Album Review: Bad Wolves – NATION

The crossover success of their cover of The Cranberries' Zombie, aided by additional hits stateside has meant star-studded collective Bad Wolves have become a big deal in a hurry.

Acknowledging the need to seize existing momentum, this album arrives barely 18 months on from their first LP. Debut Disobey's singles perhaps spawned the misconception that Bad Wolves' only stock in trade is more commercially palatable radio rock fare. However, their first record packed plenty of genuinely bruising moments, deftly balancing metallic tracks (owing a debt to Pantera's groove-stomp and modern acts such as Periphery) with arena-rock tendencies. It's a dichotomy that in less experienced hands could be a hodgepodge, but a trick largely managed again here, bolstered by a slick, punchy production.

Not every song will be to some fans' tastes – Killing Me Slowly's earworm chorus indicates the group was paying attention while supporting enormodome-conquering acts like Nickelback and Shinedown. Take from that what you will. The balladry and more accessible material may also polarise, and at times leans a little too far into homogenised rock territory, although singer Tommy Vext's autobiographical Sober proves a grower. You can't question the potency of much of the material, though. Opener I'll Be There sets the tone neatly, effortlessly fusing hefty djent-y riffing, rapid-fire rapping and an anthemic chorus. The Consumerist blends churning guitars and scathing harsh vocals with Killswitch Engage-esque melodicism. Foe Or Friend and LA Song rank among the heaviest tracks they've penned thus far, while still injecting memorable hooks.

There's plenty riding on this follow-up, and those solely seeking aggressive sounds may furrow their brows. But it's likely more punters will soon be pledging allegiance to Bad Wolves' NATION.