WOLFBASTARD – SATANIC SCUM PUNKS

RELEASE DATE: MARCH 13th 2026 via APOCALYPTIC WITCHCRAFT: Raw, loud and hostile-WOLFBASTARD have built their reputation on exactly that combination. Since forming in Manchester in 2012, the band has been mixing the feral energy of black metal and punk into a sound that feels as dangerous and infectious at the same time. Fans of the chaotic blackened speed of MIDNIGHT and HELLRIPPER, or the razor-sharp thrash attack of AURA NOIR will find plenty to enjoy here-especially when that metallic aggression is fused with the hardcore urgency of DISCHARGE and the rebellious attitude of legendary MOTÖRHEAD. Now the English band returns with newly ignited aggression on their latest album, "Satanic Scum Punks". The title alone makes it clear that beating around the bush is not part of the plan. The band describes the record with a few fitting words: nihilistic and defiant, venomous and violent-no rules, no worries, no code of conduct.

"It’s Fucking Dark" sets the mood for the album right from the first note. The track opens with an ice cold black metal intro, built on a dark atmosphere also it is surprisingly soft, with almost brooding chords. This brief moment of tension soon explodes into a sharp eruption as the song shifts dramatically. The tempo soon picks up noticeably as the song plunges into a rough-edged D-beat groove, carried by raw punk riffing and a good sense of anger. The barked exclamation of "FUCK OFF!" cuts through the mix like a sharp knife, underlining the track’s confrontational spirit and pushing its punk attitude to the forefront with all it has. "It’s Fucking Dark" is a great opener, combining old-school black metal atmosphere with the raw untamed punk energy of WOLFBASTARD. "Satanic Scum Punks", the title track on the album, quickly raises the intensity. powered by relentless drums, desperate screams and a sharp blend of tremolo-picked guitars and solid riffs, the song unfolds with a powerful, rhythmic momentum. A chant-like chorus reinforces the raw attitude, perfectly capturing the expected mix of crust punk grit and black metal ferocity. Packed with hooks and great musicianship, the track can easily rank among the album’s highlights.

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Long before gaining wider recognition, WOLFBASTARD had already carved out a strong presence in Manchester’s underground scene. Formed in 2012, the band spent years sharpening their sound locally before breaking through to a broader audience with their 2022 release "Hammer the Bastards", still widely considered their most acclaimed work. The band has remained unchanged since its inception. Guitarist and vocalist Derek Carley, bassist Simon Fox and drummer Dave Buchan.

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Another high-energy track is 'Let The Bastards Burn', driven by snarling/mean vocals and dense, powerful instrumentation. Simple yet effective, dissonant yet full of raw energy, it marks another high point on the album."Hail Satan Kurwa" maintains the album’s relentless aggression, unleashing a furious sonic assault. Desperate sounding vocals punch through quasi-melodic lead guitar lines, resulting in a track that masterfully balances raw attitude with precise technical execution. 'Blood On Steel' introduces a fresh dimension to the album, opening with black metal–tinged riffs that immediately set a dark, atmospheric tone. The black metal influence runs throughout, balancing the band’s raw ferocity with more melodic elements, resulting in successful genre fusion and a standout of this record. WOLFBASTARD keep the momentum high with 'You Fucking Rat', a track full of energy, combining signature black metal guitar tones, punchy riffs, and brutally direct lyrics. The album then concludes with 'B.I.F.F.O.', an aggressive, violent, uptempo finale that hits hard both rhythmically and sonically, leaving a lasting impression as a fitting end to the record.

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"Satanic Scum Punks" delivers a ferocious fusion of black metal and crust punk, driven by raw energy, violent vocals, and blistering riffs. Dynamic songwriting and occasional melodic touches keep the album varied without losing its relentless edge. From icy openings to furious finales, WOLFBASTARD prove their underground roots while showcasing growth and versatility-an uncompromising, high-energy ride from start to finish.

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SCORE 8.5/10

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REVIEWED BY SWAMPY