The journey of Chris Adler beyond Lamb of God continues to take shape, this time with the release of “Again,” a new single from his band Firstborne. Rather than echoing the speed and brutality that defined much of his past catalog, this new work leans into clarity, control, and groove: a sharp but intentional departure that shows a drummer refining his voice rather than repeating it.

Formed in 2020, Firstborne was never designed as a retread of previous projects. Instead, it emerged as an outlet for a different kind of energy. Alongside Adler are guitarist Myrone, vocalist Girish Pradhan, and bassist James LoMenzo. Together, the four bring a mixture of influences, but Adler’s drumming is the thread that holds it all together, particularly on “Again.”

The new track doesn’t rush to impress. It opens with a strong, mid-tempo pace, anchored by Adler’s deliberate timing and tasteful use of space. Gone are the relentless blasts and complex fills often expected from his earlier days. In their place is something more subdued, more grounded. Each measure feels considered, built to support the song’s atmosphere rather than overwhelm it. This is not a showcase, it’s a conversation.

“Again” also leans heavily into tone and balance. Adler keeps the groove front and center, using flams and ghost notes not as flourishes but as subtle details. His hands and feet move with just enough push to guide the momentum, never letting the structure sag. It’s not just that he’s playing less, it’s that he’s saying more with fewer notes.

There’s also a lyrical weight to the song that the band doesn’t overstate. Themes of repetition, personal reflection, and struggle surface throughout the track, though they never turn heavy-handed. The words suggest cycles, maybe even burnout, but the music never sinks into despair. Instead, it sounds like resolve. This emotional undercurrent shapes Adler’s performance just as much as the arrangement does.

What’s perhaps most notable about the work of Chris Adler on “Again” is how little it calls attention to itself. That may seem strange for someone known for redefining metal drumming over two decades, but here, it feels right. The confidence to leave space, to support rather than dominate, points to a musician more interested in what the song needs than what he can show.

As Firstborne continues to release singles and short-form collections rather than full-length albums, this approach makes sense. The pace is intentional. The message, clear. Each release stands on its own, allowing the group to refine its voice and direction without pressure. And for Adler, that means continuing to explore the kind of player he wants to be now, not the one fans remember from years ago.

“Again” may not be the loudest track in the discography of Chris Adler, but it may be among the most telling. Here, Adler is not chasing speed or legacy. He’s playing to serve the song, and that speaks louder than anything else.