Track List: Right? Like A Pastime Another Celebration At The End Of The World Miles Above Me Take A Bow Optimist I’m Alright Erase Me Waiting Better Than You
July 24, 2023 Album Review : Mammoth WVH — Mammoth 2… By admin Review by Ritchie Birnie for MPM
Hot on the tails of blowing away the UK as support act to three huge tours Wolfgang Van Halen continues his meteoric raise to the ranks of must see / hear new rockstars.
The debut is one hell of an album to try and follow up and although the protege has once again decided to play all instruments and vocals he is not resting on his laurels as on Mammoth 2 he has decided to expand everything he done on that original and ramp up the annoyingly huge amount of talent and brilliance to create an even thicker and more expansive sound and musical tapestry.
The album is packed with 10 huge slices of rock and the album opens with a Seattle sounding “Right”. With obliterating drums, brutal bass and as always sublime guitars this is rock on a 90s tangent but is earworm of the most epic proportions.
“Like a Pastime” was the second single released and once again we have a new approach and sound as it borders on industrial with a recurring riff that will drill deep into your skull until it is rattling around your head for days after.
On “Another Celebration at the End of the World” you have the pounding drums once again and a real top lip snearing punk attitude with WVH’s vocals in total ascendency as is his guitaring as he really lets loose and already this album is shaping up to wipe the floor with the debut and a massive chunk of every rock release in 2023.
The guitars on the opening of “Miles Above Me” shake the speakers before settling into an incredible song that was made for the radio in any of the last four decades. Take me back to MTV’s heyday and I swear this would be on heavy rotation right next to Daddy and the quality of this song would mean this would be very difficult to pick between the two.
The rock is eased back in the opening of “Take a Bow” as once again this could be 80s but very close to the top of the pile electronic giants of that era. The sound is clear, the instruments smooth and the feel very much of yesteryear until the breakdown bursts into an anthemic stadium killer.
We have a real heavy and dark opening on “Optimist” with its regurgitative riffing and drums before it heads to the skies to soar as a crescendo of energy and musical domination. The production on these tracks is outstanding and even though I know it is a fact to think that one person is responsible for every sound, flick and vision behind these songs is unfathomable. I have listened to many guitar maestro albums and shut off as they get lost in their own visions to the point it becomes drivel to my ears but every instrument, every note is layered to perfection here.
On “I’m Alright” we take another detour to what sounds like a drive anthem with the punch of a souped up Mustang and the bite of a Ferrari. Like every other song WVH has written this track is instantly accessible and will appeal to lovers of many different genres and that is the mark of sheer quality.
Time to rock the hell out on “Erase Me”. That riff is hypnotic and the vocals are perfection. This hyperdrive of a song is stunning in its simplicity and its power. The man has studied what makes the guts of a rock song and he has extracted the essence of pure metallic gold.
Things are slowed down again on “Waiting” and again, the simplicity is genius, the clarity is profound. This sounds very folk influenced in its spine. It reminded me of bands like Idlewild, a sound that is taken from their countries history, their nations soul and Wolfgang has nailed that feel perfectly.
The final track once again veers off on a tangent and “Better than You” is jumping back to the 60s with an updated soul. This flirtation with The Beatles will have you either loving or hating the number but either way this is a man who has said I will not be defined, I will not bow to expectations and I will be me.
Mammoth 2 is an eclectic collection of musical cabaret that dips its toes into many different genre ponds and yet it does not sound for one minute like an ego saying I can do anything (Although at this point I probably need to admit…I think he can).
Individually we cannot ever contrive to understand the level of expectations on this mans shoulders but he wears that like a jacket of pride, he says believe what you want, expect what you want but I will achieve on my own merits, with my own talents and how the hell I want and all we can do is nod our heads doff our caps and just bathe in this young mans excellence.
Rock and Metal may not be dying but they were struggling to find the next giants to carry the torch as our elder legends bow out but WVH is not a torch, he is the biggest fucking bonfire you have seen in a very, very long time.
