LOST IN HELL

SEASONS OF THE WOLF and their second epos "Lost In Hell". Who likes David Wayne (ex METAL CHURCH, REVEREND) will like this, too. The songs of "Lost In Hell" are not as accessible and catchy, but not that far apart. But similar to the first six BLACK SABBATH albums this CD also will still be attached to your brain decades later.

Seasons Of The Wolf recall the glory days of rock/proto-metal. The days when Sabbath meant Ozzy and "Iron Man" and Rush was still playing cool shit like "Temples of Syrinx" (A tune I would love to hear SOTW cover, actually. That would rule.) I have almost nothing but good stuff to say about this band. In an age of trends and labels and fads coming and going even in metal, a band that simultaneously goes back to metal’s roots while still bringing something new is a rare thing. Seasons of the Wolf are a very cool band, and "Lost In Hell" is a great album.

There is no excuse for any person who is an avid collector of quality metal albums to not have this masterpiece of trueness in their possession. The coolest things about this band is their abilty to present a variety of songs that keep the entire listening session exciting. How they are going to top this one is something I'm eagerly and impatiently awaiting...until then may you be forever Lost In Hell.

Now I know why they call themselves as a Progressive, Gothic, New Age Metal band. This CD is much more experimental (to a certain degree, of course) in comparison to the recording they made their debut with back in 1996. Basically, it’s still that good ‘ol power metal, this time even more mid-paced, featuring plenty of new age-alike stuff. More atmospheric as well. S.O.S., Communion, Witchfinder and Initiation are the tracks I’d mark here. They’re just excellent. Generally speaking, this is very good and innovative CD coming in the shape of a superb digipack edition.

A slight progressive edge but new age I think not. They are far too riff based for that. What they are is a heavy metal band with keyboards. The singer is interesting and makes me think 80's power metal bands like Metal Church, Sanctuary mixed with "Bobby Blitz" from Overkill. I like 'em and they produce hella good guitar solos. Recommended!

Seasons of the Wolf has come out with another CD. Their first one was reviewed in our October issue. Their new CD is called "Lost In Hell" Their hard-edge guitar work drives you into a frenzy. It even made me start headbanging, and if you know my personality, I don't headbang. This CD is perfect when you want to release some energy and work up a little bit of a sweat moving your head and air-guitaring along with the music. An explosion and a roll of thunder begin the album on the title track. The guitar grips you even more than the explosion. Seasons of The Wolf brings you to hell with them, and rocks the netherworld. The lyrics conjure up the image of love... that is Satan looking for his lover. "Lost In Hell" is the Devil's love theme, and it rocks!If you're looking for more hard-core metal, skip ahead to track seven, Voo Doo Master. "I am just a blashpeme, creation of obscenity..." Yes, it is, and it's awesome! You go onto "Initiation," and you immediately feel like you should be in a horror movie. "Heard you scream your darkest nightmare. Hold on tight, soon I'll be there..."

Elements of Goth, Power, and Progressive Metal in their music, so it’s hard to lump this band into any one catagory. The singer, Wes Waddell (brother of guitarist Barry Waddell, seem to be the bastard child of OVERKILL’S Bobby Blitz Ellsworth and KING DIAMOND. Dennis Ristow has a truly evil sound that suggests DEEP PURPLE’s Jon Lord trying to break into a funeral dirge (or at least play some truly twisted calliope music) while backing up MERCYFUL FATE. The music ends up sounding like something that Edgar Allen Poe would truly dig. The instrumental Face In The Mist, just begs to be on a horror movie soundtrack, while Vengeance is a tale of revenge that features a chilling manical laugh in the background and uses quotes from William Shakespeare to fine effect.

ONLY AVAILABLE IN PRINT HARD COPY ((( In French )))

How can I present to the Italian public Seasons Of The Wolf and this first and long awaited work? Well, really well, I have to say, because I can review it also with the 2nd new CD "Lost In Hell" !!! The SOTW music can remind the good classic metal with obscure atmospheres of NEVERMORE. A very interesting work that will surely capture you with passion and mystery, and you become part of The Bloodtree. Seriously, the music in these 2 CD’s is very good. A simple metal, right to the genre’s roots, taking the dark 70’s atmospheres of Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult, with modern & progressive influences that makes the mixing very original and personal. The songs in the 1st self titled album are very beautiful "October Moon" with the good and original voice of Wes. I don’t know anyone to compare with him. But this is the reason I like it. "Misty Shades Of Green" is one of my favorites too. Gothic (but in the sense of mysterious) with a good chorus and good use of the keyboards. Very Sabbathy. "Electric Dimension" slow, hypnotic, but my favorite song is 10,000 - 10,000 really magical. Talking about the new album "Lost In Hell" we have an hour of music!!! The natural evolution of the already good work of the first album. Wonderful the title track, very speed and with a chorus you can’t get out of your mind. My favorites are S.O.S (really from outer space....and sounds like Mercyful Fate) "Interstellar" ( a little tribal in the drums, very sunny!!) "Witchfinder" (really obscure, mysterious....and fascinating in one word). "VooDoo Master" (very 70’s Black Sabbath or also Cathedral atmospheres, too beautiful!!) and yes , Lets say it, I like them all.!!

ONLY AVAILABLE IN PRINT HARDCOPY ((( In Russian - and we still don't know what it says but it seems good )))

When I put up in my stereo Lost In Hell a beautiful sound of good guitar riffs were slowly discovered to give step to a vocal, which I can’t compared with anybody, in reality Wes Waddell has an spiritual and original voice. At the same time that the songs were advancing, the environment was surrounded by the magic of the old bands like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Mercyful Fate. In sounds from Seasons Of The Wolf, the obscure atmosphere is always present from the Black Sabbath and the enigmatical bands from the 70’s created by the cosmic sound of the keyboards. From Lost in Hell to "One Land One King" Seasons of the Wolf keep you trapped and there is no real exit; you are lost in hell but there it is S.O.T.W. to make pleasant your derivation. The independent scene and underground are always present with bands like Seasons of the Wolf to purify and show you the way you should follow the way of true heavy metal.. Thank you Seasons of the Wolf.

Seasons Of The Wolf - Lost In Hell - Seasons of the Wolf buck all the trends in the shallow music scene today, they play traditional Metal, with Gothic and Progressive overtones, and put out a very high quality product. And it’s my feeling that they will only get better from here... Now, in close connection with Seasons of the Wolf, is an Iron Maiden Tribute album out on Adrenaline Records from Italy. This double CD from Adrenaline Records entitled Children of the Damned: A Tribute to Iron Maiden is rather exceptional in that the second CD has original songs from the underground bands that are doing the covers on the first CD. Seasons of the Wolf do an awesome cover of Flash of the Blade, and have a song from their debut, October Moon, on the second CD.

"Lost In Hell" is the next step in the evolution of Seasons of the Wolf. It's a CD that further displays their qualities as musicians and songwriters and yet takes the music a short step in a new direction without abandoning the hard sound that inspired them. In my review of the band's first CD (below) I described their music as "a unique hybrid of Ronnie James Dio, Dream Theater and Iron Maiden." That description still stands. But, with "Lost In Hell," Seasons of the Wolf has added a little Pink Floyd and perhaps a little Deep Purple as well. What's perhaps more important is that - in further perfecting their style - the band has not only incorporated new inspirations, but have further developed a unique sound of their own. Highlights include the title track, a gut-wrenching rocker with terrific, emotional vocals from Wes Waddell; "Abandoned City," an Iron Maiden reminiscent number that brings to mind the "Terminator" films of James Cameron; "Communion," a syncopated mechanical tune that would fit great in the next "Heavy Metal" film and "Interstellar," a tune that relies heavily on the sticks of Wayne Hoefle. In addition, Barry Waddell, whose guitar work is exemplary throughout, really gets to show off on "Witchfinder" and the atmospheric "Voo Doo Master" is a strong tribute to vintage Black Sabbath. "A Face in the Mist" is an eerie instrumental that could be used in the next George Romero zombie flick. As with the last album, "Lost In Hell" is also buoyed by strong lyrical content - lyrics that are poetic in their subtlety and not political statement rammed down your throat with a verbal fist. "Lost In Hell" is an impressive improvement over the band's already impressive debut CD. I can't wait to hear what they're working on next!

The opening track 'Lost In Hell', starts with the sound of an explosion and then the band comes in. The guitar sound is fast and furious, powerful rhythm to this dramatic opener. There's also another side to this track when the music gets quite atmospheric. Powerful vocals from Wes and a couple of great solo's from Barry. The next track is 'Abandoned City', starts off with some nice guitar and keyboards. Just before the track reaches the one minute mark the tempo speeds up and the guitar sound for me is just superb. Then it's heavy riffs, great vocals and a catchy chorus. There's more superb guitar work further on into the track and another excellent solo. Well, I am sure all of you who have heard the first album are dying to know, whether this album is as good or better than the first. In my opinion, there's no doubt that it is a better album all round. The musicianship is once again excellent, and the songwriting has surpassed itself. To be honest, there's not one bad track on the album. Influences I would have to say are Iron Maiden, Guns N'Roses, Alice Cooper, The Cult and Deep Purple. And even though every track on this album is excellent I still have a few favourites and they are 'Lost In Hell', 'Abandoned City', Interstellar', Voo Doo Master' and 'Vengeance'. If You like any of the above bands then I suggest you take a listen to Seasons Of The Wolf, I am sure you won't regret it. Highly Recommended!!!

A Florida based, self proclaimed "New Age Metal Band", SOTW certainly surprised me, delivering an album that can be compared to many but is wholly unique. If this is New Age Metal then I love it. A surprisingly almost flawless production for an independent release, Lost in Hell writhes with Metal's pure power mixed with classy melodies, deep introspective lyrics, and focused musicianship. They bring to the table varied influences, sometimes reminding me of Blue Oyster Cult and at other times Mercyful Fate, then everything in-between, culminating into a melting pot of original sound the likes of none other. A very polished and professional piece. Highly recommended album.

"Lost In Hell" Highly anticipated sophmore release from these Floridian rockers. Much imporoved over their debut disc this is a jam packed album of power metal mania. Better production, awsome packaging via Discmakers (one of the best CD manufacturers on the market ) with killer computer graphic cover, and improved songwriting. Guitarist Barry Waddell has created some monsterous riffs to go along with his vocalist brother Wes Waddell, not to mention the rest of the band keyboardist Dennis Ristow, drummer Wayne Hoefle, and bassist Chris Whitford. Excellent power metal. It's too bad I'm not closer to Florida so I could catch a live show, but tunes like the title track and other like "Witchfinder" and "Voodoo Master" will make you feel like you are there. These guys are one of the definite top bands in the metal underground. 

SOTW are still doing their unique "new-age metal" thing, combining a classic heavy metal skeleton with atmospheric keyboard-filled, intrumentally interesting flesh and bones. Several of the songs have extended instrumental intros, and perhaps not coincidentally two of these (the guitar-filled, driving "S.O.S." and the laid-back, fluid masterpiece "Interstellar") are the best songs on the album. The opening title track "Lost In Hell" is a winner, the King Arthur epic "One Land One King" is vaguely Iron Madien-ish, and "Voo Doo Master" recalls debut's "10,000 - 10,000" with its doomy, riff-filled Mercyful Fate vibe. And check out "Vengeance" for two reasons: a higher-tuned take on the riff from Kiss's "Unholy", and some killer, sinister laughing in a couple of spots. (Savatage's Jon Oliva would be proud!) I know it's a lame, completely meaningless word, but "interesting" is just the best damn way to describe SOTW. SOTW are unique and have balls - - how many other bands can you really say that about these days? - TW

