The groove-metallers formed in 1994, under the name Burn the Priest. The band decided to change their name in late 1999 to avoid being mistaken for a satanic metal band - wise move! After several line-up changes, the band currently comprises of Randy Blythe (vocals), Mark Morton (guitar), Willie Adler (guitar), John Campbell (bass) and Chris Adler (drums). The band have been compared to Pantera, Testament and described as “the leaders of the pack” of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal Movement which includes bands such as Biohazard, Slipknot and Machine Head. Bassist John Campbell has described the band as “a punk band that plays heavy metal”.
In 2000, Lamb of God released their first album under their new name, entitled “New American Gospel”, which was met with positive reviews. Following in 2003 was “As the Palaces Burn”, which was swiftly followed in 2004 by “Ashes of the Wake”, now under new record label Epic Records. It was their highest grossing album up to that point, selling over 35,000 copies in its first week and debuting at number 27 on the Billboard 200 in the US. “Laid to Rest” is the most well-known song from the album, due in part to its appearance in the videogame “Guitar Hero 2” as a playable track.
Lamb of God released their fifth album “Sacrament” in August 2006, which was met with rave reviews from critics and debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200. The band appeared on several major tours in support of the album, including “The Unholy Alliance” tour with Slayer, Mastodon and Children of Bodom, a co-headline tour with Killswitch Engage, Soilwork and DevilDriver and Gigantour, supporting Megadeth. They also played the main stage at Ozzfest and at Download Festival. In 2009, the band released their sixth album “Wrath” under yet another new record label, Roadrunner Records. The album reached number two on the Billboard 200. During this time, the band were touring the world as first support to Metallica.
Songs by Lamb of God have frequently appeared in films and videogames, including “Hit the Wall” which was featured in the Iron Man 2 and Splatterhouse games. “Walk with Me in Hell” is featured on the soundtrack for the film Saw III. The band has been nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Metal Performance, the first in 2010 when they lost out to Judas Priest and again in 2011, losing this time to Iron Maiden.
The band released their seventh album “Resolution” in 2012 and also released a documentary entitled “As The Palaces Burn” which were both met with positive reviews.
Trivium began with a talent show at the Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Way back in the year 2000, one of its acts was a fourteen year old guitar player by the name of Matt Heafy, whose performance of Metallica’s “No Leaf Clover” caught the eye of Trivium’s very first singer Brad Lewter. Impressed, the vocalist asked him to try out and soon after, Heafy was an official member of the band.
The band started gigging soon afterwards and after some time, Lewter left the band, allowing Heafy to take over lead vocal duties as well as playing rhythm guitar. It was with this set up that Trivium went into the studio and recorded their debut album “Ember To Inferno”, releasing it in October 2003. The album was enough to tour with Machine Head off the back of it, who in turn, introduced them to the folks at iconic metal label Roadrunner Records.
It was their second record however, that made the band what they are today. Released on Roadrunner in March 2005, “Ascendancy” wasn’t a hit immediately but thanks to positive critical reception, word of mouth and an utterly astonishing set at the 2005 Download Festival, it went on to make their name on the world stage. Over 100,000 copies sold in the U.K alone later, it became one of the decade’s touchstone metal albums.
Since then, they have remained near the top of the metal world as one of the century’s first true success stories. The likes of "Like Light to the Flies", "Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr" and "A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation" are new metal standards that thousands of garage bands practise to this day. There really is no higher compliment than that when it comes to rock and roll. No true metal head can go wrong with a Trivium gig, highly recommended.
If an award was to be given to a band who goes by a title that best misrepresents their music it would be Lamb of God. Perhaps one might think the band’s former name, Burn the Priest, might be much more suiting, but Lamb of God is just the type of name a band like this would choose, trying to provoke the kind of people that are most likely to condemn their music.
Lamb of God is not as quiet or innocent as their name implies, but the high energy, head-banging music they produce is sure to incite thrills. At a Lamb of God concert you can expect to see stacks of massive guitar amps that will blow you away with the loud, enthralling metal music that they are so adept at playing. Lamb of God is also quite captivating to see live with their members having appropriately long hair, swaying in every which direction as they ferociously bang their heads to the heavy metal music they are performing. Lead singer, Randy Blythe, has complete control of the stage running all over the place like a maniac, dumping water bottles on his head, and fiercely barking out the lyrics of his songs.
Lamb of God has a huge, diehard fan base that are just as uproarious as the band at their live shows forming large mosh pits, signaling the salute of rock and roll, and head banging to every song. Critics and fellow musicians are also fond of Lamb of God, which can be conveyed through the band’s multiple grammy nominations and appearances as opening acts for the likes of Slayer, Metallica, and Ozzy Osbourne. Lamb of God is sure to leave an impression on their fans whether it be through their dueling guitarists shredding fast and heavy riffs or the sound and pressure of the double bass drum pounding away the heavy forces of doom.
Before Trivium even walked onto the stage, haunting, dark ambient music drifted across the festival, creating a brooding atmosphere. The band walked out and were playing "Rain" within seconds.
The audience was overwhelmed with energy, thrashing everywhere, and overcome with passion. The guitar riffs were so heavy, it was actually kind of surprising. The best thing that Trivium is known for is their use of melody just as much as abrasiveness, and it creates a truly beautiful mix. When the band switches from heavy chugging to emotional, somber and ecstatic riffage, you cant help but want to start slamming your head, and letting out every built up tension you have. The audience was it's own experience.
Completely different from what you see at other shows, there are walls and walls of people flailing about everywhere, passionately yelling along with the singer. You better be prepared to be knocked on the head a few times(but don't worry. If you fall, someone will happily help you back up.).The music was beautiful, heavy, and loud. What was not to love? Every song has plenty of energy, and cool riffs. Seeing Trivium was a great experience, and I recommend them to anyone who loves heavy, passionate music.