Re-recording and re-imagining your early albums is nothing new. Many bands feel that bringing a bit of 21st-century polish to a recording from over 35 years ago is a reasonable thing to do. And who can blame them, with the advances in technology giving those classic albums a shine that can really enhance the songs that made them so good in the past? Enter Wolfsbane, the howling mad shitheads from Tamworth.
Wolfsbane earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most entertaining outfits in the late ’80s and, of course, were the vehicle for Blaze Bailey’s journey with Iron Maiden.
With a slew of special dates coming up, now is a great time to reacquaint oneself with their debut album, 1989’s Live Fast, Die Fast: Wicked Tales Of Booze, Birds and Bad Language.
Now re-worked by the original four members, Blaze alongside guitarist Jase Edwards, bassist Jeff Hateley and Steve Danger on drums, Live Faster is a reminder, as if we needed one, that on their day, Wolfsbane can match anyone for sheer energy and enthusiasm.
Whether you are new to the band or reliving those halcyon days of the late 1980s when this band stormed across the UK, Live Faster is a demonstration of the power and creativity that Wolfsbane possess.
Opener Manhunt is a Metal anthem, raucous and pacy, and one that will still get their devoted fanbase bouncing. Blaze’s vocals stray dangerously close to Dave Lee Roth at times, but in a good way that enhances the band’s sleazy side.
Shakin and I Like It Hot could both have featured on a Diamond Dave solo piece but instead sit comfortably within this release.
It is evident that Wolfsbane are happy with the results of this work. “With a huge desire to do justice to the new version whilst respecting the old one, Live Faster is splendidly IN YOUR FACE and everything the band had hoped it would be.
“We are so pleased with the way it has turned out,” says Blaze. 
There are always gems tucked away, and there are a few firm favourites here. Killing Machine has the harder edge that Wolfsbane did not always push, whilst Fell Out Of Heaven benefits from the band’s first lyric video.
“We felt Fell Out Of Heaven was a great choice for the video,” Jase says, “because it has a new bass guitar intro that wasn’t on the original album, and it’s just got a really bouncy heavy vibe.” You can be the judge of it, but for me, it works.
This may be a walk down memory lane with a bit of modern spice, and I am good with that. The band have a series of dates coming up, playing Live Fast Die Fast in full.
“We just can’t wait to get out and play,” Jeff says. “This will be the last chance to see us play Live Fast Die Fast/Live Faster in its entirety. We may be older and less hirsute, but we still rock out like the Bastards we are!”
Catch them at a show soon and remind yourself of the legacy. I will be seeing them up the mountain at the Steelhouse Festival very soon. If you cannot make that, then support slots with The Almighty later in the year, as well as a selection of other dates, are available.
Live Faster is available to stream now via linktr.ee/wolfsbanehms. There is a CD and other merch available from wolfsbaneband.com/webshop. A vinyl version will be released in July to coincide with the Wolverhampton and Wakefield show.
For full details of Wolfsbane on tour, including their November dates with The Almighty, keep an eye on wolfsbaneband.com/live.
