Wolf - Legions Of Bastards (2011)

You can't really go wrong with Sweden's Wolf. With the last few years being swamped by the retro thrash revival, Wolf symbolise '80s metal at its finest and most sincere, and rather than irritate with their repetitive nods to the past, they still are able to move with the times and rock. Wolf have shed a few albums now, each one burning brighter than the last and boasting an array of energetic metal anthems for anyone not only interested in the '80s scene, but also new fans seeking something in the modern climate to get their teeth rattling. 'Nocturnal Rites' is the stand out track, a cut of menace and vigour that exists on a doom laden riff and sneering vocals. 'Scull Crusher' has a classic Maiden gallop and 'tales From The Crypt' gets a dose of Priest savagery. there's nothing corny about Wolf, they play the metal game for real and certainly wouldn't have been out of place back in the '80s and yet maintain a cutting edge to see them move into the future. Wolf are a prime example to any band who wish to wear their influences on their sleeve but not become too besotted by the past.

7.5/10