Reviews Continued
Reviews Continued
SACRED METAL REVIEW
Germany
Translation to English (thanks to Marianne)
Seasons Of The Wolf - Lost In Hell
A short time after I had presented the debut here, the inimitable "Seasons Of The Wolf" are back and publish with "Lost In Hell" their second - and I will already come to the point - even better album. It starts off with the title-track as hard and fast as never before. Everybody who knows the band, also knows, that the attributes "hard" and "fast" are not really comparable to other combos, breifly said, "hard" and "fast" concerning Seasons Of The Wolf is something different than "hard and "fast" in Annihilator..."Abandoned City" then starts pretty thrilling: a dominating guitar, supported by the omnipresent keyboard and the very independent voice Wes Waddell's, froming a typical obscure SOTW-track. Obscure and mystical are actullay all songs of the band from Florida, basically, I can't think of another band which could be compared with SOTW. Very spacy (...you got that word in English??) is the following "S.O.S." which again comes up with thrilling, somehow seventies-style fiffs, carry along solos as well as a catchy melody-line. Reall cool as well is the enormous atmospheric "Interstellar", which also is a true catchy tune. So everybody who is willing to try something different.. ("uber den Tellerrand schauen")... and likes to add an obscure band to his collection, which isn't known by everybody, but actually does have the quality and style to be that popular..., should have a look at these two Seasons Of The Wolf albums. It's worth it!
SATAN STOLE MY TEDDYBEAR
Denver, CO
Review by: John Chedsey
Seasons of the Wolf, still kicking and viable in the independent metal
world, have finally issued forth their follow up to their 1996 self
titled release. On Lost in Hell, the band further explores their classic
metal feel mixed with a more modern keyboard/atmospheric undertow.
Fortunately, unlike some of those "We've got a K-mart Casio and we're
gonna use it" bands, Seasons of the Wolf is able to put the keyboard
bits to smart use in the songs. When the keyboards are at the forefront,
they remind just a tad of Hawkwind, which of course is a very good
thing indeed. Moreover, tracks like "Interstellar" utilize very
attention-grabbing intros with a prog-rock type percussion attack and
very serene keyboards. This song is very capable in striking a mood and
carrying it all the way through the song. The latter half of the album
seems to focus more on slower, moody songs which Seasons is very adept
at pulling off. SOTW is a band that is most obviously finding themselves
as musicians. This album should be of note to anyone into older metal
with a progressive cosmic arm.
SCOOPS WRESTLING MAGAZINE
Ithaca, NY
Review by: Seriah Azkath from WVBR
Seasons Of The Wolf - Lost In Hell & Iron Maiden Tribute Children Of
The Damned
There have been a few CDs that I’ve neglected to mention from 1999 that
are really noteworthy. The first is the second full-length CD from
Florida-based Seasons of the Wolf, entitled Lost in Hell. Their first
CD showed a lot of promise, and this CD definitely lives up to that a
bit.
The production, for one, is leaps and bounds better than their debut.
There’s a lot of variation from song to song, yet all have sort of a
Gothic
/ Metal sound. They sound a bit ‘spacey’ at times, for lack of a better
word. For example, Interstellar, one of my personal favorites on this
CD, has an almost psychedelic feel to it. A bit more mellow than the
rest of the CD, it almost puts me in the mind of Progressive Rock. In
contrast to that, there are songs like the title track, Lost in Hell,
and Vengeance, which are much heavier, or my other favorite on here,
One Land, One King, which has some great memorable melodies. On top
of all this, the artwork and packaging is absolutely awesome! The
band has put this out through Earth Mother Music, which I think is their
own creation, and it is definitely something that has the ability to
appeal to a wider audience than it is receiving. Above all, Seasons of
the Wolf buck all the trends in the shallow music scene today, they play
traditional Metal, with Gothic and Progressive overtones, and put out a
very high quality product. And it’s my feeling that they will only get
better from here...
Now, in close connection with Seasons of the Wolf, is an Iron Maiden
Tribute album out on Adrenaline Records from Italy. Tribute albums
are such common things nowadays, and, at least to me, that isn’t such a
bad thing. A lot of people cringe at them for some reason, but if done
well, you can get exposed to new bands doing old songs in new ways.
