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Lamb of God Share New Single “Routes” Featuring Testament’s Chuck Billy

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Lamb of God, photo by Travis Shinn

American metal mainstays, Lamb of God have just unveiled their single, “Routes,” the fourth from their upcoming Lamb Of God album due on June 19th via Epic Records. The song, which is accompanied by a cool visualizer, features Testament lead singer Chuck Billy and, lyrically, was inspired by vocalist D. Randall Blythe’s time spent in North Dakota with native peoples at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation during the No DAPL movement.

Blythe commented on the topic, saying, “I went to Standing Rock because I had heard reports of violence committed on the peaceful protestors there by both state law enforcement and private security contractors, and this violence was not reported in mainstream media for the most part. I went to bring supplies and support these people, who were trying to protect their water, and thereby protect everyone, as everything in the natural world is protected. I was there a week, made some great friends, and learned a lot. It was a very profound experience in my life, and I knew one day I would write a song about it.”

Blythe tapped his good friend Chuck Billy, who is of Pomo Native American heritage, amplify the lyrical content and its authenticity. “My experience, although my own, was tempered and shaped by the hundreds of years of brutal oppression of Native peoples in our country,” says Blythe. “So, it was imperative for me to have a Native voice represented on the song, and Chuck Billy was happy to be that voice. At the end, there is a call and response section – Chuck calls and I respond. This is intentional. Musically, it is symbolic of my experience there. A native voice leads, bringing forth positive energy and calling to the people to unite, and I reply, providing support. That was my physical experience, and it is reflected in the song.”

Chuck Billy adds, “It was a great honor as a proud Pomo Native American to be asked by Lamb of God to do some guest vocals on this song. The No DAPL movement by the indigenous people of this country was a historic event. Being able to lend my voice to represent the Native American people, complementing Randy’s storytelling and lyrics, is something really special to me. I’m glad this movement was put in a musical message, and I am extremely happy to have been a part of it.”

Lamb Of God Track Listing:

1. Memento Mori
2. Checkmate
3. Gears
4. Reality Bath
5. New Colossal Hate
6. Resurrection Man
7. Poison Dream (feat. Jamey Jasta)
8. Routes (feat. Chuck Billy)
9. Bloodshot Eyes
10. On The Hook

Artwork form ‘Lamb of God’ by Lamb of God

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