Rating: 8/10

Alpha Wolf’s Half Living Things: Brutal, Atmospheric, and Relentlessly Solid

Alpha Wolf’s Half Living Things is the kind of album that doesn’t ask for your attention—it demands it. Twelve tracks, all compact and punchy, this is the kind of record that takes you by the collar and doesn’t let go. From the first note to the last, it’s clear that Alpha Wolf is on top of their game, delivering an album that’s as aggressive as it is tight, with just the right amount of variation to keep you hooked.

Production-wise, the album is crisp, with a balance of power and precision that serves the band well. The guitars hit with that signature heaviness, while the drums steal the show at times, locking in with a ferocity that feels like an engine revving just before it bursts into overdrive. Synths, often the unwelcome guest in heavier music, are smoothly integrated into the soundscape here, adding a layer of atmosphere without ever undercutting the intensity. Vocally, the performance is relentless—there’s no sugarcoating or polish, just straight-up aggression. It’s the kind of vocal delivery that feels like a shot of adrenaline, keeping pace with the pounding rhythm section and chaotic guitar work.

Standout track? “Double-Edge Demise” is the obvious pick. The riff is infectious, the breakdowns are brutal, and the whole thing builds and collapses with a sense of purpose that makes you want to hit replay just to feel it all over again. Alpha Wolf’s ability to construct these moments—where everything clicks, and you can feel the momentum shift—is impressive.

But, as much as I dig the music here, the lyrics are… well, I didn’t pay too much attention to the the lyrical themes. Still, it’s hard to let that detract from the overall experience, because the intensity of the music almost makes up for the occasional lyrical cliché. But man, I’m a fan of vocals, regardless.

The album flows effortlessly, with each track segueing into the next. It’s an easy listen in the best way possible—not because it’s gentle, but because it knows exactly when to strike and when to pull back. It doesn’t overstay its welcome, leaving you wanting more, and that’s a quality that’s harder to come by than you might think.

Half Living Things doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does refine it. Alpha Wolf has found a sweet spot between aggression and atmosphere, and it works. While the lyrics might not take you to new emotional depths, the energy and craftsmanship of the album more than make up for it. It’s a solid, powerful release that’s worth the listen—loud, unrelenting, and just the right amount of abrasive.

Essential Merch

Half Living Things

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