WIZARD – … Of Wariwulfs And Bluotvarwes

Tradition has never seemed to sound this good.  One of the greatest promises for True Heavy Metal in 2011, Wizard, the German Manowar of steel, has sent the wolves to bite the flesh of its followers with a brand new release, and their ninth record in their discography, …Of Wariwulfs And Bluotvarwes. Though this band has danced on the line between superb outcomes and mediocre efforts, this album should knock you off your chair with its fine tribute to 80s Heavy Metal, while being true to the gods that created the genre.

One thing for sure, Wizard have been bounded by the laws of True Metal. It is not just the epic themes of fiction that have been around the band since its formation, it is the constant essence of their music.  …Of Wariwulfs And Bluotvarwes continues that same line of riffs and passages that were two of the band’s greatest accomplishments. However, holding a certain formula can be dangerous and quite risky without refreshing the approach once a while, but don’t worry about it — these guys are warriors of Metal and they are not afraid to stand their ground.

With a striking 80s style of production, even though the sound of their instruments may sound modern, it will probably channel the same experience as of an 80s Metal album in any listener. Almost every single song on the album is a hit, or something close to it. The material is smooth, easy to comprehend, harmonic, and catchy with taste as they manifest anthem-like choruses and will answer any Metal warrior worldwide.  The ultimate vocals of Sven D’Anna (The German Eric Adams) and the exchange of classic solos by Dano Boland & Michael Maass are the leading sword, while the rhythm section led by the dominant bass of Volker Leson and the beats from hell by Snoppi Denn, are the shield and the armor.

Therefore, it is evident these guys weren’t fooling and their tough straightforwardness shapes their battleground. Even on a rather emotive track such as “Fair Maiden Mine”, which can be considered as the album’s least heavy output, Wizard’s boundless image turned in another death-toned strike. Some of the greatest hits of …Of Wariwulfs And Bluotvarwes are the likes of the self-titled attacker, “Taste Of Fear”, “Bletzer”, “Sign Of The Cross”, and “Hearteater”. Classic Heavy Metal, with some well-done reminders of Helloween-ish Melodic Power Metal splendors, attack in the glory of the genre, once again and with full force. The Metal world should be glad that Wizard didn’t surrender to the trends around them.

Tracklist

1. …Of Wariwulfs And Bluotvarwes
2. Undead Insanity
3. Taste Of Fear
4. Wariwulf
5. Messenger Of Death
6. Sign Of The Cross
7. Fair Maiden Mine
8. Hearteater
9. Hagr
10. Bletzer
11. Hagen Von Stein

Lineup

Sven D’Anna – Vocals
Dano Boland – Guitar
Michael Maass – Guitar
Volker Leson – Bass
Snoppi Denn (Sören van Heek) – Drums