🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Bring Back the Noise
Track 2: Double-Edge Demise
Track 3: Haunter
Track 4: Sucks 2 Suck
Track 5: Whenever You’re Ready
Track 6: Pretty Boy
Track 7: Mangekyō
Track 8: A Terrible Day for Rain
Track 9: Feign
Track 10: Garden of Eyes
🎸 Album Review:
Australian metalcore band Alpha Wolf has returned with their highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Half Living Things’, a potent and visceral display of aggression and emotion that solidifies their standing in the heavy music scene. Released on September 17, 2021, this album serves as a compelling follow-up to their debut record ‘A Quiet Place to Die’ and showcases the band’s growth and evolution in both sound and lyrical content.
From the opening track “Bring Back the Noise”, Alpha Wolf wastes no time in establishing their sonic presence. The album is a relentless onslaught of crushing guitars, thunderous drumming, and raw, guttural vocals courtesy of vocalist Lochie Keogh. The band’s sound on ‘Half Living Things’ is a fusion of metalcore, nu-metal, and elements of industrial rock, creating a dark and brooding atmosphere that permeates throughout the entire album.
Thematically, ‘Half Living Things’ delves into the struggles of mental health, inner turmoil, and the complexities of human emotions. Tracks like “Double-Edge Demise” and “A Terrible Day for Rain” explore the darker aspects of the human psyche, while songs like “Whenever You’re Ready” and “Feign” touch on themes of betrayal and self-deception. The album’s title itself serves as a reflection of the band’s exploration of what it means to truly be alive and the internal battles we face on a daily basis.
Standout tracks on the album include “Haunter”, a haunting and atmospheric track that showcases Alpha Wolf’s ability to create intense and emotionally charged music. The juxtaposition of eerie clean guitar passages with explosive breakdowns creates a sense of unease and tension that is truly captivating. “Mangekyō” is another highlight, featuring blistering riffs and a relentless energy that drives the song forward with unrelenting force.
“Pretty Boy” stands out as a departure from the band’s typical sound, incorporating melodic elements and clean vocals that add a sense of vulnerability to the track. This contrast between aggression and vulnerability showcases Alpha Wolf’s versatility as a band and their willingness to push boundaries within the metalcore genre.
In comparison to their previous album ‘A Quiet Place to Die’, ‘Half Living Things’ sees Alpha Wolf embracing a more experimental and diverse sound. While their debut album was characterized by its unbridled aggression and unrelenting heaviness, ‘Half Living Things’ showcases a more nuanced approach to songwriting and a willingness to explore different sonic territories.
Overall, ‘Half Living Things’ is a powerful and cathartic listening experience that delves deep into the human experience and confronts the darkness within us all. Alpha Wolf has delivered an album that is as emotionally resonant as it is sonically punishing, solidifying their status as one of the most exciting bands in the modern metalcore scene. With ‘Half Living Things’, Alpha Wolf has proven that they are a force to be reckoned with and have set the bar high for their future releases.