Retribution

Retribution is the sixth album, integrating thrash metal's edge and metalcore's center of gravity at high density. After the previous record, they parted with Atlantic — which wanted something more commercial — and released this in September 2009 on their own Everblack Industries. Zeuss returned to produce, with vocal production by Elvis Baskette. Sharply chopping guitar and forceful rhythm push the songs forward without pause. Rather than leaning on speed or weight alone, the guitar solos and developments offer plenty. The intro “The Path to Imminent Ruin” tumbles into the seven-minute “My Demise,” and the single “Still I Rise” carries the momentum. On “King of Nothing,” about alcoholism, Lamb of God's Randy Blythe guests. The dark, anger-filled approach — nearly ballad-free — reached No. 35 on the Billboard 200, and the closing “Dead and Gone” waits with a big chorus. That year they also made their national television debut on a US late-night show. A taut heavy metal record balancing aggression and detailed playing.