Perhaps Be The Wolf should rename themselves Lone Wolf. Federico Mondelli (Frozen Crown) is cited as the singer, song writer, guitarist and graphic artist. He fronts a Hard Rock power trio drawing inspiration from 80s Heavy Metal and AOR. Empress, the band’s third album, contains “…high speed tracks, with heavy and melodic riffing and tasteful guitar solos, with some occasional power ballads (though constantly keeping a considerably fast pace for the whole duration of the album).”
Under a different producer, the band’s description might be accurate. Unfortunately, the album was mixed for heaviness rather than the melody. The lack of nuance in the drums, bass, guitar and layered vocals combined with the constant high tempo of the songs provide diminishing returns. Listen for the potential for improvement during the guitar solos of “Stallone” and “All Days I Missed”. The band sounds very different when the vocals and drums are backed off. The first three songs “Burn Me Out”, “Action”, and “Stallone” feature strong choruses and hook-laden melodies which rise above the din. “Action” is a genre-bending surprise starting with a mighty riff but unexpectedly morphing into a dance club track straight out of the 80s.
While the songwriting and musicianship on Empress are a cut above its peers, the production needs more AOR sensibility and restraint. The frantic intensity is best enjoyed in small doses.
01. Burn Me Out
02. Action
03. Stallone
04. Thousand Years
05. You’re My Demon Tonight
06. All Days I Missed
07. Move It
08. Here And Now
09. Trigger Discipline
10. Jungle Julia Ii
11. All Days I Missed (Electro Version) (Japan Bonus Track)
Federico Mondelli – vocals / guitar
Marco Verdone – bass
Paul Canetti – drums
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