I've been waiting for this CD. I am a big fan of their previous album and I expected something real cool with this one! Well, I am not disapointed. Hard Rock inspired Metal with lots of melodies, varied types of songs and moods. The songs have also matured and became "fuller", yet still retaining the powerful, in your face sound that makes this band a non-commercial Rock act that can be accessable to a wide range of Metal lovers. The riffing and playing is high quality, precise and always has a great level of melody, just like the vocals have... The drums sound a little thin but have this Live quality to it, fitting the material well.

Before I even mention the music, I really have to give these guys credit. They are doing traditional 80’s style metal/hard rock in the USA, releasing product themselves and are doing one helluva professional promotional job. That takes guts in America, land of the trendy. What tops this off is the fact this album is killer! If you like Manilla Road, old Judas Priest, Blue Oyster Cult and such things, you will eat this up. There is a tremendous variety of metal here, from up-beat ‘80’s crunchers to the etheral "Interstellar" and beyond. Searing Buck Dharma-styled lead guitars, dark keyboard textures and one of the most original vocalists in metal today complete the awsome proceedings. Order it!

Seasons Of The Wolf "Lost In Hell" CD (Earth Mother Music) - Refusing to bow down to trends and compromise their so-called "dated" sound. SOTW has never been the type of band to do things half-way. Even though their 1996 debut self-titled CD was very promising and entertaining, their sophomore release, "Lost In Hell," blows it away! This album contains 11 tracks of powerful and diverse progressive metal that is sure to please anyone who misses the glory days of heavy metal. My favorite track on this CD is "One Land, One King." Guitarist Barry Waddell performs some excellent leads that display familiarity with jazz, blues, space rock, and traditional metal (of course). Waddell's rhythms contain the usual Black Sabbath worship riffs, as well as plenty of those groove-style riffs I enjoy so well. These grooving riffs are easily recognizable in "Voo Doo Master" and "Vengeance." Impressive! The sound production courtesy of Barry Waddell is excellent, as is the impressive full-color layout and design. Overall, this is a killer CD for those who hail true heavy metal and disdain all that is fake!

Traditional yet mysteriously innovative and original are the words that spring to mind when listening to the keyboard laden dark melodic compositions that permeate this album from Florida’s finest. The "Interstellar" atmosphere you find throughout this 10 song + 1 eerie instrumental LP is mostly due to the effect on keyboards. Whereas other bands use keys as icing on the cake, in SOTW keys are an integral part of the songs and the sound. Adding to the impact of their already distinct sound is the clear vocals of Wes Waddell, who has the advantage of not sounding like anybody else.

It has been already a few years since Seasons Of The Wolf had come out with its first album. I acknowledge that at the time, the small pocket had somewhat frightened me, but when I posed their album on my turntable, I took a snap in full mouth. Impatience was done large when with waiting of the second opus of this group of heavy American Metal. And well here, it finally came out, and there too, happiness was with return when I put this " Lost in Hell " on the turntable. It is quite simply good, very good heavy simple, direct metal but before very effective and foutrement arranged well. The pieces all are of the wonders. In short, I advise you this album, because if there is an underground group well that you should know it is this one. SOTW.

"Lost In Hell" kicks off the CD with a great speedy riff, but balance it with some nice change-ups throughout. "Abandoned City" features a slower, heavier rhythm and also sports one of the album's best melodies. Other tracks worth mentioning include "Communion," with its memorable chorus, the unusual percussion on "Interstellar," and the doomy grind of "Voo Doo Master." The keyboard and guitar work compliment each other particularly well and the band know how to write a good, solid, HEAVY riff, no doubt about that. Fans of classic heavy metal along the lines of Manilla Road, Desolation Angels and Trouble will be right at home with SOTW.

