Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: LYCANTHRO; unsigned independently, hailing from Canadian grounds - performing Heavy Metal, on their new single cover of RUNNING WILD's "Port Royal'' classic (released November 4th, 2022). Since formation in 2014-2016 (as DEATH WISH); the quartet in question have a demo entitled "Lycanthro" (released January 8th, 2017), an EP entitled: Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse" (released May 11th, 2018), and a full-length debut studio album entitled "Mark Of The Wolf" (released May 18th, 2021). I am introduced to their single cover of RUNNING WILD's classic: "Port Royal" which ranges at around 04:16 - LYCANTHRO arranges an intricately designed formula on some heavy-hitting Heavy Metal developments.

Opening up with this rampantly rompy rhythm; a harmonic fret revels with rip-roaring shreds within twinning guitar duos prowess on tight sturdiness & thudding hooks from dynamically dexterous duo James Delbridge (also on vocals) on top of Forest Dussault who both distil a densely concrete sledge on rumbling reverb whilst rifting with riveting volatility. "Port Royal" executes a catchy amplify on synthetic yet razor-sharp zeal; where punchy weight slams with stompy rambunctiousness from hammering drummer Panos Andrikopoulos, showcasing steely precision & profusely robust solidity - smacking virtuosity piledrives with boisterously bouncy calamity also from audible bassist Stew Everitt... who thumps his axe out with tremoring meatiness amongst a grindy slab on sonically seamless revs that thunder with tight tonality. James' vocals soar with manifesting throatiness; where his fierce firepower expertise excels into a blistering barrage frenzy on high-octane vehemence whilst injecting an infectiously venomous yell on shouty & sulphurous screams that remain fluidly intense the more he impulses ferociously into a high-pitched maelstrom of organic substance that's most enriching with every listen.

Bottom line; a short review this time, but I am compelled to say that while I haven't delved into RUNNING WILD's back catalogue before but this one has begged me to... LYCANTHRO has certainly outdone themselves with this cover. It belted a clobbering foundation in flamboyant heft and technical, trailblazing zeal that surely makes this one worth discovering. An enjoyably entertaining listen should you fancy experiencing a modernised rush of wild songwriting musicianship that has definitely piqued my interest, do check it out.