It all began in 1988 when the band was formed in Florida and soon released their first demo a year later. That demo led to two others that shaped their own unique style. Their first album saw light in 1996 while they reformed their own studio and record label Earth Mother Music. This new release by Pure Steel Records is a re-release of their album "Lost In Hell" from 1999 with 3 bonus tracks.

The album will take you to a journey filled with dark atmosphere and as hefty progressive touch and evil singing as well as the music. This epic album has the dark & horrific spirit that KING DIAMOND has his discography. A good example for that is the instrumental keyboard part "A Face In The Mist", which is an opening contributory for the song "Initiation" that has the same darkened spirit. In several points, Wess Waddell, the singer, reminded me of Rob Halford when he sung the higher notes. Furthermore, there is a lot of use in tri-tones that once were the secret weapon of BLACK SABBATH, a similarity point that SEASONS OF THE WOLF share with the British giants, especially while judging by the song "Vengeance".

A track that really caught my ears was "Interstellar" that is different from all the other tracks on the album, it is starting with electronic elements and has touches of new age / world music. I felt the dramatic sensation crafted by the piano parts that were just in the nick of time, right in the spot along with the guitar role that contributed so much to the song. "Voo Doo Master" is another great track that has so much heaviness channeled by its guitar riffs, but I felt that the song didn't go anywhere and only in the end it developed into something interesting as its pace jerked into high gear with different section that shared Thrash Metal roots. "One Land One King" is a good track that I really enjoyed from because of its great melody that maintained a strong build. The combination between the keyboards and the guitar melodies is plainly stunning and gives it an interesting savor that moves between oriental playing of the keyboard to Metallic ends by the lead guitar.

On the other hand, with all of the tracks that I did like, I largely felt that most of the songs are too long while only a few succeed to leave a good enough impression. I felt that most of the songs don't have a clear direction to where those are heading, and there wasn't anything that truly surprised me as each song passed. I must mention that that band sure got talent. The singer has a gifted vocal ability and the guitarist knows how to carry the Metal spirit in the songs. Those give the band a serious advantage and high potential. That is the reason why I am so sure that their next album will provide better material, if there is going to be a new release...