I’ve been on board the LAMB OF GOD fandom train for more than 20 years now. An old work buddy turned me onto Ashes of the Wake back in 2004, and I fell hook, line, and sinker. Their live show is pretty insane, too. Now the band has returned with a new album, Into Oblivion (Epic Records).
This record was exactly what my ears needed today. I’m currently on my fifth spin and expect many more before the weekend is over. Every box gets checked here in spades. Heavy as hell? Yep. Guitars and grooves for days? Indeed. Vocals that breathe fire? You betcha!
Right from the first notes of opener and title track “Into Oblivion,” the mission is clear: lay siege to everything in sight. “Parasocial Christ” takes that ball and runs it in for the six, and then “Sepsis” storms in and quickly becomes not only my favorite song on the album, but one of my favorite LAMB OF GOD tracks, period.
Next comes “The Killing Floor,” which absolutely needs to make its way into future setlists, or there is no justice in this world. Calling it a favorite still feels like an understatement. “El Vacío” might catch new listeners off guard at first, but it pulled me in even further.
Things continue down the path of destruction (call it “Asskicking Lane”) with “St. Catherine’s Wheel” and “Blunt Force Blues,” tunes designed to rip your head off like Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat. “Bully” stands out for its slightly different guitar tone, but it still lands a serious punch that could knock some teeth out.
“A Thousand Years” has a tasty groove like the stew made by the cook at a roadside diner. So yeah, you’ll be asking for seconds. And closer “Devise/Destroy” serves as a reminder of just how powerful this band sounds when firing on all cylinders.
LAMB OF GOD has been on one helluva winning streak. Consider Into Oblivion another ace in the band’s deck. I can’t recommend this one highly enough.
STANDOUT TRACKS: All of them.
RATING: 10/10
—THE MAESTRO
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BONUS TRACK:
ICYMI: Check out LAMB OF GOD’s crushing version of BLACK SABBATH’s “Children of the Grave” below!
