Project Description

  • Regurgitator
  • Gioli & Assia
  • The Ghost Inside

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ALPHA WOLF

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ALPHA WOLF
HALF LIVING THINGS
Album Review

(6th April 2024)

Review by Tristan Skell

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ALPHA WOLF

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“THIS is the future of Aussie metal…If you’re looking for that album that plays flawlessly from beginning to end, don’t search any further, the promised land is here.” – Everblack Media

“Half Living Things is a self produced celebration of what Alpha Wolf have crafted to this point in their careers. Making fun, heavy tunes that make me want to throw my friends through walls, and expect them to do the same to me…Alpha Wolf are on the precipice of something huge…the Cvlt is about to take over the world.” – The Live Wire

“Half Living Things is an immensely diverse album that showcases many different sides of Alpha Wolf…I applaud this act for exploring new avenues while remaining faithful to their origins in style and sound, they have seemingly achieved a flawless blend of both.” – Wall Of Sound

“The album may be called Half Living Things however there is nothing half arsed about this. To quote Ice-T again, ‘it’s Alphawolf motherfucker!’.” – HiFi Way

“The energy is wicked…I like how they’ve managed to not only keep the heaviness, but also lift it” – The Break Down With Nath & Johnny

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Alpha Wolf, the self-produced Australian metalcore sensations, unleashed their highly anticipated third album, “Half Living Things.” This band should undoubtedly be on everyone’s radar, comprising Lochie Keogh on vocals, Mitch Fogarty on drums, Sabian Lynch on rhythm guitar, Scott Simpson on lead guitar, and John Arnold on bass and backing vocals. With their latest release, they have pushed the boundaries of the sound that defines Alpha Wolf, presenting listeners with nine brand-new tracks. Prior to the album’s debut, they teased fans with singles like “Bring Back The Noise,” “Sucks 2 Suck,” and “Whenever You’re Ready.” Alpha Wolf will not rest, with a relentless schedule of performances at various festivals worldwide, extensive tours across North America, and the organisation of their own homegrown music festival, “Cvltfest.” Their latest album seems to embody this tireless energy. It’s a ruthless and vicious journey through themes of grief and healing, denial and disdain. From tracks that delve into deep emotional depths and tear your heart out, to moments of intense anger and aggression, this album covers the full spectrum of human emotion with unapologetic force.

As the opening track of Alpha Wolf’s album “Half Living Things,” “Bring Back the Noise” ignites with its raw energy and aggressive nu metal vibe. The song begins with assertive callouts demanding the return of noise, instantly setting a tone of urgency and intensity.

The lyrics of “Bring Back the Noise” exude defiance and rebellion, as phrases like “Inside out, upside down, You’ll never get rid of me now” hint at a refusal to be silenced. The recurring refrain drives home the message that escaping the noise is futile—it always catches up. The pre-chorus adds to the fervour with mentions of being “sick” and the urge to “thin the herd, trim the fat,” portraying a confrontational edge. The breakdown section intensifies the mood, questioning whether the volume is “too loud” or “too much,” before boldly declaring they “don’t give a fuck”—perfectly encapsulating the unapologetic attitude that sets the tone for the rest of the album.

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The fourth song on the album, “Sucks 2 Suck,” is notable as the only track featuring a guest appearance, with rap legend Ice-T lending his vocals. While some fans may have been surprised by a rapper’s presence on an Alpha Wolf track, they might not remember that Ice-T was also the front man of the metal band Body Count, formed back in 1990. “Sucks 2 Suck” by Alpha Wolf is a standout track on their album, “Half Living Things.” This aggressive and intense song showcases the band’s resilience and defiance against negativity. With themes of frustration and determination, the lyrics express a refusal to be brought down by others’ blunt actions or inability to keep up. The bridge, featuring a rap by Ice-T, adds a dynamic element to the song and reinforces its themes of strength and resilience. Ice-T’s presence as the only feature on the track highlights the collaboration between Alpha Wolf and the legendary rapper. Overall, “Sucks 2 Suck” is a high-energy track that captures the essence of Alpha Wolf’s relentless and uncompromising sound.

In an interview dating back to May 2023, on “The Downbeat” with Craig Reynolds, drummer of Stray From The Path, Sabian emphasised the importance of variety in their music. He explained, “I wanted every first 2 seconds of every song to have an instant different vibe to another song of ours,” highlighting their commitment to crafting distinctive intros. Sabian’s concern lies in avoiding a scenario where, as he put it, “after 5 albums, 50 songs… all sound like the same thing.” This is spot-on throughout “Half Living Things,” evident from the haunting synths in “Haunter,” the subdued hook of the opening track “Bring Back The Noise,” to the sudden, electrifying breakdown in “Mangekyō.” Alpha Wolf’s dedication shines through, as they deliver tracks that not only distinguish themselves from each other but also contribute indispensably to the cohesive whole that is “Half Living Things.”

One thing to note, is that several tracks from the album contain nuanced references to popular anime, adding depth to their themes. Take “Mangekyō,” for instance, which alludes to the advanced Sharingan form from “Naruto.” This connection symbolises enduring trauma, as the Mangekyō is activated only through intense suffering, mirroring the song’s exploration of inner turmoil and adversity.

