EP REVIEW: Fault – Alpha Wolf

As the years pass, it’s almost as though Australia is determined to justify it’s worth as birthplace of some of the world’s most prolific heavy bands. Unsatisfied with having blessed the world with metalcore titans such as PARKWAY DRIVE, NORTHLANE and countless others, the metal factory down under continues to churn out new players in an ever more competitive game. Arguably the most recent band to explode from the country is POLARIS, and with the upcoming release of their EP Fault, ALPHA WOLF look poised to walk in similar footsteps.

Having already sprouted a global fan base on the back of their debut Mono back in 2017, they will hope to find exponential success this time round, with the revered support of SharpTone Records. The EP embarks with No Name, the first of six bruising tracks that induct ALPHA WOLF as the kind of band that wouldn’t simply walk into a room, instead they would spin-kick their way through the door. Fading into view, hostility prevails as tight, titanic riffs set a striking precedent. Cleverly designed with their target audience in mind, all the correct metalcore-isms are employed. Expletive-led breakdowns and panic chords provide a harrowing ambience, while a angst-driven vocal performance adds an antagonised layer upon the track.

Spirit Breaker continues in similar fashion, with neck-snapping guitar work leading into a frenetic opening verse. Much like the third track Russian Roulette, which is executed with an audible stomp. “Who died and made you King!?” they scream, before a Horizons-era PARKWAY DRIVE derived riff ripples a way through, punctuated by a well-placed sub drop.

In all, Fault covers similar ground to the ALPHA WOLF we knew two years ago, but it does feel like an evolution of sorts. Sub Zero is perhaps the best track on the record, showing more diversity than other excerpts. Following the interlude title track, it whips back up the pace after a moment of calm with explosive force. Steering away from the sometimes one dimensional layout of earlier tracks, it shows Alpha Wolf at their best, before bridging into the final track The Lonely Bones. Proving the consistent nature of ALPHA WOLF, it wraps it affairs with an emphatic breakdown. Fault is the product of a band confident in who they are, and has allowed them to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of their more accomplished compatriots. ALPHA WOLF have stepped in the right direction here, and this may will be the true beginning of a glowing journey.

Rating: 7/10

Fault is set for release April 19th via SharpTone Records. 

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