WOLFPAKK-CRY WOLFThe 2nd installment of Wolf-obsessed Melodic Metal from the project written by, and put together by highly respected vocalists Michael Voss (Mad Max/Casanova) and Mark Sweeney (Crystal Ball). 2011’s debut was well received so they are back this year with a whole host of guest singers – Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Göran Edman (Ex-Yngwie Malmsteen), Johnny Gioeli (Axel Rudi Pell, Hardline), Doogie White (Ex-Rainbow, Schenker), Tony Mills (Shy, TNT), Blaze Bayley (Ex-Iron Maiden), Piet Sielck (Iron Savior), Amanda Somerville, and Jean-Marc Viller (Callaway) who does most of the backing vocals on this album. Michael Voss handles most of the guitar duties, but there are guest guitarists too – Kee Marcello (Ex-Europe), Mandy Meyer (Krokus, Ex-Gotthard), Roland Grapow (Masterplan) and Martin Rauber (Top4tea). The basic idea is, Mark and Michael sing most of the songs and the guests kind of chip in now and again on a specific track.

Ralf Scheepers is the first to kick off “Cry Wolf” on opener ‘Moonlight’ and it quickly becomes clear that plenty of thought has gone into which track has been given to which vocalist to guest on. This track is very Primal Fear with it’s double-kick Power Metal feel, especially on the parts Scheepers sings, but also has a slightly more Melodic Metal feel that runs throughout Wolfpakk’s albums. So, Scheepers in Wolf’s clothing you might say?! Haha, thankyou, thankyou, I’m here all week…

Gioeli gets his turn next on ‘Matter Of Time’, a track that echoes more of the expected Crystal Ball/Mad Max lilt, but also reminds me particularly of Evidence One. Gioeli, as with every vocalist on this album, puts in a sterling, faultless performance. Sweeney and Voss go it alone on the next track ‘Dark Revelation’, a heads down rocker with great duelling solos from Rauber and Voss.

Then…and it was all going so well – What is it with Metal bands and Disney-style ballads at the moment??!! I’ve copped for 3 in as many month’s to review and this one, ‘Cold Winter’ (in duet-style with Somerville), is sung, as far as I can tell, from a Mum and Dad…WOLF’S point of view! There appears to be much paw-wringing about the oncoming winter – Have we got enough carcasses put aside? What if the cubs get Fleas? Should we redecorate the cave? Ok, maybe that’s a tweak exaggerated, but I’m sorry to say it’s almost as claw-curling as I paint it – “Can we surviiiiiive, just anuurrther Weeenturrrr….With the Paaaakk, we are mooooooving on”. No, really. It’s like the theme from “The Littlest Hobo” – though less catchy. An absolute howler (!). I presume a Lion King style video is being made for the song right as you read this…

Thank the gods we are back on a pounding Power Metal footing with the ‘The Beast In Me’. Double kick driven and a bit Malmsteen in overall feel, so good call – one time Malmsteen-man Goran Edman gets to flex his lungs on this one. Top notch guitar work provided by Roland Grapow too. ‘Palace Of Gold’ weighs in with a gigantic chorus and it’s really great to hear the underrated talents of Brit singer Tony Mills, belting it out in damn fine style. An epic Melodic Metal track. ‘Cold Winter’ is all but forgotten…but still not forgiven…

‘Wakken’ (as in Wolf “Pakk” – see?) is a head-banging, horns-waving anthem begging to played at the legendary Metal festival it was (almost) named after. An ideal platform for a few lines from Iron Savior’s Piet Sielck. Whereas ‘Pressure Down’ is a more down-and-dirty groover that suits Doogie White’s dulcet tones perfectly. Though it becomes increasingly apparent that Voss and Sweeney show an impressive ability to alter their own voices and compliment each guest/song in turn.

The album wouldn’t be complete without a cover though, and it just had to be Rainbow’s ‘Run With The Wolf’! Tony Carey, the man on the original, does a gorgeous little ‘Tarot Woman’ style keys intro, which Voss then backs up with a twiddly Blackmore style guitar lead and we’re off! A great production backs up what a timeless track this is. They kind of make it their own as well as sticking respectfully to the original. Great song – good version. We conclude with the 10 minute epic title track. A lyrically heartfelt and honest Melodic Metal track with vocal contributions from Blaze Bayley (Hey, that’s THREE British singers on this album, you don’t hear that very often nowadays!). A genuinely fitting way to end the album – epic, riffy, memorable and sporting another massive chorus, all embellished by some nice lead-work from Kee Marcello. There’s actually a bonus track on some versions of “Cry Wolf”, the rather disposable ‘Kid Raw’, but it kind of spoils the completeness of the album so like a petulant cub I’m choosing to ignore it.

There’s some real talent on offer here, some of the best that Melodic Metal has to offer. This is an 8/10 album any day…but they went and did that bloody ballad so sorry, I have to knock a mark off. The rest of it is a serious lesson in how to create a great Melodic Metal album in 2013!

(7/10 Andy Barker)  

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