Heavy Metal Album Reviews: Wolf Edge of the World (Unreleased)

Another victim of the Pop/Radio Metal Craze the swept the world in the mid 1980's, wolf was poised to release their debut album Edge of the World in 1984. Formed by former Black Axe members Chris English (Vocals), Simon Sparkes (Lead guitar), and John Shearer (Percussion) in Newcastle England in 1981. They were joined by Bill Keir (rhythm guitar) and Stewart Richardson (bass) in 1982 for their debut single Head Contact released by Chrysalis Records. The single stirred up quite a bit of interested upon it's release and lead to the band sighing a record deal with Mausoleum records the following year.



















Cover Art:5/5
This cover is very well drawn and detailed, it's almost like it's mural on the side of some van in Milwaukee circa 1977. I personally like the blood dripping from the wolves mouths as they howl toward the sky on a lonely cliff as the moon rises behind them, it's just so METAL.

Songs 4.5/5
The album really starts out strong with the title track Edge of The World and that strength continues through the album, with only a minor hiccup here and there. While Songs like Edge of The World, Highway Rider, Heaven Will Rock N Roll are definitely Wolfs strength they do a rather solid job on the more melodic songs like A Soul For The Devil, Rest In Peace, and Medicine Man. This album is definitive proof that the New Wave of British Heavy Metal was far from waning in 1984, if only the record labels would have seen it that way.

Overall: 5/5
This is a solid album and is also one of the best examples of a NWOBHM band that had the talent and the drive but because of the change in musical tastes was shafted. If you can find a physical copy (which is easier said than done, see notes) or hell a digital copy do it, you won't regret it.


Notes: While this album was technically unreleased by Mausoleum it was released in 1988 in K-tel records METAL BOX collection.
John Shearer would leave that band and move to Florida in 1984 and would form Hurricane in 1984.

Song List:
01. Edge Of The World
02. Highway Rider
03. Heaven Will Rock'n'Roll
04. Shock Treatment
05. A Soul For The Devil
06. Head Contact
07. Rest In Peace
08. Too Close For Comfort
09. Red Lights
10. Medicine Man