This double CD from Adrenaline Recorda entitled Children of the
Damned: A Tribute to Iron Maiden is rather exceptional in that the
second CD has original songs from the underground bands that are doing
the covers on the first CD. Seasons of the Wolf do an awesome cover of
Flash of the Blade, and have a song from their debut, October
Moon, on the second CD.
SFK's Detritus
Cary, IL
Review by: Tim Wadzinski
SEASONS OF THE WOLF
(B)
Earth Mother Music, 1999
11 tracks, RT: 57:58
I reviewed SOTW's s/t debut EP a little over 18 months ago in SFK, and gave it a B grade. In hindsight, it probably should've been a C due to the non-user-friendly vocals of Wes Waddell. I wasn't sure what to expect from this follow up but I was pleasantly surprised! First of all: killer artwork throughout, with the booklet utilizing the Helloween-like practice of including a different picture for each song. I love added touches like that. The music itself isn't terribly different from the debut EP, but it's more refined and this is nowhere more apparent than in Waddell's singing. It's just simply much, much better. Or maybe I'm used to it now? :) Whatever the case, SOTW are still doing their unique "new-age metal" thing, combining a classic heavy metal skeleton with atmospheric keyboard-filled, intrumentally interesting flesh and bones. Several of the songs have extended instrumental intros, and perhaps not coincidentally two of these (the guitar-filled, driving "S.O.S." and the laid-back, fluid masterpiece "Interstellar") are the best songs on the album. The opening title track "Lost In Hell" is a winner, the King Arthur epic "One Land One King" is vaguely Iron Madien-ish (which is always fine), and "Voo Doo Master" recalls debut's "10,000 - 10,000" with its doomy, riff-filled Mercyful Fate vibe. And check out "Vengeance" for two reasons: a higher-tuned take on the riff from Kiss's "Unholy", and some killer, sinister laughing in a couple of spots. (Savatage's Jon Oliva would be proud!) Heck, even the misses are still interesting: the somewhat annoying "Initiation" kinda sounds like a (heavier) old Alice Cooper Band showtune, and the too long "Witchfinder" mixes old Deep Purple rock with Judas Priest mellow guitar (kinda like "Electric Dimension" from the debut"). And some of the keyboards in "Communion" and "Vengeance" sound like 1970's porno movie score, but hey...:) I know it's a lame, completely meaningless word, but "interesting" is just the best damn way to describe SOTW. Some might call them a little cheesy or nerdy in a Dungeons & Dragons kinda way, but I fart in their general direction. SOTW are unique and have balls - - how many other bands can you really say that about these days? - TW
SOCIOPATHIC DESPAIR
Bowling Green, KY
issue #3 July , 1999
Review by: Mike Rogers
Seasons Of The Wolf "Lost In Hell" CD (Earth Mother Music) Rated R.
The more traditional forms of heavy metal are currently undergoing a major revival.
This is a great phenomenon and should be greeted warmly by all true metal-heads. However, it seems that a few bands
currently becoming mega-popular as a result of the heavy metal resurgence have been served with the veritable silver
spoon. Bands such as Hammerfall and Nocturnal Rites seem to have been in the right place at the right time and are
currently riding the crest of near-mainstream success. But not all the bands playing the true-metal style have been receiving
the accolades and success they truly deserve. One such band is Seasons Of The Wolf. Refusing to bow down to trends and
compromise their so-called "dated" sound, this south Florida band has been slugging it out in the underground for nearly
ten years. The band demonstrates its old school sound with pride, and it shows.
