CD Review: Lamb of God “VII – Sturm Und Drang”

Lamb of God
“VII: Sturm Und Drang”
Epic Records
Producer: Josh Wilbur
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“VII: Sturm Und Drang” is the latest release from Richmond, Virginia natives Lamb of God. The album which was produced by Josh Wilber features 10 brand new tracks from the metal band and is the follow up to the groups 2012 release “Resolution”

Right off the bat “VII: Sturm Und Drang” seems to have a different feel than previous Lamb of God releases. The album as a whole seems to be more melodic and cohesive. Each song appears to be meticulously crafted and showcases each of the members set discipline. “Still Echoes” kicks the album off like an atomic explosion as the blast beating provided by drummer Chris Adler sets the ground work for the guitar tandem of Mark Morton and Will Adler who play off one another beautifully.

“512”, the first single off the album was easily my favorite as its catchy sing along chorus and trudging rhythms make it worthy of blasting in the car with the windows down. “Overlord” gives us a taste of vocalist Randy Blythe’s melodic side. The track is a blues infused rocker that gets stuck in your head almost instantly. The introduction of more melodic pieces into the Lamb of God sound certainly doesn’t mean they have gone soft as tracks like “Anthropoid” and “Delusion Pandemic” are signature in your face LOG making “VII: Sturm Und Drang” the bands most well rounded release to date.

Track Listing:
1.) Still Echoes
2.) Erase This
3.) 512
4.) Embers
5.) Footprints
6.) Overlord
7.) Anthropoid
8.) Engage the Fear Machine
9.) Delusion Pandemic
10.) Torches