An all-star line-up turn the smash indie game’s futuristic soundtrack into sublime metal bangers.
In 2022, indie game developer Massive Monster released the cult-management simulator Cult Of The Lamb. A game that follows the story of a lamb saved by The One Who Waits, who then empowers them to build a cult in his name.
Now, with the help of some of the most recognisable names in metal, the game’s soundtrack has been remixed into a range of futurisic metal bangers. With the help of Trivium’s Matt Heafy, Howard Jones (Light The Torch, ex-Killswitch Engage), Scott LePage & Clay Gober (Polyphia), Javier Reyes (Animals As Leaders), Josh Baines (Malevolence), Sean Long (While She Sleeps) and Mike Malyan (ex-Monuments), they’ve created something delightfully captivating.
The sounds of the game already encapsulated the eerie charm and whimsical darkness of the subject matter within. But now we are greeted with haunting melodies that evoke a sense of both wonder and foreboding.
This six-track album is jam-packed with more key changes than your local Timpsons, with atmospheric riffs, crunching breakdowns and choruses built to embed themselves into your cerebellum. Opener Cult blasts you into the world of The Cult, with Howard Jones’ iconic vocals mesmerising you from the outset. As the song builds, the middle section breaks down with a barrage of chuggy riffs and guttural screams, sprinkling in some darkness. The eerie Chaos follows with its whispery entrance, before Matt Heafy bellows and harmonises over a backdrop of pulsating guitar licks and far-reaching solos.
Later, Conquest is a prime example of the close relationship gaming soundscapes and metal have. The bleep booping of the original music from the game merges seamlessly with these thrashy power riffs perfectly made for headbanging yourself into your PS5 controller. The curtain drops on the six-minute closer of Death, which evolves and takes you on a journey through different aspects of metal. It’s gnarly, uncouth and made with the power of the sun.
On paper, this shouldn’t work. But with the mix of these musicians it’s been made it something that would absolutely melt your mind if ever performed live. We can all but hope that happens.
Verdict: 3/5
For fans of: Killswitch Engage, Trivium, Polyphia
Hymns Of The Unholy is out now
