Lamb Of God: Embracing Evolution with “Into Oblivion”

A New Era for the Band

Lamb Of God is embarking on a new journey with their tenth studio album, “Into Oblivion,” set to release on March 13 via Epic Records. In a recent interview with Hardlore, vocalist Randy Blythe shared insights into the band’s mindset and creative process for this upcoming release, emphasizing a perspective shaped by years of experience rather than a desire for reinvention.

Continuity Over Reinvention

When discussing the approach to “Into Oblivion,” Blythe dismissed the notion of a dramatic shift in sound or style. He likened the creative process to that of their previous albums, indicating a continuous evolution rather than a radical departure. “Much in the same way we went about approaching album number nine, number eight, number seven,” he explained, highlighting the band’s commitment to their established identity.

Internal Growth and Collaboration

One of the significant changes within Lamb Of God has been the way the band members collaborate. Over the past five to six years, they have made a conscious effort to prioritize the collective vision of the band over individual egos. Blythe remarked on the challenges of writing music in their younger years, admitting, “When you’re a younger band… writing was very contentious.” However, he noted that maturity has led to improved relationships among the members, fostering a more harmonious creative environment.

Murdering Your Darlings

Blythe introduced a guiding principle for their songwriting, inspired by playwright Tennessee Williams: “You must be willing to murder your darlings.” This concept encourages the band to be ruthless with their ideas, even if they hold personal significance, ensuring that only the best material serves the greater good of the album. “Better is better,” he succinctly stated.

Visual and Aesthetic Changes

In a notable shift, “Into Oblivion” features the first change to Lamb Of God’s logo in 27 years. Blythe candidly explained the need for this update, stating, “Our logo, to be perfectly honest, needed changing. It’s the papyrus font. Had we known 20-whatever years ago that we would wind up looking like a falafel restaurant menu, we wouldn’t have used that.”

Creative Freedom and Thematic Depth

The album’s title track, “Into Oblivion,” was released alongside an engaging music video directed by Tom Flynn and Mike Watts. Guitarist Mark Morton emphasized the album’s essence as a celebration of creative freedom, stating, “For me, the album is about having the space to breathe creatively and not feeling like we have to keep up with any trend or expectation.”

A Reflection on Society

Blythe also shared the darker implications behind the album’s title, framing it within the context of a broader societal decline. He expressed concern about the rapid deterioration of the social contract, noting, “Because that’s where we’re heading. The album is about the ongoing and rapid breakdown of the social contract. Things are acceptable now that would’ve horrified people just 20 years ago.”

Upcoming Tour: A Heavy Return

Lamb Of God is gearing up to hit the road in March for what promises to be an intense tour, featuring support from Kublai Khan TX, Fit For An Autopsy, and Sanguisugabogg. Fans can look forward to a series of electrifying performances across North America. Here are some of the tour dates:

• 3/17 National Harbor, MD – The Theater MGM National Harbor
• 3/19 Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
• 3/20 Toronto, ON – GCT Theatre
• 3/22 Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
• 3/24 Minneapolis, MN – Armory
• 3/25 Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
• 3/27 Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
• 3/28 Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Center
• 3/30 Portland, OR – Theater of the Clouds
• 3/31 Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater
• 4/1 Vancouver, BC – PNE Forum
• 4/3 San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
• 4/4 Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater
• 4/5 Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
• 4/7 Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center
• 4/10 Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater
• 4/11 Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
• 4/12 Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
• 4/14 Nashville, TN – War Memorial Auditorium
• 4/15 Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre
• 4/16 Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater
• 4/18 Reading, PA – Santander Arena
• 4/19 Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome
• 4/21 Buffalo, NY – Buffalo RiverWorks
• 4/23 Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
• 4/25 Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
• 4/26 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

Conclusion

Lamb Of God’s upcoming album “Into Oblivion” represents not only their musical evolution but also their growth as a collective. By embracing creative freedom and prioritizing the band’s vision over individual desires, they are poised to deliver a powerful and relevant work that resonates with fans and reflects the complexities of today’s society.

FAQs

When is Lamb Of God’s new album “Into Oblivion” released?

The album is set to be released on March 13, 2024.

What is the significance of the album title “Into Oblivion”?

The title reflects themes of societal decline and the breakdown of the social contract, as expressed by vocalist Randy Blythe.

Who will be joining Lamb Of God on tour?

The tour will feature support from Kublai Khan TX, Fit For An Autopsy, and Sanguisugabogg.

What is the major change in Lamb Of God’s visual identity?

For the first time in 27 years, the band has updated their logo, which Blythe described as necessary for a fresh aesthetic.

What does Randy Blythe mean by “murder your darlings”?

This principle encourages the band to eliminate beloved ideas that do not serve the album’s overall quality and vision.