The track listing for Mammoth II is:
Right? Like A Pastime Another Celebration At The End Of The World Miles Above Me Take A Bow Optimist I’m Alright Erase Me Waiting Better Than You
ALBUM REVIEW: Mammoth WVH still missing a collaborative partner on ‘II’ Tony Hicks July 28, 2023, 9:00 pm
Listening to the new record by Mammoth WVH, II, something felt strangely familiar. I went back and found my two-year-old review of his solo debut record. Not much has changed, other than correct a few things that didn’t quite work the first time.
II Mammoth WVH BMG, Aug. 4 6/10
Like the first record, there’s good and bad news: The good news is his still-solo recording career is evolving into sounding a lot like the Foo Fighters, a band a lot of people like. The bad news is that band has made far more mediocre records than great ones.
I’ll cut to the chase: It’s great that Wolfgang Van Halen is capable of playing all the instruments on his records. He’s a proven one-man music machine. But if he really wants greatness, it’s time to find a collaborator; one who sings really well would be even better.
Like his singing, the 10 songs are fine, hovering in the OK to good range. Almost all consist of a hook, new verse, new beginning, new ending, new voice, new something … but it’s a step away from being really good.
An element of why his old band, Van Halen, worked so well was the contrast/hostility/competition between Wolfgang’s father, Edward, and David Lee Roth. They artistically beat the hell out of each other, competing for control of the music. All that pressure produced so many musical diamonds, it’s hard to keep track.
Lennon and McCartney, Page and Plant, Jagger and Richards, and on and on. How good were any of them without the other? Even Elton needed Bernie.
Mammoth WVH already has the name and the talent. And there’s enough on his shoulders. Get into a band, Wolf. You don’t have to do it alone.
The new record doesn’t have the freshness, or the outstanding single (“Distance”), of WVH’s first album. But it starts out well with opener “Right,” a big riffer showing off the range of Van Halen’s talents (his drumming is first rate). There are tempo changes that open up into a solid chorus.
And of course, there’s a fantastic guitar lead that’s fast and clean and right where it needs to be.
I hoped he was just getting warmed up, but it may be the best song on the record.
“Like a Pastime,” is light with a few memorable guitar moments, but nothing out of the ordinary. WVH can sing but just doesn’t have a take-control-of-a-song voice. It would work in a band with other standout songs.
“Another Celebration at the End of the World” is hard rock enough with just enough of a hook, but not much more. The drumming gets relentless just as guitarist Wolf goes off nicely. “Miles Above Me” is more interesting. The production sticks out, the playing is excellent and the hook is almost there. I was frustrated because it’s almost a good piece of guitar rock but just fizzles.
“Take a Bow” is even closer to being a really nice piece of catchy guitar rock. It just doesn’t have that ingredient of a great song that’s sometimes hard to clarify. Four-piece guitar rock (or three, depending on how you count) is, at its best, meant to be played collaboratively. With musicians playing with and off and against each other. By the time “Take a Bow” rolls around, it’s obviously missing either creative blending or friction. Either would work.
“Optimist” and “I’m All Right” are more of the same. They’re competent, professionally played and with a few good moments, but not memorable. There are more scattered moments — a face-melting lead on “I’m Alright,” a solid chorus on “Erase Me,” but by album-ender “Better Than You,” it’s just not clear what he’s trying to do.
Wolfgang Van Hallen has talent and chops. His music could exceed if he would just get a little more help. It can’t be easy finding real success being a third-generation Van Halen musician, and music is an unforgiving family business. Just ask Julian Lennon and Jakob Dylan. Even Van Halen’s groundbreaking maestro of a father couldn’t do it alone.
The songs I’ve heard, I really like. It’s a shame this guy compares him to his father. I feel Wolf is carving his own path. If he were playing the VH catalog, I could see criticism. I think Wolf is progressing as he should, and I’m glad he’s doing his own thing.
Wolfgang Van Halen has experienced a whirlwind few years. With his 2021 “Mammoth WVH” self-titled release, Wolfgang scored a Grammy nomination for his debut single, “Distance,” as well as multiple other No. 1 singles. He also booked national television appearances and played sold-out shows around the globe. So, how does one follow-up such a stellar first release? Wolfgang answers that question with his new, sophomore album. Read on for Audio Ink Radio’s Wolfgang Van Halen and Mammoth WVH, “Mammoth II” track-by-track review.
