In 1989, Wolfsbane released one of the great debut records.
They were, are, and always will be seminal to me. In 1991, they played a show at Tressines Club in Birmingham. That matinee show ranks as the first gig the 15-year-old me ever saw. More on that tomorrow, as it happens.
In 2025, the same four guys went into the studio to make it again—using all their wisdom (?) and skill. Listening to “Manhunt” again for the first time in a couple of years, the same youthful abandon still comes roaring out of the speakers.
“Shakin'” has its blues, but it still sounds like a Friday night in Tamworth. Indeed, when Blaze Bayley sings “what can I do for you? Something wicked or something new,” you just know he wants you to choose wicked.
Jase Edwards’ guitar on “Killing Machine” slashes, and Blaze’s voice is simply better these days. “Killing Machine” proves that, and “Fell Out of Heaven” is what LA sleaze would sound like if it was conceived in a South Staffs market town.
But if they were sleazy then, it was sleaze for Hells Angels. “Money to Burn” is absolutely glorious—and heavy enough to be metal.
“All or Nothing” remains a singalong made for playing live. “Greasy” sounds arguably less greasy these days, but it’s still appetising.
One of a clutch of gems I loved as a 14-year-old was “I Like It Hot,” and instantly, it transports you back to being under the covers with a radio, listening to The Friday Rock Show—which, along with Kerrang!, was responsible for 75% of my record collection back then.
“Tears from a Fool”—to me and my mates, anyway—was the “Every Rose” moment. I’m still without romance, but I like it better now.
The beauty of this is still in the simplicity. Always was, still is. These are 10 magnificent songs. Songs you can sing along to. Songs that were sleazy, full of energy, and—hopefully—everything they were supposed to be, because it meant everything to us.
Still does.
And the Wolfsbane of today hasn’t changed too much, because this is still brilliant—even if it sounds a little more polished.
Just buy a version and love this band. It’s just good sense.
Rating: 9/10
