Wolfsbane - Live Fast, Die Fast
1989 Def American
by Horatio

Quick Summary:
While watching VH-1 Classics 'Metal Mania' today and being force fed rubbish like Dokken, Tesla, Cinderella and Stryper, there was a nice surprise thrown in with Wolfsbane's 'Manhunt' video.  I became dismayed watching the video however, as I realized how big of a star Blaze Bayley should have been.  Watching him tear it up on screen in true wildman rocker fashion was almost a revelation.  Wolfsbane were Britain's next big hope back in the later 80's, a reputation enhanced when they were signed to Def American, home to Slayer.  Added to this, Rick Rubin produced their debut, something he handled poorly, but not as bad as many have written.

Wolfsbane played it short and hard, direct heavy metal that saw comparisons to early Maiden.  'Manhunt' could pass for speed metal, while there's plenty of explosives contained within 'Killing Machine' and 'Greasy', a pair of fist banging anthems.  In order to gain airplay there were a couple of more commercial cuts, notably 'I Like It Hot' and 'Tears From A Fool'.  It's all rather good fun, and the lack of bass in the mix can be overlooked therefore.  Wolfsbane were poised to break big.  They toured with Maiden in 1990 and the e.p. 'All Hells Breaking Loose At Kathy Wilson's Place' equaled the debut.  But wait!  Then came grunge and goodbye Wolfsbane.  For those who continue to criticize Bayley, this is the way he was meant to be heard.  A charming, funny frontman with all the charisma Bruce Dickinson lacked occasionally.  Why didn't Maiden take advantage of this?  They killed him! T he man was a rock and roll animal who should have been singing about getting wasted, not sitting at home at 2am and feeling lonely.  Listen and think of the possibilities.

Website:  wolfsbane.planetblaze.com

Song Summaries:

1. Manhunt - This is the kind of streetwise metal that I think inspired Maiden on 'No Prayer For The Dying'.  Not even three minutes long, non stop speed with spitfire riffing, macho vocal from Bayley, heavy metal in its purest form.  A+
2. Shakin' - More crude stuff that doesn't fool around when getting to the chorus, very immediate impact.  Simple and effective.  B+
3. Killing Machine - For the period this was recorded in, this makes a mockery of Priest, Sabbath and other fading contenders.  A hammering performance on the drums from Elett and the riffs shred.  The beauty of it is that it's so melodic as well as heavy, something only great bands can really achieve satisfyingly.  A+
4. Fell Out Of Heaven - Another three minute assault, this time with slightly more hard rock overtones.  B
5. Money To Burn - Wolfsbane were a notorious hard luck case who were turned down by every label they submitted their demos to.  This somehow reflects that, Blaze vowing in manic fashion how he'll be a 'rich boy' someday.  He had to wait another six years for that.  Based on sales for his Maiden and Blaze albums I suspect he's down the dole office as we speak...  B+
6. Greasy - Blaze goes on a tirade about 'fat boys' who are a 'greasy whores fuck!', a thinly veiled attack it seems on record company executives trying to deny Blaze's way of life.  To them Blaze is just a 'wicked disgrace!'  A serious tone dominates here, feel the anger!  A
7. I Like It Hot - Nothing of the sort here however!  In the quest to break the charts Blaze and co unleash some utterly harmless AOR meets metal.  You cannot deny the hook, infectious to any man.  Maiden should have gone this route.  B+
8. All Or Nothing - In a staggering two minutes and two seconds, Blaze details his dreams to be a rock star while doing anything to make it, including getting a 'day job'.  That poor sod!  Warp speed throughout, but in such a short time frame it should be.  A
9. Tears From A Fool - An attempt to cash in on all the useless LA hard rock acts achieving ballad success in 1989?  Certainly, but it's got a roguish charm many of those acts lacked.  Blaze tackling a power ballad is humourous in many ways, and not in the 'Como Estais Amigos' way.  'I'm only good for loving you!'.  Should have been a no 1 smash.  A
10. Pretty Baby - A flat out rocker to end things, this time in a Van Halen like manner, especially the backing harmonies, which sound like Eddie himself stepped into the studio by accident while drunk.  Perfect closer to an under appreciated classic.  A

Average Song Rating:  A
Overall Album Rating:  A

Also be sure to read:
Iron Maiden - The X Factor Quick Reviews (Blaze Bayley on vocals)
Iron Maiden - Virtual XI by Horatio (Blaze Bayley on vocals)