LAMB OF GOD "Ashes In The Wake"
by Clifford "Junior" Newsted

Cover: 5 Angry Nu-Liberals out of 10
The cover features what appears to be several eagles with bombs gripped in their beaks diving into their target. Looks like something done in watercolors, the main colors being blood read and forest green with gold outlines. The band's logo and title placed on the lower left had side of the cover. It's kind of typical of what these 'new generation' metal bands are doing.

Booklet: 7 John Kerry Supporters out of 10
The booklet features a band photograph along with lyrics to all the tracks in gold print. It looks classy and very professional. Looks better than most shit Sanctuary Records puts out, that's for sure.

Songs: 8 Registered Voters out of 10
The tracks are solid and pummeling. There's some great guitar work on here, most new or up and coming bands, don't put any effort into their guitar playing. This records has riffage galore and that makes it stand out from the pack. The title track features guest spots by Chris Poland and Alex Skolnick. That track alone makes it worth price of admission. With a band like LoG, bands that fall somewhere, between hard core and mallcore, it's hard to come up with an interesting product. These new bands have to deliver to stand out from the pack. On this outing, I feel that LoG have, buried their last record, As the Palaces Burn.

Comments: This is the future of metal, along with Shadows Fall, LoG will be what Megadeth and Slayer were in their day. This band is what Phil Anselmo and Super Joint Ritual are trying to be and can't. Pick a copy of Ashes of the Wake and give it a good listen. If you can get past the political ramblings, you won't be disappointed.