ALBUM REVIEW: Hammer The Bastards – Wolfbastard

One could argue that black metal and crust punk have quite a symbiotic relationship. For starters, both genres arguably trace their influence to a lot of the same bands, not least VENOM and MOTÖRHEAD. They also share a lot of the same core traits; namely an emphasis on speed, raw production and general nihilism. Sitting smack bang in the middle of this most vicious of Venn diagrams are Manchester’s WOLFBASTARD. Tracing their lineage to both bands mentioned, as well as the likes of DISCHARGE and DARKTHRONE, the three-piece’s third full-length album Hammer The Bastards is a high energy exercise in gleefully over the top violence and vitriol.

It’s clear from their name alone that WOLFBASTARD have their tongues at least a little in cheek here. Track titles like Buckfast Blasphemies, Nun Krüsher and the somewhat uncalled for Graveyard Slag indicate something similar too. It suits them well, lending perhaps a knowing wink to the record’s often excessive carnage. On that matter, the band get straight to business with the album’s delectably blackened opener Can’t Escape The Grave. Here, the trio combine blasting drums, tremolo riffing and barked vocals for what quickly becomes something of a blueprint for the record to follow. It’s not much we haven’t heard before, but there’s certainly no faulting the (quite literal) execution.

Unfortunately, this tried and tested formula soon starts to run out of steam. WOLFBASTARD may have a solid enough core idea, but we don’t really need 30 minutes and 13 tracks of it. Without much in the way of dynamic variation, Hammer The Bastards sort of just passes by in one unrelenting blast. There are a few moments that stick their heads above the parapet – the barked titular hook of the aforementioned Buckfast Blasphemies is especially easy to pick up; while Nun Krüsher provides arguably the album’s fiercest rager of all – but ultimately a limited sonic palette means the record struggles to hold its listener’s attention.

To be fair, WOLFBASTARD do draw from a lot of bands who could fall under similar criticism – MOTÖRHEAD are hardly known for their varied discography, for example. The band are also savvy enough to keep the individual tracks nice and tight. With only two of these topping the three-minute mark, the album moves along well enough as a result. Granted, the odd trim might’ve helped, but there are no obvious offenders that stick out as particularly weak. The lo-fi production works well too. Much like the band’s forebears in punk and black metal alike, it helps them capture a raw, live energy that’s all but essential for music like this.

Ultimately, Hammer The Bastards is a perfectly solid record, it could just do with a couple more ideas. If you’re looking for something fast and furious, this’ll do the trick, just don’t expect much more. That said, you can pretty much guarantee that this would be a lot more fun live, so definitely don’t write them off if and when they bring their death, destruction and D-beats to a venue near you.

Rating: 6/10

Hammer The Bastards is set for release on January 14th via Clobber Records.

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