Lamb Of God – Resolution

Unwavering Resolve

Lamb of God needs no introduction. That’s no mean feat, especially considering their chosen genre of heavy metal and the extremes that they’ve taken it to. While not a great leap forward, their seventh full-length Resolution is another well-crafted and hard-hitting album that grabs you by the nostrils and demands your attention.

Opener “Straight For The Sun” dabbles briefly in doom metal; the introductory track deliberately lacking the group’s signature speedy grooves and drum pyrotechnics in order to make the second track, “Desolation,” hit you that much harder. Drummer Chris Adler is his usual unstoppable self, effortlessly executing fills that would cripple lesser men throughout the track. “Ghost Walking” showcases inimitable vocalist Randy Blythe and the fruits of his voice coaching, his malevolent roars and ghastly shrieks reaching new levels of power.

“The Number Six” is a demonic waltz with a catchy chorus and a cool little bass break, courtesy of John Campbell, while “Invictus” blends Slayer-style thrash with swirling breakdowns and a wailing solo from Mark Morton. “Insurrection” features a rare and haunting, almost gothic, clean vocal intro from Blythe. “Terminally Unique” is a callback to Lamb of God’s earlier albums, with chaotic guitar melodies giving way to head-spinning thrash. Finally, closer “King Me” sports an ominous spoken word intro, an operatic soprano, and a string section underneath its crushing choruses, leaving just a touch of beauty amidst the devastation.

Resolution is a great record, and should definitely be in the collection of any fan. However, it does feel like the band has been moving laterally, rather than forward, since 2006’s Sacrament. They’ve found a sound that works, that people love, and it’s understandable that they wouldn’t want to push the envelope as much as they used to. Still, it’s hard not to pine for a time when Lamb of God was hungry for success and would try anything to make you listen. Give Resolution a spin if you’re a fan of the metal. You’ll like it, but your face won’t melt like the old days.