Wrath
by Lamb of God
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Feb 24, 2009
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. The A.V. Club
    100
    For the first time, Lamb Of God sounds as powerful composing songs as it does cranking out riffs--and the transformation is career-defining.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Diehards may again be disappointed by the acoustic intro to Wrath's closing track, 'Reclamation,' and the subtle nods to melody throughout. But c'mon, Randy Blythe's demonic bark, Adler's chain-gun rhythms, and the ferocious chug-chug-chug-squeal guitar riffing are all vintage Lamb of God.
  3. Boston Globe
    80
    Wrath furthers Lamb of God's reputation for craft and innovation and argues to a broader audience that metal is a style rife with fresh ideas.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    It’s still a lot like getting hammered in the skull for an hour, but Wrath allows enough range between the power-chug of ‘Grace’ and the forbidding rumblings of ‘Reclamation’ to lift them a long way out of the pits of hell.
  6. Slant Magazine
    80
    Wrath demonstrates Lamb of God's superior musicianship and creative songwriting, but above all else, the band's desire to innovate without abandoning the formula that serves them well.
  7. Alternative Press
    80
    LOG maintain all thise essential elements and more, yet still venture into uncharted territory. [Apr 2009, p.136]
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  8. Q Magazine
    80
    This confident follow-up is rawer, looser and altogether more agressive. [Apr 2009, p.97]
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  9. Billboard
    70
    Cuts like 'In Your Words' and 'Grace' cover an impressive amount of sonic ground, from delicate acoustic atmospherics to full-on rhythmic pummeling. Yet with frontman Randy Blythe's guttural growl--not to mention his bile-soaked lyrics about religious hypocrisy--this is hardly a bid for an active-rock breakthrough.
  10. Los Angeles Times
    63
    On its new album, Wrath, the Virginia band roots its best songs in a Motorhead swagger that makes the growly moments stickier and gives the stadium-sized choruses a hint of righteous evil.
  11. AllMusic
    60
    There's no denying the sheer "angry basement workout/summer garage weightlifting" potential that Wrath's perfectly acceptable 45-minute running time offers, but without a single hook that sticks around long enough to reel in the fish, all you've got is bait.
  12. Blender
    60
    They’re closer to turning monstrous dexterity into gut-wrenching metal, but for now, the oblatory goats and virgins are safe.
  13. PopMatters
    60
    That said, there’s nothing wrong with a formulaic sound expertly executed, especially in metal, and in spite of a dearth of truly ambitious moments, Lamb of God sounds as consistent as ever on their fifth album Wrath.
  14. Spin
    60
    But primally satisfying as it is, the band's meat-and- taters thrash leaves one hungry for some Mastodon- style lateral thinking.
  15. Rolling Stone
    40
    Wrath opens and closes with spans of placid subtlety--a welcome touch that doesn't make up for all the raging roteness in between.

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Most Discussed Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 60
  3. Negative: 3 out of 60
  1. Andremax
    Jul 16, 2018
    8
    The aggressiveness makes this album the band's best since Ashes of the Wake, although being not innovating and adding that Lamb of God hasThe aggressiveness makes this album the band's best since Ashes of the Wake, although being not innovating and adding that Lamb of God has more creativity that was showed here in some parts. Concise but not bad at all.… Full Review »
  2. Pitovnikov
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    This is just a killer album. Needless to say more. Set to Fail was my first ever LoG song and it's still my favourite of them. This album isThis is just a killer album. Needless to say more. Set to Fail was my first ever LoG song and it's still my favourite of them. This album is just perfect example of groove metal for me.… Full Review »
  3. TheQuietGamer
    Jan 16, 2017
    9
    Wrath is pure angry metal. Relentless in it's aggression, the album never lets up in intensity. Randy Blythe's vocals only add to rage thatWrath is pure angry metal. Relentless in it's aggression, the album never lets up in intensity. Randy Blythe's vocals only add to rage that pours from each track's lyrics. It's full on assault on things like religious hypocrisy and politics.

    Lamb of God wants us to hear it's wrath just as much as it wants those who their lyrics are criticizing to feel it. The result is a brutally heavy album. One bolstered by the band's musical finesse. The manage to channel all of their hate into some immaculately crafted songs. The album's eleven tracks go by just fast enough to keep the album from overstaying it's welcome.    … Full Review »
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