While up until now Lamb Of God have made a significant step upwards with each successive album, it would appear that on "Sacrament" that they have decided to stop and enjoy the view for awhile. Once again teaming with producer Machine (who also helmed their last effort, "Ashes Of The Wake",) the group haven't so much progressed as they have taken the time to tone and refine their already substantial muscular metal repertoire into an even more sinewy beast.

Due to this, the rigidity the songs now possess is instantly noticeable. The riffing isn't as meaty and overbearing as it used to be and instead takes on a more sinister, intricate approach. Following suit, there is some considerable restraint shown in the drumming as well. No longer is it cymbal overload with the ride being used a crutch. Even band frontman Randy Blythe delivers a more balanced performance, though for the most part he comes off like a black metal version of Phil Anselmo burning down a church.

Helping him achieve such a goal is the less pointed (and decidedly less political) lyrical content. But while his words may have been dulled somewhat, their meanings remain fiercely sharp, as evidenced by the near-Southern vitriol he injects them with. When laid overtop of the involved usage of guitar interplay; the sophisticated (though no-less pummeling) rhythm section and the increased song development (aka less jarring breakdowns and more feverish build-up;) the band clearly present their most accomplished release as musicians, though perhaps not their most powerful in terms of intensity.

That said, even though tracks like "Redneck" may tread to close to the whisky-soaked forcefulness Pantera perfected midway through their career, Lamb Of God easily retain both their identity and their place at the upper tier of the North American metal scene. Sure, "Sacrament" may not be the evolutional jump some were hoping for, but it still wholeheartedly crushes and will see many a new convert join the ranks.