Seasons Of The Wolf has never been the type of band to do things half-way. Even though their 1996 debut self-titled CD
was very promising and entertaining, their sophomore release, "Lost In Hell," blows it away! The band ahs matured
musically light-years since then. The overall arrangements are much more complex and heavy, and the band is tighter than
ever. This album contains 11 tracks of powerful and diverse progressive metal that is sure to please anyone who misses the
glory days of heavy metal. My favorite track on this CD is "One Land, One King." This song is totally Medievalesque and
would give such Medieval prog stalwarts as Kamelot and Rhapsody a run for their gold pieces. Another standout track
includes the eerie instrumental "Faces In The Mist." This would be perfect to play on Halloween. Other noteworthy tracks
include "Abandoned City," "Initiation," and "Vengeance." Guitarist Barry Waddell performs some excellent leads that
display familiarity with jazz, blues, space rock, and traditional metal (of course). Waddell's rhythms contain the usual
Black Sabbath worship riffs, as well as plenty of those groove-style riffs I enjoy so well. These grooving riffs are easily
recognizable in "Voo Doo Master" and "Vengeance." Chris Whitford’s bass tracks are throbbing and in-your-face. They are
recognizable throughout the album and are never subordinated to an inferior position in the songs. Like a slightly
toned-down version of Steve Harris, Whitford proves that he is not complacent enough to mimic the guitar riffs as are so
many metal bassists nowadays. Drummer Wayne Hoefle has been improving exponentially as well. The drum production is
crisp and clean, yet still contains plenty of rumble. Mainman Wes Waddell's vocals have proven to be somewhat
problematic to me in the past due to his near- constant utilization of the higher-registers.
While not a big fan of the higher-pitched melodic vocal style, it has been growing on me, so to speak. On this album, Wes
has toned-down the higher-pitched approach somewhat and added a bit more "punch" to his style. His vocals remind me a
bit of a cross between Eric Adams and James Rivera. Nonetheless, in the future I'd suggest that Wes try to develop more of
a mid-range style ala Matt Barlowe of Iced Earth, with only occasional forays into the higher registers. The final member
of the band I must comment upon is keyboardist Dennis Ristow. Usually I abhor most keyboards and synths in metal, but I
feel they can be utilized effectively if done so minimalistically. Ristow (and the keyboardist of Rhapsody) are notable
exceptions to this general rule of thumb. Though the keys are commanding on this CD, they never clash with the other
instruments. Ristow adds a very dark and dismal, and sometimes even trippy, atmosphere to the CD.
Impressive! The sound production courtesy of Barry Waddell is excellent, as is the impressive full-color layout and design.
Overall, this is a killer CD for those who hail true heavy metal and disdain all that is fake!
SOUND BARRIER
York , England
Issue #7 June, 1999
Seasons Of The Wolf - Lost In Hell
Florida’s Seasons Of The Wolf return at last, although it remains something of an astonishment that they have yet to
be the beneficiaries of a decent contract.
Still, the band have clearly taken the time out to refine their sound, and, in current terms, are probably unique,
sounding as they do like a meeting between Blue Oyster Cult & Ozzy Osbourne - vocalist Wes Waddell is so Ozzy,
with a dash of James Neal (Malice), in the Workshop Of The Telescopes - with haunting gothic noir keyboards from
Dennis Ristow.
Soundscapes are created, drawing the listener into some dark places in the songs, whilst guitarist Barry Waddell peels
off riffs and licks that many a major band would give their fur for!
“Witchfinder” is James Niel vocals, Eric Bloom phrasing, and an air of rolling menace, whilst “Vengeance” is a dark
Nightshade (remember them?) of a tale riding off the spine of a biting riff.
But it is “Interstellar” that is the album’s most dramatic moment.
It’s Ozzy jamming with BOC on Dominance & Submission, coupled with guitar playing of a quality to make Buck
Dharma salute.
Someone get behind them!....& let this Wolf get it on!
SOUNDSCAPE MUSIC
Quebec, Canada
Review by: Stephanie Belanger
SEASONS OF THE WOLF: "Lost In Hell" - CD (Earth Mother Music/Indie)
I've been waiting for this CD for quite a while now! I am a big fan of their previous album and I expected something
real cool with this one! Well, I am not disapointed, even if the sound has somewhat been polished. But that would be
the logical thing to do for any band, huh!
For those who are familiar with the band's debut, you will still find their brand of Hard Rock inspired Metal with lots
of melodies, varied types of songs and moods... Like I said, the songs have also matured and became "fuller", yet still
retaining the powerful, in your face sound that makes this band a non-commercial Rock act that can be accessable to
a wide range of Metal lovers. For those into it, we still have the typical vocals from Wes Waddell, pretty high and
kind of nosy... This is the type of voice that you either love or despise... I personnaly am part of the first category.
