These Richmond, Virginia dudes have been crushing skulls since way back when they called themselves Burn the Priest in the mid-90s. By the time they dropped this beast in 2003, they’d already figured out how to balance that crushing groove metal sound with some serious technical chops. Randy Blythe’s vocals had evolved from the earlier screamy stuff into this gnarly growl that just doesn’t quit, and the Adler brothers (Chris on drums, Willie on guitar) along with Mark Morton were laying down some seriously heavy riffage.
As the Palaces Burn is basically Lamb of God hitting their stride, it’s got that perfect mix of brutality and accessibility that made them one of the biggest names in modern metal. The production courtesy of Devin Townsend gives everything this sharp, surgical precision while still keeping things organic. Tracks like “Ruin” and the title track showcase the band’s ability to write hooks that’ll get stuck in your head while simultaneously trying to cave it in. “11th Hour” brings some of Randy’s most venomous lyrics, while “Vigil” closes things out with this doom-laden crusher that shows they weren’t just about speed.
This album pretty much cemented Lamb of God as leaders of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal movement, and for good reason. It’s 38 minutes of relentless aggression that never overstays its welcome, with every track serving a purpose. The guitar work is intricate without being showy, the rhythm section is tighter than a bank vault, and Randy’s vocals carry this perfect balance of rage and clarity. If you’re looking to understand why Lamb of God became such a big deal, or you just want to hear some prime early 2000s metal done right, this is essential listening.