'VII: Sturm und Drang' is about those events as much as Metallica's '...And Justice for All' is about Cliff Burton's death – we kind of feel it is, but it really isn't. The atmosphere of the Richmond, Viriginia, metal band's new creation, as well some of the lyrical themes in it, sure is influenced by what went down – but it avoids being literally about it. And it is now what makes the album strong anyway.

 

In songs like opener 'Still Echoes, 'Erase This' and 'Delusion Pandemic' it is all about Willie Adler and Mark Morton's riffs racing and intertwining with each other over the take-no-prisoners tempo maintained by Chris Adler's drumming – and then Blythe deliver his typical guttural growl over this. '512' – the song whose lyric comes the closest to sticking a finger in the Czech wound – in turn sacrifices speed for an eerie atmosphere that then flows into a gigantic, groovy riff and a bit more high-pitched and dramatic vocals. The album's catchiest chorus.

 

With a little help from some friends, LAMB OF GOD also make two steps away from their typical sound. The ghost vocals of the Deftones' Chino Moreno in 'Embers' create a song within the song in what was already one of the album's best tracks. In 'Torches,' Greg Puciato's reverb-soaked vocals contribute to the buildup of tension in a song that gradually evolves from an post-apocalyptic wasteland to a barrage of riffs – and also wraps up the album.

 

The biggest blow to LAMB OF GOD blueprint, however, is one they deliver themselves. This is 'Overlord' – the closest this band has ever come to writing a ballad – where Blythe for the first time relies on entirely clean vocals. And it works. Not just because of the merciless groove-thrash part that cuts the song in two. It works because it is a well written song.

 

And it is not just that one that this applies to. It has been a while since LAMB OF GOD sounded so confident, focused and inspired. This is why the dance on the border of their comfort zone and the creative risk that lies beyond works for the band – and, in turn, makes 'VII: Sturm und Drang' interesting to listen to. Friedrich Nietzsche apparently was right about that which does not kill us.