Made in Hell

I’ve found that many metal bands with the word “wolf” in their name are pretty amazing, well beyond average, as if the common term for the cannis lupus empowered them with superhuman senses, increased strength, speed and stamina, and a knack for memorable and ass-kicking compositions. Ok, maybe just the last ability, but no one can deny the charm possessed by Leatherwolf, Powerwolf, Speedwolf, Wolf (the Swedish ones), and also this French quintet, Lonewolf. Hell, even Mr. Kristian Vikernes was wise enough to change his name to “Varg”. But in the case of these French mecs, they couldn’t have found a more suitable moniker, since they’re one of the scarce French bands playing this type of Teutonic heavy/power/speed metal, if not the only one. But for all the lack of fellow French bands within said style, Lonewolf really brings meat to the table… or should I say, den.

German bands whose sound is more akin to Lonewolf’s are Grave Digger and Running Wild. For me, the former of those two is the most similar comparison, as Jens Börner employs a very similar gruff vocalization to Chris Boltendahl’s, mixed with a bit of ballsy good ol’ Lemmy at his most hangover-ed voice. It’s one of the most recognizable features of this band and a welcome surprise, since one most surely expects a Michael Kiske/Ralph Scheepers type of screamer for this musical environment. But I found the rhythmic riffing more comparable to Running Wild’s style, not as memorable as some of the Digger’s best, in my opinion. Lonewolf also uses melodic but robust tremolo picking (as heard on “Seawolf”) that recalls Viking plunderers Amon Amarth. That’s another characteristic not often found in many German-styled power metal bands, appearing more in acts that play a mix of folk, power, and/or Viking metal.

The tunes range from battle charges of speed metal to middle-paced heavy metal anthems, just like on any given Accept album. Opener “Shadowland” and closer “Utopia” belong to the first category, and they’re my favorite songs from the record. Both display fast double bass-powered rhythms as well as path-razing riffage and blazing, pyrotechnic solos, as well as memorable choruses, worthy stuff to throw the Dio-signal at, while drinking from your beer-horn. “Seawolf” also shares these aesthetics and is equally enthralling, in both quality and delivery, with cool Rock ‘n’ Rolf-styled seafaring lyrics. Then we have the slower battle hymn of the title-track “Made in Hell”, an extremely head-bangable tune, epic, classic-tinged true metal that would make Manowar’s muscular warrior mascot flex his broad arms across his swollen greased pectorals and proudly nod in approval.

Other songs worth mentioning are “Night Peace”, which might boast the most memorable melodies here, and “Divine Art of Lies”. I kid you not that sometimes I hear Jens sing “the banana flies!” during the chorus. That’s what happens when you mix a French singer with a Mexican listener. It kicks ass nonetheless. In truth, you can’t go wrong in picking any track here. The Frenchmen keep it varied and interesting throughout the whole 48-minutes of practically stainless metallurgy, including the pounding bass guitar. The solos are a particular delicacy, displaying a varied array of techniques while never becoming tiresome or over-indulgent. These mecs are seasoned warwolves, and their art shouldn’t go underappreciated by the metal community. So, if you delight in the metal produced by any of the bands I mentioned in this review, go ahead. As for myself, I certainly will check out the rest of their discography, for this is the only album I have experienced by them so far. So tell me dear metal brother or sister, what would you prefer? The Lamb of God, or the Wolf from Hell?