REVIEW: DUNGEON WOLF – The White Elf

 

DUNGEON WOLF – The White Elf

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Art serves a dual purpose: to entertain and to provoke thought. It strives to engage the audience in a process of contemplation, leading them to form their own conclusions. From their inception, DUNGEON WOLF has been unwavering in their commitment to this very purpose, akin to the pioneering spirit of early heavy metal and rock music, which sought to challenge the status quo. This mission continues in the present day.

DUNGEON WOLF's provocative essence is conveyed through humor, skillfully leaving room for interpretation, making it unclear whether their lyrics are satirical or hold deeper meaning. For example, their latest work draws inspiration from their disappointment with the final season of "The Witcher," where they felt that the creators downplayed the main character's masculinity and heroism to promote "feminist" messages. In essence, the band critiques the prevalent culture of cancelation that is on the rise today, a culture that tends to label almost anything as offensive.

In terms of music production, the band intentionally opts for a raw, unpolished sound reminiscent of a demo release, a choice that may initially appear unconventional. Yet, it's a deliberate reflection of the band's culture, aimed at challenging the listener on multiple levels. DUNGEON WOLF is determined to question and redefine the stereotypical clichés within the music industry.

Having delved into their previous works, it's evident that their latest album retains their signature elements while embracing a more pronounced 70s rock and hard rock influence. Notably, the track "Chivalry" stands out with an intro that pays homage to MANOWAR and evolves into a melody inspired by medieval themes, reminiscent of the classic JETHRO TULL. Listeners can expect an array of delightful surprises.

Lastly, it's important to extend our condolences to the band for the loss of their former vocalist and founder, Deryck Heignum, who tragically succumbed to a heroin overdose. Nonetheless, his successor, Herman Passions, has proven himself to be a worthy torchbearer, contributing to the emphasis on the hard rock aesthetic evident in this latest release.

On a personal note, having grasped the essence of DUNGEON WOLF's musical ambitions to a satisfactory degree, I find myself content with the result. However, it's important to note that this release caters to a niche audience, and the most significant aspect is that anyone who listens will either fully embrace it or vehemently reject it, a testament to the powerful impact of the artist's work.

Νικόλαος Παραστατίδης