German heavy metal is alive and well with Wolfen and their appropriately titled fourth full-length disc, Chapter IV. The genius of Wolfen is that they effortlessly combine elements of traditional heavy, power, and speed metal in a melodic wrapper. Yet, fundamentally, this is ‘true’ metal, with little compromise.
The breadth and depth of Wolfen’s metal traverses the aforementioned genre with enigmatic aplomb. Consider Soul Collector: a bit of light guitar charms and puts you off guard, before Wolfen kicks into some intense heavy/thrash metal with coarse vocals. It’s nearly modern metal in feel. Then consider these tunes. I Am I is radio-friendly, highly accessible, rock in metal. Heavy, but very catchy and melodic, nearing brethren Primal Fear. Birmingham 6 offers a tale to tell of the infamous UK pub bombings with female duet. And melodic heavy metal reigns on Revolution/Evolution and DFAIT, strong songs with that aforementioned catchy melodic rock groove.
Ultimately, and essentially, Chapter IV is a well conceived and expertly executed album of traditional metal, with nods to various genres. Wolfen stumbles very slightly on the heavy and awkwardly ordinary Nefilim, but not so much on Hole in the Sky. They redeem themselves on the epic White Chapel and ripping Demons. Also, I can’t say much for the crappy album art as it gives the false impression that his could be death metal.
For vigorous traditional heavy metal, Wolfen’s Chapter IV is primo stuff. There’s tons of attitude here, made genuine by solid heavy and melodic metal chops. I dig it and you should get it. Strongly recommended.