Review: Wolftooth ‘Wizard’s Light’
Having gotten into heavy music at the tail-end of the ‘eighties ’80s, my tastes have walked a tightrope between what went before and the emerging scenes of the ‘90s. Embracing industrial, hardcore, nu-metal and most sub-genres, I never viewed the more traditional incarnations of heavy metal as an object of scorn, unlike many of my baggy jeaned peers.
As such, I look at the re-emergence over the years of battle jackets and unashamed old school metal worship with some degree of amusement. However, there is also a sense of vindication for someone who wore a denim jacket with Iron Maiden and Skid Row patches for over a decade, whilst being decried as uncool by people who felt such a thing was important.
Indiana five-piece Wolftooth clearly hail from the same unashamed love of pure heavy metal. Combining stoner and doom sensibilities with an unabashed reverence for NWOBHM, they have delivered three albums of blood and thunder since their inception in 2017.
Having earned favourable endorsements for their self-titled (Cursed Tong Records/Ripple Music) debut in 2018, they laid down a blueprint that saw the valiant mix of swords and sorcery themes crash into the more muscular grit of the likes of Orange Goblin. This sound combined that classical influence with a hearty blues rock swagger.
They swiftly followed this up with Valhalla (2020) and Blood & Iron (2021), seeing them flirt with Napalm Records for a time in an attempt to capitalise on the momentum that saw epithets thrown around like mead at a Viking banquet.
Returning home to Ripple Music for the release of their fourth album, the thunderous Wizard’s Light, the band comprises a triple axe attack with Chris Sullivan (also on vocals), Jeff Cole and Jeremy Lovins, bassist Terry McDaniel and Shane Shook on drums. Together, they look to walk the line between nostalgic homage and driving metal that stands alongside modern metal giants like Sabaton
The first impression of this record is that it is tremendous fun. I am often guilty of taking music way too seriously and seeking out earnest (maybe pretentious?) elaborate releases that are heavy on complexity and emotionally dark. That’s why I am the light of the party.
Wizard’s Light, however, is a different matter. That is not to say that they aren’t seriously accomplished musicians, and display a swagger and a confidence that sees them walk the walk. The album is crammed full of heroic soloing, pounding drums and fist-pumping riffing that can tick off a litany of influences. These musical touchstones encompass Judas Priest-esque grandiosity, classic era Iron Maiden harmonies, sludgy Sabbathy walls of doom, and vocal wails that aspire to be thought of in the same breath as Ozzy or Halford
crammed full of heroic soloing, pounding drums and fist-pumping riffing…
Despite how this sounds, Wolftooth are not merely a tribute act to the greats. There is a harder, dirtier edge that sees them capable of moments of heavosity that could sit comfortably with the likes of Amon Amarth or prime Manowar simultaneously. The resulting proto-thrash power and machine gunning double kick drum patterns make the album a rousing prospect from start to finish.
Whilst not a concept album (as far as I can tell), there is a distinct aesthetic that unites all the tunes on Wizard’s Light. From the opening intro of Hymn Of Belgarath to the rousing closer of All Father, there is a sense of complete immersion in the world of Wolftooth that weaves into every fibre. From the Celtic/Folk inspired instrumental to the powerful elegy like ending, the album is the soundtrack to a medieval conflict
Tracks like the first track proper, Sightless Archer, crash in with battling drums and hammering guitar notes that get you throwing your sky claws in the air as they race through a heads down chug recalling prime Grand Magus. This continues on Darkened Path’s Guitar Hero style galloping riffs and glossy harmonies. The NWOBHM meets ‘80s thrash era makes the whole album lift with memorable hooks and choruses as catchy as a case of nits in a primary school.
The title track dances on a riff that nods to N.I.B, but manages to be a danceable groove in its own right and continues the trend of epic sing-alongs as Sullivan’s vocals soar. Clearly in possession of an enviable set of pipes, he belts out every line with conviction. A clear enunciation that has shades of Bruce Dickinson’s late ‘90s solo work, with the bite delivered on the darker tracks.
As the album continues, it’s balancing between the gruff, muscular riffing and drum barrage and the clean, powerful melodies. The band members flex their skills, slowing the pace on Sands Of Redemption and ramping up the banner waving and fist pumping on Armour Of Steel. Wolftooth channel the same energy as the likes of Green Lung, where they enter crossover territory, delivering a modern sound that harkens back while paying respect to those who laid the path they travel.
Keeping the momentum, Wolftoothmaintain the attention span for the entirety of Wizard’s Light. Closing with the stirring Bloodline and the epic, triumphant requiem of All Father, they leave you with an album of supreme execution that is a triumphant celebration of the genre.
Fans of old school heavy metal should absolutely lap up this album. Yes, it is probably best viewed with a slight knowing wink. But if picturing yourself as a sword-wielding warrior locked in an epic battle doesn’t quite check all your boxes, take comfort in the bruising riffs and feeling that makes you believe you could run through a brick wall listening to this. Or at least crushing your enemies and seeing them driven before you…
This belongs in a category for those who love Dio at the height of his powers, but love the crunch of stoner and doom. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it finish quite highly on a few end of year lists.
Label: Ripple Music
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Mark Hunt-Bryden
