Album Review: Wolfbastard – Satanic Scum Punks (Apocalyptic Witchcraft)

Manchester’s Wolfbastard have returned, armed with a brand-new album called ‘Satanic Scum Punks’. Now with the backing of Apocalyptic Witchcraft, it will be unleashed on March 13th and available on limited edition vinyl, digipak CD, Cassette and digital formats.

As rampantly riotous and raucous as ever, Wolfbastard are back with an album full of blackened punk, speed, thrash, and d-beat infused noise. Fans are going to feel right at home, and across the eleven tracks, Wolfbastard keep it simple, focused, and downright relentless.

Few bands can get away with their opening lyrics being a cry of ‘fuck off’, but that’s Wolfbastard for you, adorable as hell. Especially as the opener, It’s Fucking Dark, showcases a wild punk ethos. Quickly followed by the ferocious riff-driven intensity of the title track and the garish, blood-boiling aggression of Let the Bastards Burn. Make no mistake about it, Wolfbastard are spitting, snarling, spewing, and more here, and they sound fantastic.

Personally, I dig the rawness of it all and even when they lean more into the ‘kvlt’ side of things, like they do on the blackened Hail Satan Kurwa, I find myself thoroughly entertained. The no-nonsense approach and lack of frills results in focused savagery. Compelling, especially if you’re in the mood to be slapped upside the head a few times.

Like it or loathe it, no one can deny that the aggression of the record is bloody compelling, and each fresh blast comes with the power to take the breath away. Kind of like being punched in the stomach. That’s the feeling that the likes of F.O.T.D., Blood on Steel, and Drink for Hell leave you with. As well as the feeling of adrenaline pumping through the body.

Does it get more pointed than the egregious middle finger that is Fuck The Bastards? As I said, Wolfbastard pull no punches and even though the speed, fury, and heaviness of this track is what makes it notable, there’s an infectious quality extending through it and into Manic Street Creatures, a track with an actual chorus, if you can believe that.

Continuing to display violent and vitriolic intensity right up to the end, Wolfbastard expertly deliver an album to rival all they have done in the past. Yes, it won’t change the world and it certainly isn’t thought-provoking or emotionally affecting music, but damn it if it doesn’t kick a ton of ass. The kind of music that puts you a stompy and gurning mood, demanding every bit of energy from you, and giving you plenty in return. It’s why most will arrive at the end and the pairing of You Fucking Rat and B-I-F-F-O with a pleased and positive mindset. Wolfbastard never disappoint.

Wolfbastard – Satanic Scum Punks Track Listing:

1. It’s Fucking Dark
2. Satanic Scum Punks
3. Let the Bastards Burn
4. Hail Satan Kurwa
5. F.O.T.D.
6. Blood on Steel
7. Drink For Hell
8. Fuck The Bastards
9. Manic Street Creatures
10. You Fucking Rat
11. B-I-F-F-O

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