The guitars could use a little boost though; while being very present and clear, I think that they could sound a little
larger and somewhat heavier. The riffing and playing is high quality, precise and always has a great level of melody,
just like the vocals have... The drums sound a little thin but have this Live quality to it, fitting the material well. Still,
the drums could use a little fat too. The drumming itself is very good, tight and powerful. All in all, this album is
quite an adventure with its regular mood and style changes. Check this one out man!
S.B.
STORMBRINGER WEBZINE
ENGLAND
Review by: Derek McDonald
August, 1999
SEASONS OF THE WOLF - Lost In Hell
Earth Mother Music
The opening track is 'Lost In Hell', starts with the sound of an explosion and then the band comes in. The guitar sound
is fast and furious, powerful rhythm to this dramatic opener. There's also another side to this track when the music
gets quite atmospheric. Powerful vocals from Wes and a couple of great solo's from Barry.
The next track is 'Abandoned City', starts off with some nice guitar and keyboards. Just before the track reaches the
one minute mark the tempo speeds up and the guitar sound for me is just superb, unfortunately this doesn't last long
enough. Then it's heavy riffs, great vocals and a catchy chorus. There's more superb guitar work further on into the
track and another excellent solo.
The third track 'S.O.S.', starts off quite atmospherically, similar in a way to sounds you would expect to hear in a
sci-fi movie. There's also some oriental sounding keyboards, the intro to this track is quite long, but when the guitar
eventually comes in, the sound reminded me a bit of Psychodrama. Once again great vocals and some excellent guitar
and keyboards.
The next track 'Communion', this is quite a catchy little number with some fine guitar work and a mixture of gothic
and sci-fi sounding keyboards.
'Interstellar', this track starts off fairly atmospherically and then in comes the guitar, which still has quite an
atmospheric feel to it with some melodic keysboards being added too. This is quite a mellow track and features some
excellent guitar work. The vocals on this track are also fairly mellow and overall this has quite a catchy melody.
The sixth track 'Witchfinder', features quite a bit of intricate guitar work and atmospheric sounding keys. This is a
track that slowly builds up during the verses right up until the chorus. Quite an atmospheric track and features another
excellent guitar solo.
The next track 'Voo Doo Maker' starting off with lots of atmosphere and then a while later the heavy guitar sound
comes in, the rhythm to this track is quite slow and the vocals remind me of Axl Rose in some places. There's also an
excellent solo and a change in pace towards the end when it gets a bit more uptempo leading to more excellet guitar
and keyboard work.
'A Face In The Mist', a short keyboard instrumental that is both atmospheric and haunting. The ninth track 'Initiation',
on listening to the keyboard intro to this track you would think you were listening to a progressive rock band, but this
doesn't last long, the vocals come in 'Welcome to your darkest nighmare' and the track from then builds up with some
excellent keyboards and guitar to a much heavier sound.
Track 10 'Vengeance', this is one of my favourite tracks and starts with some nice keyboards and intricate guitar. This
is then followed with a quotation of William Shakespeare, hysterical laughter and then in comes a superb rhythm, the
vocal delivery has been done in a smilar way to that of Axl Rose. Ther's also some excellent keyboard and
guitar work throughout the track.
The final track 'One Land One King', starts off with gothic style keyboards, then in comes the bass, vocals and then
builds up with some great guitar. throughout the track there's some fine guitar and keyboards.
Well, I am sure all of you who have heard the first album are dying to know, whether this album is as good or better
than the first. In my opinion, there's no doubt that it is a better album all round. The musicianship is once again
excellent, and the songwriting has surpassed itself.
To be honest, there's not one bad track on the album. Influences I would have to say are Iron maiden, Guns N'Roses,
Alice Cooper, Psychodrama, The Cult and Deep Purple.
