Wolf – Ravenous – Century Media
Whoever wrote the book of heavy metal should be proud of this new masterwork from Sweden’s Wolf. Combining all the charm of 80’s metal and enough indifference toward anything else recorded past 1989, those who have never stopped believing in the essentials—Maiden, Priest, Accept, Sabbath, Dio—will find “Ravenous” an irresistible buy.
To spice up the beginning of their latest effort, “Speed On” leaves skid marks on your speakers the same way “Freewheeel Burning” did in 1984, but this time it is garnished by Johanne Losback’s unique vocals. The man can’t reach high notes, nor is he a bad singer, but he plays guitar awfully well and stands apart from the horde of screamers n’ growlers out there. In summation, he is that rare specimen of front man that hasn’t been heard from since Blackie Lawless wore a fire-shooting codpiece. Now the band’s lyrics might be a tad cartoonish, but when their backdrop is music this entertaining, it’s a perfect fit.
Second track “Curse You Salem” brings on the B-movie horror chills; only the effect is more Scooby Doo than King Diamond. Another thing great about Wolf is their unmistakable talent for hooks, melody, and excellent choruses always hits the bull’s eye, resulting in songs like the pounding “Secrets We Keep” or the subdued album closer “Blood Angel.” In fact, “Ravenous” is so well balanced you can raise your fist and scream along to the whole album. Its near-perfects cuts come one after another. These are: “Voodoo,” “Hail Caesar,” “Ravenous,” “Love At First Bite,” and “Whiskey Psycho Hellions.” So it’s official, ladies and gentlemen; every song on the album is a kick in the pants!
Blessed by glittering production, spotless musicianship (has anyone mentioned how beautiful the guitar duels here are?), and an appeal that every metalhead cannot deny, “Ravenous” is already a runner up for 2009’s best release in the heavy metal arena. The Wolf guys should drink themselves blind to celebrate this achievement. Speed On!!!
CD review by Miguel Blardony
Buy Ravenous!!
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