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Likewise, “A Terrible Day For Rain” draws from a poignant scene in “Fullmetal Alchemist.” The title refers to a moment where rain falls during a funeral, but one character points out that it isn’t raining: rather, it’s tears falling from their eyes. This profound imagery encapsulates the emotional weight and sorrow present throughout the series, reflecting the losses and hardships the characters face.

In the case of “Haunter,” the title likely references the Pokémon of the same name. This choice aligns with the song’s themes of darkness, shame, and living in a “habitual nightmare.” Haunter, being a Ghost-type Pokémon, embodies eerie and haunting qualities, reflecting the inner struggles depicted in the lyrics.

These subtle nods to anime enrich the lyrical content of the album, offering fans an additional layer of interpretation and connection to the music.

“Whenever You’re Ready” stands out as one of the softer tracks from Alpha Wolf’s album “Half Living Things.” Bassist John Arnold takes on cleaner vocals with a more melodic approach. This contrasts sharply with the band’s usual use of guttural backing vocals, as heard, for instance, on “Ultra-Violet Violence” from their previous album “A Quiet Place To Die.”

John’s performance adds a layer of depth and vulnerability to the emotional intensity of the song, a trait not only evident in “Whenever You’re Ready” but also showcased in “Ambivalence.” It’s commendable to witness the band’s willingness to explore new horizons and stretch their creative boundaries, demonstrating Alpha Wolf’s true capabilities. Lochie Keogh’s screams still resonate with the listener, demonstrating the band’s ability to push the boundaries and redefine their sound while maintaining the raw emotion that characterises their music.

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“Whenever You’re Ready” encapsulates Alpha Wolf’s versatility as a band, showing that they can deliver powerful and emotionally charged music even in their softer moments. The song’s exploration of love amidst struggles and its poignant lyrics make it a standout track on the album, showcasing the band’s growth and maturity in their songwriting.

The initial low-fi tones in “Ambivalence” induce the reminiscent atmosphere of Alpha Wolf’s “shh” EP from 2023, housing five low-fi versions of past tracks. The band had fused both elements of low-fi and their signature sound to create what would be the final track off “Half Living Things.” Additionally, the lyrics encapsulate the experience of living with ambivalence, delving into the intricacies of this emotional state. Ambivalence refers to the simultaneous experience of conflicting feelings or attitudes towards a particular situation, person, or decision. It often involves feeling torn between opposing desires, thoughts, or emotions. In “Ambivalence,” the lyrics vividly portray this internal struggle, depicting the turbulent nature of ambivalent feelings and the challenges they present in navigating one’s emotions and decisions. The chorus, with bassist John Arnold’s vocals once more, highlights the yearning to escape the inner turmoil and seek clarity. This is symbolised by the pursuit of a butterfly and reaching towards the light.

“Half Living Things” emerges as a remarkable follow-up to Alpha Wolf’s previous album, “A Quiet Place To Die.” Alpha Wolf is now geared up to perform these live for the “Half Living Things” Australian tour. Joining forces with American metalcore titans The Devil Wears Prada, as well as Invent Animate (USA) and the Swedish heavy hitters Thrown. Alpha Wolf truly embodies their namesake by consistently staying ahead of the game and setting the pace for their competitors in the music scene. With their relentless energy, innovative sound, and uncompromising attitude, they continue to raise the standards for what it means to be a dominant force in the metalcore genre. Their dedication to pushing boundaries and delivering top-notch performances keeps them at the forefront of the industry, inspiring both fans and fellow musicians alike. As true alphas, they lead by example, showcasing a level of creativity, passion, and perseverance that sets them apart from the pack.

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ORDER HALF LIVING THINGS HERE

Alpha Wolf

HALF LIVING THINGS
Track Listing:

01. Bring Back The Noise
02. Double-Edge Demise
03. Haunter
04. Sucks 2 Suck (feat. Ice T)
05. Whenever You’re Ready
06. Pretty Boy
07. Mangekyō
08. A Terrible Day For Rain
09. Feign
10. Garden Of Eyes
11. Half Living Things
12. Ambivalence

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Destroy All Lines, Greyscale Records + SharpTone Records Presents

ALPHA WOLF
HALF LIVING THINGS TOUR

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (USA)
INVENT ANIMATE (USA) + THROWN (SWE)

THURSDAY 1 AUGUST 2024 – MAGNET HOUSE, PERTH 18+ FINAL TICKETS
SATURDAY 3 AUGUST 2024 – FORUM, MELBOURNE 18+ SOLD OUT
SUNDAY 4 AUGUST 2024 – THE GOV, ADELAIDE LIC AA SOLD OUT
THURSDAY 8 AUGUST 2024 – LIBERTY HALL, SYDNEY LIC AA FINAL TICKETS
FRIDAY 9 AUGUST 2024 – KING ST BAND ROOM, NEWCASTLE 18+ SELLING FAST
SATURDAY 10 AUGUST 2024 – THE TIVOLI, BRISBANE 18+ SELLING FAST


TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Tickets from HERE


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ALPHA WOLF.

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ALPHA WOLF

ICE-T + Alpha Wolf

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Press Release 6th April 2024 (below) HERE

ALPHA WOLF
unleash new video
‘HAUNTER’

Brand new album
HALF LIVING THINGS
Out Now

ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW THIS WEEKEND
TAKING OVER PRAHRAN’S REVOLVER BANDROOM

TOURING NATIONALLY THIS AUGUST

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Alpha Wolf.


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