Lamb Of God teamed up with Testament vocalist Chuck Billy for their new song “Routes”. The song is off of the band’s upcoming self-titled album which will be released on June 19th.
“Routes” was inspired by vocalist Randy Blythe’s experience protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota at the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. Blythe wanted a Native voice for the song, so that is why he recruited Chuck Billy, who is of Pomo Native American heritage.
“It was imperative for me to have a Native voice represented on the song, and Chuck Billy was happy to be that voice. At the end, there is a call and response section – Chuck calls and I respond. This is intentional. Musically, it is symbolic of my experience there. A native voice leads, bringing forth positive energy and calling to the people to unite, and I reply, providing support. That was my physical experience, and it is reflected in the song.”
Chuck Billy said he was happy to be part of the song:
“It was a great honor as a proud Pomo Native American to be asked by Lamb Of God to do some guest vocals on this song. The No DAPL movement by the indigenous people of this country was a historic event. Being able to lend my voice to represent the Native American people, complementing Randy’s storytelling and lyrics, is something really special to me. I’m glad this movement was put in a musical message, and I am extremely happy to have been a part of it.”
Lamb Of God is scheduled to be at the Resch Center on October 31st with Megadeth, Trivium, and In Flames. The summer leg of that tour has been postponed until 2021, but as of now, the the show at the Resch Center is still happening.
