When two ex-members of a German folk metal act form a black metal band, how would you think it would sound like? Well, it would be German-sounding black metal with folk metal bits in it, now wouldn't it?! And that's the case with Wolves Den, which features two guys from Equilibrium.

The band made a few demo songs after they formed in 2014, and those songs were only available online. They decided to go on with a bang and released their first proper release, the debut full-length album 'Deus Vult' in April 2015. It looks like they knew their goals early on, and it's not a surprise when considering the guys shared the same band before.

The introduction and first minute of 'Gedeih und Verderb' is a ambient/symphonic, before it turns to Swedish-sounding black metal, transmuting between fast and attacking tremolo riffing, and slower atmospheres with open-stringed guitar and mild synthesizer spicing. With 'Schwarzes Firmament', the album begins to sound more German, with added folk/pagan metal influences. The starkest of these elements is the mountainous guitar playing style; it's not tremolo only, but more epic, echoing soundscapes, that create an airy mood. So, heavier rhythm guitars are heard, too. The drums are reverbed, too, and therefore amplifying the Earthy and natural vibe. This is a welcome turn in my opinion. Why? Because The Swedish influence just doesn't astonish here; basically it's done okay, but maybe there's so much of it available.

But the band does not stop here with presenting their wide spectrum of influences, no. The title track sound very much like mid-1990s Rotting Christ and some other Greek acts. With harsh, barking throat voice and evil monk chanting, plus sweeping synth work! At times, latter Immortal echoes a bit in the music. Along with the epic German vibe, there's also melancholic, but not very depressive, moments. The general vibe is still quite cold, but not very evil or aggressive. The compositions are rather long, but also transforming. At times momentum can stall a bit, but mostly it proceeds well enough. Largely it's not very catchy, and requires attention. However, the title track gets the earworm stamp! 'Sieche' is close to that with its beautiful chord progression, as well as more epic 'Dysterborn'.

The production is powerful and punchy, yet airy. The instruments are all audible. The bass guitar plays important part on the album, bringing loads of vibration in. Seldom, but at least at times, it separates itself from the guitar and the drums, taking a bigger role for a moment. The synthesizer work varies from synth mat to vocal emulating (one voice or choirs) and to some orchestral manoeuvres. The drums offer loads of different beats, from doom-ish to double kick drumming and blasting. The vocals somewhat vary inside barking throat style. It's all in the band's native tongue, and it sounds good with the music. I can understand that the lyrical content is anti-religious, but not much more, I'm afraid.

German black metal with breath of folky air. For a debut album 'Deus Vult' is a good one. Its biggest drawback is its facelessness. While it's well performed and sounds professional, it does not grant the band a place in limelight. 'Deus Vult' is far from bad, it's not even an average album, but a promising effort. Then again, if you're looking for nothing new... There is loads of promise in Wolves Den for sure, and maybe the recent European tour granted them more recognition. Let's see what they can conjure next... And one more thing: Gladly this is a post-free band!!!

Update (12-27-2019): I was listening to this album after a year and a half since I last touched it. I did find, for my surprise, some catchy song-craft. It still owes to older German bands of the ilk, and Rotting Christ quite some (and King Diamond-ish acoustics, wow!), but I enjoy the bursting energy it emits. The score was lifted from 7- to 7+ (I have to admit that I wanted to give it even higher score...). - Lane

Rating: 7+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
05/10/2017 19:02