Seasons of the Wolf--Seasons of the Wolf

Seasons of the Wolf--Seasons of the Wolf (1996) Rating--7.5

A band out of St. Petersburg, Florida, which is self-described as Progressive, Gothic, New Age Metal. Delving deeper into the genres, the music reminds of Dio at times, blending solid chords over keyboard work. There are hints of Mercyful Fate-like moods, as well as some Maiden phrasings as well. Boasting a CD on their own "Earth Mother Music" label, the production is surprisingly good--though with any small-label project there is always room for small improvements. However, the talent is definitely there. One thing that would be oh-so-sweet would be to see a second guitar added to the mix. A sense of bottom-heaviness on a couple of the songs is the only thing keeping this 7.5 from being an 8.5 or higher...
Singer Wes Waddell's vocals are hard to place, though visions of the first two Iced Earth singers keep coming back to me. Strong and full of range, yet not crystal smooth--which isn't a bad thing, mind you. It fits the music well, and is tight with emotion.
The disc starts out with "Victim of Darkness", a song that reminds of the more recent slower works of Dio. Good keyboard work throughout, though actually not one of the stronger cuts featured.
"October Moon" runs from a fast and swift beginning to a strong, driving backbone. This one shows a side of the band that is almost like a restrained Helloween or Sanctuary, with shades of the aforementioned goth prog.
The riff and drive at 3:00 of "Electric Dimension" has a great atmospheric feel, and gives way to a spendid little gallop at 3:30! Yet another riff emerges in "Long Cold Winter", and this is one of the places where the double guitar attack would have really made it tough.
"10,000-10,000" is nasty and evil, with strong drum work--it keeps the drive going nicely. An excellent pre-chorus slash and groove at 2:10.
In all, what we have here is another solid metal act that isn't getting its just due. Certainly a group worth watching, but they'll need to catch a break along the way. Visit their web site (now on the links page) for more info on them.
TRACK LIST: Victim of Darkness/October Moon/Misty Shades of Green/Electric Dimension/Long Cold Winter/10,000-10,000/ Quiet Earth

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