2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Metal like it hasn't been heard in years, April 11, 2008
This review is from: Evil Star (Audio CD)
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!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
WOLF RULES!! \m/ \m/, September 26, 2004
I bought this album about 3 months ago... and I have to say this is one my all-time favs! This album is essential to any metalheads collection! I could spend a good hour detailing (obsessing, if you will) each song, but I won't... the big highlights for me are Wolf's Blood and Transylvanian Twilight(Instrumental)/Devil Moon. This band also does 3 cover tunes... (Don't Fear) The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult, Die By The Sword by Slayer, and I'm Not Afraid of Life by The Ramones. Evil Star also contributed to expanding my musical tastes ( prior to buying this album, I didn't listen too much to the likes of Slayer and The Ramones, but now I listen to pretty much anything that rocks!) So I'm gonna conclude this review by saying that Rock and Metal is Here To Stay! \m/ \m/
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Real Metal Returns, May 29, 2004
This review is from: Evil Star (Audio CD)
After hearing the so-called metal of recent years make me want to listen to an old Judy Collins album, Wolf is a truly refreshing return to , what I would call "Talented-Metal". This is a three piece band that kicks it into gear and doesn't need to be neo-anything to keep you interested, although the vocals leave something to be desired. Musically these guys are not just noise, which I for one appreciate. A Judas Priest/Iron Maiden/BOC combination is my best description of the band; and I mean JP such as "Sinner" "Genocide" "Call For the Priest" and the era. Wolf will probably be too sophisticated for many of America's young headbangers and doesn't make you want to put on black nail polish and white face paint and pierce every square inch of your tatooed body, it just rocks. Add the best cover of "Reaper" yet and this album has potential as something special.
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