Bad Wolves has made a name for themselves with their first 2018 hit, a cover of The Cranberries song “Zombie”. News – Bad Wolves: “Zombie” Certified Platinum in the U.S. First Rock Band to reach Platinum for a 2018 release. Bad Wolves released “Zombie” earlier this year as a tribute to Dolores O’Riordan, the late front woman for the Cranberries, who was set to record and reprise her iconic vocals on the track the day she tragically passed away. “Zombie” is not only a definitive moment for Bad Wolves – but is has also proven to be the breakout rock song of 2018.
Opening as part of the biggest, most successful U.S. summer outdoor amphitheater tour was not an easy job; however, Bad Wolves pulled out all the punches and accepted the challenge. Most of the band’s music is heavier and filled with songs featuring a mix of growling and beautiful vocal lines along with some heavy Drop guitar tunings. They started the show with “Officer Down” which reminded me of early KORN and without missing a beat started into another assault with “Learn to Live”. The songs were very similar in sound and blended well together. The 3rd song “No Masters” had more of a catchy Intro Hook, which gave you an actual groove to get into and had an interesting break and solo about 2 minutes into the song. Many of the songs had that Industrial Rock sound especially in the songs Intros similar to Nine Inch Nails. The sound in the amphitheater was not great for the opening bands, and Bad Wolves were first to perform today. The sound did improve as the bands progressed. I did personally purchase the album and in this particular case it helped knowing the songs beforehand. I would love to catch them later this year when they trek across Europe with Three Days Grace and Nothing More. Overall it was a good attempt in a tough situation.
Bad Wolves are:
Tommy Vext – Lead Vocals
John Boecklin – Drums, Percussion
Doc Coyle – Guitar
Chris Cain – Guitar
Kyle Konkiel – Bass
Set List:
- Officer Down
- Learn to Live
- No Masters
- Remember When
- Better the Devil
- Run for Your Life
- Hear Me Now (with Diamante)
- Jesus Slaves
- Toast to the Ghost
- Zombie (The Cranberries cover)
Bad Wolves
Review by Storm@backstage360.com
Venue: Mattress Firm Amphitheatre