„What is this??????“ This was my first scream after listening for the first time to The Black Flame, the new release of Sweden’s prime retro metal band WOLF. Visibly disappointed I turned off the stereo. Of course, this is still WOLF. Gamma Ray meets Mercyful Fate meets Iron Maiden. Double leads, air siren like vocals and an intentionally retro sounding production. Listening to all three predecessors I jumped around of joy. What is different on The Black Flame, listening at it for the first time I felt like the morning after two bottles of Absinthe?
This strange sensation mellows after some other runs. The CD doesn’t sound that disenchanting anymore. I painfully miss the really high vocals, this time he sings deeper. Also the song writing doesn’t reach the high level of the predecessors. Meet Me At The Graveyard remembers Mercyful Fate and kicks terribly ass, I Will Kill Again, Demon are also strong tracks, together with the almost title track Children Of The Black Flame.
WOLF’s problem is another: until now they have coddled their fans with splendid pearls. The Black Flame is strong, but doesn’t get in the range of its predecessors. That’s bad for a band: if she delivers only and without exception excellent works, then an “only” good album is a step backwards.
My first impression deceived me, fortunately. WOLF are still here. They leave 99% of all bands, who want to evoke the spirit of the 80ies, behind them. All together The Black Flame easily prevails against competitors like the new Hammerfall album. They only can’t top themselves. So they stay in the shadows of their earlier works.