LAMB OF GOD Guitarist Discusses Los Angeles Concert 'Ban'

LAMB OF GOD guitarist Willie Adler recently spoke to Paul Andersen of the U-Daily Bulletin about being banned from playing the church-owned Forum in Los Angeles because church leaders were offended by the group's previous name.

"It is a bit of a letdown, especially since, if they (the church) had done any kind of proper research about us, they would have found that we are no way evil or satanic," Adler said. "It was just a name, that's all. They really had no idea who we are, and I kind of laughed at their close-mindedness. And taking the good with the bad, by raising such a fuss, they probably turned a lot more people on to us because of it.

"The really funny thing is, OBITUARY is replacing us [on the SLIPKNOT-headlined show at the Forum] Saturday night, and their music is probably far more evil than their namesake would imply."

With regards to the band's first release under their previous moniker, BURN THE PRIEST, Adler said, "That first record (the self-titled 'Burn the Priest') was a lot more raw, a lot more punk rock in feel. All the LAMB OF GOD records since then have been thought out in terms of structure and development, but that one had a real brass knuckles aspect to it, and I think it really captured that (energy). It stands alone, and it is nice to look back and feel good about it, especially since Epic just re-released it a couple of weeks ago. We've even tossed one of those songs back into the set."

Along the way, the group has been tagged with the description "pure American metal," but Adler says that there are other influences in the music, too.

"For instance, my brother and I listened to a lot of progressive rock — we were big fans of YES — while growing up. We've been playing together since we were 11 and 13, so there is special dynamic with us, we play off each other in ways others can't. But the main thing is, as a band, we've all matured as musicians and friends, and each album really just captures a moment in time. It may be uncharted territory, but the only constant so far has been to not make simple music. We're always changing and progressing.

"We might all write tunes and lay down ideas in our respective homes, but when we get together and play them off each other, it becomes a different beast to each member, and it is a real group effort. I like to think that we're still climbing the hill."

After releasing an album each on the Metal Blade and Prosthetic labels (the group self-released "Burn the Priest"),LAMB OF GOD signed with Epic Records for the group's latest record, "Ashes of the Wake". The move to the major label has been a smooth one for the band. "It's just a bigger apparatus, a bigger machine, and they're really getting our name out there," Adler said. "Creatively, they totally left us alone. So far they've been good to us, and we're really grateful for that. "I can't comment on the trends (in music),but as long as we remain happy, we're going to keep this going. Who can say where we'll be in 10 years, but right now, the iron is hot and the kids are still going crazy. And Saturday night, with the intimacy of a club setting [LAMB OF GOD are scheduled to perform at The Glass House in Pomona — Ed.], I can guarantee we'll be getting sweaty with the kids.

"I can assure you, we don't take anything for granted, but this sure beats washing dishes or climbing up on somebody's roof. I'd far rather be talking to a writer on a Sunday afternoon than doing that!"