Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Musicians from Lamb of God, GWAR, Death Angel and In Flames joined an all-star tribute to Metallica‘s 1986 album “Master Of Puppets” aboard Headbangers Boat on November 2. The set included “Battery”, “Master Of Puppets”, “The Thing That Should Not Be” and “Disposable Heroes”. Fan-filmed video of the anniversary performance is available online.
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In 1994, bassist John Campbell, drummer Chris Adler, and guitarists Mark Morton and Matt Conner established a musical ensemble titled Burn the Priest. The members were acquainted through their studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, located in Richmond, Virginia.
Subsequently, Morton and Conner departed from the band to pursue a master’s degree and engage in other musical projects, respectively. In their absence, Adler and Campbell enlisted Abe Spear as a replacement for Morton.
In 1995, the ensemble released its inaugural self-titled demo. Following this, Burn the Priest recorded two split EPs in collaboration with Agents of Satan and ZED, respectively.
After the initial three demos, the band incorporated vocalist Randy Blythe into its lineup. In 1997, Morton rejoined the group, enhancing its musical dynamic.
Two years later, the band released its first full-length album, also titled “Burn the Priest”, under the auspices of Legion Records. Mikey Brosnan of Legion Records financed the recording with $2,500, facilitating the album’s promotion through DIY shows in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The album’s production was helmed by Steve Austin, the guitarist and vocalist of Today Is the Day. Following this period, Spear departed from the ensemble, creating a vacancy for a guitarist.
A year later, Adler’s younger brother, Willie, assumed the role of the band’s second guitarist, and a contract with Prosthetic Records was formalized.
Contrary to popular belief, the band did not alter its name to Lamb of God due to venue bans; such prohibitions occurred subsequently. The name change was motivated by the revised lineup and the desire to dissociate from perceptions of being a satanic metal band.
