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Thursday, July 24, 2014

Wolves At The Gate Streaming "VxV"

So I had the chance to spin this on one of my epic bike rides around Toronto.  I don't think I could find a better excuse to listen to new music then blasting it while cycling down the endless trails and parks.  Even though most would argue metal as a choice for a bike ride, I enjoy my distortion to keep me pumped when hitting big hills and dodging through traffic.

So much like the previous release from Wolves At The Gate, the new album is solid!  If you're a fan of the music itself, the the lyric content shouldn't make THAT much of a difference.  I guess this is in response to folks who question bands based on their 'Christian' labeling.  I try my best to move past that.  It's one of those small personality flaws that shouldn't make an effect on the entire album.

But anywho, back to the album.  The haunting radio transmission introduction (also named "VxV") kicks the album into high gear as it flows into "Return", which is very fitting for the song and album.  After that you have a few great heavy ass tracks such as "Dust To Dust" and "Wake Up" before the album starts to mix between ballad and anthem.  Tracks such as "Relief", "Rest", and "The Bird and the Snake" act as a buffer zone and bring the tone down a bit between distortion and melody.  However, after a few of those tracks the album jumps right back into it with "East To West", "The Convicted", "Wild Heart", and "Majesty In Misery".

The album does a great job closing out with a 6.5 min conclusion track called "The Father's Bargain" that I assume is reference to god.

Whoa, such is my love and pity for all.
Whoa, no man can pay, I’ll make a way.
Whoa, such is my love and pity for all.
Whoa, no man can pay, I’ll make a way.

Makes sense right?  It gives the album [somewhat] an epic conclusion and finish off strong.  So what are you waiting for?  Check out thew tracks below and let me know your thoughts!  “VxV“ was released on June 10th, 2014 via Solid State Records.





Wolves at the Gate have definitely improved since Captors. Even though the record was highly regarded by many, VxV makes it clear that they were weren't operating at full potential. While it's hard to say whether or not VxV is the peak of their potential, it is clearly evident that they are at least one step closer to reaching it. -Jesus Freak Hideout









A haunting mix of instruments and pastoral prayer lead their message, proclaiming that our sins have been counted, right up the the screams of "Wake Up" with drums crashing around like a building crumbling apart.  The band wastes no time getting to the message that the gate is broken and the wolves are among you. -HM Magazine









Wolves at the Gate are offering up a nicely produced album full of post-hardcore and metal goodness. Some may complain that there isn't anything quite like "Man of Sorrows" here, but I would argue that's not a bad thing. One: There has been an improvement in the lyrical aspect of the song writing in general, and two: "Why would you want another song just like that?" Fans should be in love with this album and I don't blame them. This is just another example of why the Christian metal scene as the edge over its secular counterparts. -Jesus Freak Hideout



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