And even though every track on this album is excellent I still have a few favourites and they are 'Lost In Hell',
'Abandoned City', Interstellar', Voo Doo Master' and 'Vengeance'. If You like any of the above bands then I suggest
you take a listen to Seasons Of The Wolf, I am sure you won't regret it. Highly Recommended!!!
UNDERGROUND MUSIC MOTHLY
Oxford, Ohio
Seasons of The Wolf kick's their own A$$!
Review by: Gary Milholland
Seasons of the Wolf has come out with another CD. Their first one was reviewed in our October issue. It was a pretty decent CD. This CD completely
obliviates their debut album. Their new CD is called "Lost In Hell," which is what their old album is compared to their sophomore attempt. If you want to rock,
Seasons of the Wolf can fulfill your desires. Their hard-edge guitar work drives you into a frenzy. It even made me start headbanging, and if you know my
personality, I don't headbang. This CD is perfect when you want to release some energy and work up a little bit of a sweat moving your head and air-guitaring
along with the music.
An explosion and a roll of thunder begin the album on the title track. The guitar grips you even more than the explosion. Seasons of The Wolf brings you to hell
with them, and rocks the netherworld. The lyrics conjure up the image of love... that is Satan looking for his lover. "Lost In Hell" is the Devil's love theme, and it
rocks! I'm probably mis-interpreting the song, but it still controls your body so it has to bang. I have the overwhelming desire to dive into a mosh pit and not come
out until I've been beaten to a bloody pulp.
If you're looking for more hard-core metal, skip ahead to track seven, Voo Doo Master. What a rush! I can't even review the song. You have to listen and
feel to understand. "I am just a blashpeme, creation of obscenity..." Yes, it is, and it's awesome!
You go onto "Initiation," and you immediately feel like you should be in a horror movie. "Heard you scream your darkest nightmare. Hold on tight, soon I'll be
there..." The musical work in this song is intricate and very cool. All I can say is listen for yourself.
If Seasons Of The Wolf continues to improve as much as they have, they will definitely be a force worth reckoning with when it comes to metal and hard rock
music. They are big on their fans as well, including all of their lyrics in their insert booklet (not cheap, let me tell you). They go all out in their music and for their
people.
UNITED FORCES MAGAZINE
Jan, 2000
Germany
Review by: Kai Wollwert
SEASON OF THE WOLF - Lost In Hell - Earth Mother Music
Always even if one believes at the realization to have arrived that 1999
all new Metal of tape either like case of hammer or like Rhapsody
sounds itself, comes along tape such as Seasons OF the wolf, and throws
the whole brought in conception of the world again over the heaps -
God is thanks! With SOTW we do not have to do it with a True Metal club
a la to Skullview or Wizard, yet the Amis understood it, draws an
extremely interesting interpretation on their Zweitling " in bright " to
deliver. One could come in parts on the idea, young kiffen the more than
the Hippies into the 60ern, then verfreakt they listen to passages of
the Songs, but still it is every now and then very melodisch Metal, (no
Kundermelodien mind you!) but nevertheless somewhere distorted and
surely NONE easy listening. honestly said to Aehem I do actually
somewhat with difficulty the sound to that tape to describe itself and
to that extent can I you only guess, the CD at opportunity anzuchecken -
or read first the interview further in front in the booklet, perhaps
hilfts?! Rating : 80%
VAE SOLIS WEBZINE
Moscow Russia
Review by: Herr Stalhammar
SEASONS OF THE WOLF Lost In Hell - Adrenaline Records rating: 5 of 6
Now I know why do they call themselves as a Progressive, Gothic, New
Age Metal band. This CD is much more experimental (to a certain
degree, of course) in comparison to the recording they made their debut
with back in 1996. Basically, it’s still that good ‘ol power metal,
this
time even more mid-paced, featuring plenty of new age-alike stuff. More
atmospheric as well. Furthermore, Wes changed his vocal style to a
bit more high-pitched singing manner and it seemed to be rather
irritating to me when I was just starting to listen to this CD, however
later I
somehow got used to it. S.O.S., Communion, Witchfinder and
Initiation are the tracks I’d mark out here. They’re just excellent.
Generally speaking, this is very good and innovative CD coming in the
shape of a superb digipack edition. Buy it.