At least I got this impression when listening to the first song "Ruin". In a perfect THE HAUNTED manner, the band fires off one Death/Thrash salvo after another. The two guitar players Willie Adler and Mark Morton have once again a whole regiment of razor sharp riffs, which they use in their sometimes faster sometimes slower songs. Hammers like "11th Hour" or "Boot Scraper" live mainly from their super heavy riffs, drummer Chris Adler and bass player John Campbell bring in the necessary groove, which makes the songs even stronger and heavier. In this inferno suits the voice of Randy Blythe perfectly. This man bawls, screams and growls without interruption through the ten hammer tracks. Whether you take "Purfied", "A Devil In Gods Country" or the title track, he gives always 100% and the listener gets no breathing time. But that doesn't mean that LAMB OF GOD are monotonous. On the contrary. Every single song has its own trademarks. Personally, I think the best song within thoroughly great songs, is "Blood Junkie". This track blows everything away with its kille rriff and the harsh double bass. Should be a live hit.

Another big plus is the sound of "As The Palaces Burn". The band worked together with no one else than Devin Townsend. Particularly the drums remind strongly of SYL and the solo works of the Canadian. One must almost duck oneself because of the thick sound wall coming out of the speakers. Absolutely great. So, there still remain the lyrics and they are great, too. It's really nice to see and listen that there are also bands in this heavy genre, which sing not about killers or some splatter stuff. Would be nice, if other bands would be the same critical than LAMB OF GOD. Also here, thumbs up.

Well, "As The Palaces Burn" has turned out to be a really great piece of steel. Principally, the Americans are now in the first row with bands like THE HAUNTED or SOILWORK. Let's hope that this will be also shown in their sales. Personally, I only wish one calmer song on the next album of these guys for a breathing time. Should adding even more diversity. It mustn't be a ballad. But listen to this album. Who digs on decent power, a thick sound and good lyrics should be more than pleased with "As The Palaces Burn".

Check-out tips: "11th Hour", "Boot Scraper", "Blood Junkie"... (Online January 3, 2004)