After the laughter subsides, we follow the crowd/black hoodie society/brotherhood of extreme haircuts towards the stage. Old church bells signal the band’s entrance (very Black Sabbath), followed by some mystic eastern vocals, which is most unexpected. Even at the back of the Cockpit (which holds about 500 people) the volume is intense. The band is tight from the first song; no warming up required. That’s what five days a week practice does for you.

I climb to the mixing desk area above the bar, in an attempt to get some shots of the stage. I’m glad I do, because the only pit at the front of the stage, is the moshpit and it makes the battle scenes in Braveheart look a playground scrap. The band play songs from each of their three albums, including the optimistically titled ‘Now I’ve Got Something To Die For’ and the ‘11^th Hour’.

The crowd seem to love every down tuned power chord fired at them. The occasional call of

“LET ME SEE, YOUR DEVIL HORNS!” doesn’t seem to do them any harm either – although one guy completely gets the wrong end idea and tries and whips his dick out instead – not a pretty sight!  

Unfortunately as we all know (or should know) great musicians, doesn’t necessarily mean great songs. Yes, they’re hard and fast (they’re a thrash metal band) but that’s a necessity and not a speciality. 

Lamb of God, are a great live band – intense, awesomely hard (my head is still ringing) and in current form are enjoying great success, as their stint at the Ozzfest more than proves. It’s just unfortunate, that they’re limited by their genre. They can only get louder, harder and faster (hardly inspired).  If they dared dropped the thrash metal tag (as Metallica once did) they’d be free to push they’re talents. By being so technically proficient tonight, all they’ve done is show they’re flaws. Will Lamb of God take a step into a bigger arena? Metal waits with baited breath…
(3/5)

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