Release
date: September
14th
2018.
Label. Various. Format: CD/DD/Cassette/Vinyl
Volume
Two: The Divide
–
Tracklisting
1.Erion
Chant
2.Hypersphere
3.Recall!
Recall!
4.Ghost
Wolf
5.Last
Ride 03:34
6.Stele
Chant
7.Shattered
Ground
8.17
45 40.045 -29 00' 27.9
9.Omniverse
10.Infinite
Titan
Members
The
Wülff: drums, fists & drones
The
Sarge: strings, nerves & throats
Review
I’m
not very good reviewing concept albums. I always want to focus on the
music. So I will post what Hyperwülff’s new album is about and
continue with my review.
“Volume
Two: The Divide, begins on the battlefield where the last fight
against Robogoat is taking place, and instantly throws us in a
kaleidoscope of words and memories recounted by the two protagonists,
describing the last moments of struggle between the Great Wolf and
the Mechanical Beast, which ends with the annihilation of both.
Hyperwülff, now devoid of a physical body, is forced to roam the
cosmos in a different state of matter, and can only interact through
the body of The Wülff. The Erionite forces, now in shambles, need to
gather their last strength to save the Stele of Laar, infinite source
of energy, and symbol of the ancient pact between the planet’s
living beings, upon which they swore an oath of fraternity and
loyalty.
The Stele is the last chance for the Hyper Wolf to regain a
physical body, before being swept away forever in the dark of the
Universe.“
Italian
Heavy Sludge Doomed Out Rockers Hyperwülff returns with their cosmic
new album - Volume II - The Divide. This album has a more expansive
and heavier sound than their debut album. The album still has the
Mastodon/SLEEP style sonic riffage but with a heavier and progressive
edge.
Opening
track - Erion Chant - is an almost surreal Doom/Sludge Metal song
with elements of Psychedelic Drone sounds allowing Hyperwülff to
become a more cosmic and spaced version of OM or Zoroaster. The
vocals are very cool, as they have an almost drone based feel.
Hyperwülff
wisely decide to change things around on the second song -
Hypersphere. This has a heavier Doom Metal feel and even has traces
of Thrash Metal running throughout. It's a different contrast and
vibe to the opening track but this shows the band is more than happy
to change the whole flow of the album when the time calls for it. The
instrumental work is purely a Doom/Sludge Metal affair though you can
expect to hear Stoner Rock/Metal riffs along the way.
Third
track - Recall! Recall! - sees lead vocalist The Sarge deliver the
hardcore growls he superbly performs. The music loses some of its
momentum as Hyperwülff struggle deciding which type of music should
be the main focus. The familiar Mastodon-eqsue sounds have a more DIY
Punk Rock edge and I admire the band for trying something different.
Fourth
song - Ghost Wolf - sees the band return to winning ways with a
Psychedelic Sludge/Stoner Rock number that easily ranks as one of the
albums standout tracks. The band adapts a more cosmic approach to
their lyrics whilst still offering a bleak sensibility that leaves
you wanting more. The song does become very chaotic and messy towards
the end but that's part of the fun with the song.
Fifth
song - Last Ride - has a sludgy QOTSA feel to it with Hyperwülff
embracing a less threatening approach and it's another cool side to
hear from the band. The lo-fi production serves the band well as it's
the fast-paced Punk Rock sounds that make this another standout track
on the album.
The
second half of the album sees Hyperwülff playing a heavier style of
music with the album becoming slightly bleaker as a result. Songs
such as Stele Chant, Shattered Ground and Infinite Titan are the ones
that hold your attention the most as Hyperwülff play some of the
albums heaviest riffs on the album. The whole atmosphere of the
album becomes way heavier as a result.
Hyperwülff
even start adding elements of Post-Metal into their music that leaves
quite an unsettling feeling. The overall production of Volume II -
The Divide - is handled superbly well. There are a few moments where
the sound can be too raw at times but I think this is intentional. As
Hyperwülff want to take you out of your comfort zone and they
ultimately succeed.
This
is a very challenging album to listen to and Hyperwülff deserve
credit for releasing a great album such as this.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Hyperwülff for the promo.
The album will be released on September 14th 2018 through Shove, Deathcrush and Dischi Bervisti. It will be available in a vinyl+CD edition of 300, 100 of which printed in milk-white vinyl. Of these, 25 will be in ultra-limited edition curated by Teschio Dischi. Tape version will be released by Roughness Noise.
Links:
