2024-04-03 07:00:38
(c) Sebastian Kroll
Been doing this for over a decade Deaf Wolf, which until not so long ago were still called Deaf Flow, left the expanded Berlin music scene uncertain. The trio has already played more than 100 concerts, accompanied by four EPs to date that are dedicated to stoner, sludge and doom as well as B movies, comic heroes, mythology and science. After the renaming, it might now be a complete album that undoubtedly strives for the highest honors and has what it takes to conquer the rest of the world. „Not Today, Satan“ bundles fat riffs, murderous grooves, biting heaviness and likeable wit into 52 rousing minutes.
Tracks like “Sulphur” sum up the likeable sound of the men from the German capital in a very short time. Memories of greats like Queens Of The Stone Age or Clutch are awakened when the mid-tempo stomper starts with its larger-than-life riff, while the chorus comes across as slightly trippy, almost psychedelic – a little hit that a “Good Times” with more rock and Drive provides. Here Deaf Wolf dedicate themselves to classic sounds, driving and yet leaning back, flirting with alternative ideas and ultimately consistently pulling their own weight. It’s captivating from the first second.
In general, Deaf Wolf have a knack for really good songs, but they also like to think outside the box. The bouncer “The End” sneaks up carefully, slows down and draws astonishing power from the minimalism of existence – ponderous and wholesome in equal parts. “See You In Hell” repeatedly uses angry interludes and takes a stance, while “King Ghidorah” flirts with sludge malice and likes to knock on Mastodon’s doorstep. The strange, raw test of anger is at least as fun as the sweet, wistful “Survivor” or the somewhat more leisurely, pleasantly classic “One”, which lets the guitar sing skillfully.
Whether laid back, rough or riff-heavy: Deaf Wolf always find the right way forward and serve up an oppressive hit album that is difficult to resist. Of course, the desert DNA is recognizable to some extent, which can hardly be avoided, but the Berliners make their own thing out of it, which can sometimes degenerate into darkness, but always shows a heart for earthy rock and welcome, idiosyncratic charm. “Not Today, Satan” is simply fun, relies on great songwriting and even better tracks. In addition, the desire for music can be heard in every riff. Even under a new name, Deaf Wolf show their best side and have what it takes to be a well-deserved big hit.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: April 5, 2024
Available via: Self-distributed
Website: deafwolf.de
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deafwolfrocks
Category: Magazin, Reviews
1713237879
#Deaf #Wolf #Today #Satan
