Fortune Sound Club - July 12, 2012
With a furious “Yeaaaah” hollered by Speedwolf’s frontman the tone was set early. The rest of the band launched into an eponymous anthem that encouraged all to “speed with the wolf into the night.” To the delight of the couple hundred present, the band raced further into a Motörhead worship, punk-backed territory with little respite until the final notes. The highlight was the absolute joy exuded by band members as they blazed through the set. Be it the smiles flashed on stage or the brief banter indicating genuine surprise at the crowd’s enthusiasm and numbers. The band seemed to have as much fun as those in attendance. Though the influences drawn on are clear that doesn’t take away from the performance or music in the least. The energy that radiated from the stage was incredible. Colorado's Speedwolf was on the prowl and attacked at every opportunity.
Even if the headliner dominated the evening, the other acts should not be overlooked. Chapel had the role of main support and it was obvious that many were there to see them. This long-running Vancouver band shredded through D-beat/Motörhead influenced metal that was, intense, blackened and well executed.
Engine Beast pounded out solid throwback '80s thrash metal that would have benefitted from a slightly shorter set while newcomer Angry showed promise as the band kicked off the night with a set of heavy, off-time metallic rock.
A solid night all around and with any luck, Speedwolf will be making a quick return to Vancouver; likely, by the crowd’s response, they will be overwhelmingly welcomed back.
By Stephen Fallis
