Lamb Of God return after 2 years with album number 4, entitled 'Sacrament'. On their 2nd album under the Epic Records banner, Lamb Of God have proven once and for all that you don't have to change a goddamn thing to be on a major label! Their sound has not gone soft or become more commercial in any way, shape or form. This is NOT something that can be said for a few other bands that have made the jump from indies to major indies or even full fledged major labels. this is not some "outta left field" experimental kind of album that isn't going to sound like Lamb Of God. This is Lamb Of God doing what they do best, and that is giving the music industry two middle fingers and a nice solid boot to the throat.
"Walk With Me In Hell" kicks off the album with a some sinsiter guitar work, and some pretty wicked semi-whispered acidic screams, before delving right into some instantly recognizable riffing that is classic Lamb of God. Lyrically, this comes off as being aimed at one of two topics. Going solely by extremely politically charged lyrical content of the last album, it's safe to say that "Walk With Me In Hell" is yet another stab at the current state of political affairs here in America. On the other hand, it could simply be the bands stance on all things related to organized religion. As always, it's more than likely completely open to each individual's own personal interpretation.
"Again We Rise" takes things to a new level. Randy opens the song with a nice "RISE!!" that sounds amazingly HUGE. Some may not care for the multi- layered vocals utilized on this track, but it sounds Stellar! There is also a bit of spoken word thrown into the mix, which is also not entirely typical, but works extremely well. Lamb of God are quite possibly currently unmatched in crafting haunting guitar melodies that can only be described as 'apocalyptic' in sound, and this song is a great example of that. This song is sure to become an anthem for the up and coming generation of disaffected youth.
"Redneck" is pure Pantera-influence, Period! The only time Randy really sounds like Randy is during the chorus. Otherwise, this song could have EASILY fit in on 'Vulgar Display of Power', or even 'Far Beyond Driven'. The groove on this song is undeniable, and the overall riffing on this song has Dimebag Darrell written all over it. This isn't some straight up Pantera rip off though. The Lamb Of God sound is still everpresent, in spite of the many similarities.
This is simply the closest anyone is ever going to come to writing anything that could even possibly sound as if Dime himself had written the main riff. Look at it as a tribute to the single biggest influence in Metal guitar in the past decade, and it won't come off as some kind of cheap 'rip off', which is what many are calling it.
The consistency that Lamb Of God is known for continues throughout the entirety of the album, with more vocal variations on Randy's part. The use of Multi-layered choruses, and sing along anthemic choruses shows up more and more. During the chorus of "Foot To The Throat", Randy actually sounds more like Chuck Billy (Testament) than Phil Anselmo. That is another reason that this album has to be heard in it's entirety. The variety that Randy has incorporated into his vocal delivery shows a marked improvement. And while the choruses and certian pre-choruses do have a slight bit of melody in the delivery, don't expect Randy to start belting out some high soaring vocal melodies. It's simply Pure American Metal, at it's finest.
Normally with the use of something specific on every song, it tends to get old. However, the use of whispered spoken word here and there works really well for the band, and Randy doesn't do it to the point where it seems forced.
"Blacken the Cursed Son" has a sing along styled chant that will obviously go over extremly well in a live setting. Although it reminds me of Marilyn Manson during the height of his Anti-Christ Superstar fame, wherein he used to use HUGE chant alongs for added effect. The same can be said for the chorus of "Forgotten (Lost Angels), though this has more of a regular sing along quality to it, as opposed to a full on chant.
"Beating on Death's Door' closes out the album on a more aggressive note. Fast and furious, in the vein of "As the Palaces Burn', with some stellar drum work courtesy Chris Adler.Tons of sick double kick work, and a ton of accentuations. Chris is just like Vinnie Paul in his ability to take the drum set and turn it into more than just plain old drums. This is a great way to end a record like this.
