Wolfsbane was started by 4 very young musicians from Tamworth, UK back in 1984. The story goes that they started out playing original material becasue they weren't good enough to cover other bands songs! In the beginning, Jeff Hateley (bass) and Jase Edwards (guitar) started the band at school, then with a different name, and that eventually turned into Wolfsbane, then Blaze Bayley joined as the singer. After paying their dues, playing live and recording demos, they quickly evolved into the biggest unsigned metal act in England. Def America eventually signed them, and released their debut album in 1989. The band came to a halt in 1994 after Blaze joined Iron Maiden.

LIVE FAST, DIE FAST (1989) DEF AMERICA

Wolfsbane was a typical late 80's metal band. Many bands had that experimental style, mixing classic metal and more groovy funk. Maybe not a typical English style, but it still works for Wolfsbane. Jase Edwards also shows to be a very Van Halen influenced guitar-player, who can shred like a monster. But what is up with the drum rolls that stick out here and there in songs like "Shakin'"? They sound like they were added to the mix on a later stage, and someone forgot to level the sound. Very annoying! Blaze, who later on immortalized Wolfsbane as the band he used to be in before he joined Iron Maiden, shows a register and variety he never got to utilize with mentioned band. It still makes you wonder though, why Steve Harris chose him as a replacement for Bruce Dickinson. While having a very defining voice, and charismatic sound, he isn't exactly a power house vocalist. 'Live Fast, Die Fast' is time typical heavy metal, with flashy guitar work, for better or for worse. I remember "Like It Hot" got some play on European MTV back in the day.

Got my CD booklet signed by Blaze when he opened for Savatage and Vicious Rumors.

Killer tracks: Killing Machine, Greasy, Like It Hot, Tears From A Fool

ALL HELL'S BREAKING LOOSE DOWN AT THE LITTLE KATHY WILSONS PLACE! (1990) DEF AMERICA (EP)

Wolfsbane plundered on with a brand new 6-track EP released a year after their debut. Remember when bands used to give the fans something to hold them over in-between albums? Well, this is just that kind of release. And I have to admit that I like many of these songs even better than what wounded up on subsequent albums! "Steel" is a smokin' late 80's metal tune, that will stick to your memory, and have you singing along in no-time. "Paint The Town Red" is more in the sleaze-metal category, and another strong song at that. "Loco" delivers more of those cool Jase Edwards "Van Halen"-licks, and together with the opening track, they work as my favorites on this EP. "Hey Babe" is a power-ballad, with acoustic guitars giving it a Southern flare that I guess not many other English bands have used all that much. "Totally Nude" and "Kathy Wilson" are both fun rockers, and typical Wolfsbane insanity. As I already stated, I really like this EP greatly, and find it to be Wolfsbane's shining moment!

DOWN FALL THE GOOD GUYS (1991) DEF AMERICA

More funky metal from these British guys. This time the production is heavier, and that suits the band fine. There is no sitting still when Wolfsbane is grooving it out. But their albums does contain some fillers here and there. But overall, this is shred-filled, catchy and funky metal done better than most.

Killer tracks: Smashed And Blind, Broken Doll, The Loveless, After Midnight

Related artists:

Iron Maiden, Blaze