I recently went to a small club in Boulder Colorado and saw the Anthrax 'Taking the Music Back' tour. They came with E Town Concrete and Lamb of God. Anthrax were great as to be expected and are still so energetic and intense live. John Bush has been a favorite since early Armored Saint and having seen Anthrax many times (1st was 'Spreading the Disease' tour), I am still amazed by their presence and talent.
With that said, I was also blown away by Lamb of God. Having never heard of them, they had me captivated and stunned during the entire set. I usually swear off unknown opening acts, but I could not ignore their brilliant musical abilities and overall innovative approach to metal. I went out immediately and bought both of their cds. Their debut, 'New American Gospel' is a breath of fresh air in the stale lungs of contemporary music. They are tight, complex and heavy as a ten ton hammer. It's an astounding effort for a first album.
"As The Palaces Burn' is about 10 times better than their first and that's saying a lot. It's heavier! It's faster and the guitar and drum parts are fluid and complex and just addicting. Since I bought 'Palaces', I haven't listened to anything else and each time it gets better and better!
If you are an old school thrash/death metal fan then you need to pick up some Lamb of God! They are Dream Theater without the Styx lead singer and much heavier. But equally as talentedand just plain harsh! I think of bands like old Max Sepultura, Kreator in their hey day, Dark Angel and even a little Slayer.
I promise you will not be disappointed! Some lead singers are hard to get past in order to enjoy the music. While Randy is gruff and barks out the vocals, he is apt for the music and not overbearing. The lyrics are also poiniant and extremely dark.
Hope you try them and enjoy them as much as I am. If you already like them, chime in and tell me your thoughts.