Keven's Music Review: LAMB OF GOD - Resolution

If there were any doubts that Lamb of God was indeed the spiritual successor to Pantera's legacy, look no further than their latest album 'Resolution'. Blistering speed metal, laced with metal's most vicious vocals - Lamb of God get right to the point and despite being a little too formulaic, deliver one hell of a metal record.

Lamb of God is my favorite metal band and although I'll forever be saddened at Pantera's demise over a decade ago, I'm happy knowing that there's a band still kicking and screaming out there that can fill that void. With 'Resolution' being their seventh studio album (including the delicious Burn The Priest record), it's nice to hear that there's still heart left in this motherf***er of an ass kicking metal machine.

I will admit that their previous album 'Wrath' let me down because it felt as though the guys made a speed metal record just for the sake of being heavy while following up the moodier but brilliant 'Sacrament'. 'Resolution' is more a combo of those two records, retaining the blistering speed, lightning solos and Randy's high pitch and amazing low frequency death growls. That being said, 'Resolution' is also very predictable. I miss the days with unusual time signatures combined with ferocious breakdowns that exploded into the heaviest of moshpit anthems.

The new record does include some of the best work I've heard from Lamb, including album closer 'King Me'. That aforementioned track actually includes symphonic elements, which I can't recall ever being on past albums. I may have been drawn to this epic track however simply because it really stood out from the pack. 'Ghost Walking' has a sweet as hell intro and 'Cheated' gave me chills that reminded me of Lamb when they used to go by that terrifying moniker of Burn The Priest.

Aside from a few standouts though, 'Resolution' is fairly standard fare. It's not bad, but it's also not particularly memorable either. I have a feeling the tracks probably translate better during live shows, which Lamb of God has always done. If you've never heard or seen them in concert – they are heavier, if that's even possible and their shows are absolutely devastating. I can say this having seen them live a few times and they never let me down.

'Resolution' would make Pantera proud. Even though it's not the metal masterpiece I was hoping for, it's still a welcome record in a world that sometimes forgets this genre of music still exists. Lamb of God may not have reached the heights of their first few records, but that doesn't mean they still aren't kicking a ridiculous amount of ass. Get it – or when Randy Blythe becomes President – you're screwed.

1. "Straight for the Sun"
2. "Desolation"
3. "Ghost Walking"
4. "Guilty"
5. "The Undertow"
6. "The Number Six"
7. "Barbarosa"
8. "Invictus"
9. "Cheated"
10. "Insurrection"
11. "Terminally Unique"
12. "To the End"
13. "Visitation"
14. "King Me"