WOLF
"Evil
Star" (Prosthetic Records; 2004)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
The front cover of Wolf's "Evil Star" is a black leather jacket, worn by someone with long, dark hair. The back of the cover booklet is the front of the same jacket with a Wolf button pinned to the lapel. The back cover of the CD is a close-up of the kind of metal studded belt that Rob Halford made popular.
Before you even push play on your CD player, there's no question that Wolf wants to be associated with Judas Priest and other metal bands of that era.
Hence, it's no surprise when "Evil Star" has the classic sound of Judas Priest circa "Stained Class" and Iron Maiden circa "Number of the Beast." Chunky guitar riffs, sparkling lead solos and songs written like fist-raising anthems fill this twelve track CD. What may be surprising is that Wolf play classic metal with absolutely no intention of "updating" their sound. "Evil Star" could have been recorded twenty years ago; you'd never know the difference. Unlike other "retro" bands, like The Darkness, "Evil Star" is more than a tribute to the metal of the 80s - it is 80s metal. And the band plays it with such vigorous heart it all sounds new again.
Those looking for the next big metal sound won't find it on "Evil Star." Those looking for an ass-kicking good time should look no further.
Also included on "Evil Star" is a heavy duty cover of Blue Oyster Cult's classic "Don't Fear the Reaper."
For more information, check out http://www.wolf.nu.
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.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 04 Nov 2008 01:18:57 -0600.