After making noise in the Tampa Bay area for 10 years, Seasons Of The Wolf unleashed the beast on the rest of the world. Lost In Hell, following their highly succesful EP, which got rave reviews form mags and loud rock stations around the U.S. The enchanting set of tunes begins with the fist-pumper title track followed by definite scorchers "Abandoned City" and "S.O.S." Power ballad "Witchfinder" is a piece of work, while "Vengeance" will singe your ear hairs. What sets this band apart from the norm is the eerie keyboards supplied by Dennis Ristow and the orginal vocals of Wes Waddell. Barry Waddell (guitar) is also the producer, and his style of production and dark twisted lyrics. Other songs to watch for are "Communion" and "A Face In The Mist," reminiscent of a heavy Pink Floyd breeding with Blue Oyster Sabbath, if you get my drift.

Kudos to Seasons Of The Wolf, for its musical ambitiousness and the instrumental acumen to pull it off on the CD, Lost In Hell. Tackling the technically inspired, epic metal sound a la Fates Warning and Queensryche or Europe's Helloween and Gamma Ray is no easy task. Seasons Of The Wolf certainly does have their chops down. Not only does the band create compelling and challenging, yet engaging, songs, but it plays them with skill and tenacity and thankfully avoids the nagging temptation to be ostentatious or masturbatory. One of the best - Santana-esque "Interstellar" with its intriguing Caribbean percussion, Barry Waddell's soulful guitar strains and Dennis Ristow's piano-synth tradeoffs.

Seasons Of The Wolf have been methodically corralling the ol' mosh pit bulls back into the metal fold with a sound that's a unification of old themes and new technology. While employing the slick-textured production moves of Mindcrimes-era Queensryche, SOTW's high-energy, ear-splattering sprees emulate Iron Maiden's complex riffage, Judas Priest's balls-out stance and Manowar's brutal delivery, while touching up the rough edges with a dose of Savatage's prog metal finesse. No doubt then that the combination is incredibly vicious. By emulating all of the right moves, SOTW already sound classic without having to bust-up chops or burn-out the talent. Folks who picked up on their previous releases will find the band have taken things to the next level production-wise, while moving their songwriting into more difficult exchanges. While it's only been a few short years since the last blast of crunch, faithful followers of Bay area's metal brigade should enjoy this.

Florida's Seasons Of The Wolf return as last. The band have clearly taken the time out to refine their sound, and, in current terms are probably unique, sounding as they do like a meeting between Blue Oyster Cult & Ozzy Osbourne - vocalist Wes Waddell is so Ozzy, with a dash of James Neal (Malice), in the Workshop Of the Telescopes - with haunting gothic noir keyboards from Dennis Ristow. Soundscapes are created drawing the listener into some dark places in the songs, whilst guitarist Barry Waddell peels off riffs and licks that many a major band would give their fur for! "Withcfinder" is James Neal vocals, Eric Bloom phrasing, and an air of roiling menace, whilst "Vengeance" is a dark nightshade of a tale riding off the spine of a biting riff. "Interstellar" is the album's most dramatic moment. It's Ozzy jamming with B.O.C. om Dominance & Submission, coupled with guitar playing of a quality to make Buck Dharma salute.

