by Justin Gaines
– Senior Columnist/News Editor —
Swedish traditional heavy metal titans Wolf are back with another fierce studio album, titled Devil Seed. It’s the seventh album to date from the Wolf, who was one of the first (and is still one of the best) bands to emerge from what is being called the New Wave of Traditional Metal movement.
Wolf’s strength has always been in their ability to make music that so obviously draws from classic influences like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Accept while maintaining a modern energy and not sounding gimmicky. Yes, they’re paying tribute to a classic heavy metal era, but they have their own sound, and it’s electrifying enough to compete with the best power, thrash and even death metal bands.
Wolf isn’t reinventing the wheel with Devil Seed. It’s an album that’s very much in line with previous Wolf releases like The Black Flame and Legions of Bastards. Traditional heavy metal rhythms are paired with wicked melodies and Niklas Stalvind’s unique high vocals. The songs are fast, powerful and have an amazing energy. If you’re wondering whether a band that’s been around since the mid ‘90s can still sound vital, the answer is in the blistering “Shark Attack,” which is one of the catchiest, hardest-hitting Wolf songs in years. And the whole album is at that level, from the spooky “Skeleton Woman” to the snarling “My Demon” to the driving closing number “Killing Floor.” You will bang your head and shout along to this one, guaranteed.
With every new album, Wolf demonstrates why they’re one of the very best of the traditional metal bands. Devil Seed is a very strong metal album overall, and one that will not disappoint Wolf fans. And for those who were somehow less than pleased with Legions of Bastards, Devil Seed should bring you back to the Wolf pack. It’s right up there with the latest Accept album as one of the top pure metal albums of 2014.
Edition Notes: The deluxe CD edition of Devil Seed comes in a digipack and includes two very enjoyable cover songs – Judas Priest’s “Rocka Rolla” and Q5’s “Missing in Action” – as bonus tracks. If you pick this one up on vinyl, there are three color variations to choose from (the red vinyl looks particularly cool) and it comes with the full CD (including the bonus tracks), which is an especially nice touch.
Genre: Heavy Metal, Traditional Metal
Lineup:
Simon Johansson (g)
Richard Holmgren (d) (v)
Anders Modd (b)
Miklas Stalvind (v) (g)
Track Listing:
1. Overture in C Shark
2. Shark Attack
3. Skeleton Woman
4. Surgeons of Lobotomy
5. My Demon
6. I Am Pain
7. Back From the Grave
8. The Dark Passenger
9. River Everlost
10. Frozen
11. Killing Floor
Label: Century Media
Website: www.facebook.com/officialwolf
Hardrock Haven Rating: 8.75/10
