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30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Finally, Genuine New-Wave American Metal...., February 17, 2006
LAMB OF GOD - As the Palaces Burn
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Not only is this their album I've listened to the most, but it is also my favorite album by them. Lamb of God is one of the few bands in the New Wave of American Heavy Metal movement that I feel has been true to themselves. Despite high volumes of popularity they haven't sacrificed their goal for musical metal Armageddon.
Now I agree with some of the Vocal criticisms... Randy's voice is a bit odd at times and can at times be hard to swallow. (Personally I enjoy it... specially, in contrast to say... Shadows Fall's vocalist - who sounds beyond forced when he screams or sings.) Lyrically it is hostile but with a bit more `intelligent' than much of Randy's counterparts.
Musically however LoG, is well beyond the NWoAHM trend, Chris Adler (Drums) is probably the finest Groove-oriented Metal Drummer since Vinnie Paul. The guitar work is handled by Willie Adler and Mark Morten, who though not as technical as some other guitarists, make up for it with creativity... For example they use a lot of atonal single notes which makes them sound so urgently heavy. The bass is handled by John Campbell, who is a good bass player by metal accounts however the sound in the mix is pushed far into the background.
All in all I highly recommend this disk for fans that may be into the NWoAHM, or just metal in general. Also any Pantera fans looking for someone to take the southern-death torch need not search any further.
Favorite Songs: As the Palaces Burn, 11th Hour, Ruin and Vigil.
-4.25 Stars
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
This millennium's best new metal band, April 3, 2005
Lamb of God are a very promising young band. Probably the fastest rising band to come out of the "New Wave of American Heavy Metal" heap, and they've got my vote for the best new metal band to be born in the new millennium. Their second album, "As the Palaces Burn", is a brutal barrage that pulls no punches and pummels the listener's ear drums. With its impenetrable wall of sound, killer double bass drumming, fiery guitar work and an occasional guitar solo, this album should be any and every metalhead's dream.
The band didn't make this album on a major record label, so there isn't a big production job. Thus, singer Randy Blythe's voice and Chris Adler's drums are more raw than on their next release, "Ashes of the Wake." It's up for debate whether that's a good thing or not, but there's no denying that Blythe's yell/growl goes great with the background music.
Due to the production, Blythe's vocals take a back seat to the guitars and drums. Drummer Chris Adler is at the root of Lamb of God's attack. He makes the beat a big, relentless wave which gets shoved down the listener's throat. But he sometimes creates breakdowns that change the beat (to a usually slower and heavier one). Sometimes, when listening to this album, I could have sworn Adler wasn't beating his drums, but beating the outside of my headphones. Adler's persistent double bass drumming (which is usually a death metal blast beat or machine gun attack) and Blythe's Cookie Monster vocals make Lamb of God stand out from other "New Wave of Metal" bands.
Highlights include:
"Ruin" is a good representation of Lamb of God: super aggressive, hard hitting and raw. It has a "ba boom boom" beat with pounding drums and Blythe shrieks like he's being stabbed. There's a breakdown in the middle of the song (following the guitar solo), making a bobbing beat with bobbing guitars. It ends with another mini solo and a small explosion sound.
"Purified" features guest guitar work by ex-Megadeth axeman Chris Poland. The solo he lays down here is good, but I would have definitely liked it more if it were longer.
"11th Hour" is the lead single and a personal favorite. The whole song is catchy, but I like it when Blythe bellows over just the double bass (no other instruments). Also, this song has GREAT give-and-take between the guitars and drums. After this part, it turns to Pantera-style riffing.
"Boot Scraper" begins with cascading (almost machine gun) riffs and drums, but my favorite part of this song is pounding double bass solo. Adler must have had bricks attached to his feet when he was playing this part.
"A Devil in God's Country" is almost mind boggling (with rapid, back-and-forth guitar and drum work).
"Blood Junkie" is my second favorite song on the album. It begins with an almost inaudible spoken word, but the vocals gain volume as the song progresses. This track is a highlight because it has (1,2,3,) 4 beat changes and heavy breakdowns. Part of this song has bobbing riffs.
I gave this C.D. four stars--even though technically speaking it should be rated 4.5--because it could stand to have a tad bit more texture. I don't think they should add any melody, like Shadows Fall or Killswitch Engage, because if they did, there would be nothing to distinguish Lamb of God from those bands. When I say they should add a tad bit more texture, I'm not saying they should make anything like a pop ballad, but the constant double bass drumming makes some parts of some of the songs blend together. Plus, I DO think the vocals became more diverse and interesting when the band signed with Sony (a year after this album was released).
But those two small things didn't stop "As the Palaces Burn" from becoming the second most contagious album of the year. Plus, there should be nothing to deter you from checking this album out if you love metal or thrash or the "New Wave of American Heavy Metal" scene. Or, if you are just tired of hearing such bands as Nickelback or other wimpy modern rock bands that control the radio's airwaves, Lamb of God should be your dream come true.
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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
New Wave of American Heavy Metal, November 8, 2003
In my opinion, Lamb of God is probably the fastest rising band out of this whole New Wave of American Heavy Metal shxt. Man, these guys have toured non-stop, have had their videos played countless times on the Ball, and just recently, they signed to Epic. I see them being the headliners of the second stage of next year's Ozzfest. Well, anyways, here's my review of their album:I was blown away when I first heard this album. Right now, it's a 4 way tie for best album of the year also including Mushroomhead, Chimaira, and Dimmu Borgir. The musicianship is incredible on this. Metal bands, take notes, cause this stuff is top notch. Like Chimaira, their sopomore effort has way better production (thanks to Mr. Devin Townsend). The album begins with a bang with "Ruin." Full on mosh music, until the bridge, where there's a ripping solo. Great stuff. The title track is probably the fastest one on here. Heavy riffs, lighting-fast drumming, and evil vocals, make this a fav. I'm sure everyone by now has heard "11th Hour." Probably the catchiest tune on here. It reminds me Pantera, until the last minute of the song, where it goes full on speed. My fav. on here has to be "Blood Junkie." The music on here reminds me of Meshuggah. Every 10 sec. it has speed changed, and heavy ass breakdowns. Plus, Chris Adler goes nuts on the drums. Anyways, for people who haven't given new school metal a chance, you will instantly respect Lamb of God. Scott Ian siad it best. It's like Reign in Blood all over again.
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