THIS IS WHERE GOD FORBID COMES FROM

photo by Mark Latham

Leading independent music retailer VICTORY RECORDS released a free sampler via Facebook over the weekend (free, that is, in exchange for a “like” on the social network, of course). And like any label’s sampler, it has some good stuff (Jungle Rot, Ringworm, Pathology — I guess I like Pathology now?) and some bad stuff (Design the Skyline, Dr. Acula, Emmure). But the real reason to download it is a demo of a new God Forbid song, “Where We Come From.”

It’s the first new song from the band we’ve gotten to hear since the release of Earthsblood in 2009. A LOT has happened in those two years, including a parting of the ways with both guitarist Dallas Coyle (who has since been replaced by ex-Himsa axe slinger Matt Wicklund) and longtime label Century Media. But you’ll be glad to know that the internal drama doesn’t seem to have hurt the band any — “Where We Come From” is an appropriate title, ’cause the track sounds like classic God Forbid: big, fat riffage, insanely catchy hooks, an anthemic chorus, and a suh-weeeeet guitar solo from Doc Coyle. It’s got me excited to hear the band’s new album, which, I imagine, will come out in 2012.

Download the sampler here, then weigh in with your thoughts on God Forbid’s latest in our comments section. I guess if you have opinions about the other music on the sampler, you can discuss that, too.

-AR