Let’s be honest, of all the albums of recent times that do not need a review, Sacrament is up there fighting for the crown. We all know it, we all love it (other than those rare few oddballs), but this 1 was the album that took a rising, but still underground Lamb of God and catapulted them into the stratosphere and future festival headliners that they are. Sacrament saw them take a more groove-driven approach, riffs had more hooks than a fishing vessel, and they knew how to catch a listener. Moreover, Sacrament would cement the relationship between the band and Josh Wilbur, having a hand in every release in the band catalog since.
Wall to wall bangers fill this album, even the ones that gripe (I’m looking at you Redneck, far too many club nights and only that one song out of their entire back catalog always being played week in week out!), we all know it inside out, from the insanely brilliant opener ‘Walk With Me In Hell’ the thrashing ‘Foot To The Throat’ and who cannot forget that softer touch and emotive solo in the anger and hate-fuelled ‘More Time to Kill’. I don’t need to tell you that though, but what the anniversary edition does do, is bring a few gifts to its own birthday party. While 2020 was a devil on each shoulder for most of us, stealing us of life, loved ones, comforts, gigs and festivals, it did see a push of musicians to do what they can. Lamb of God may have performed a live stream event or two and released that, it may have sounded odd not hearing any crowd between tracks, they did manage to get one live show in the year at the House of Vans, Chicago. From there we are blessed with three live tracks, full crowd participation, and just an unholy amount of Lamb of God at their finest!
It’s all good hearing Art Cruz on their self titled doing what he does with the band, nothing short of epic, but hearing the band live, in front of a crowd smashing out two of the singles from Sacrament with ‘Walk With Me In Hell’ and ‘Redneck’ along with ‘Descending’, it really shows just how talented a drummer he is and the perfect fit for the band. The energy, the fire, the excitement. You’d think these were all new songs, not 15 years old! Celebrating the release, you can head over to their youtube channel and enjoy the footage showing the making of the video for Redneck (also below), you can also catch the near hour and a half documentary showing the making of Sacrament, originally included in the DVD release of Walk With Me In Hell.
Digital and streaming avenues for Sacrament’s 15th anniversary are live now, a vinyl release will come with a potential release scheduled for early next year.
A brilliant high to fill those hearts suffering from the post Bloodstock festival blues, it’ll warm the cockles of those attending BoA 2022 as Lamb of God have been announced as one of next years headliners, tickets are available at: https://bloodstock.seetickets.com/
Vocalist Randy Blythe spoke of the event, “It’s been way too long since we’ve rocked the festivals of Merry Olde – what better way to announce our return than a headliner slot at Bloodstock? Until then, pack your wellies and stay safe, England – LAMB OF GOD (and Roger Brilliant) will see you Summer 2022!”
For those unable to wait so long, an early Christmas awaits in the form of a 5 date headline tour bringing Bloodstock 2021 headliners Kreator along for the ride.
14.12.2021 Bristol, 02 Academy Bristol
15.12.2021 Manchester, Manchester Academy
16.12.2021 Glasgow, 02 Academy Glasgow
17.12.2021 Birmingham, 02 Academy Birmingham
19.12.2021 London, 02 Academy Brixton
Tickets are available through www.stateofunresttour.com and https://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/lamb-of-god-tickets. You can also contact venue box offices.
