Artist: Wolf
Title: Legions Of Bastards
Genre: Heavy Metal
Release Date: 22nd April 2011
Label: Century Media
Album Review
The Swedish band WOLF formed sixteen years ago and has supported bands as SAXON, TANKARD and TRIVIUM. They’ve also released five studio albums, several demos and five singles; in the process the band’s reshuffled their line-up like a pack of cards. Now they’re here to give us their new LP entitled ‘Legions Of Bastards’. Having been fed up with what Modern Metal has to offer, they’ve decided to take the banner of the spirit of the best era of Heavy Metal that has made them into certified head-bangers. From the start they unleash what they call “real metal for true bastards”. I’d have wished for Stålvind’s vocal to be more prominent, it seems to be pushed from the front to the middle, squeezed between the guitars, which contrasts to say production of ‘Evil Star’ and even ‘Ravenous’ LPs. I’m not sure why their present producer didn’t allow more space for the vocal.
I certainly would have wanted it to stand out more, especially in ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ where the dichotomy of a character could have been expressed even better if the vocal had a stronger presence. But regardless of my small issue with it the album yields their strengths in ample measures. The speed on this album is of a breakneck onslaught and in many ways is the aspect that has been honed the most to distinguish it from the other albums as the best in that way. The song that I’ve enjoyed the most from this album is ‘False Preacher’ with its heavy, dense and dark start and then its epic rising and pointed lyrics. ‘Hope To Die’ allows me more to hear the vocals, which is a point to enjoy, as well as melody and the riffs here and the bite in the song. If they accomplished another goal, it is true that it’s the most straightforward record to date. Their more classic Heavy Metal is not so far retro and is quite a good listen that I’m sure will sufficiently please those ‘real bastards’ it’s meant for.
Tracklist
01. Vicious Companions – 3.41
02. Skull Crusher – 3.47
03. Full Moon Possession – 4.26
04. Jekyll & Hyde – 5.39
05. Absinthe – 4.44
06. Tales From The Crypt – 5.55
07. Nocturnal Rites – 5.34
08. Road To Hell – 4.12
09. False Preacher – 3.58
10. Hope To Die – 4.34
11. K-141 Kursk – 6.02
Line-up
Niklas Stålvind – vocals, guitar
Johannes Losbäck – guitar, backing vocals
Anders G Modd – bass
Richard A Holmgren – drums
Websites
http://www.wolf.nu/ / http://www.myspace.com/wolfheavymetal
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Total: 7 / 10
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