Wolf Evil Star
Prosthetic Records 2004
By Rodrigo Escandon
If you are like me then you were disappointed by the last release from Iron Maiden, and you still think that they havent made a worthwhile album since Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. It is definitely an arguable point from both sides, but one thing that cant be denied is how great those Maiden 80s albums were. And for that matter, how great a lot of the music from the NWOBHM, and other bands like Judas Priest and Accept, were. Well, Wolf definitely bridges that 20+ year gap. Not only does the band provide that old nostalgia, but it also fills the void that, frankly, Iron Maiden hasnt been able to fill for a while.
Evil Star is the bands third album, and the first one that is immediately (finally!) available in the States. Thankfully Prosthetic has also released the group's excellent first two albums. From the first melodies of the album opener Evil Star you will immediately notice that this is metal played the old school way. Some have said that Wolf just plays music that has been heard before, and that they dont really offer anything new. Well, I completely dispute such a statement, and in evidence I present the music. There is no denying where the bands inspiration comes from, but Wolf sounds like Wolf, and not like any other band.
Unfortunately the band lost guitarist Johan Bülow, but that hasnt stopped the insane amount of twin guitar leads, solos and riffs displayed, and there are plenty to point out like those in Evil Star, The Avenger, Out of Still Midnight and instrumental Transylvanian Twilight. Frankly, you will be left with your mouth hanging wide open when you hear some of these solos, and how unrelenting songs' pace can be. Even more amazing is the fact that, except for one of the bonus cover songs, all the guitars were played by Niklas Olsson who also handles the singing duties. Niklass singing has been a point of discussion due to the fact that some find his high-pitch range annoying, but to my ears he has never bothered me, He really has improved for Evil Star. The rest of the band is rounded out by excellent drumming courtesy of Daniel Bergkvist, and bassist Mikael Goding. If you can remember how loud and punchy Steve Harriss bass sounded then you will definitely enjoy Mikaels playing.
Of note is the fact that the US release will contain three cover songs - BOCs Dont Fear the Reaper, Slayers Die by the Sword and Im Not Afraid of Life by The Ramones. All are reminiscent of the original versions, but Wolf add an individual touch to these songs which makes them sound different enough.
Evil Star is not only Wolfs best album, but also one of the best of the year, and it is great to see them with a US label. The band has put out the goods, now they need your support. If you are looking for metal that is fast and fun then look no further than to Evil Star.
9.5/10
Wolf Official Website
Prosthetic Records Official Website
Prosthetic Records 2004
By Rodrigo Escandon
If you are like me then you were disappointed by the last release from Iron Maiden, and you still think that they havent made a worthwhile album since Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. It is definitely an arguable point from both sides, but one thing that cant be denied is how great those Maiden 80s albums were. And for that matter, how great a lot of the music from the NWOBHM, and other bands like Judas Priest and Accept, were. Well, Wolf definitely bridges that 20+ year gap. Not only does the band provide that old nostalgia, but it also fills the void that, frankly, Iron Maiden hasnt been able to fill for a while.
Evil Star is the bands third album, and the first one that is immediately (finally!) available in the States. Thankfully Prosthetic has also released the group's excellent first two albums. From the first melodies of the album opener Evil Star you will immediately notice that this is metal played the old school way. Some have said that Wolf just plays music that has been heard before, and that they dont really offer anything new. Well, I completely dispute such a statement, and in evidence I present the music. There is no denying where the bands inspiration comes from, but Wolf sounds like Wolf, and not like any other band.
Unfortunately the band lost guitarist Johan Bülow, but that hasnt stopped the insane amount of twin guitar leads, solos and riffs displayed, and there are plenty to point out like those in Evil Star, The Avenger, Out of Still Midnight and instrumental Transylvanian Twilight. Frankly, you will be left with your mouth hanging wide open when you hear some of these solos, and how unrelenting songs' pace can be. Even more amazing is the fact that, except for one of the bonus cover songs, all the guitars were played by Niklas Olsson who also handles the singing duties. Niklass singing has been a point of discussion due to the fact that some find his high-pitch range annoying, but to my ears he has never bothered me, He really has improved for Evil Star. The rest of the band is rounded out by excellent drumming courtesy of Daniel Bergkvist, and bassist Mikael Goding. If you can remember how loud and punchy Steve Harriss bass sounded then you will definitely enjoy Mikaels playing.
Of note is the fact that the US release will contain three cover songs - BOCs Dont Fear the Reaper, Slayers Die by the Sword and Im Not Afraid of Life by The Ramones. All are reminiscent of the original versions, but Wolf add an individual touch to these songs which makes them sound different enough.
Evil Star is not only Wolfs best album, but also one of the best of the year, and it is great to see them with a US label. The band has put out the goods, now they need your support. If you are looking for metal that is fast and fun then look no further than to Evil Star.
9.5/10
Wolf Official Website
Prosthetic Records Official Website
