WOLF: Head Contact 7″ Rare UK Original Clear Vinyl. NWOBHM 1982. (ex Black Axe) Check audio + exclusive turntable video from the 7″ on sale here

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Description

Wolf (ex Black Axe) Head Contact
Released in 1982. Rare UK Original Clear Vinyl 7″single with Picture Sleeve.

British NWOBHM band from Carlisle, England formed in 1977 as Leviathan before changing name to Black Axe.  They became Wolf after signing to Chrysalis.


Label: Chrysalis – CHS 2592
Format: Vinyl, 7″, 45 RPM, Single, Clear
Country: UK
Released: 1982
Style: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Tracklist:
A Head Contact
Written-By – English*, Sparkes*
3:26
B Soul For The Devil
Written-By – Keir*, English*, Sparkes*
5:27

Bass, Vocals – Stewart Richardson
Drums – Mike Thorburn
Guitar – Simon Sparkes
Keyboards, Guitar – Bill Keir
Producer – Tom Allom
Vocals – Chris English

Wolf aka Black Axe was a band that experienced the all-too common gauntlet of label problems and bad-luck throughout their career, which seemed to blanket that heyday known as the NWOBHM. Though a well-versed, veteran, and obviously brilliant song writing troupe success on the scale of Samson, Avenger or Venom eluded this strong Carlisle-based act. Forming in 1977 under the moniker of Leviathan, by a group of talented young men somewhat akin in this aspect to fellow greats Savage, the band honed their chops for several years before re-branding as Black Axe, and producing the Highway Rider single. Riding on the popularity of this single, which garnered strong sales, things were looking up for Wolf, who went to the studio to record one helluva memorable slice of NWOBHM, before running into problems with, and eventually being axed by their stable, leaving the master tapes to collect dust for a few years, before finally being re-issued by European stable Mausoleum.

What was contained therein, was a stellar, pinnacle effort from an above average NWOBHM collective. Not only did Wolf manage to squeeze out a full-length (something which seems to have eluded 50% of the coattail riding, pubescent bandwagoniers that characterized the movement), but they managed one which could inspire jealousy from almost all bands in the scene. Head contact is a stunning blend of Savage-esque attitude and toughness, mixed with dazzling displays of dirty Anvil/Ace Frehley-esque guitar squeals, and an almost unattainable understanding of thick, rich vocal melodies and hooks, matched by solid production and thorough originality. This record is just about the epitome of that classic NWOBHM sound. All-round musicianship, crisp vocal melodies, and an unfaltering lineup of songs means this one will remain part of the crème de la crème of NWOBHMs output forever.

To conclude a powerful, and utterly amazing NWOBHM release; this one basically serves as a testament to how strong a calibre of music can be made using the standard NWOBHM sound. Yes, before you bite my head off, of course there are other great bands, even ones of this calibre, but often they used different sounds. Iron Maiden wrote material of this calibre (perhaps better), but they done it with their own, unique metal style that at the time bore little resemblance to the other bands emerging at the time. Saracen also done it, but with their own unique, 70s progressive rock influenced NWOBHM. In my opinion, Wolf has more semblance to that typical NWOBHM sound and while being somewhat unique, are more readily identifiable sound of the movement. In any case this is absolutely essential NWOBHM that every fan of the genre needs to get. It has it all really, including an uncanny knack for longevity, as I have spun it many times, and I still get blown away by it, and thoroughly enjoy it every time. Stunning NWOBHM.

The more obscure the better. Or so goes the NWOBHM rule…One of our favourite lesser-known NWOBHM bands. IIRC, they also went by the name of Black AXe.


Once you start listening to any band named Wolf or that has Wolf in their name, you’re going to be diving into a deep, deep rabbit hole. Anyway, we really like this band. Had a patch made for my jacket, even. Some people say it’s a shame they didn’t make it (likely because of the name change from Black Axe, since they were pretty popular after their single came out), some people say it’s better this way, I am just glad I have this awesome music to listen to.

Additional information

Weight 0.09 kg

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