Released by: BMG
Release Date: August 4th, 2023
Genre: Rock/Alternative
Links: https://mammothwvh.lnk.to/MammothIIPR
Line Up:
All Instruments : Wolfgang Van Halen
Tracklist:
1. Right?
2. Like a Pastime
3. Another Celebration at the End of the World
4. Miles Above Me
5. Take a Bow
6. Optimist
7. I’m Alright
8. Erase Me
9. Waiting
10. Better Than You
To this day I don’t understand the internet trolling over Wolfgang Van Halen’s band Mammoth WVH. Look I get the name and the “expectations” somewhat, but to be brutally honest I think is preposterous to be hated on because you didn’t expect him to sound like a Van Halen carbon copy or whatever your pre conceived notions were when he debuted. To be blunt is ridiculous and very disingenuous because Wolfie is a heck of a musician. So no I don’t have a problem with him kicking back at the constant pillage he gets online over his music. If you don’t like it, don’t listen to it. But don’t sit there and deny he’s a terrific musician, he plays all the instruments again on his sophomore release Mammoth II, Recorded at the legendary 5150 studio, and brings his own sound to the table, he is not trying to sound like anybody. Yes, the music is a mix of grungy and alternative but still showcases his terrific guitar work and mature songwriting, and the album is very well produced as expected. Let’s get into it yeah?
The single “Another Celebration at the End of the World” crushes with its killer high pump riff, and mid-break follows with Wolf shredding the fretboard with a sick solo. The chorus here is amped up, the drum work is tight and will make your head bang. A natural banger on the album for sure.
I can feel the similar vibes and rhythms that a well-produced record sounds like having been produced by Michael “Elvis” Baskette who has worked extensively with Alter Bridge through the years. The Song “Miles Above Me” is a fine example of this. Catchy and Melodic, a little commercial, but it displays Wolfie’s evolution from his debut quite well.
The bass work in “Take a Bow” is detailed and the chord progression towards the end of the song is pretty cool. This tune features a nice buildup, a grower for sure. Diggin the keys in “I’m Alright”, very melodic in spots, and the chorus is a good one, high rising and inviting. Another moving number comes via “Erase Me”, with a nice punk groove, Wolf’s vocals are well done here, and the chorus is a high spot on this tune.
I believe “II” is a worthy follow-up to his debut, leaving some of the mountains of expectations behind and giving Wolf a chance to create his own creative path forward. There will be always detractors that don’t like something you do, because of whatever reasons they have, just keep pushing forward, use that as fuel and do your own thing. Good to hear some of that on his sophomore release, perhaps this way will cement actual fans who care bout his music and leave him be. Listen for yourself and be glad someone took a plunge against the mountains of pressure and expectations stepped to the plate and decided to forge his way, doing something he loves instead of sitting down in a comfortable chair.
Written by: Shadow Editor
Ratings: 7/10
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