MAMMOTH WVH, ‘MAMMOTH II’ — TRACK-BY-TRACK REVIEW
“Mammoth II” sets off with “Right?” featuring nostalgic guitars that sound like they could be playing out of a vintage, ’80s amp. Perhaps that’s not far from the truth? Regardless, this song is a straight-ahead rocker with lots of riffing and powerful, grunge-inspired vocals. “Like a Pastime” follows, and it also has that classic rock feel. Moreover, even with its classic feel, “Like a Pastime” is a mellow rock anthem that could fit alongside Alter Bridge or Chevelle on any playlist.
Mammoth WVH’s chart-topping debut single, “Another Celebration at the End of the World,” follows. This song features upbeat riffs and rhythms and a super jam-y feel. As it moves along, the rhythms shift a bit, so the song takes on a more melodic and less rhythmic feel towards the middle. It’s a dynamic approach that keeps the listener engaged. Next up is “Miles Above Me,” which kicks off with one of the strongest riffs on the entire album. This is a hard rock number with pop-oriented vocals. “Whatever you are, you’re miles above me,” Wolfgang Van Halen sings in this heavy-yet-adorable love song.
“Take a Bow” comes right in the middle of the record. It begins with a beautiful, light musical passage and evolves into a heavier, guitar-driven number. This is one of the strongest songs on the set, bringing that “it” quality and a very memorable chorus. Wolfgang actually recorded the song using his father Eddie Van Halen’s vintage amps and gear. Following, the sixth track on the record is “Optimist,” bringing a groovy, rhythmic rock number. “Optmist” has almost a ’90s grunge or post-grunge vibe, with raspy, powerful vocals and swelling chords.
“I’m Alright” is another nostalgic rock number. This song kicks in with hard-hitting, ’80s-flavored guitars and strong, soaring vocals. “I’m getting over you,” Wolfgang exclaims. What a great breakup song. “I’m Alright” bleeds into “Erase Me,” which has an almost pop-punk feel. The guitars and rhythms are fast-paced and upbeat with a punk character, offering a refreshing switch-up in the record.
As the album nears its finish, “Waiting” pulls things back a few notches, as it presents a yearning, soft rock ballad. Wolfgang sings magically about waiting for a loved one over light, sparking guitars. Finally, “Better Than You” closes out the record in top fashion with more heavy riffing and pounding rhythms.
“Mammoth II” is another winner for Wolfgang Van Halen and his Mammoth WVH. If he was intimated at all by the success of his debut album going into the record sessions for the follow-up, the record certainly doesn’t show it. “Mammoth II” is an inventive collection of songs that covers a range of musical sounds and landscapes. It shows that Wolfgang is not only here to stay, he’s also ready to be an influencer in the modern rock movement with Mammoth WVH.
Ink rating: 9/10. Essential songs: “Take a Bow,” “Waiting,” “Another Celebration at the End of the World” and “Like a Pastime.” For fans of: A mix of nostalgic, classic rock with some added hints of anthemic, modern rock. Online: Mammothwvh.com.
Mammoth WVH, ‘Mammoth II’: Album Review Michael Gallucci Published: August 1, 2023
Give Wolfgang Van Halen credit for not following too closely in his dad’s footsteps. The 32-year-old son of late guitar hero Eddie Van Halen forgoes the bottom-thick classic rock of Van Halen (whom Wolfgang played bass for during their final years) for a more radio-polished variety of hard rock that was favored in the first part of the 2000s.
On his second album as Mammoth WVH, Wolfgang Van Halen once again goes the one-man-band route, writing and performing all the songs. Mammoth II doesn’t move far from the basic outline of 2021′s self-titled debut, checking off boxes in the starting-gun riffs, easily digestible lyrics and impassioned vocals categories. There’s not a lot of originality here, but there isn’t much to dislike either. As far as torch-carrying goes, Van Halen does the family name proud.
Give Wolfgang Van Halen credit for not following too closely in his dad’s footsteps. The 32-year-old son of late guitar hero Eddie Van Halen forgoes the bottom-thick classic rock of Van Halen (whom Wolfgang played bass for during their final years) for a more radio-polished variety of hard rock that was favored in the first part of the 2000s.
