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This is the second full-length album from France's true-metal stalwarts Lonewolf, who sound like a Greek band but aren't. They just put out a single called "Hellenic Warriors" on Eat Metal Records, and it rules even harder than this does, so I see great things in store for this band.

The first time I was spinning this I was thinking "Hmmmmm, what does this remind me of?" and then I looked at the band pics and lo, there's a Running Wild shirt, and I was like "Oh yeah, that was it." So yes, Lonewolf sound a lot like Running Wild, with a fat guitar tone and vocals in that fine 'Rock&Rolf' style. And no, they aren't as good as Running Wild are at their best, but they are better than RW filler any day. Check out the flying crunch of "1789", "Behind The Cross" or "Medieval Witchcraft" – killer shit. Lonewolf have no gimmick, they just play fast and heavy and pack in good riffs.

Lonewolf may not be great, but they are very good, and if the new song is anything to judge by, there might just be greatness in their future. Fans of old-fashioned metal like Running Wild, Paragon and Ironsword will want to watch this band.