Wolfsbane...Save The World?

The older readers out there will, I'm sure, remember the time, way back in the early 90's when Wolfsbane were the darlings of the UK rock media and were tipped for greatness. Obviously this didn't happen as Blaze went on to follow his own destiny - complete with the ups and downs that came with it. Could the band recapture this magic and finally achieve the success that cruelly eluded them when they were a young and hungry band? Well, the short answer is no. Not in the modern climate. Music and the music industry itself have moved on. There is more competition now, more younger, hungrier bands vying for the attention of the downloading masses and the few people who still like to own a hard copy of an album. We live in a far more fickle era now. The sad fact here is that the band are likely to be, at best, lost in the shuffle and at worst, ignored completely. Their is, however the potential for this album to appeal to a sizeable market IF it is promoted properly. I'm sure the band members themselves occasionally reflect on the lost opportunities and about what could have been if Blaze hadn't quit to join the "other band". 

Importantly though, I don't the think the band recorded the album to sell a million copies. I think they made the album because they needed to. It is, in my opinion, a form of closure for the band after the disappointing,  public and acrimonious implosion of the band in 1994. It also has the feel of a band having fun, enjoying playing together again and recording the album they wanted to make all those years ago. 

Musically, this is classic Wolfsbane - falling somewhere between the harder end of classic rock/metal (think Skid Row) and the more chorus driven and potentially radio-friendly sound of mid-90's Brit Rock (think The Wildhearts) with a youthful dash of NWOBHM for good measure - but effortlessly managing to sound fresh and not like a throwback or a nostalgia record. It even manages to do this with its flimsly, Moss-thin production. 

Influences aside, this is obviously a Wolfsbane record, retaining (or recapturing) the classic sound of the band.  

Blaze's voice is instantly recognisable and he is on fine form here. He commands the songs with his distinctive, deep croon. Yes, contrary to popular and bizarrely enduring opinion, Blaze really can sing. Admittedly, his voice is probably more suited to the kind of hard rock on offer here, than at signing full on, balls out metal.

The lyrics absolutely ooze positivity and oddly, youthful enthusiasm, while retaining a hint of regret and sadness - even if they occasionally drift into very clichéd and sometimes cringe-worthy territory - which exposes the band for what they are - A product of the late 80's and a bunch of working class lads.

A welcome addition to the Wolfsbane back catalogue, and a must buy for existing fans of the band of for anyone with a hankering for some progressive nostalgia (of such a thing exists). The bottom line is, that in "...Save The World" the band has delivered a great hard rock/classic rock record. If you are not familiar with the band, some points of reference would be bands such as, but not restricted to the following: Almighty, Queen, Skin, Wildhearts, Maiden, Skid Row and Warrant.

Overall, however, it is an uplifting and energetic listening experience - one that will make you feel good about life. It's great to hear a band truly enjoying themselves and bearing their souls without a trace of cynicism or bitterness.