Heavy Song of the Week is a feature on Heavy Consequence breaking down the top metal, punk, and hard rock tracks you need to hear every Friday. This week, No. 1 goes to “The End” by Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth.
Wolfgang Van Halen dropped the “WVH” initials from his Mammoth band name, but it’s really only a change in branding. The multi-instrumentalist continues to record all the music himself, with a little help from producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette, as he continues to find the threshold between theatrical hard rock and metallic power-pop. That dynamic is heard on the new single “The End.”
The opening guitar tapping is unquestionably of the Van Halen lineage, and the verses find Wolfgang getting a bit prog before he starts hammering the big major chords for the chorus. His guitar skills are certainly at the forefront here, though he does get to showcase his excellent pipes during the melodic refrain: “Take your hand in mine and watch the end with me.”
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And we have to mention the insane production that is the music video. A recreation of From Dusk Till Dawn, and a tribute to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” Wolfgang actually got Robert Rodriguez to direct the clip, which features cameos from Danny Trejo, Slash, Myles Kennedy, and Wolfgang’s mom, Valerie Bertinelli. Check it out below.
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Honorable Mentions:
New Found Glory – “100%”
No, this is not a Sonic Youth cover. Rather, it is a patently New Found Glory pop-punk nugget and a shot of pure positivity. Plus, it marks the group’s first track on new label home Pure Noise Records. “This song 100% is meant to inspire fans and people going through hard times,” stated NFG in a press release. “Giving 100% of yourself whatever that is. For NFG, our outlet has always been music. It’s our positive escape.”
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Split Chain – “Subside”
Holy Around the Fur-era Deftones Batman! Split Chain absolutely nail that vibe on “Subside,” combining crushing riffs with screamed vocals — hit with hella distortion — and hints of Chino-esque clean-sung melody. There’s also a bit of a Refused-“Worms of the Senses” groove here. The band certainly wears its influences proudly, but we’re here for it when the output kicks this much ass.
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Turnstile – “Birds”
Now this is more like it. Turnstile’s other song released this week (“Seein’ Stars”) wouldn’t qualify for this rundown; it’s too chill. Consider it the pop half of this double A-side single drop, with “Birds” being the hardcore banger on the flip. After the more grunge-pop-inclined lead cut “Never Enough,” we were beginning to wonder if there was any hardcore on the new album. Just so happens there is.
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