MAMMOTH (WVH)

"The End" (BMG; 2025)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Wolfgang Van Halen has the pedigree of a rock star (being Eddie Van Halen's son) and has cut his third release, "The End." Once again, Wolfgang has shown he can deliver the goods.

I have followed Wolf since he was a little dude playing bass for Van Halen when he was 16. My favorite memory was of Eddie was sitting on stage and playing, when Wolf came out and hugged him from behind. You could just see the love and pride on Eddie's face when that happened. You can tell Eddie really loved being a dad.

This recording is called "The End" and I can tell right from the start that Wolfgang has matured as a songwriter as well as a musician. There is a song called "I Really Wanna" that shows just where he is as a songwriter. For example, the words go as follows: "I really want to fuck with you." The meaning is not quite clear ... I mean, there are so many ways you can take that ... but there you have it.

Out of the first three releases, this one is by far the best. The only negative I see in this recording and all the previous releases (and I have mentioned it before) is Wolf’s singing. It's not bad ... far from it ...however, it is my opinion he needs to work on that aspect of his music. Just like any other instrument, the voice needs work and sometimes that needs to be taught by an instructor teaching the proper techniques.

Regardless, this is one killer fucking recording and I can’t wait to see him in concert. Eddie would be proud.

For more information, check out https://www.mammothwvh.com/.

"Mammoth II" (BMG Rights Management; 2023)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Wolfgang Van Halen has a lot to prove rock-wise with the blessing and curse of having the last name of Van Halen. Well, let me tell you, with his second release, appropriately entitled "Mammoth II," he has moved just a bit more to being a rock star himself, not just the son of Eddie Van Halen and the nephew of Alex.

Just like any rock guitarist in the last fifty-plus years, you can hear Eddie Van Halen's influences and it is no different with Wolfgang. This second release is heads above the first one, not just on talent, but on experience from both in the studio and the road. There is video out there that is more than a bit heart warming. Eddie is on stage sitting down, playing guitar, and a young Wolfgang (maybe seven or eight) comes out. hugs his dad from the back and runs off stage. You can just see the utter joy on Eddie's face. You can see, right there, that Eddie Van Halen loved being a dad, no question.

Mammoth WVH's "Mammoth II" is a great example of the fact that rock isn't dead. It's well thought-out, very well written, and features amazing musicianship and outstanding production value. The second spin of the recording is better than the first! This is simply one killer fucking recording.

For more information, check out https://www.mammothwvh.com/.

"Mammoth WVH" (EX1 Records; 2021)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Wolfgang Van Halen. The name alone is enough to get someone's attention, especially when it comes to music. His father was the legendary Eddie Van Halen. His uncle is the band's drummer, Alex Van Halen. And he spent fifteen years (more or less) playing bass for the band Van Halen. Okay, kid, you got my attention. What have you got?

Well, what we got here is one great record. WVH played all the parts of this recording and with it is tight, concise music that simply sounds great. Twelve songs running 58 minutes and it's nothing but solid rock'n'roll throughout. Now, I cannot say that his vocal style is anything to write home about, but what he does he does with style. Think rock'n'roll is dead? "Mammoth WVH" will change your mind.

WVH has the rock'n'roll gene. It is alive and kicking on this recording. He can play fucking rock'n'roll music like he was born to do it and, actually, I think he was.

Rock on Wolfie! I cant wait to hear what you do in the coming years!

For more information, check out https://www.mammothwvh.com/.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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