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Band Name: Wolf
Album Name: Evil Star
Rating: 5 / 5 User Rating: 2.7 / 5
Label: Prosthetic Records
Buy Album: Amazon.com
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Tracklist
1. Evil Star
2. American Storm
3. The Avenger
4. Wolf's Blood
5. Transylvanian Twilight
6. Devil Moon
7. Out Of Still Midnight
8. The Dark
9. Black Wing Rider
10. (Don't Fear) The Reaper
11. Die By The Sword
12. I'm Not Afraid Of Life
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It's a tragic shame that Wolf missed issuing this record in 1978 during the onset of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. If they had, 'Evil Star' would have been worshipped as one of the most influential metal records of all time. Forget about the comparisons that you've heard linking Wolf directly to the sound of Mercyful Fate because although the band claims the mighty Fate as a definite influence upon their songwriting, the band's overall aural expression is much closer to the riveting thrash touted by those bands that inspired King Diamond's outfit, most notably the metal icons Diamond Head.
Proof in point: The driving 'American Storm', a track that seethes with energy, electrified by the impressive vocal skills of Niklas Olsson. As the frontman lurches into a blistering lead on this cut, Wolf show that as a trio, they can hold their own with the most proficient metal quintets. Daniel Bergkvist keeps things interesting with a substantial degree of thunder on the drums, incorporating well thought out beats and timely accents without overplaying as Mikael Goding holds the bottom end down with weighty bass lines.
Although Wolf are unafraid to betray their traditional metal roots, the band still retains their own sound, a fact that is due primarily to the unique tone of Olsson's vocal cords and Peter Tagtgren's outstanding production. Tagtgren must be given a fair share of the credit for the fantastic sound of 'Evil Star', but the band's performance on tracks like 'The Avenger' and the especially wicked 'Black Wing Rider' is the primary thrust behind the album's power.
One of the most curious aspects of this release is the fact that it has been issued by Prosthetic Records in the US. Hopefully this fact may open a few young minds up to the fact that there are differing styles of metal out there and not every band has to go in the direction of Lamb Of God in order to be considered cool. It's difficult to say how this album would go over with a younger metal crowd, but don't be surprised to see a good many metalcore kids trading in their hoodies for denim jackets upon hearing this remarkable record.
Three extremely high quality and wildly diverse covers close the album, most notably what is likely the most perfect sounding rendition of Blue Oyster Cult's classic 'Don't Fear The Reaper', where Olsson shines with a starkly amazing vocal performance. If you think that you're one that's heard it all, you absolutely must experience Wolf's version of 'Die By The Sword', where the band put their own spin on the honored Slayer cut with terrific results.
'Evil Star' is one of those records that you just cannot say enough great things about, making this Swedish trio one of the most refreshingly brilliant acts to emerge from the prominent Scandinavian metal circle. First and foremost, Wolf lives and breathes metal, with no frills and a passion for energy and power that shines through in each and every track included here. A perfect metal album in every way.
Review by: EF
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