Wolf did not, forgive me a shocking pun, howl for too long back around the original New Wave of British Heavy Metal days. However their sole album – Edge of the World – is a bona fide classic.
Starting out as Leviathan towards the end of the 1970s then changing name to Black Axe and finally Wolf it could be argues the band had a bit of an identity crisis. Though in reality I think it reasonably safe to say bad luck, bad decisions and bad management all played their part in keeping Wolf from reaching full potential.
And despite having the songs, a killer guitarists in Simon Sparkes and a support slot on a Scorpions tour it would not be enough to catapult Wolf in to the big time. Instead it became game over.
Such a pity as Edge of the World is something special. Think a hybrid of period UFO and early MSG and you have an indication of what to expect.
Sparkes’ guitar work is spectacular. Quite fantastic indeed. He’s all over the album with jaw-dropping dexterity and ability up and down the fretboard. Channels the late, great Paul Chapman and Schenker at his peak.
Add to that the very solid chugging, crisp rhythm guitar and occasional keys not unlike another UFO mad sadly passed – Paul Raymond, tub thumping drumming and vocals with Mogg style melody in a lower slightly gruffer register and the recipe is complete.
Whilst Edge of the World is in the same post code as early 1980s UFO/MSG, Wolf stand on their own two feet (or should that be four paws………forgive me another shocking pun) and most certainly had the ability to go to the top of the tree.
Ten songs over just shy of forty minutes might not sound like much. Although all ten songs deliver the goods. Generally short, succinct, to the point, powerful, heavy, melodic and that monstrous lead work from Sparkes.
Some selected highlights. The title track chugs along with the big rhythm guitar, big hook and sparkling solo. Heaven Will Rock ‘N’ Roll anthemic (as is Head Contact Rock ‘N’ Roll a few tracks later).
Shock Treatment bounces along with venomous vocals. A Soul for the Devil a tasty, brooding affair. Too Close for Comfort is basically Doctor Doctor. Red Lights brutally heavy and faster than a speeding bullet. Medicine Man has more of that fantastic Sparkes’ shredding.
Have a listen to Too Close for Comfort:
https://youtu.be/HI-rhFBecYY
Nothing not to like anywhere on Edge of the World. Wolf had it all bar the breaks. Yet another of those NWOBHM era bands who were one album and out – but what an album it is.
It was reissued a couple of years or so ago by High Roller Records and I believe it was a limited release. I found one on Amazon and as I type this post it’s still listed as available so get over there sharpish and bag yourself a proper classic from the NWOBHM days.