SEASONS OF THE WOLF - They are now a force to be reckoned with in the Metal world. This is truly an epic project. From the opener, "Lost In Hell" all the way through 60 minutes of Metal to "One Land, One King", it delivers. Keyboardist Dennis Ristow play some very, very tasteful keys on this CD, it's haunting and mesmerizing. There's some very cool stuff going on here from Mr. Ristow. And I shit you not, my black cat "Shadow", who is about at leery as you get, sat on my lap while I listened, and I've never seen him more "at peace". It was very creepy! Lead Singer Wes Waddell has found his range as well, he's not trying to shatter glass on this project, and he comes across very well. If I had to explain his style, it would be a cross between Lizzy Borden, and Ozzy in the early Black Sabbath days. "Initiation" is probably his best effort on the CD, he can scream, and then come down to a very disturbing drawl. Barry Waddell (brother to Wes) does some superb guitar work here as well. I haven't heard scratching down the strings done like this in ages, classic Metal approach, but very effective. This is a project that must be heard, more than once! There's a lot to listen to, you won't pick it up the first time. Track 5 "Interstellar" finally made me realize what they meant by "New Age Metal", in other words, you can have your cake and eat it too. If you like to mellow out, but you find John Tesch and Yanni appalling, there's some stuff on "Lost In Hell" that will work just fine. PLUS, your friends won't think you're a wuss when you show them what you're listening to! "Lost In Hell" has officially given this hard-working Florida based band called SEASONS OF THE WOLF", a place in Metal History, this is truly an impressive project.

HELL IS HERE! "Lost In Hell" sets things off with blistering riffwork and accomplished vocalizing, before slowing the pace for the first solo, soon picking things back up for a return to chorus. "Abandoned City" uses the range of Vocalist Wes Waddell well, as the following "S.O.S." uses the atmosphere of the keyboards to excellent effect. "Communion" is one of those too that cones to grow on a listener, progessive elements chock through. The stage is set for what I humbly consider to be their finest offering so far, "Interstellar". It sends chilss up my spine, from its tribal drumming into relaxed soloing. I also appreciate the lack of a chorus, that could only have detracted from this masterwork. Briefly departing from familiar themes of science fiction is the "Witchfinder" opus, ushering in the first of two pieces dealing with the occult. Wes brings himself to new heights here, snarling lows and keening highs intertwined seamlessly. "Voo Doo Master" conjures images of Black Sabbath, but does so with class as well as with ease. Providing a brief respite is intrumental "A Face In The Mist", at justunder two minutes. Ominous ambiance fill the following "Initiation" and "Vengeance", with the latter lifting a few quotes from Shakespeare himself, the first as also given on the backing of the CD: "Divines and dying men may talk of hell, but in my heart her several torments dwell".

This band has an extremely unique sound and I think "Gothic Metal" is quite appropriate. Lead singer Wes Waddell has a voice that reminds me of Bobby Blitz Ellsworth of Overkill. Since I am a Jersey native and huge overkill fan, I immediately fell in love. LOST IN HELL - I remember when I first popped this disc in and heard the first riffs of "Lost in Hell" I thought of Beavis and Butthead sitting on the couch and shouting out "Yes! This ROCKS!"

"Lost In Hell", the second release from the awesome Florida metal band Seasons Of The Wolf continues their winning streak by staying true to the sound first displayed on their self titled release, only expanding and even improving in every way to produce one of 1999's best melodic metal releases so far! A cross between B.O.C., Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne,Alice Cooper with several other elements. The album kicks off great with the sound of an explosion into the title track "Lost In Hell"! Sounding like a cross between B.O.C. and Judas Priest, featuring Halford like vocals from Wes Waddell and Buck Dharma influenced guitar leads from Barry Waddell. Stellar keyboard work and celestial theme suggest a Hawkwind influence. Summing up, this is an excellent album by one of the most talented bands on the melodic metal scene! I highly recommend this album!

Now for the first time in nearly a decade I feel good about the heavy metal genre. The latest release by Seasons of the Wolf - Lost In Hell - is the first metal album in nearly a decade that I truly love. It's only coincidence that SotW contributed their rendition of Iron Maiden's Flash of the Blade (Powerslave) just last year to Children of the Damned, a tribute to Iron Maiden.

