In Dante’s Inferno, the second circle begins the proper punishment of Hell, a place where “no thing gleams.” It is reserved for those overcome with Lust, where carnal appetites hold sway over reason. In Nine Circles, it’s where we do shorter (USUALLY) reviews of new (ish) albums that share a common theme.
What, you think just because it’s the beginning of the year there’s not anything cool coming out? Well, I’ve got a surprise for you. Two surprises, actually: an anniversary edition of the debut EP from one of my favorite modern bands, and a new album from a new (to me) band that is absolutely nailing that late 80s heavy hard rock vibe I grew up loving. So for this edition of the Second Circle let’s talk about my beloved Howling Giant and the latest full-length from the dangerously slick Wildness.
Time to descend.
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It’s no secret that since their incredible split with Sergeant Thunderhoof in 2020 Howling Giant have become the banner I wave when I want strong, melodic hard rock. They’ve always been able to straddle the line of stoner and progressive rock with some of the catchiest ear worms this side of the universe, and it’s refreshing to see that germs of that were there as far back as their debut EP. For it’s 10th anniversary the band have dusted Howling Giant off with a fresh remaster, some demos, a cover from Ohio Express, and a band history/recollection by Mike T. Kerr. Sold exclusively via Bandcamp, you can get it as a limited vinyl or CD as well as digitally.
The tracks, largely constructed in the band’s earlier incarnation as SKLDZR (Skulldozer for those worried about pronunciation) are admittedly rough-hewn but you can already hear the great harmonized vocals on opener “Husk” along with those progressive tendencies to stretch the riff ideas out further than your standard dessert/stoner band. Subtle keyboards creep through the copious amounts of fuzz, and get downright bowel shaking in the opening to the appropriately titled “Whale Lord” while the funky/joked-laced “Doug” hides some killer drum work. “Camel Crusher” treads into Sleep-inspired doom territory, and it’s all a fun look at the things the band would pick up, refine, or leave behind as they charted their musical journey over the next decade. If you don’t already own Howling Giant, now there is simply no reason not to pick it up in this iteration.
Howling Giant 10th Anniversary Edition is available now via the band’s Bandcamp page. For more information on Howling Giant, check out their Facebook and Instagram pages.
I have heard dozens, if not hundreds of bands reaching back to the past. Typically they head for retro-thrash and speed metal, or try a hodgepodge of styles that reaches for the hem of the 80s without ever really getting close. So when I tell you that Avenger, my first exposure to Sweden’s Wildness, sticks the landing so hard I thought they WERE a band coming up circa 1988 you’d better believe they more than grabbed the hem. They ripped the cape right off the king and donned it for themselves, and since I can already feel this weak analogy getting away from me let’s jump to that video and talk about the music.
Right? You’re hearing what I’m hearing? Let’s start with that guitar riff on “Crucified” and the way the bass pulses just below it, holding the tempo. Guitarists Adam Holmström and Pontus Sköld are channeling the best in classic melodic AOR rock like Dokken and Winger, and that’s only reinforced by the insane vocal prowess of Erik Forsberg. The title track reaches into Dio’s early 80s niche and does a great job marrying that with a super anthemic chorus. Is there a little too much saccharine here? Yeah, I can only take so much 120 bpm ballad rockers, but I don’t know anyone else making this music right now, and Wildness does it so well I’m happy to get through it to the more rocking tracks on Avenger.
Avenger will be available January 24th from Frontiers Music s.r.l. For more information on Wildness, check out their Facebook and Instagram pages.
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Until next time, keep it heavy…keep it safe.
– Chris
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