MammothWVH – Mammoth – Album Review
4th June 2021When you have the initials VH anywhere in your name, your rock pedigree is undoubtedly up there with the best of them. MammothWVH consists of a 13 track album with a bonus 14th track the previously released âDistanceâ, the background which weâll cover later.
Wolfgang Van Halen completes all the musical duties, a very talented guy. Taking the name âMammothâ from the original Van Halen band moniker, he nods his head to the history that eventually founded a families global musical brand and legacy.
The album opens with âMr. Edâ a solid AOR track with good riffs, vocals and solo guitar work.
Next up is âHorribly Rightâ, heavy riffs in a mode not unlike bands that we would bring into the new wave of classic rock genre.
âEpiphanyâ brings us the clearest guitar work early in the album. For me it also does showcase Wolfgangâs vocal power. Talented musician he plays all the parts on this album.
First of the album favourites for me âDonât Back Downâ, hits you straight in the senses from the word go with power riffs and a solid drum beat. Great melody and vocal lyrics.
Another album favourite for me is the next up, âResolveâ kicks off with a slow guitar intro which Wolfgang takes you through to accompany his vocal strength. He builds the song up to deliver a quality guitar solo and for me this is the best song on the album.
âYouâll Be The Oneâ opens up and hits you with an AC/DC esque riff and drum beat, decent song with the best guitar solo on the album coming into the last minute.
Title track âMammothâ is a good all-round rock track, another favourite for me. It ticks all the boxes and would be a great track in a live band setting with a full touring band which hopefully Wolfgang will pull together.
âCirclesâ is the 8th song and plays into a late 1960âs early 1970âs vibe, a bit Pink Floyd in parts and delivers a slow placed rhythmic rock song.
Next up is âBig Pictureâ which opens with power chords, supported by atmospheric backing vocals and maintains a good rhythm, this will also translate well into the live performance area.
âThink It Overâ, of all the songs on Mammoth this for me is the closest to that classical AOR vibe of the late 80âs early 90âs. Itâs a feel good song and doesnât hide anything, shows Wolfgangâs talent in vocals and guitar work in particular.
Moving into âYouâre To Blameâ another album favourite for me, great melody, vocal support, power chords and a great guitar solo coming in mid song. Wolfgangâs lyric writing shines through on this song in particular.
âFeelâ gives you a duel between lead guitar, bass guitar and drums mid song then blows you away in the last minute.
Album closer âStoneâ is the longest on the release by some way. Slow, calm build up then bursts into life in the 2nd minute. It then carries you along on that stylish Pink Floyd vibe again.
The bonus track, the previously released âDistanceâ, takes you to an emotional place between father and son and been well lauded by the listening public.
Album choices for me are âDonât Back Downâ, âMammothâ, âYouâre To Blameâ and âResolveâ with the latter being the best overall.
Score 7.5/10
Track List
1 Mr Ed
2 Horribly Right
3 Epiphany
4 Don’t Back Down
5 Resolve
6 You’ll Be The One
7 Mammoth
8 Circles
9 The Big Picture
10 Think It Over
11 You’re To Blame
12 Feel
13 Stone
14 Distance (Bonus Track)
Label: EX1 Records
Release Date: 11 June 2021
For all things Mammoth WVH, click HERE and to purchase the album, click HERE
[…] video for âEpiphanyâ – the third official single from their self-titled debut (reviewed HERE) Â The single version of âEpiphanyâ was recently released on Spotify and can also be found on […]