Lost In Hell contains twelve tracks - over an hour of metal that any purist would cream over. Everything you have been missing for the last decade is there - the fantasy and myth references, the stories of heroship and power, the guitar riffs that knock down walls, the awesome packaging with amazing artwork, subtle growing musical arrangements that break into powerplays of speed and triumph. It's all there - every piece that drew me to the genre in the first place. And they close the album with Land of the Dead done live

Seasons of the Wolf's Lost In Hell is, unequivocally, the best metal album I have heard in a decade. Without exaggeration. The last one that excited me and made me love this genre so much was Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.  While it's hard to believe that true metal will return to be as bold and big as it was in the late 80s, Seasons of the Wolf have nonetheless infused it with an amazing release that brings it back to the glory that was once there. Up the Wolf!

This is some of the most original Heavy Metal music I've heard all year! It's classic power metal straight from the hinges of an old Iron Maiden, too. Vocally, frontman and lyricist Wes Waddell has a biting, screaming voice that perfectly matches the powerful Heavy Metal guitars, and amazingly, Heavy Metal keyboards. It's the excellent songwriting that is most exciting, though. The title track, "Vengeance," "Abandoned City"), politico-religious zealotry ("S.O.S.," "Witchfinder"), piloting cool spaceships ("Communion" and "Interstellar"), and the occult ("Voo Doo Master," and "Initiation"). These songs are all great Heavy Metal songs and deserve praise for their awesome guitars ("Abandoned City" has an incredible intro) and elegant Heavy Metal sensibility. SOTW's excellent song "One Land, One King." It's a powerful, anthemic Heavy Metal song centered about the Arthurian legend, complete with Merlin and the Holy Grail that, had it been twenty years ago, a young Steve Harris would've been a good guess as to its authorship. "One Land, One King," is replete with blazing guitars, marshaling vocals and a metal music box rhythm that's as addictive as great Heavy Metal can get! Lost In Hell should serve as a model of excellence to other young Heavy Metal bands out there.

Seasons of the Wolf has written a new chapter to its young carrer. Lost In Hell - The 3 first songs are pure magical ones ! " Lost in Hell ", Abandoned City " & the superb " SOS " (This last one is probably a future hit titles like " Victim of Darkness " was 2 years ago) are really the most incredible heavy metal songs composed by the band. Listen to it & you’re under the charm ! Barry composed his most interesting riffs on this album. He still have his own sound, combination of modern & 70’s influences. What is sure that when you listen to a SOTW’ song you immediatly recognize Barry’s style. Wes confirms that he is a charismatic singer. His voice is so particular & attracting that you cannot forget him. Wes achieves to give all songs its own surroundings just by singing. So high level of creativity, precision & originality. That’s why Seasons Of The Wolf makes the difference. This is the best independant heavy metal releases of the year with no doubt!

Seasons of The Wolf-Lost In Hell - Seasons of The Wolf, hailing from the Sunshine State, have little to do with Disney or God's waiting room. In fact, this progressive metal quintet's influences point to such metal luminaries as Iron Maiden (whose tribute album SOTW will be a part of,) Savatage ("SOS," "Communion,") and even sprinkles of Pink Floyd and Dream Theater ("A Face In The Mist.") Their 11 tracks self produced CD contains more metal than your average NYC skyscraper, complete with stellar guitar work, high octave vocals and atmospheric keyboards. If you dig the pomp and circumstance of metal, then SOTW are just what you need. A solid band with a solid following worldwide.

With their sophomore effort, Florida's Seasons of the Wolf deliver another strong album to follow their incredible debut. Combining elements of traditional Maiden metal with the gothic feel of classic Dio and Black Sabbath, Lost in Hell is an entertaining if somewhat retroactive release. While the debut had a palpably spooky atmosphere, SOTW have opted to imbue this disc with more of an epic, grandiose feel. Strong hooks from the brothers Waddell again captured my attention. Lost in Hell is one of those albums that muste experienced loud. At heart, Lost in Hell is 80's metal shrouded with a spacey gothic atmosphere. These guys are consistently strong songwriters, and most of the leads and vocal melodies on this disc are quite memorable.