Wolves in Haze - Chaos Reigns

 

 

Wolves in Haze - Chaos Reigns
Majestic Mountain Records / Tvåtakt Records – 2021
Sludge, doom, thrash
Rated: *****

Wolves in Haze's second album, Chaos Reigns, is a thrashy, sludge drenched bat out of hell. These Swedes deal in no holds barred, pedal to the metal aggression, like some unholy death metal-tinged Motörhead. The distortion is gnarly and grinding, the vocals soar between clean and hellish, and the drums are weapons of mass destruction in their furious attack. First cut "Green River" gives a taste of what's to come, with a demon-voiced intro launching into harsh, trad doom grooves hiding a thrash edge with paint peeling guitar tones. The kitwork is pummeling and sharp as hell, and a flashy high-speed solo seals the deal. With all this fury, Wolves in Haze still show off songwriting chops and a talent for catchy hooks, case in point "Tormentor". The singing drives the pounding groove, and the death-doom breaks give way to a howling chorus that'll worm through the ears straight into your lizard brain. Out of left field, however, comes "My Destroyer", a subdued acoustic ballad with bright keys and a patient, dark beauty that nicely breaks up the albums's sonic assault. There's no weak track across Chaos Reigns, but extra praise should be lauded on "Into the Grave". The wild, twisting riff being joined by big-band swinging drums is one of my favorite audio experiences of 2021 so far. With Chaos Reigns, Wolves in Haze haven't so much landed in the scene as busted down the doors and set fire to the place. A top contender for album of the year.

(Written by Shasta Beast)

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