WOLF, the Swedish traditional metal band, has announced the release of their tenth studio album, 'Hour Of The Wolf', set for November 20, 2026, via Fireflash Records. The album's lead single, 'Death Satellite', will be released on August 21, 2026. This news comes hot on the heels of their ninth album, 'Shadowland', which was released in April 2022 via Century Media Records.
In a recent interview, WOLF vocalist/guitarist Niklas Stålvind discussed the band's musical journey and influences. He revealed that the band's early ambition was to create top-quality songs, drawing inspiration from classic metal bands like IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, and ACCEPT. Stålvind expressed his discomfort with the '90s music scene, feeling like an outsider, and how playing the music he loved helped him feel alive and content.
The band's formation in 1995 was a response to the prevailing attitudes towards classic heavy metal in their Swedish location. WOLF despised the notion that listening to classic metal was a sign of being retarded. Instead, they dedicated themselves to producing top-quality songs, putting in a lot of effort into songwriting in their old bomb shelter rehearsal space. Stålvind humorously noted that it took them ten years longer than expected for people to start liking their music again, but they persevered.
The band's current lineup includes Niklas Stålvind on lead vocals and guitar, Simon Johansson on guitar, Pontus Egberg on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Johan Koleberg on drums. The band's photo was taken by Therés Stephansdotter Björk.
The upcoming album, 'Hour Of The Wolf', promises to be a straight-up banger with all the classic WOLF elements, according to Stålvind. The first single, 'Death Satellite', is described as a song that will raise fists, encourage headbanging, and provide a good time for fans. The video for this single was directed by Cannes Film Festival award winner Snovonne 'Sno' Drake, who will also direct another video for the album.
WOLF's music offers a refreshing contrast to the A.I. algorithms that dominate modern culture, providing old-school, man-made metal to prevent people from going insane. The lyrics, as usual, have a deeper meaning and provide food for thought, but the songs are also designed to be enjoyed through headbanging and fist-pumping.
As WOLF continues to evolve and release new music, fans can look forward to more classic metal anthems and thought-provoking lyrics. The band's dedication to their craft and their unique sound has ensured their longevity in the metal scene, and 'Hour Of The Wolf' is sure to be another successful addition to their discography.
