The saying "there are two certainties in life: death and taxes," is used so often that it has become dogmatic. That's really a shame, because it could be amended to include some mention of metal music being strictly for metal fans.
Lamb of God understands this. Their music isn't going to cross genres any time soon. They will never pull a Shania Twain and make the move from country radio to pop radio. In fact, they will never pull an It Dies Today and change for a chance at a wider fan base.
Lamb of God may have actually softened a little-very little-on their Epic Records debut, "Ashes of the Wake." To make an all-encompassing statement that they've sold out (to a major label) would be utterly ridiculous, but the record is just a smidgen easier to listen to than their previous work.
Vocalist Randy Blythe still growls like he's either channeling demons or trying to communicate with a jungle cat. Guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler still alternate between "chugs" and "meedleys" with ferocity. The rhythm section still holds it down and throws in some cowbell for extra spice.
The instrumental title track features guest solos from Testament wizard Alex Skolnick and former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland. Not only does the track feature a scathing sample concerning "the war on terrorism," but Adler and Morton make four incredible solos part of one song. It's safe to say it "shreds."
"Ashes of the Wake" saves its best for last, closing track-and classic metal title-"Remorse Is For The Dead." Saying that something is "so metal" normally wouldn't serve any purpose, but in this case, it does.
This song is "so metal." Even the lyrics would brighten, or darken, Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford's day: "A huge stinking pile of sick, pile it higher and higher. Light the match, start the fire. Level this place and take us with it."
There will be some who say that Lamb of God have sold out, and those people are the same people who liked Metallica's latest "return to metal." These same people probably still wear "Co-ed Naked" tee-shirts and drive 1985 Camaros (not that there's anything wrong with that).
In summation, Lamb of God can still thrash like Soilwork, and anyone who would care about this comparison will love "Ashes of the Wake."
