Release date: 10/7/2022
Origin: Richmond, Mother Fucking, Virginia
Personnel: D. Randall Blythe-vox, Mark Morton-guitar, Willie Adler-guitar, John Campbell-bass, Art Cruz-drums
Always a good year when the dudes from Richmond put out a new release. By far, I feel like these guys have been THE band of the 2000s. Just a super solid catalog by a super group of dudes. 2022 sees them put out Omens. I’ve got to say that it isn’t one of their best releases overall, but it still has enough quality tracks to clock in at #20 in the countdown this year. This is album #2 with Art Cruz manning the drum throne and it feels as though he is being fully incorporated into the sound. Granted, his style is very complimentary to Chris Adler and the band hasn’t really had any hiccups since he has come aboard. This album feels a little angrier and more topical than some of the recent releases by these guys. My only critique on this one is that is isn’t really breaking any new ground for the band. Rather than reinventing the wheel, this one is basically Lamb doing what they do. Maybe a bit more emphasis on a punk-sort of feel, but this album will feel familiar to fans of the band. Standout tracks include “Nevermore”, “Vanishing” and album closer “September Song”.
4 flip flops out of 5
The list so far:
20. Lamb of God-Omens
DISPATCHES FROM THE VOID 