Heavy metal titans Lamb of God are set to release their new self-titled album this spring, and it’s a politically charged effort that tackles multiple sociopolitical topics that are affecting the United States and the entire world.
The album arrives on May 8th, and was preceded by the single “Checkmate”, which serves as a scathing takedown of President Trump. However, the full LP is not merely an anti-Trump album, as it touches on subjects such as immigration, mass shootings, and more.
We sat down with Lamb of God singer Randy Blythe to discuss his approach to the album, the song “Checkmate”, his views on the U.S. presidential election, and more.
“The best punk rock and hardcore and metal … has always come out of tumultuous times,” he told us. “Right now seems to be an extremely tumultuous time … and it’s not just Trump, it’s not just America — [world leaders in] many different countries are advocating some pretty abhorrent ideals and backwards ideology. It’s not like all of a sudden Trump came into power, and everything went to shit.”
Blythe also discussed the U.S. presidential election, admitting he doesn’t have a preferred candidate, but will “vote for the person that I think will do the less damage.”
The metal singer added, “There is hope for change. I think it happens on a one-on-one basis. Because I have friends who voted for Trump, and we don’t punch each other in the face.”
Our discussion with Randy Blythe runs much deeper than the above quotes, so check out the video interview above to get his further thoughts on the album, including the single “Checkmate”. And this is only Part 1 of the conversation. Stay tuned for Part 2, in which Blythe talks about immigration, gun control, and much more.
As of now, Lamb of God are slated to co-headline a massive North American tour with Megadeth in the summer and fall. The band’s self-titled new album can be pre-ordered here.
Having trouble viewing the video above? Watch on YouTube.
