With one of the very first iterations of metal being what most of us have agreed to be what’s come to be known as doom metal, there have many a countless number of bands to come out of all generations trying to emulate that sound whether out of trying to outright sound like it or to show their reverence for the genre’s origins. Needless to say, not many are up to the task. But, every now and then, there are bands that are more than fit for the task. It’s with their eponymous debut that Sleepwulf has easily achieved the best example of such that I’ve heard for what feels like years.

It’s often that we find the most effective approach with many sorts of heaviness new or old is that simplicity can often lead to success. That’s far from always true with plenty of bands out there making up all sorts of material that can easily be tagged as “simplistic” but they miss the mark in being something that can be considered eyebrow-raising by many stands. It’s there specifically that Sleepwulf shows us their potential with just about every single offering that we’re given throughout their self-titled effort showing us tasty riffs, smooth vocals, and fantastic rhythms that are all brought together for a spectacular display that is no less than greatly satisfying just to listen to. Right out of the gate, you can tell that Sleepwulf has achieved what so many have strived for just with the first track alone, and it’s when you realize that it’s a trend for the entirety of the record that you have the epiphany of the simple truth that this band is not fucking around for even a second with each song being one reason after another as to why this will be a band to watch for years to come. Everything we could ask for is there in absolute heaps with each song building off one another in a way that can only be described as magnificent, and Sleepwulf knows how to capitalize on all of them to the absolute maximum.

While this is just a debut, it is far from anything that should be considered lightweight or anything that’s a mere stepping stone for Sleepwulf. It contains all the tell-tale signs of a tremendous act that has so much to offer, and if I’m to be to only one keeping an eye on this name from here on then I will be very upset with every fucking one of you.

LISTEN to “Sleepwulf” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Sleepwulf on Facebook here.