Track By Tracks: Bear Mace - Slaves Of The Wolf (2025)

Bear Mace is back with their third studio album, "Slaves Of The Wolf." Guitarist Mark Sugar reveals that this album not only resonates with the spirit of their previous work but also signifies a maturation in their music and craftsmanship. This evolution is credited to a stable lineup over the last five years, enriched by playing alongside legendary bands. Vocalist Chris Scearce adds that the record is a testament to their unity and passion for their genre of music. According to him, the album doesn’t just hit hard; it utterly destroys.

1. Slaves of the Wolf:

The album kicks off powerfully with its title track, painting a grim historical picture of German soldiers lost to the brutalities of war in Stalingrad. Sugar explains that composing this track in a motel room during a tour injected raw, live energy into the music, making it a formidable opener with a dynamic blend of death metal and thrash.

2. Worthless Lives:

"Worthless Lives" delves into the bleak realities of our current dystopian existence. Sugar notes that the musical riffs throwback to the early '90s, yet the lyrics encapsulate a timeless theme of existential dread, making it strikingly relevant.

3. Drown Them In Their Blood:

Here, Bear Mace slows down the tempo but ramps up the intensity. Scearce's lyrics suggest a tactical, merciless approach to warfare. The band chose to pivot this track to a heavier, more crushing style, which complements the album's aggressive narrative well.

4. The Iceman Cometh:

This track is a chilling narrative about Richard Kuklinski, the notorious contract killer. The song is laced with historical references to his murderous methods, while Sugar points out the Slayer-inspired guitar solos that add a sharp edge to the track.

5. Captured & Consumed:

Perhaps one of the most haunting tracks, it recounts the harrowing fate of U.S. pilots during WWII. The addition of vocals by Kam Lee enriches the track’s historical depth and emotional impact, making it a standout piece in the album.

6. Heretics Burn:

Exploring historical religious extremism, "Heretics Burn" is infused with riffs inspired by Texas death metal band Devastation. This track, reflective of the band's earlier compositions, blends aggressive instrumentation with potent lyrics.

7. Prophecy:

Intriguingly based on a cult classic film, "Prophecy" touches on themes of environmental pollution and its monstrous consequences. The track, written by bassist John Porada, showcases robust riff-writing, integrating cinematic storytelling with heavy metal.

8. Cancerous Winds:

With a satirical take on modern superstitions, like the bizarre claim that windmills cause cancer, this track merges humor with criticism. The narrative was inspired during a drive through the Midwest, leading to a spontaneously composed piece by Sugar.

9. Jewel Throne

A cover of Celtic Frost's "Jewel Throne" concludes the album on a high note. This rendition pays homage to the original while infusing Bear Mace's unique style, as emphasized by Scearce and Sugar.

Overall, "Slaves Of The Wolf" is Bear Mace’s most formidable and cohesive album to date. It’s a fierce amalgamation of historical narratives, relentless energy, and musical evolution. For fans of old-school death metal infused with historical themes and powerful storytelling, this album is a must-listen. It's not just a collection of songs, but a profound narrative journey through the past, presented with the brutal clarity of modern metal music. For those who have followed Bear Mace’s journey or are just discovering them, this album also serves as a robust entry point into their discography.

Bear Mace once again proves that they are not just part of the metal scene but are its ferocious beast, ever ready to unleash sonic assaults that are both intellectually stimulating and viscerally powerful. If you’re a fan of bands like Bolt Thrower, Slayer, or Massacre, "Slaves Of The Wolf" should definitely be on your radar.