Wölfe: I (Demo 2011)

Clearing the Docket

Wölfe is a band out of Melbourne, Australia. Their demo was released as a cassette, although I'm not quite sure how you're supposed to get a copy since the band takes pains to point out they have no web site, Facebook, or MySpace. But they have been kind enough to allow free downloads (link below), and I think you might want to do that.

The demo is 15 minutes of what the band calls "grinding blackened filth", which is about as honest and complete an assessment as you really need. Each song is blisteringly fast, raw, and pissed-off like a koala on eucalyptus withdrawal.


The music on the demo is unquestionably awesome, but there are two minor problems I have with it. First, the whole thing is on one MP3 file, and I wish it weren't. I guess that's not a quote-unquote "real" issue, considering it's really a tape and not a digital download. But more importantly, I take issue with the samples.

I've said over and over again that I don't like samples. Unless your surname happens to be Zombie, you shouldn't be allowed to use them. That said, they are pretty well done here (despite my not caring for the content). They incorporate sound effects and mess with the audio, so it's not just a stupid sample. But they interfere with the frantic pacing. I didn't measure it out, but I got the impression there was more sample than music.

Still, the music is good enough that it's worth treading through the samples.

The Verdict: It's grinding blackened filth, pure and simple, and about as kvlt as it gets. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Download I.