On his second album as Mammoth WVH, Wolfgang Van Halen once again goes the one-man-band route, writing and performing all the songs. Mammoth II doesn’t move far from the basic outline of 2021′s self-titled debut, checking off boxes in the starting-gun riffs, easily digestible lyrics and impassioned vocals categories. There’s not a lot of originality here, but there isn’t much to dislike either. As far as torch-carrying goes, Van Halen does the family name proud.
Without first-album obligations and anxieties attached to it, Mammoth II has more room to be both looser and more focused than its predecessor. The boxed-in sound that’s inherent in such bedroom projects is now more open, too, giving Van Halen and his songs opportunities to explore some new paths. Returning producer Michael Baskette doesn’t do much other than push some buttons and get out of the way, but then again, this type of music rarely requires meticulous studio finesse.
That’s not to say Van Halen hasn’t thought about all this. There’s a curator’s attention to detail in Mammoth II, from the stuttering drums of the opener “Right?” through the layered harmonies in the closing track, “Better Than You.” Lyrically, subjects are vague — “How much further can you drag me down and make me feel this way?” — but open to enough interpretation to give them the wide appeal required in music like this.
The best songs are the ones that steer away from the few expectations saddling Van Halen in his brief career so far: the whip-snap crack of “Another Celebration at the End of the World,” the near-pop sheen coating “Miles Above Me” and “Take a Bow,” a seven-minute riff builder that includes a guitar solo played on Eddie Van Halen’s old gear. It’s both a tribute and a step forward for the younger Van Halen, a template for the future that doesn’t disregard his past.
Album review: Mammoth WVH — Mammoth II Uber-talented guitarist and frontman Wolfgang Van Halen redefines the notion of ‘big’ on Mammoth WVH’s massive-sounding follow-up album…
Album review: Mammoth WVH — Mammoth II August 1, 2023 Words: Steve Beebee
What’s not in doubt about Wolfgang Van Halen is his copious talent — so much talent that he barely knows what to do with it. He played all the instruments on Mammoth WVH’s 2021 debut, and while he’s stepped back from that this time, the depth of his musical mastery is writ no less large. His dad, the legendary Eddie Van Halen, pretty much revolutionised what people thought could be done with a guitar — a type of perma-grinning, MTV-era Hendrix — and while it’d be unfair to compare Wolfie to his old man (different times, different circumstances), what’s not in doubt is that the Van Halens basically bagged all the talent genes.
These are insanely tight, bodybuilder-sculpted rock songs, and while the mainman dresses each in his six-string wizardry it’s all commendably contained. Another Celebration At The End Of The World and Optimist are full of energy and applied imagination, but at no point do they or any of these 10 tracks become self-indulgent. It’s the production, led by Michael ‘Elvis’ Baskette at Van Halen’s famous 5150 studios, that makes the music sound bigger than a stampeding herd of elephants. The next thing is always slightly bigger than the last very big thing.
Miles Above Me and Erase Me are among the superior songs, and while the immense production cannot help but impress, it also stifles those hooks from hitting any emotional buttons — humanity is surrendered in favour of asteroid-crater impact. There’s no shortage of creativity — most of final track Better Than You sounds like Sgt Pepper-era Beatles transfused with modern heavy rock blood and played through AC/DC’s wall of amps.
Arguably, Mammoth WVH’s music is so big that its best ideas get lost in the echo of its heavy footsteps, but Mammoth II remains, inarguably, a worthy follow-up to that equally muscular debut.
ALBUM REVIEW: Mammoth WVH — Mammoth II Posted on July 31, 2023 by Abstrakt Soul
In October 2020 the world lost a true musical legend when iconic guitar icon Eddie Van Halen passed away, signalling the end of one of the all-time classic American Hard Rock bands. In the aftermath his son Wolfgang Van Halen, himself a touring bass player for his father’s band since the tender age of 15, released his first solo album as Mammoth WVH. The record was in many ways a heartfelt tribute to his father as highlighted on the songs ‘Distance’ and ‘Mr Ed,’ and had been in the works since Wolfgang had started recording in Eddie’s legendary 5150 studio way back in 2015.
