Within the sneering phrases of rapper Ice-T -“that is Alpha Wolf, motherfucker – you wanna die?” 2020’s A Quiet Place To Die demonstrated the Aussie metalcore crew’s capability to unleash absolute vitriolic carnage – and Half Residing Issues is right here to reignite that flame of frazzled, antagonistic wrath.
From Double-Edge Demise’s maniacal stampede of drums to the goading snarl of nu-metalcore stand-out Sucks 2 Suck, Alpha Wolf serve up colossal waves of hardcore fury with a vengeance. Every swing packs a exceptional punch, frontman Lochie Keoghthe on a ruthless tirade of self-loathing. Backyard of Eyes and Feign are absolute partitions of noise, scratching with guttural ache – you’re left wishing you can hand the poor man a throat lozenge, truthfully.
Nonetheless, whereas Alpha Wolf are adored for his or her grit, the gang consciously stability brash hardcore venom with tenderness. There’s a acutely aware effort to increase their palette; whereas snarling sonic assaults are plentiful, the Aussie wolf pack additionally serve up some lush, softer soundscaping. It’s turn out to be considerably of a staple, embracing the odd distinction – even their 2017 debut boasted the atmospheric Mono, in addition to the smooth confessional of My Untold Memoir.
Whereas Half Residing Issues can usually thrive in its confrontational hardcore swagger, the few moments of introspection are earnest and delicate. Each time You’re Prepared mournfully muses, whereas climactic nearer Ambivalence floats in a whirl of echoing soundscapes. Ambivalence specifically delves deep, as an anguished Keoghthe admits “I do know there’s one thing flawed with me” .
Half Residing Issues is a report that satisfies that mosh-hungry hardcore itch, whereas nonetheless showcasing the gang’s nuanced vary. The scarce injection of open wound vulnerability is particularly poignant within the midst of their usually acrid rampage. It’s textbook Alpha Wolf, and we’re right here for it.