Lamb Of God
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Band Timeline
1994
Formation of Burn the Priest, later Lamb of God
The band that would become Lamb of God was originally formed in 1994 in Richmond, Virginia, under the name Burn the Priest. Founding members included bassist John Campbell, drummer Chris Adler, and guitarists Mark Morton and Matt Conner, all of whom met while attending Virginia Commonwealth University. Early years included lineup changes and developing their style by practicing locally. In 1995 they released their first demo and contributed to split EPs. Vocalist Randy Blythe joined after the first three demos, and Morton returned in 1997. This period laid the groundwork for their later success as a pivotal act in American heavy metal.
1999
Debut album "Burn the Priest" released
In 1999, under the name Burn the Priest, the band released their self-titled debut album through Legion Records. This album established their presence in the metal scene with a raw and aggressive style. Production was handled by Steve Austin of Today Is the Day, and the release helped them build a grassroots following through DIY touring, particularly in Philadelphia. Shortly after the album release, Abe Spear left the band and Willie Adler, Chris Adler's younger brother, joined as the second guitarist. This lineup solidification preceded the band's decision to change their name to Lamb of God to mark their evolution away from their satanic metal band perception.
2000
Renamed to Lamb of God and released "New American Gospel"
In 2000, the band officially renamed themselves Lamb of God and signed with Prosthetic Records. This marked a new chapter with the release of their album New American Gospel in September 2000. The album was recognized for blending technical musicianship with the aggressive qualities of American metal, drawing comparisons to Pantera. The record received praise for its heaviness and contagious energy, with drummer Chris Adler reflecting on the band coming together to create a defining work. This album helped cement Lamb of God's reputation in the new wave of American heavy metal.
2003
Released the critically acclaimed album "As the Palaces Burn"
On May 6, 2003, Lamb of God released their third studio album, As the Palaces Burn. The album received positive reviews, including from Rolling Stone, for distinguishing itself from contemporaries and presenting a mature, aggressive sound. It demonstrated the band's growth in songwriting and musical complexity, helping to broaden their fanbase and solidifying their position in the metal community. Extensive touring followed the release, expanding their reach nationally and internationally and preparing them for even greater future success.
2006
Mainstream breakthrough with "Sacrament" album
In 2006, Lamb of God released Sacrament, which became one of their most successful albums to date. It showcased refined production and songwriting, bringing them broader recognition within the heavy metal world and beyond. This album delivered hits like "Redneck" and marked the band's ascent onto larger stages, festivals, and extensive touring circuits. Sacrament's success helped the band break into the mainstream metal scene, further enhancing their reputation as leaders of the new wave of American heavy metal.
2009
Released "Wrath" and received Grammy nominations
The 2009 release of Wrath solidified Lamb of God's status as a major force in modern metal. The album was noted for its intensity and diversity, featuring complex compositions and aggressive vocals. It earned the band two Grammy nominations in 2010 and 2011 for the songs "Set to Fail" and "In Your Words," recognizing their artistic achievements. Wrath supported extensive touring and festivals worldwide, further establishing Lamb of God's global presence in the metal community.
2012
Vocalist Randy Blythe's legal issues and band's perseverance
In 2012, Lamb of God faced a significant challenge when vocalist Randy Blythe was arrested and charged with manslaughter in the Czech Republic following an incident at a concert. After spending over a month in jail, Blythe was released in 2013 following a trial that acquitted him. This period tested the band's resilience and unity. Despite the ordeal, Lamb of God continued creating music and touring, demonstrating their commitment to their craft and fans while navigating a difficult chapter in their career.
2012
Released "Resolution" album
Later in 2012, Lamb of God released the album Resolution, their first record after Blythe's legal troubles. The album showed a band recovering and moving forward, with lyrical themes reflecting their recent experiences. Resolution received generally positive reviews and featured the single "Ghost Walking." The album reinforced their status in metal and helped them reclaim their momentum with strong critical and fan support, paving the way for their ongoing evolution.
2015
Released "VII: Sturm und Drang" and Grammy nomination
In 2015, Lamb of God released their seventh studio album, VII: Sturm und Drang. The album reflected personal and emotional themes, especially surrounding the tumultuous events they had endured in previous years. It received a Grammy nomination in 2016 for the song "512," further underscoring the band's continuing relevance and artistic excellence. The album was praised for its depth and strong performances and was accompanied by extensive touring that showcased the band's enduring energy and commitment to their fans.
2018-2019
Supported Slayer on their final world tour
Between 2018 and 2019, Lamb of God played a significant role supporting Slayer, one of the most iconic thrash metal bands, on their final world tour. This high-profile tour exposed Lamb of God to even larger audiences globally and honored the legacy of metal music as Slayer concluded their career. The opportunity highlighted Lamb of God's stature within the metal community and allowed them to connect with fans of multiple generations, solidifying their place as contemporary metal icons.
2022
Released latest album "Omens"
In October 2022, Lamb of God released their eleventh studio album, Omens. This release continued the band's tradition of delivering powerful, intense metal with sharp musicianship and potent themes. Omens was well received by fans and critics alike, showcasing the band's ability to evolve while maintaining the core elements of their sound that have distinguished them for decades. The album's release supports their ongoing vitality and influence in the heavy metal genre, reaffirming their position at the forefront of the scene.
Albums
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Willie Adler
1999
Guitar
Mark Morton
1999
Guitar
Randy Blythe
1999
Lead vocals
Art Cruz
2019
Drums (drum set)
John Campbell
1999
Bass guitar
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Chris Adler
1999
2019
Drums (drum set)
Story of Lamb Of God
Lamb of God, the Richmond, Virginia titans of heavy metal, exploded onto the scene in 1994 as Burn the Priest. This quintet – vocalist Randy Blythe, guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler, bassist John Campbell, and drummer Art Cruz – are a cornerstone of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal.
Since their inception, they`ve unleashed a sonic onslaught across eleven studio albums (including two under their original moniker), culminating in their latest offering, Omens, released in October 2022. Their discography also boasts a live album, a compilation, three DVDs, two EPs, and a staggering twenty-eight singles. Their impact is undeniable, with nearly two million albums sold in the US alone, including two RIAA Gold-certified releases.
Grammy recognition arrived in 2010 and 2011 for tracks from their acclaimed 2009 album, Wrath, and again in 2016 for "512." Their legendary live performances have graced stages worldwide, including two Ozzfest appearances, Download and Sonisphere festivals (UK), Soundwave Festival (Australia), Mayhem Festival, and Gigantour. They shared the stage with metal giants, notably as part of Metallicas World Magnetic Tour (2008-2010) and Slayers final world tour (2018-2019). Lamb of God`s influence on the heavy metal landscape is undeniable, solidifying their status as true legends.
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