Search - Wolf :: Evil Star

Metal like it hasn't been heard in years

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 04/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There's a metal revolution taking place in recent years. It's not making many headlines, but in the underground scenes several new bands are coming forward to carry the metal torch for a new generation. In America bands like Widow, Pharaoh, and Icarus Witch are leading the charge. In Sweden, Wolf is the standard bearer.



Wolf's 2004 album Evil Star (the band's third release) was my first exposure to the band, and they definitely made an impression. The members of Wolf were obviously raised on classic Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, and have the kind of denim and leather energy and aggression that would have been right at home in the legendary New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene. They also have the high level of musicianship, impeccable sense of melody, and tight production that Swedish metal bands are so well known for. The result is fierce, powerful, melodic heavy metal with a deep appreciation for its roots. You can totally imagine Rob Halford or Paul Di'Anno belting out Evil Star or Devil Moon in 1980. At the same time, Wolf's aggressive and energetic approach keeps the songs from sounding dated.



The album closes with a trilogy of cover songs that showcase both the band's diverse influences and their ability to make just about any kind of song metal as hell. Wolf's version of Blue Oyster Cult's (Don't Fear) the Reaper is in keeping with the rest of the album's overall sound. Their version of Slayer's Die By the Sword is as ferocious as it is surprisingly melodic. Their take on the Ramones' I'm Not Afraid of Life is just classic, and is up there with Children of Bodom's Somebody Put Something in My Drink as the best metal cover of a Ramones song.



Forget about labels. This is pure unadulterated heavy metal. This is WOLF!

"