Artist: Bad Wolves
Title: “Zombie” (Single)
Label: Eleven Seven
Release Date: 1/19/2018
Genre: Alt-Metal
Rating: 4/5
The sudden and quite surprising dead of singer Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries hit a world of music fans hard since she was not only loved but also only 46 years of age. Her death followed that of the legendary “Fast” Eddie Clarke of the Original Motorhead and left music fans with the mindset of here we go again with the regular passing on of musical greats. Earlier today, I was tooling around in Spotify and saw that the band Bad Wolves had recorded The Cranberries seminal hit “Zombie” and since I had wanted to check them out I felt that this would be the perfect launching point for me. Let’s give their version of the classic tune a listen I said and from the moment it started I was down with it. There is a solemn beginning that might bring a slight Five Finger Death Punch vibe to your mind but its only there for a second as singer Tommy Vext showcases a sonic register across the main verse.
When the band kicks in, Vext adds some snarl to the lines of the chorus while another member offers up a growling tone. What I found interesting was the bringing some of the lyrics into the now and the swapping of the reference to “air bombs” to that of “drones”. They also keep us in the present by saying “2018” instead of “since nineteen-sixteen”. The purists to the number are likely aghast but trust me it works on every level. Joining Vext in the band is Doc Coyle (formerly of God Forbid), Kyle Konkiel (former of In This Moment), Chris Cain and John Boecklin. The riffs are great and textured quite well across the tune and the rhythm section felt like a lock to me. The guys sure did this one justice and honor O’Riordan’s memory nicely. I’m going to be keeping my eye out for more from the band and you should too by purchasing this single. Remember that our legends of old are slowly retiring and we need to keep supporting up and coming Metal to keep this thriving. Nice work guys.
Track Listing:
1. Zombie
Official Website: https://www.facebook.com/badwolvesofficial/