Halden, Norway's WIG WAM is back together, and as good, or better, than ever. Formed in Norway in 2001 and releasing four official studio records (plus one live) between 2004 and 2012, they garnered the reputation as one of Norway's largest Hard Rock bands. They officially split company in March of 2014, only to reform in 2019 in hopes of hitting the 2020 Summer Festival circuit. Thanks to Covid 19, they instead spent time working on "Never Say Die", the first official release since 2012's "Wall Street"; and a sight for sore eyes if there ever were such a thing.

Following a short instrumental intro titled "The Second Crusade", this record really gets down to business with the second track, "Never Say Die". All hands are at their finest here, and the song is a fantastic "welcome home" for these guys. Musically speaking, there has been absolutely nothing lost in the hiatus. Teeny takes point with some very nice riff work and a blistering guitar solo, and the thundering rhythm section adds punctuation in the mix. Glam's vocal effort on the song is also incredible. He has a rather menacing tone about him, bringing some of the works of W.A.S.P. and Blackie Lawless to mind. Lyrically, the song seems to be a re-kindling of the bands history, as well as a look into the future. The key lyric, "One by one we fell apart/ a fateful fire in a burning heart/ Light the fire and never say die" lays the groundwork for the remainder of the album, as the band has their foot on the throttle all the way through.

"Hypnotized" is another full-fledged, balls out rocker, and the track offers the same musical brilliance as its predecessor. It is also another shining example of the band's writing prowess, on all fronts. Flash has a fantastic bass line on the song, and Teeny's guitar work is again top-notch. "Kilimanjaro" offers a country blues-tinged acoustic guitar opening, and the song shows some versatility from the entire band. "My Kaleidoscope Ark" is a gorgeous, piano driven ballad that feels like it just stepped out of 1989; and its follow up, "Dirty Little Secret", masterfully brings you straight back into the heavy mindset.

It is fantastic to see these guys back at it. I am dead certain this one will grab some well-deserved attention; and hopefully, we will get to see them bringing their ultra-high energy live shows back around sooner rather than later.