Okay, colour me amazed. When the opening track "All The Colours Of The Dark" starts this WOLFSHEAD album "II - Ravings From the Gutter" I am transported way back in time to anywhere halfway through the eighties, as the music has the same kind of vibe, breathes the same kind of atmosphere and even sounds an awful lot like MERCYFUL FATE did around that time. And yes, even the start of the second song "Granite" has those traits, before it turns into a proper Doomy Heavy Metal song. And that last description is just about what you will hear all through the album, as that is the range in which WOLFSHEAD has decided to operate. But don't worry, the MERCYFUL FATE alignments will pop up from time to time, will show themselves at exactly the right times, like they do on "Cold Offerings".

WOLFSHEAD is a Finnish band that has been around since 2011, and produced their debut album "Leaden" in 2017. I regret to have to say that I haven't heard that one, but I would like to, which means I have another search on my hands. Because I just can't find fault what the band is bringing on "II - Ravings From the Gutter". It might not all be perfect, but it all sounds sincere, exudes the right kind of attitude. There isn't a dull moment to be heard, so your ears will sharpen their hearing quite a few times, and your brains will try to accept and extort the information at its worth. And yes, I do understand that this might not be for everyone, but I do feel that I have to call on all Doom as well as Heavy Metal enthusiasts who aren't afraid to travel back in time to check out WOLFSHEAD and "II - Ravings From the Gutter".

There is a big warning to be issued, though. And those are about the vocals. Like with King Diamond of MERCYFUL FATE you will have to decide whether you can stomach what and how singer Jyrki Hakomäki is delivering all his lines. He isn't like the MERCYFUL FATE foreman at all, but he does have a voice that is an acquired taste. Plus, you might feel that is he is off key from time to time. Or that he has chosen the wrong octave height to start off with, like on "Mars, The Scourge Man". And you'd be exactly right. I have found that due to the very high standard of likability of the music on "II - Ravings From the Gutter" I am going to give WOLFSHEAD the benefit of the doubt. I advise you to approach this one with caution.