Ahead of the release of their 10th album, self-titled “Lamb of God,” and a massive tour with heavy metal giants, Megadeth, Randy Blythe and company took the stage at Chicago’s House of Vans, for an intimate concert to hundreds of attendees. Check out the kick ass photos below!
Fans at House of Vans were first to witness the band’s newest single, “Checkmate,” performed live ahead of the new album release and supporting tour coming to in the next few months of 2020. It’s been 5 years since the band last put out new music and Randy Blythe confesses that this new LP will offer a criticism of the world politics that rules us today. And, as much as some of us might hope, there won’t be any direct punches thrown at Donald Trump. Not that Randy is a supporter of our commander-in-chief but he hasn’t heavily criticized him either. Instead, the lyrics on Checkmate and the new “Lamb of God” album takes a stab at the broader political environment we live in today, at the international level.
After a two-year hiatus and many years without a new track, Lamb of God also parted ways with drummer Chris Adler toward the end of 2019 and enlisted noted heavy metal drummer Art Cruz (Winds of Plague, Prong, and Klogr) who had previously played with the band on their 2018 North American tour. The new Lamb of God album will also be Art’s debut with the band in the studio and is rumored to feature other great artists from bands like Hatebreed and Testament.
Originally slated for December 2019, the band’s 10th studio production lands May 8 just before their tour with Megadeth, Trivium, and Inflames this June, but not before a string of shows takes the band to the UK, Spain, and other spots in Europe; and a performance at the Welcome to Rockville festival held at Florida’s Daytona International Speedway with Metallica, Disturbed, Deftones, Lynrd Skynyrd and long list of music greats playing that weekend.
Support for this Lamb of God edition of House of Van’s shows came by way of Chicago natives Harm’s Way. Currently, on Metal Blade Records, Harm’s Way’s “Posthuman” LP and “PSTHMN“ EP can be acquired on CD and colored vinyl. Success is taking Harm’s Way to Germany and Austria for several tour dates soon but if you missed their House of Van’s performance, they’ll be back in Chicago for The Rumble, May 1 and 2 at Chicago’s Cobra Lounge. Don’t miss it!
Important links!
Pre-order Lamb of God’s new album on the official website here!
Buy Harm’s Way’s Posthuman and PSTHMN here!
Check out more House of Van’s shows (and skate sessions) here!
Now check out the photos from the special Valentine’s of metal event! (Click to enlarge)
Gozamos.com – Photos: @jean.marc.lavoie ©2020