the guitars at the 2:00 minute mark are nice touches as well. Omerta features spoken vocalizations at first, which is essentially an inane, overt-attempt-at-being-tough shtick. Nevertheless, Omerta is a pretty good number. Blood of the Scribe chases with its thrashiness; or Slayer-like instrumentations. One Gun, Break You, and What Ive Become abide by the same precepts alluded to above. Ashes of the Wake is a riveting instrumental that utilizes the talents of Alex Skolnick (ex-Testament) and Chris Poland (ex-Megadeth). There simply arent enough metal instrumentals. In any case, Remorse is for the Dead is the last song on the record.
I would be comfortable placing Lamb of God at the forefront of the NWAHM movement. But, their musical persuasion definitely hints at earlier days. Though Ashes of the Wake is not classy, it is above the bar. If thats enough for you, then so be it.
7.5/10
Official Lamb of God website
Official Epic Records website
