Wolfbrigade – Howl from Underground (Review)

Certain bands are often described as the figureheads of a scene or an entire genre. In some cases, that is definitely up for debate. However, one band whose influence on Crust Punk and D-Beat is absolutely undeniable is Wolfbrigade. After more than 30 years of band history, the Swedes are still unstoppable. And it doesn’t look like they are planning to take their foot off the gas anytime soon.

Fittingly, their newest album Howl from Underground will be released on October 9th via Metal Blade Records.

“As the songs started to fall into place, we decided to do something we hadn’t done in many years,” explains the band. “For the last decade we’ve recorded, produced and mixed our albums ourselves. This time we wanted to work with someone from outside the band whose work we respect and who we felt would understand what Wolfbrigade is about.“

That’s why Wolfbrigade decided to record their newest work with Lawrence Mackrory at Necromorbus Studio. The result is twelve fast-driven and filthy tracks that are ready to cause some serious trouble.

Anyone familiar with the Swedes knows that they have always stayed true to themselves. And their newest record is no exception. Once again, the band pumps their typical Lycanthro Punk straight into your ears. Something that becomes clear right from the album opener “Caveman Motherfuck“. The melodic sound, mixed with aggressive riffs and thunderous drums, feels exactly like Wolfbrigade.

Even after twelve records, the Swedes still manage to find the perfect mixture of groove, atmosphere and a whole lot of anger in their songs. Of course, a little dose of Motörhead or Anti Cimex can’t be missing either. Especially songs like “Doomrunner” are incredibly catchy.

At the same time, the band tries to step outside their comfort zone here and there. Tracks like “When Dogs Cry” or “Cold War Bootlicker” carry a strong sense of gothic melancholic melody. Yet somehow, everything still sounds unmistakably like Wolfbrigade. And if that’s not fast or aggressive enough for you, bangers like “Fat Man Hellscape” will simply rip your face off.

Overall, Wolfbrigade once again prove why they are still the undisputed kings of crust punk. Howl from Underground represents everything the band has stood for throughout their more than 30-year history. D-beat with raw punk roots. Every single song is incredibly catchy and practically invites you to shout along at the top of your lungs.

At the same time, the Swedes manage to add a certain darkness to some of their tracks, giving their sound even more depth without losing their identity.
Lycanthro Punk has never sounded better.
Long live Wolfbrigade.

Max Transcended

Name: Max Transcended
From: Weimar (Germany)
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