LAMB OF GOD has revealed a brand new single and video, “Checkmate,” from the band’s first release in five years and the first to feature new drummer Art Cruz. The self-titled Lamb Of God is due out May 8 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Watch “Checkmate” now at:

“‘Checkmate’ brings together all the components of the LAMB OF GOD sound that we’ve been developing over the last two decades, but with the ambition and ferocity that comes with the start of a new chapter for our band,” says guitarist Mark Morton. “Re-energized and reignited, this is LAMB OF GOD 2020. We’ve never been more excited.”

The simple Lamb Of God title for their first album in five years is a declaration from LAMB OF GOD.

It is a testament to the band’s long career – which includes two gold albums, two platinum DVDs and five Grammy nominations – and a bold statement about where the quintet is now.

“Putting only our name on it is a statement,” Blythe says. “This is LAMB OF GOD. Here and now.”

A true collaboration between all members of the band, LAMB OF GOD’s eighth studio album is an amalgam of each individual’s writing style, perfectly blended to create a singular style. Guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler inject the album with a mountain of thrash, groove, shred and stripped-down aggression in equal measure. The fluid bass playing of John Campbell looms large as a rhythmic shadow and drummer Art Cruz, who makes studio debut with LAMB OF GOD on this record, commands his position with passion, sweat and expansive dynamics. Vocalist D. Randall Blythe is as angry, insightful, informed, and hyper-literate as ever. Known for his outspoken lyrics, Blythe delivers once again, examining the state of the world through an early punk rock-style lens.

In celebration of the release of “Checkmate” and the announce of the new album, LAMB OF GOD will appear at a special show at the House of Vans in Chicago on February 14. The event is free and fans can RSVP beginning at 12 noon CST today at http://houseofvans.com The event will include a photography exhibit featuring photos from D. Randall Blythe that will be included in the new LAMB OF GOD album artwork. Harm’s Way will open the show.

In the midst of writing the 10 song that appear on Lamb Of God, the group hit pause on the works-in-progress to man the stage as main support Slayer’s “The Final Campaign.” After months of playing their best-known songs nightly, LAMB OF GOD returned to the new tracks and began to work with longtime producer Josh Wilbur (Korn, Megadeth, Gojira, Trivium). Special guests Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) and Chuck Billy (Testament) also make appearances on Lamb Of God.

Lamb Of God pre-orders are available at: http://nblast.de/LambOfGodAU