Wulfaz - Sotes Runer
Release date: 22/5/2020
Label: ToneWOOD / Independent
Written By: J.C.L.
Young Wulfaz are still in their infancy, having existed for little more than 2 years. During this time, the duo have already managed to gain some traction with their viking- and runic-inscription theme, their old school black sound, as well as playing numerous concerts. Now the wolf is ready to bite again with their second EP "Sotes Runer" in a few days.
Their first EP from last year "Eriks Kumbl" was already an instant favorite of mine, with its furious treble-laden guitars, punk-infused drumming and almost equal amount of harsh as clean vocals. Thankfully Wulfaz has kept this winning recipe, and have baked up some new material which is very much in the same mold as earlier, except we get some more icing on the cake and a more polished sound.
While still only 3 tracks, each track has grown a bit in length and complexity since "Eriks Kumbl". The improvements in songwriting abilities as well as sound quality is the first impressions I've got. The first track "Vie Disse Runer" is already a firm live-favorite, and the trademark groaning vocals are back. Definitely a more more unique type of vocal I've heard, combined with the clean vocals at selected moments, yet Wulfaz is all the more better for them. While the vocals and the lead-guitar stand out for this track, it is not the strongest of the tracks on this EP, for reasons that will become obvious.
Wulfaz
The title track is the highlight of the album. Driven by a whirlwind of minor-chord riffing and repetitive blasting, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was a lost part of a Solbrud song, a confusion which is only made complete by the guest vocals of Ole Luk himself. Does it work to Wulfaz's advantage? Oh yes! The stormy melancholic atmosphere of the first riff is wonderfully paired with the absolutely skull-splitting D-beat verse, and Ole Luk's bonechilling drawn out vocals makes a particularly nasty addition to an already great song. By the time you're done listening to the song, you'd be ready to pack your axe and jump on the next longboat headed for the British isles.
The last song on this EP is "Den Glammende Mand", which starts with main singer Simon bellowing out something in his clean vocals, before he is joined by the rest of the instruments. Some standout moments of this song are the double-pedals of the bridge, and the low-end death metal-like palm muted riff around the 3-minute mark, which makes this song stand out. The songs ends with the sounds of what I assume are runes being chiseled out in rock, while an ominous voice chants in a long forgotten iron age tongue. Perhaps some inspiration from Heilung? Whatever the case, it makes for a good cliffhanger for the next release.
All in all, it's hard to find faults with "Sotes Runer", other than it's too short, which can be forgiven. If anything, the first track, and to a lesser extent the last, are outshined by the stellar title track, which is in every way the centerpiece of this record.
Wulfaz has written that they play music in the vein of old school Norwegians like Darkthrone, Enslaved and Taake. While that influence is clear as day, Wulfaz shows with "Sotes Runer" the potential to carve out their own niche, and perhaps even give the old masters a good run for their money.
Wulfaz has written that they play music in the vein of old school Norwegians like Darkthrone, Enslaved and Taake. While that influence is clear as day, Wulfaz shows with "Sotes Runer" the potential to carve out their own niche, and perhaps even give the old masters a good run for their money.
I give this EP
Out of 6
Favorite Tracks: Sotes Runer, Den Glammende Mand
Tracklist:
1: Vie Disse Runer
2: Sotes Runer
3: Den Glammende Mand
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