I’ve been living with this album since release, and I’ve avoided listening to any of the released tracks (other than Distance), as I wanted to hear the whole album in its correct running order. I assume most people will have seen and heard the video for Distance. It’s such a moving and heartfelt tribute to his dad, and I defy anyone to watch it and not feel emotional and tear up.
So let’s address the elephant in the room! This album sounds nothing like Van Halen the band, no members from Van Halen (other than Wolf) appear on the album – in fact, Wolfgang plays all the instruments and sings all the songs and he wrote every single note and melody. Now, there is no denying the VH DNA is in his veins, and he is a seriously talented individual. This album is a great modern rock record, and if you’re looking for comparisons I would mention Shinedown as a reference point.
There are so many good songs on this album I won’t do a track by track, I will pick out my favourites. Opener Mr. Ed is a great opening track that really tells you what Mammoth WVH are all about. Horribly Right has a killer riff and groove, as does Don’t Back Down which really grooves – both have a great vocal and melody. Resolve is such a beautiful piece with a very soulful vocal and groove, and could be the sleeper on the record. You’re To Blame has a huge fat riff, and the vocal does remind me a tad of Pearl Jam. The slow build of Stone is a great ending, before the bonus track of Distance. If you come at this record with an open mind you will love it. It’s good to see that rock music is in good hands.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
