Wild Willy's Gang have always been somewhat more of a party band then a full time engagement for any of the members. But that has not stopped the band from getting some of Norway's most known metal artists to join the gang at one time or another. The only constant member is the gang leader himself, Willy Bendiksen. More famous in his native country than internationally, he is sort of a cult figure in the Norwegian metal scene. He has also played with bands like Jorn, Bad Habitz, Blonde On Blonde, Flax, Høst, Perfect Crime and St. Helena.

CAMOUFLAGE (2005) FACEFRONT

Wild Willy's Gang was a name I never thought I'd see on a CD. This is sort of a long running party band, playing loads of covers and showing off the musical abilities of the various members. I wasn't even aware of the fact that they did original material until I saw this album coming out. And to be honest, I think I have to be as cruel as to say that it just as well should have stayed that way. Save for the fantastic opener, the thunderous "Goliath", this debut album leaves me less then impressed. This is the perfect exaple of an all-star band that looks so great on paper, but when push comes to show is uncapalbe of delivering something as interesting as the constallation of famois people migt trigger you to anxiously wait for. Ok, so it is always cool to hear Ronni play the guitar, it is also cool to hear a band not afraid ti play around with variosu styles, and that wears their influences on their sleeves. It's also fun to hear the band roar through the Aunt Mary's bluesy "Joinin' The Crowd", with Bjørn Kristiansen on guitar and vocals. But as a whole, this CD just leaves me indifferent.

Killer tracks: Goliath, Peacock Dandy

Related artists:

TNT, Highland Glory, Jorn, UDO