In September 2020, when the pandemic was ablaze and there was no end in sight, LAMB OF GOD performed two live streams. One promoted their latest self-titled album from the same year; the second featured four 'encore' tracks from previous releases. These 14 tracks plus two new studio tracks have been compiled on "Live in Richmond, VA" and released via Nuclear Blast on March 26, 2021. As you might imagine, a DVD is also available, plus deluxe packages, etc., etc., etc.

The album has all the high points you'd expect - incredible performances and excellent production values - plus all the lows you'd fear from a sterilized livestream - lack of spontaneity and general absence of vital energy. These two latter points, of course, have nothing to do with the band and everything to do with the dynamics of this f*d up situation we find ourselves in. The interesting point is this: Recently during an interview I conducted with THE NOCTAMBULANT, Eddie Helvete sagely pointed out that the pandemic has created content creators out of musicians. "Live in Richmond, VA" is solid evidence of this phenomenon.

The appeal to this album will undoubtedly be the video, as the cinematography enhances the illusion of "live performance" and the clips I have seen are extremely well done. The audio version may be big for collectors and hardcore fans, but it's only the two new studio tracks that will likely be an attraction for the average listener. The album itself, by any standards, is fantastic. As you'll see by my ratings below, this is clearly top-notch talent delivering top-notch material. No argument there. The entire album is made up of 16 standout tracks.

"Live in Richmond, VA" is over 72 minutes of stunning music. There is something poetic about this Richmond, VA band doing a live album from the same city . . . and especially such a newly iconic album as their 2020 S/T. There is also something poignant about the circumstances, e.g., the global pandemic. In a sense this album will stand as an artifact memorializing these dire times. In all these ways, this is a landmark album. By other standards, it is essentially a slightly reimagined re-release. Be that as it may, this is still great stuff and definitely worth a listen, though I might recommend a viewing instead.