Wednesday 17 January 2018

ALBUM REVIEW: Wolftooth - "Wolftooth"

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 19/01/2018 (Digital) |
05/2018 (LP) | 09/03/2018(CD/Tape)
Label: Cursed Tongue Records |
Blackseed Records



If you were disillusioned by The Sword after their first three albums, and if you loved Earth Witch then don't delay and get hold of this album as it is a riffing stoner metal delight.


“Wolftooth” CD//CS//DD//LP track listing:

1). Blackbirds Call
2). Aegaeon
3). Sword Of My Father
4). White Mountain
5). Frost Lord
6). The Huntress
7). Season Of The Witch
8). Forged In Fire

The Review:

Cursed Tongue Records, who recently put out vinyl for the excellent Earth Witch “Out Of The Shallow” album, have got in early as the label for Wolftooth. The band hail from Indiana and have not existed much longer than the time it has taken to put out a three track EP and then record this full length. So, what are Wolftooth all about?

It turns out that this four piece are purveyors of the finest in stoner metal; melodic riffs, but also fuzzed out tones and big sounds are the order of the day here. Think The Sword as a starting point (opener “Blackbirds Call” uses similar rhythmic motifs) but also think Angel Witch and you are about there.  Similarly “Aegaeon” utilises twin guitar sounds to excellent effect and uses slothful pacing to make the heavy happen. Great lead work and a spacey feel combine well. “Sword of My Father” has a great opening riff with some twists and turns and a solid Ozzy type vocal over the top.

White Mountain brings laid back vibes (the second of their demo EP tracks re-imagined for their debut), before “Frost Lord” ups the tempo and metal quotient considerably. “The Huntress” is clearly one of the bands centre pieces- featured on their aforementioned EP- this is a fine slab of melodically inclined stoner metal with great lead work and a well paced plodding tempo. The four minute mark brings a swinging groove of the finest type. Headbanging heaven.

Of the remaining two tracks, “Season of the Witch” is a bluesy and laid back track- a surprise change of pace late in the record, while “Forged in Fire” is every bit as dramatic as the title suggests. A slow burning intro, huge riffs and over six minutes of metal to close out this very worthwhile album. If you were disillusioned by The Sword after their first three albums, and if you loved Earth Witch (or haven't heard it) then don't delay and get hold of this album as it is a riffing stoner metal delight

“Wolf Tooth” is available here



Band info: bandcamp || facebook