Review | WOLF ‘Legions Of Bastards’

Legions Of Bastards

Expect nothing more and nothing less from Swedish Metal band WOLF with their sixth and latest studio record ‘Legions Of Bastards‘ out April 26th, 2011 in the U.S. WOLF pack leader Niklas ‘Viper’ Stalvind and his band have pretty much perfected a style of Metal that was born when their heroes and main influences Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, Accept and Helloween started making this awesome music. WOLF guitarist/vocalist and main song writer Niklas Stalvind is just as much a fan of Metal as he is a Metal musician in a kick ass Metal band. When WOLF formed in 1995 they set out “to make kick-ass, honest, grab-you-in-the-nuts heavy metal” and have succeeded with every record to date and ‘Legions Of Bastards‘ is no exception.

This record features all the WOLF trademarks. Niklas Stalvind’s razor sharp piercing vocals, Stalvind along with guitarist Johannes Axeman provide crunchy relentless riffs and ferocious solo’s and the hard hitting locomotive rhythm section of bassist Anders Modd and drummer Richard Holmgren. This time around Stalvind has moved more and more away from lyrics with fantasy themes and personal experiences and tapped into real life events. Such is the case with songs like ‘Jekyll and Hyde‘ about Swedish headline grabbing people who portrayed respectable and authoritative personalities while committing unthinkable and despicable crimes against society or ‘K-141 Kursk‘ about the tragic and devastating Russian submarine accident that occurred August 12th, 2000. Also Nik’s fascination with L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology has influenced his lyrics throughout this record. The song ‘Vicious Companions‘ addresses the bullshit and difficulties of dealing with the business side of the music industry.

Produced by Pelle Sather ‘Legions Of Bastards‘ stays true to the WOLF style and sound that has established them as the next generation to carry the Metal torch well into the future. Although WOLF is a modern Metal band they do prefer traditional instruments, amps and effects favoring the creation of their own sounds and textures that comes from experimentation and relying less on samplings and preset gadgets. This is a record that will blow you away each time you listen to it as each song reveals more depth and sophistication through song writing and arrangements. Get ready for a face melting journey of Metal discovery and revelation with a ‘Legion Of Bastards‘.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Favorite Track: Full Moon Possession

“Legions Of Bastards” track listing:

01. Vicious Companions
02. Skull Crusher
03. Full Moon Possession
04. Jekyll & Hyde
05. Absinthe
06. Tales From The Crypt
07. Nocturnal Rites
08. Road To Hell
09. False Preacher
10. Hope To Die
11. K-141 Kursk

WOLF are:
Niklas Stalvind – Guitar/Vocals
Johannes Axeman – Guitar
Anders Modd – Bass
Richard Holmgren – Drums

One Response to “Review | WOLF ‘Legions Of Bastards’”

1. Evil Star says:

   August 24, 2011 at 5:56 am

   Damn Right!!
   Long Live Wolf!