Ok, I did the ‘illegal’ download thing a couple of weeks back when this sucker finally hit cyberspace. This mob are easily one of my fave bands and I desperately wanted to hear what was on offer this time round. (Don’t worry I bought an advance copy through Roadrunner last week – still waiting on my bonus tee shirt tho!)
On first listen, I felt bitterly disappointed. It all just sounded so one dimensional and bland. The whole thing seemed devoid of any sort of dynamics or melody in any way, shape or form and I was beginning to worry. Hmmm, first listen blues I thought. I’ll give it a few more goes and we’ll see how we go.
Rightfully so, after a couple more listens, I was beginning to get into it a little more. In fact, I was starting to dig it. I mean, sheesh, these guys are a fucking legendary band and as stated previously, easily in my top 10. How could a Lamb of God album possibly suck? Right? Riiiight???
But here is the predicament: I’ve listened to it a few more times since starting to get into it but at the end of the day… I’m finding it all rather dull. There’s no real memorable fist-punching, mosh-inducing tracks. It all sounds so ‘samey’ and sterile. I’m finding I just can’t really get into it as I have with past releases from these guys. Where are the riffs? Where are the cool leads? (Bar the nice Ace Frehley sounding lead on ‘Set To Fail’). Sigh!
I may need to devote even more time with it, but I just don’t want to have to force myself to like it. Who knows, I may feel differently in a week or two – but today, right now, this very instant… this album sucks and I guarantee that after all the dust has settled and we’re a couple more albums down the track – even the band themselves will admit, Wrath is their weakest moment.
