Wizard: ...Of Wariwulfs And Bluotvarwes

Wizard have been creating their own brand of epic Heavy Metal for a little over twenty years now and with their ninth album ...Of Wariwulfs And Bluotvarwes offer up a sharp and heavy reminder of why they have lasted so long. Often and understandably so compared to Manowar, there is a level of subtlety and variation in evidence here that is not suggested by that likeness. Yes, this is album is a chest beating and uncompromising slab of true Metal and indeed the subject matter which is based on a trilogy of fantasy novels by German writer Andre Wiesler is also likely to attract the sword and loincloth brigade. However in terms of execution Wizard know how to add a slightly more sophisticated edge to their shield rattling anthems.

Offering up varying tempos and atmospheres ...OWAB never falls into the same trap that so many Speed/Power Metal acts seem to, with a more considered, mid paced vibe at times offering the opportunity for the songs to become more engaging, without losing the bravado that this genre really need to be effective. The band themselves produced the album with mastering being provided by Achim Kohler (Primal Fear/Sinner) and it has to be said that they've done a sterling job of ensuring that the music contains a mighty punch of power, while avoiding the everything louder than everything else maxim that often ruins macho Metal albums. In fact some of the riffs have been given a slightly industrial feel, with the staccato brashness giving a hint of the sort of clout that Rammstein offer up. That said Wizard's attack is more conventional and while both bands come from the same country (Germany), the singing is also of a far more traditional English variety.

Not an album that pushes the boundaries or even really expands Wizard's musical outlook by any great amount, but still, if it ain't broke don't fix it. On this evidence Wizard are in full working order.

Track Listing
01. ... of wariwulfs and bluotvarwes
02. Undead Insanity
03. Taste Of Fear
04. Wariwulf
05. Messenger of death
06. Sign Of The Cross
07. Fair Maiden Mine
08. Hearteater
09. Hagr
10. Bletzer
11. Hagen von Stein

Added: November 12th 2011
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Wizard Official Web Site
Hits: 1734
Language: english

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