Chicago-based Bear Mace deliver their third full-length album “Slaves of the Wolf’, continuing their dedication to no-frills Old School Death Metal rooted firmly in classic US tradition. As a five-piece band, they focus on direct impact rather than unnecessary complexity, keeping the material heavy, aggressive, and to the point.
The album thrives on slow- to mid-paced riffing that is basic and catchy without feeling lazy, supported by a powerful rhythm section. The drums are tightly executed and lock in perfectly with a thick and aggressive bass tone, giving the songs a solid and forceful backbone. Vocally, the delivery leans heavily into an eerie old-school style that reinforces the album’s raw and menacing atmosphere.
Musically, the spirit of early Bolt Thrower springs to mind in the crushing mid-paced sections, particularly in the way the riffs march forward with weight and purpose.
There are also shades of early Obituary in the swampy groove and straightforward heaviness, while certain sharper moments echo the aggressive edge of Massacre. These comparisons are not meant to suggest imitation, but rather to underline the traditional Death Metal foundation Bear Mace build upon.
Guitar work is largely rhythm-driven, with well-structured riffs doing most of the damage, while the solos are sharp, purposeful, and well placed. The pace is noticeably picked up on “Cometh’, where a stronger thrashy edge injects additional urgency into the album. Another highlight is ‘Captured & Consumed’, which features guest vocals by Kam Lee of Massacre, a fitting collaboration that further emphasizes the band’s old-school credentials.
‘Slaves of the Wolf’ succeeds in creating a genuine Old School Death Metal feel without sounding forced or overly nostalgic. This is a solid and honest release that should strongly appeal to fans of classic, riff-driven Death Metal.
