Since their self titled debut in 2000 and the subsequent six albums, Wolf have been one of the leaders of what could (should) be called the Next Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (from Europe), following in the footsteps of other greats from the 90s, Hammerfall, Edguy, Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, and Primal Fear.

Their last album, “Legions Of Bastards” was excellent also, fine tuning their formula of mixing Maiden/Priest traditional riffs and twin leads, a little post 80s Saxon (‘I Am Pain’), and Raven at times, with Metallica meets Destruction ( I say these two because of Wolf’s delivery) like aggression. “Devil Seed” is strong also, video tracks ‘Shark Attack’ delivers with attack to back up its title, and ‘My Demon’ packs a punch with nice accenting leads. Everything a classic metal fan would want from a new band to carry on the hallmarks of the founding fathers from the 70s and 80s. ‘Skeleton Woman’ is “collecting skulls, collecting bones, stripping meat, eating souls”, eases into the arrangement which includes a melodic leads and post solo passage. ‘Back From The Grave’ also incorporates more melody for the chorus with backing vocals, and again great accenting lead work. ‘The Dark Passenger’ reminds me a lot of classic Edguy (‘The Pharaoh’, or ‘Piper Never Dies’), and wish the tune was a bit longer and fleshed out with peaks and valleys. Maybe Wolf have a ‘Rime Of The Ancient Mariner’ somewhere in their future? Great riff opens ‘River Everlost’, an old Fates Warning prog touches during the chorus/riff, with a Maidenish ride out for ‘Frozen’.

Great band, solid, creative within their style. With this kind of potential would like to see em be a bit more adventurous on the next one.