Unlike their back story about how in the early days of internet message boards there was this discussion thread to come up with an outrageous band name for their new band, Lazerwolfs' music is pretty straightforward and their focus is pretty narrow. It's all about the heavy groove, the power-trio energy and in your face hard rock, 70s style.

I can imagine how effective this kind of rock n roll will be played live. The band understands this as well. That's why they seem to have set-up their rehearsal pad one fine weekend to just plug in and record their latest album. Lazerwolfs is like you and me, just more kick ass. They have their regular jobs; the music and the whole throwback, is just their passion and they don't really care if a label signs them or not. And that's why their previous albums are available for free downloads and that's exactly why they've done a DIY with this new release titled La Bruja as well.

With the album opener All Together Now, you're already subjected to some phat low-end that only a Les Paul can offer, a solid rhythm section, the power of some infectious 70s bluesy riffs and not to mention the big vocals that would've made Bon Scott proud. While Ogre is putting out multi-faceted 70s epics-of-sorts, Lazerwolfs is concise and straight up heavy rock. The Pat Travers-like fuzzy funky intro to The Deed Will be Done and the verse/chorus riffs are some of the most glorious moments from the 70s put on tape in recent years. And hey, they can not only sing, riff and groove like mofos, but can also lay down some mean pentatonic licks in liberal doses.

You have some catchy mid-paced chunky moments like most of Burn Like I Do followed by even chunkier and more metal Bloodbath which would sit fine with an nwobhm types with a more modern day guitar amplification. It's a shame something like the new Saxon or Diamond Head (why?!) was full of sterile over-compression instead of a rich sound like this. You've just got to be smart with any modern technology.

It Costs a Lot is reminiscent of Corrosion of Conformity's Albatross from their Deliverance album. That's till the 40 second mark and then Lazerwolfs are on their own just accompanied by their undeniable awareness of everything that was great about the golden era of heavy rock. The Pugilist sounds like UFO's Mother Mary as played by WASP and that's a great thing in my book. Some great energetic drumming on this that goes really well with the more spread out heavy power chords. The band has mastered keeping the whole thing at an energetic yet mid-paced level but always ventures around it. The rumbling Martyr with its lazy riffing wouldn't have been as effective anywhere else or even with an album full of songs of similar style, but it really works at this juncture. The Butterfly sees them do a very Angus/Malcolm/Rudd shuffle but with the vocals added, it ends up sounding somewhat like Sammy Hagar when he was still awesome, circa 70s Montrose.

The layering of fuzzy guitars with the regular thick distortion beneath it works like a charm. But it's the effected spooky guitars during the verse that makes Jack o' the Green another stunner. Sounds chanty, a little psychedelic and a whole lot heavy rocking. Drawing Down the Moon's has a vibe that'll be right up the alley for all you Robin Trower fans. It's the melancholy semi-driven guitars and the slow crunch during the choruses, with some dramatic vocals by Chris that makes this epic 8 minute song a really good choice for an album closer.

With a perfect running time of 41 minutes, La Bruja is a great listen for a 70s hound like me. For the uninitiated, go to their site and get the previous albums, or go to their myspace if you just want a brief sonic tour. If you like it, go buy this one because it's a whole lot better.

Label: Self
Year of Release: 2008



http://www.lazerwolfs.com
http://www.myspace.com/lazerwolfs