No doubt about it, Rock Wolves leave no questions unanswered and certainly nothing to be desired. The band name alone is an unmistakable indication of the journey that this new all-star trio has embarked on: classic rock music, melodic, powerful, contemporary, diverse, with just the right degree of toughness and a sure feel for gritty hooks. This band knows how these things are done, because thanks to Herman Rarebell, Michael Voss and Stephan “Gudze” Hinz, Rock Wolves consists of three of the most renowned rock musicians of the past forty years.

Musically as well as lyrically, their mission is straightforward, featuring great emotions but also clear words on current events. Their debut album will be available on Steamhammer/SPV as digi, LP and for download from October 28th, the first single is scheduled for release on September 9th: “Rock For The Nations” will mark the launch of an outstanding recording which aims at putting the focus back on timeless rock music. You don’t have to be a clairvoyant to predict that this concept is more than likely to work!

This diversity of ideas and the band’s almost boundless musical enthusiasm is reflected in every one of the eleven songs on their debut release. Straight rock numbers like the first single “Rock For The Nations”, the shuffle groove-driven “Surrounded By Fools”, the fast-paced “Out Of Time”, and “The Lion Is Loose” with its haunting live qualities, but also “I Need Your Love”, which brings to mind the likes of AC/DC and Bad Company, are thoroughbred rock tracks that go directly to the listener’s gut and legs, as well as – like all ambitioned rock music should – touching on painful subjects.

“Instead of delivering tanks and arms all over the world, Germany should concentrate on exporting good rock music,” Rarebell explains the message of “Rock For The Nations”. The lyrics on “Surrounded By Fools” with their warning of unscrupulous politicians are no less critical.

Rarebell: “Let’s not be dazzled by their colourful election campaigns. Those politicians can easily end up bringing war to their countries.”

Naturally, no diverse rock album would be complete without two or three more quiet numbers with less controversial subjects. In “Nothing´s Gonna Bring Me Down”, Rock Wolves have succeeded in recording a strikingly contemporary ballad which could have been penned in the same or a similar manner by Lenny Kravitz. Talking of which: the original version of the deeply melodic “What About Love” was written by Jim Vallance, but celebrated its greatest success in 1985 with Heart, who topped the Billboard charts for an impressive 18 weeks with the song.

“Our new version has been given the blessing by Jim Vallance himself. His only comment was: ‘Your version is even better than my original, so go for it’,” remembers Rarebell.

Rock Wolves will be released worldwide (excluding Japan) as digi, LP and download on October 28th via Steamhammer/SPV.

Tracklisting:

“Rock For The Nations”
“Surround By Fools”
“Out Of Time”
“What About Love”
“The Blame Game”
“Riding Shotgun”
“Nothings Gonna Bring Me Down”
“The Lion Is Loose”
“I Need Your Love”
“Lay With Me”
“Inside Out” (iTunes exclusive bonus track)

Teaser:

(Pictured above from left to right: Michael Voss (guitar, vocals), Olly Hahn (A&R Steamhammer), Herman Rarebell (drums), Gudze (bass))