The fact that Lamb Of God's eighth studio effort would warrant ‘self-titled' status is a testament to the band's pride and satisfaction with these songs and this period in their creativity. "Putting only our name on it is a statement," Randy Blythe says. "This is Lamb Of God. Here and now."

A true collaboration between all members of the band, Lamb Of God is an amalgam of each individual's contributions, blended to create a singular style. Guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler fuel the album with a mountain of riffs, taking what Lamb of God are known for, and unbelievably, upping the ante to new levels. The rhythm section of John Campbell, looming large as a rhythmic shadow, and drummer Art Cruz, who makes his studio debut with Lamb Of God here on this record, underpin the proceedings with passion, sweat and expansive dynamics. Vocalist Blythe is as angry, insightful, and informed as ever. Never one to shrink from facing the darker aspects of our nature head-on, Blythe delivers with no punches pulled, and as only he and Lamb of God can in 2020.

"‘Checkmate' brings together all the components of the Lamb Of God sound that we've been developing over the last two decades, but with the ambition and ferocity that comes with the start of a new chapter for our band," says Morton. "Re-energized and reignited, this is Lamb Of God 2020. We've never been more excited."