Since their formation in 2019, Werewolves have been on a relentless march, with Die For Us being their fifth album release in as many years. This prolific output is, frankly, frightening, especially when you remember that all three members of the band have a wide variety of other heavy metal irons in the fire at any given time. My esteemed colleague Mick Stronge likened the band once to the famed Russian miner Alexei Stakhanov, a fitting analogy for a band that has consistently delivered unrelenting brutality at a breakneck pace. Die For Us continues this trend – of course it does –  providing another vicious installment of their self-described “caveman death metal.”

From the opening title track,  Die For Us,  the album doesn’t waste time. It launches straight into a torrent of excruciatingly violent blasts and abrasive riffs, setting a ferocious tone that doesn’t relent until the final note of  Stay Down.  Sam Bean‘s guttural growls are as venomous as ever, and his bass lines, which pleasingly never get buried under the sonic onslaught, provide a formidable backbone. Guitarist Matt Wilcock delivers a masterclass in relentless riffing, whilst David Haley’s drumming is never less than totally punishing, a non-stop barrage that pushes the limits of speed and endurance.

Tracks like Beaten Back To Life and Fuck You Got Mine exemplify the band’s disdain for modern sensibilities, with lyrics that are as confrontational as the music itself.  Beaten Back To Life takes aim at newer metal fans, harkening back to a perceived golden age of the genre, while Fuck You Got Mine skewers the greed and hypocrisy rampant in society. Both tracks are delivered with a ferocity  – imagine a very pissed, big man in a pub insisting that you listen to his opinion on a variety of subjects – that makes their messages impossible to ignore.

My Hate Is Strong stands out not just for its unbridled aggression, but also for its guest vocals from Rok of Sadistik Exekution. This collaboration brings an additional layer of sinister intensity to the track, blending Rok’s distinctive style with Bean’s guttural roars to devastating effect. Spittle-Flecked Rant flirts with elements of punk, featuring  crustier beats in paces that add a fresh dynamic to the otherwise straightforward death metal assault. It’s a small change-up, but it adds big impact in the context of the album.

“Under A Urinal Moon” dives into a darker, more blackened territory, with an atmosphere thick with malevolence. The track’s slower, more deliberate pace allows the band’s full sonic weight to come crashing down, creating an oppressive and haunting experience. The band’s humour is also on full display with titles like We All Deserve To Be Slaves  and the aforementioned  Under A Urinal Moon,  proving that their nihilism comes with a sharp, sarcastic edge.

Joe Haley‘s mixing and mastering ensure that every blast beat, every snarled lyric, and every scorching riff is delivered with maximum impact. The production is raw yet clear, capturing the band’s live intensity without sacrificing the finer details of their musicianship. The album artwork by Mitchell Nolte complements the music perfectly, a gruesome visual feast that matches the brutality within.

Die For Us is not an album for the faint of heart. It’s a blistering, unrepentant onslaught that reinforces Werewolves’ position as one of the most uncompromising acts in modern death metal. For fans of the band, this album delivers exactly what is expected: unrelenting aggression, dark humour, and a complete disregard for musical trends. For newcomers, it’s a baptism of fire into the savage world of Werewolves. Either way, Die For Us is a savage big up to the band’s unwavering commitment to their craft and their unique brand of extreme metal.



Die For Us releases on July 12th.