Wolfsbane: Wolfsbane Save The World

Make no mistake about it back in the late 80's Wolfsbane did things the hard way. Slogging their way around the clubs of the UK to build a groundswell of support via the legendary "Howling Mad Shitheads", they proved that old fashioned hard work pays dividends when they came to the attention of Rick Rubin and Def American. Whether this proved to be a good thing or a bad thing is a moot point but the fact is the band never made an album that genuinely captured the vibrancy of their amazing live shows. Some eighteen years on from their last studio album Blaze, Jase, Jeff and Danger and are back with Wolfsbane Save The World…the perfect pick me up for anyone in need of a boost during this winter of discontent.

He may have been the wrong singer for Iron Maiden but Blaze Bayley is absolutely the right singer for Wolfsbane. Bellowing, growling, snarling and screaming his way through the ten tracks Blaze is a commanding presence throughout. Recent solo forays have taken him into the dark metal underbelly of rage and angst but there is a sense of fun and purpose about the energetic, full-throttle, opening salvo of "Blue Sky", "Teacher" and "Buy My Pain". Rollicking good British Hard Rock is what Wolfsbane are all about but they also offer up the superb melodic power ballad "Starlight" that highlights a different side to the band and takes the mood down to one of poignant reflection. The autobiographical "Smoke and Red Light" traces the Wolfsbane story from their early days and is rich in hooks and melody with Jase delivering a top-notch solo. Also taking on the role of producer the guitarist has extracted quality performances from the band and allows time for the bands stripped back style to ebb and flow with the head banging, first pumping choruses. "Did it for the Money" may (or may not) be Blaze looking back at his decision to quit Wolfsbane for the Premier League of Maiden but whatever the inspiration the soaring vocals and we-are-all-in-this-together approach combine to ensure it is another stand out moment across an album that excels from start to finish.

Either the last great album of 2011 or the first great album of 2012. Bigger, bolder and ballsier than they ever were before…Wolfsbane are back to save the world. Amen.

Track Listing
1. "Blue Sky"
2. "Teacher"
3. "Buy My Pain"
4. "Starlight"
5. "Smoke and Red Light"
6. "Illusion of Love"
7. "Live Before I Die"
8. "Who Are You Now"
9. "Everybody's Looking For Something Baby"
10. "Child of the Sun"
11. "Did It For the Money"

Added: December 17th 2011
Reviewer: Dean Pedley
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 4005
Language: english

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