Wolfgang proved that the apple never falls far from the tree as he performed all instruments on the debut, while also showing his credentials as a more than credible Hard Rock vocalist. High-profile tours followed as he took to the road supporting the likes of Guns n’ Roses, Metallica and Alter Bridge. Having spent so long working on his debut project, it was always going to be interesting to see where he took Mammoth WVH (named after the original moniker for Van Halen) next.
And the answer provided by Mammoth II (BMG Music) is, well, more of the same really.
Wolfgang has established a sound that he’s clearly comfortable with as he seamlessly blends melodic hard rock with an alternative nineties influence, and for the most part has a great knack for writing one hell of a catchy tune. And for album number two at least, he doesn’t appear to lean too far from his comfort zone, the album opening with a crunching riff on ‘Right’ and a strong vocal delivery. Wolfgang shows virtuoso guitar playing on the solo, which shines again on ‘Take a Bow’ which features a sublime instrumental section and a solo with a section of insane finger tapping that sounds as if it was ripped straight from his father’s hands.
The production and sound of the record is absolutely spot on throughout, and the mix of tremolo guitar picking and a sumptuous rolling bassline blend perfectly on ‘Like A Pastime’. ‘Another Celebration at the End of the World’ has a nice percussive opening with stabbing guitars and proves to be a quality bit of rock, up-tempo and incredibly well executed by the versatile musician. And it’s when Wolfgang flirts with the heavier side within him that for me the album flourishes, none less so than on the excellent ‘Optimist’ which provides the album’s darkest tone.
MAMMOTH WVH — II REVIEW There will be always detractors that don’t like something you do, because of whatever reasons they have, just keep pushing forward, use that as fuel and do your own… by Myglobalmind_Webzine August 1, 2023
1. Right? 2. Like a Pastime 3. Another Celebration at the End of the World 4. Miles Above Me 5. Take a Bow 6. Optimist 7. I’m Alright 8. Erase Me 9. Waiting 10. Better Than You
To this day I don’t understand the internet trolling over Wolfgang Van Halen’s band Mammoth WVH. Look I get the name and the “expectations” somewhat, but to be brutally honest I think is preposterous to be hated on because you didn’t expect him to sound like a Van Halen carbon copy or whatever your pre conceived notions were when he debuted. To be blunt is ridiculous and very disingenuous because Wolfie is a heck of a musician. So no I don’t have a problem with him kicking back at the constant pillage he gets online over his music. If you don’t like it, don’t listen to it. But don’t sit there and deny he’s a terrific musician, he plays all the instruments again on his sophomore release Mammoth II, Recorded at the legendary 5150 studio, and brings his own sound to the table, he is not trying to sound like anybody. Yes, the music is a mix of grungy and alternative but still showcases his terrific guitar work and mature songwriting, and the album is very well produced as expected. Let’s get into it yeah?
The single “Another Celebration at the End of the World” crushes with its killer high pump riff, and mid-break follows with Wolf shredding the fretboard with a sick solo. The chorus here is amped up, the drum work is tight and will make your head bang. A natural banger on the album for sure.
I can feel the similar vibes and rhythms that a well-produced record sounds like having been produced by Michael “Elvis” Baskette who has worked extensively with Alter Bridge through the years. The Song “Miles Above Me” is a fine example of this. Catchy and Melodic, a little commercial, but it displays Wolfie’s evolution from his debut quite well.
The bass work in “Take a Bow” is detailed and the chord progression towards the end of the song is pretty cool. This tune features a nice buildup, a grower for sure. Diggin the keys in “I’m Alright”, very melodic in spots, and the chorus is a good one, high rising and inviting. Another moving number comes via “Erase Me”, with a nice punk groove, Wolf’s vocals are well done here, and the chorus is a high spot on this tune.
I believe “II” is a worthy follow-up to his debut, leaving some of the mountains of expectations behind and giving Wolf a chance to create his own creative path forward. There will be always detractors that don’t like something you do, because of whatever reasons they have, just keep pushing forward, use that as fuel and do your own thing. Good to hear some of that on his sophomore release, perhaps this way will cement actual fans who care bout his music and leave him be. Listen for yourself and be glad someone took a plunge against the mountains of pressure and expectations stepped to the plate and decided to forge his way, doing something he loves instead of sitting down in a comfortable chair.
