A Perpetual State of Grooves

Some acts are start-of-show strong, some acts are end-of-show strong. A select few are able to maintain strength and consistency throughout, such is the case with Blackwülf’s latest release Sinister Sides. At no point does the band phone it in during the 40 minute, eight-track ride through the world that they created in sound. The level of talent that the album is brimming with is incredibly high whether it be fast, slow or anything between.

On the title track “Sinister Sides” Blackwülf opens up strong with an incredibly memorable, but not overpowering, palm-muted guitar riff accompanied by an incredibly powerful performance by Alex Cunningham on vocals. Though everyone was firing on all cylinders so to speak, Dave Pankenier’s performance on drums eclipsed all others while he kept the rhythm and included incredible fills at every opportunity. By far the most energetic track of the album, it sounds akin to the rhythm section of a band like Deep Purple with a vocal style similar to post-Misfits era Glenn Danzig.

Blackwülf continues to exhibit gross displays of incredibly rich and impassioned original arrangements throughout many tracks such as “Waiting on Tomorrow” and “The Tempest,” but they strike gold with their cover of “Sunshine of Your Love,” originally by Cream. The track is instantly recognizable by the trademark bass introduction before opening into the body of the song. What Blackwülf manages to do is capture the groovy, wah pedal heavy feel that was prominent in the time period of the original material without sacrificing their own individual styles. The gain is turned up and the effects used on the instruments give the new version just a bit more punch than the original for an excellent rendition of a great classic track.

In all, Sinister Sides is an excellent doom/stoner rock release. Everything that makes a solid release in the genre is present, from the powerful but not overdone grooves to the masterful vocal and drum work throughout. The length of the album is on par with similar acts and is incredibly consistent throughout in the melodic aspect. Finally, this sense of consistency makes the album easy to digest and great for repeat listening material.