2020 has given some very welcome additions to my “Weekend Party n’ Rage” playlist. Cuts from Midnight’s Rebirth by Blasphemy and Hitter’s Hard Enough are the perfect compliment to the rowdy classics of the late 70s and early 80s. So are some tracks from Wayward’s self titled debut album. This German quartet is hell bent on hell raising and do so over the course of 9 balls out rockers. Ever imagine what it’d sound like if Motörhead and Dead Boys got into a gang fight in a gutter? Look no further.
Wayward opens with the one-two punch of “Midnight Blood” and “Hellride”. They’re aggressive, abrasive, and establish Wayward’s ethos. We’ve got shouted vocals, raw riffs, furious solos that stride the line between melody and cacophony, and a pounding rhythm section. Call it metal. Call it punk. Wayward likely just calls it rock n’ roll.
I expected this unrelenting need for speed to last the duration of the album. Imagine my shock when Wayward slowed it down for the super sleazy “Call of the Mistress”. My favorite song on the album, it’s led by a sultry, bluesy AC/DC inspired swagger circa the Bon Scott era. Since Acca Dacca has resorted to putting out the same album for 40 years and even Rose Tattoo are in their 70s now, Wayward do the dudes from down under justice.
“She IS the Devil” takes us back to square one where we stay for most of the rest of Wayward. Some songs display different qualities. “Forever Dammned” lays on the punk side while “The Ripper” is a nod to the NWOBHM. “Alchemy of Poison” is the filthiest among a rather filthy bunch, echoing early Venom though without the blackened tendencies. Closing it all out is the light hearted boogie of the appropriately titled, “Bad Vibe Boogie”. Considering boogie rock has been all but dead for 40+ years, it’s a fun throwback to the days when Foghat’s original lineup was alive and not playing carnivals.
Wayward is a bit one dimensional and doesn’t display the chops of the bands I listed in the first paragraph. However, I think that’ll change in due time. After all, it took Lemmy and company a few years to find their footing. Just make sure these bad boys don’t step on you while finding theirs.
6 out of 10
Label: This Charming Man Records
Genre: Heavy Metal/Punk
For fans of: Motörhead, Dead Boys, Midnight
Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any suggestions for novice blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.
Hey Jerry! Thank you for your support! I’m actually newer to this than you’d think. I’ve had the idea for Defenders for roughly a year, but didn’t act upon it until January of this year. My best advice is to write about the things you like and interest you. That’s what sets Defenders apart from other metal sites. Unlike outlets who resort to pay to play and other shady tactics to promote bands who, quite frankly, don’t even deserve it half the time, I highlight the bands that catch my attention, whether it’s good or bad. What I’m saying in layman’s terms is, be yourself. On that note, feel free to like our Facebook page! I update it daily and you’ll be the first to know when a new review/interview is posted. Thanks again! Rock hard, ride free! – Metal Joe
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