I’ve been listening to Mammoth WVH’s debut album for almost a week now and every single time I press play, I feel an overwhelming sense of comfort wash over me and it’s weird. It’s a feeling my head can’t quite grasp but my heart certainly can.
Rich in sound and genuine in its lyricism, Mammoth WVH feels new and exciting yet warm and embracing. The self-titled album is Wolfgang (Wolf) Van Halen’s debut as Mammoth WVH and it’s one hell of a first impression. Showcasing his talents, Wolf wrote every single song, handled all vocals, and performed all of the instrumentation on the album. The product is a multi-layered, goose-bump inducing, power loaded rock album. Sonically, the entire album packs a punch and gives listeners something to jam to from beginning to end. The 14-track album features everything from heavy to soft, headbangers to tear jerkers. There is truly something for every fan of rock.
If you’re looking for a follow-up Van Halen album, sorry, you simply won’t find that here. Now, if you’re looking for a continuation of musical artistry and ingenuity, you’ve come to the right place. While you’ll catch some Van Halen nods like the name, an inspired lick or two, and a “So This Is Love?” quote, this album is distinctly Mammoth WVH.
“You only have one chance to make a first impression, and I wanted to do so to the best of my abilities,” Wolfgang shared, “Throughout the whole process, I was finding who I am musically and by the end, I got a pretty good handle on a sound I can claim for myself.”
In a recent interview, Wolf mentioned that this album was the only thing Eddie Van Halen had on his phone, and now, it’s the only thing I’ll be playing for quite some time….
Mr. Ed:
BAM! Right from the start, the energy is high and the guitar wastes no time hitting you right in the face. The hard driving drum beat adds to the power, building into the chorus. Although the lyrics have absolutely nothing to do with Eddie Van Halen, you’ll catch some harmonic taps that give this song the perfect nod to the legendary guitarist that inspired so many.
Horribly Right:
One of the grittiest songs on the album, “Horribly Right” brings in those heavy guitar riffs that make you feel like you’re caught up on stage, just rocking out with the band.
Epiphany:
Powerful vocals and catchy guitar riffs, “Epiphany” is one you feel in your soul from start to finish. The deep bass pulls me in, the chorus explodes and the song completely envelopes me. I feel like I’m floating amongst the sound waves. Rocking around, the song takes the listener for a ride as the chord progressions switch up and the vocals are centralized. Wolf sings, “I’ve never felt more alive,” and I couldn’t agree more when listening to “Epiphany”.
Don’t Back Down:
Most of us have had plenty of time to crank this one up at high volumes, and for me, it’s still on heavy rotation. “Don’t Back Down” was an incredibly strong single and really set the bar for what Wolfgang had to offer as a solo artist. Playing off of the lyrics, sonically “Don’t Back Down” chugs along as a continuous build up of swirling riffs and powerful vocals. It’s motivating and leaves me on an energy high.
Read my full review of “Don’t Back Down” here.
Resolve:
Layered electric and acoustic guitars blended with a thick bass lead this story. The weaving in and out of the guitars allow for the solo to sneak in and ignite the sound of soul. With honest lyrics like, “Countless hours, only you can cure this pain, you fucking coward,” Wolf holds nothing back and you can hear the conviction in his vocals.
You’ll Be the One:
Turning the temp back up a notch, “You’ll Be The One” is a great example of Wolfgang honing in on his own sound. Midway into the song, the guitar takes center stage raining down into echoed vocals creating an epic build into a short but explosive solo.
Mammoth:
“Mammoth” creates a sense of motivation with inspiring lyrics and uplifting instrumentals to back it up. As we reach the solo, it feels like we’re climbing to the top, “anything is possible.” Knowing Wolf played the original Frankenstein on this solo only adds to the meaning. Incredibly guitar driven, the riffs in this track feel a bit pop-punk to me.
Circles :
Guitars ricochet like something hitting the water creating ripples. “Circles” is moody and all consuming. A slowed tempo, smooth vocals and impassioned guitar riffs create an emotional build up that seems to wash over my entire being. Time slows down, Wolf softly sings “I’ll wait for you” closed with a single strum and a wave of emotions hit as the guitars and drums flood back in. I’d be dishonest if I said this one didn’t bring tears to my eyes.
The Big Picture:
Hope you’re ready to rock, because “The Big Picture” brings it! Heavier chord progressions and aggressive vocals help give this the 90’s rock sound we’ve all come to love (and miss). With no surprise, Wolf shared one of his inspirations was Alice In Chains.
Think It Over:
Speaking of inspiration, Fans of Jimmy Eat World will appreciate the overall sound of “Think It Over”. The strong steady beat builds a wholesome rapport and make this song feel like home. The solo feels very down to earth, just enough umph without overdoing it.
You’re To Blame :
THIS is the kind of song that makes me wish I was in a band. Though this song was released as a single and has been out for quite some time now, “You’re To Blame” is still one of my favorites to blast and sing like I’m putting on my own show. The passion in Wolf’s vocals and the solo layered onto the uphill chord progression is enough to get you revved up for the unforeseeable future.
Read my full review of “You’re To Blame” here.
Feel:
The heavy continues and I am HERE for it! Get ready for a ride of multi-layered vocals and chugging riffs. Percussion builds intensity as we gear up for not only a guitar solo but a drum solo. And while the instrumentals are quite robust, we never lose the power of Wolf’s vocals.
Stone:
Another full body experience, “Stone” cocoons the listener with fuzzy guitar and a down tempo. Wolf’s vocals melt into the slow yet constant build. Just as you get comfortable, the guitar “plugs in” and intensifies, making you feel like you’re ascending into the musical abyss.
Distance:
Like any good album, it takes you on a musical journey. “Distance” may not have been planned to fit into this album but it became the perfect ending and I don’t think it would truly be complete without it. You can feel the love in every single note sung and strummed. This was our first introduction to Wolf as an artist on his own and it was the first time I found comfort in his music. “Distance” quickly became closure for all of us who kept Eddie Van Halen close to our hearts and It will continue to help heal hearts for years to come.