WOLF are one of the most interesting Heavy Metal bands that appeared during the mid to late 90’s. In the beginning hey actually gravitated towards the early NWOBHM style combined with of lots classic Heavy Metal elements and delivered some pretty interesting albums and of course one of the best cover art in the recent history of music, yeah I am talking about their debut album cover of course!
WOLF went on to release albums quite regularly, developing a close circle of die-hard fans. And as a longtime fan I do know that what I can expect from them as I focus on their latest album.
The first two singles “Midnight Hour” and “Feeding the Machine” are quite demonstrative of the album’s direction, both being steady, rhythmic heavy rockers, yet WOLF have a lot of cards up their sleeve, bearing a lot of primal influences from the post NWOBHM era especially bands like HOLOCAUST, BLITZKRIEG, SATAN and GRIM REAPER. Songs like “Dead Man’s hand” and “Mass Confusion” could have been written back then while tunes like “Shoot to Kill” and “Spoon Bender” (one of my favorite tracks) are more dynamic and depict the modern influences of the band. Yes WOLF are able to deliver some serious, fresh sounding and inspired Heavy Metal music, keeping their classic influences on the front.
There is a lot of diversity in the album and pretty much staff for everyone: heavy fast rockers, more mid-tempo MERCYFUL FATE inspired tunes with an occult vibe like “The cold Emptiness” and “A Thief Inside”, a couple of hits like “Midnight Hour”, “Spoon Bender” and “Guillotine”, all of them elevated by the superb guitar playing of Simon Johansson and the distinctive vocals of Niklas Stalvind.
There is a lot of diversity in the album and pretty much staff for everyone: heavy fast rockers, more mid-tempo MERCYFUL FATE inspired tunes with an occult vibe like “The cold Emptiness” and “A Thief Inside”, a couple of hits like “Midnight Hour”, “Spoon Bender” and “Guillotine”, all of them elevated by the superb guitar playing of Simon Johansson and the distinctive vocals of Niklas Stalvind. Needless to say that the production of the album is superb, modern and powerful.
So, is this one of the years highlights? Could be since not only it’s a fine album but also a grower as you keep listening to it. I don’t know if its WOLF’s best effort, but it is one album that they I will have a difficult time overcoming it.
Here is the discussion of the album on our forum pages.
WOLF on our radio show:
