‘Checkmate’ brings together all the components of the LAMB OF GOD sound that we’ve been developing over the last two decades, but with the ambition and ferocity that comes with the start of a new chapter for our band,” says guitarist Mark Morton. “Re-energised and reignited, this is LAMB OF GOD 2020. We’ve never been more excited.”
The fact that the band’s eighth studio effort would warrant ‘self-titled’ status is a testament to the band’s pride and satisfaction with these songs and this period in their creativity.
It is also a testament to the band’s long career – which includes two gold albums, two platinum DVDs, and five Grammy nominations – and a bold statement about where the quintet is now.
“Putting only our name on it is a statement,” vocalist D. Randall Blythe says. “This is LAMB OF GOD. Here and now.”
A true collaboration between all members of the band, LAMB OF GOD’s eighth studio album is an amalgam of each individual’s contributions, blended to create a singular style. Guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler fuel the album with a mountain of riffs, taking what LAMB OF GOD are known for, and unbelievably, upping the ante to new levels.
The rhythm section of John Campbell, looming large as a rhythmic shadow, and drummer Art Cruz, who makes his studio debut with LAMB OF GOD here on this record, underpin the proceedings with passion, sweat, and expansive dynamics.
Vocalist D. Randall Blythe is as angry, insightful, and informed as ever. Never one to shrink from facing the darker aspects of our nature head-on, Blythe delivers with no punches pulled, and as only he and LAMB OF GOD can in 2020.
In the midst of writing the 10 songs that appear on ‘Lamb Of God‘, the group hit pause on the works-in-progress to man the stage as special guests for Slayer’s “The Final Campaign” tour. After months of playing their best-known songs nightly, LAMB OF GOD returned to the new tracks and began to work with longtime producer Josh Wilbur (Korn, Megadeth, Gojira, Trivium).
Special guests Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) and Chuck Billy (Testament) also make appearances on ‘Lamb Of God‘.
‘Lamb Of God‘ pre-orders are available here, as well as at Apple Music, and Amazon for CD and vinyl. Fans can snap up vinyl in black, limited edition yellow, or limited edition red. Box set pre-orders are to come.
LAMB OF GOD returns to the UK for a headline tour in April 2020. Joining them as special guests will be labelmates, German thrash classics Kreator, with Texan thrash squad Power Trip opening proceedings each night.
The ‘State Of Unrest’ dates mark the first chance for fans to attend a LAMB OF GOD headline tour of the UK since January 2014, with interim incendiary performances as co-headliner with Megadeth (2015), as special guests with Slayer (2018), and at festivals. Tickets are on sale now from this location. and all good box offices.
Dates are as follows:
Tue 21st Apr – BRISTOL O2 Academy
Wed 22nd Apr – MANCHESTER Academy
Thu 23rd Apr – GLASGOW O2 Academy
Fri 24th Apr – BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy
Sat 25th Apr – LONDON O2 Academy Brixton
Oran O’Beirne
www.overdrive.ie 2020
