THE WILDHEARTS are an English rock band, formed in 1989 in Newcastle upon Tyne. The band's sound is a mixture of hard rock and melodic pop music, often described in the music press as combining influences as diverse as the THE BEATLES and 1980s-era METALLICA. Much of the band's early career was affected by bitter feuds with their record company, East West. Throughout the band's history, members have regularly been replaced, with the only constant member being the band's founder, singer and guitarist Ginger. Several band members have appeared in the line-up more than once. The band has also been split up or placed on hiatus by Ginger multiple times. Their most recent album, “Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts,” was released in March 2025.

The album has ten songs, and “Eventually” is first. The opening riff and sound is heavy, weighted, and somewhat dissonant, until it settles into a groove. There are harsh vocals, but also some melody, especially in the chorus, and it has a modern, Alternative sound of sorts. “Troubarour Moon” has a noticeable, raucous energy in the main riff, and it moves forward with a positive feeling. So far, the album has strong anthemic qualities. “Fire in the Cheap Seats” enters with gentle clean tones and segues to a strong bass line with vocal harmonies, and is followed by a harsh vocal passage of dissonance. The contrast is pretty stark so far. “Kunce” is a three-minute burner with lots of melody and a Punk-influenced sound, or at least, a Pop-Punk one.

 “Maintain Radio Silence” leaves a heavier footprint in the mud, and the band seems adept at both conflicting styles, but I am not yet sold on both being in the same song. They are, however, quite good at pushing melody and harmonies. “Hurt People Hurt People” is perhaps the “power ballad” on the song. Y’all know what I am talking about. The level of emotion in the song is strong, and the melodies are nothing short of gorgeous. By contrast, “I’ll Be Your Monster” has a heavier groove, but also an infectious melody, and plenty of energy. It’s akin to starting up a drag racer’s engine and just stomping on the gas pedal. “Failure is the Mother of Success” closes the album, and it’s another injection of both energy and heaviness, but again, the melodies remain strong. The bridge is an amazing bright spot as well.

I must admit not venturing into this type of music much, but I wanted to push myself to listen to other styles, and “Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts” surprised me. They have a commanding presence in their songwriting, and play with absolute confidence. They probably don’t care if you vibe with them or not. Their style is fairly unique…they can sting you with the bite of Metal but choose more often to adorn you in their melodies, and some of the melodies are glorious.