For the longest time, I felt that Randy Blythe and Lamb Of God would never be able to top New American Gospel. Everything they released after that was mostly enjoyable, but never quite seemed to reach the same level as that album.
And then, Sacrament was thrown at us in 2006… and all my preconceived notions were thrown out the window. Building on the strength of their previous release (and major label debut) Ashes Of The Wake, Lamb Of God made sure they had released the brakes on this disc, and they come sailing full-throttle for the listener. It’s a glorious collision when it does happen, leaving no head not banging.
From the opening salvos of “Walk With Me In Hell”—one of the slower songs (if there is such a thing) on this disc—you know that Lamb Of God will be taking no prisoners with this one. The twin-guitar attack of Willie Adler and Mark Morton, thundering bass of John Campbell and the serious double-bass work from Chris Adler on drums all serve as the vehicle for Blythe to unleash a torrent of angst, growls and screams. If this sounds like a bad thing… well, you’ve obviously never experienced a band like Lamb Of God.
“Redneck,” undoubtedly the centerpiece of this album, captures the band at the peak of their craft. If there ever could be considered a hit single from a heavy metal band, this would be at or near the top of the list for me. Everything simply clicks into place, leaving the listener wanting so much more as the final distorted notes fade out. (The video for this song is simply the icing on the cake; you can find it on YouTube.)
But to say that Sacrament is just one song would be doing the other tracks a serious injustice. Songs like “Again We Rise,” “Pathetic,” “Blacken The Cursed Sun” and “Foot To The Throat” all showcase a band that was, at that stage in their career, at the top of their game. It’s an intense ride that you’re taken on, and it’s worth every moment.
Thanks once again in no small part to the production work of Machine, Blythe’s vocals ring out clearly, making the ominous tones the songs take have an additional edge. It’s difficult to try and point out if the songs have any specific themes or targets as they did on Ashes Of The Wake… but, to be honest, they don’t really need that laser focus, as the tracks are able to stand on their own merit.
Sacrament remains a high-water mark for Lamb Of God, and—at this stage in their discography—could be called their best album. It’s a definite must-own for any fan of heavy rock or thrash.