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Wolfpakk: Nature Strikes Back
Wolfpakk - Nature Strikes Back Album Art Work

Wolfpakk: Nature Strikes Back

Melodic Heavy/Power Metal
4.0/5.0

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Massacre Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 22.01.2020 | Released: 24.01.2020

Once more the wolves come a-howlin. The collaborative project of vocalist Mark Sweeney and producer/vocalist Michael Voss, Wolfpakk returns with their fifth studio album, Nature Strikes Back. The simple skinny on the Wolfpakk operation is that Sweeney and Voss recruit a bevy of musicians to help them craft melodic heavy/power metal tunes, eleven for this album. You can see the complete list of a talent by song in this PDF.

Wolfpakk - Click For Larger Image

Wolfpakk's Mark Sweeney and Michael Voss

The larger cast of players comes in the vocal spot, including such luminaries as Michael Sweet (Stryper), Yannis Papadopoulos (Beast In Black), Carl Sentance (Nazareth), and Mats Levén (Ex-Candlemass, Ex-Malmsteen), among others. Not just for Wolfpakk, but in other music projects with various vocalists, I often find the multiple vocalists can diminish the consistency of the album. After this, there's simply those vocalist that I've never been that fond of, such as Mats Levén or Perry McCarty. Nevertheless, each vocalist brings their unique voice and timbre to each song. After this the guitar slot features the talent of Bruce Kulick (Ex-Kiss), Vinnie Moore (UFO), Craig Goldy (Ex-Dio), and Jeff Waters (Annihilator), again, among others. Across this album you'll find an abundance of thrilling solos.

With those comments said, one thing Sweeney and Voss do is write exceptional melodic heavy/power metal songs filled with melody and harmony, power metal speed infused with rock groove, and those ambitious guitar solos. Besides gathering exceptional talent, you can always expect fine songcraft from these fellows. Some the best power metal rockers come with Nature Strikes Back, Lovers Roulette, Revolution, and Under Surveillance. With Lone Ranger you find Wolfpakk delivering more heavy metal rock, wrapped in large gang vocal harmony. A melodic and symphonic metal ballad arrives with A Mystery, featuring Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, CoreLeoni) paired Swiss female vocalist, and newcomer to melodic metal (I suspect), Jasmin Schmid (Jazzmin). It's a fine song, and likely my favorite here.

In the end, with Nature Strikes Back, you'll find Wolfpakk's Mark Sweeney and Michael Voss, and assisting guest musicians, offering another entertaining platter of melodic heavy/power metal featuring multiple and various vocalists. Recommended.


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The Bottom Line

With Nature Strikes Back, you'll find Wolfpakk's Mark Sweeney and Michael Voss, and assisting guest musicians, offering another entertaining platter of melodic heavy/power metal featuring multiple and various vocalists. Recommended.

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