VII: Sturm und Drang (Deluxe Version)

AlbumJul 24 / 201512 songs, 56m 42s
Popular

The American metal veterans return with a concussive new statement influenced in part by frontman Randy Blythe’s time in a Czech prison—for manslaughter charges that were eventually lifted. While Deftones’ Chino Moreno lends his distinct vocals to the hypnotic clatter of “Embers,” and Dillinger Escape Plan’s Greg Puciato adds his scream to the searing atmospherics of “Torches,\" it’s Blythe’s howl that propels every punishing cut. “This is a tarnished heirloom,” he bellows on “Still Echoes,” the opener he began writing while incarcerated. “Passed down through iron fists / A shameful house of doom.”

7.8 / 10

Despite the Roman numerals and German words in its title, Lamb of God’s seventh album is a satisfactorily settled, gimmick-free record. VII: Sturm und Drang, featuring a guest spot from the Deftones' Chino Moreno, is also the metal stalwarts' most alluring album in years.

F

With the release of its self-titled album in 1991, Metallica immediately transitioned from menacing thrash into the listener-friendly world of stadium rock. Although Lamb Of God’s move toward accessibility has been more gradual, when comparing new release VII: Sturm Und Drang to the band’s earlier material, the…

4 / 5

Check out our album review of Artist's VII: Sturm und Drang on Rolling Stone.com.

8 / 10

VII: Sturm und Drang is the first Lamb of God album following the manslaughter trial that put the future of vocalist Randy Blythe and, conse...

9 / 10

A lot has happened in the LAMB OF GOD camp the past five years, the most intense events surrounding vocalist Randy Blythe. Consult the band's haunting "As the Palaces Burn" docufilm if you're not up to speed on Blythe's exoneration following his captivity in Prague following the death of a fan at a...

10 / 10

Most of VII: Sturm und Drang is devoted to Lamb of God’s merciless three-guitar attacks.

8 / 10

One of metal’s biggest bands earn their status with an album full of fresh axes to grind

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Album Reviews: Lamb Of God - VII: Sturm Und Drang

3.5 / 5

Lamb of God - VII: Sturm und Drang review: Lamb of God present a ferocious and focused end product after a harrowing few years, reassuring fans that their energy and vigor are still in full force.