Ozzy might have said there won’t be another Sabbath album, but there’s no need to despair. There’s no shortage of good stoner bands in the world right now, all worshipping at the altar of Osbourne, Iommi, and co. California quartet Blackwülf are firmly and unashamedly one of those bands ensconced in Black Sabbath worship. Sophomore album Oblivion Cycle (Ripple) continues in the same vein as the self-released Mind Traveler début but is definitely in an improvement without steering away from their core sound.

From the opening notes ‘Colossus’, it’s hard not to hear the Ozzy-isms in frontman Alex Cunningham’s wail, while Pete Holmes’ guitar work comes straight out of the Iommi riff-book. They might not win any originality awards, but it’s no bad thing; we all like a good bit of retro nostalgia and these guys know how to craft some addictively simple and enjoyable music.

Sometimes the band does show some other influences. The aggressive bit of ‘Acid Reign’ brings to mind Mike Dean-fronted Corrosion of Conformity, ‘The Locust’ is pure lesson from the Orange Goblin school of groove, while ‘Faith Healer’ has more than the few shades of Kyuss about it. ‘Wings of Steel’ is more straight ahead 80s metal, while ‘Memories’ shows a bit a class with some epic doom and demonstrates Cunningham’s real vocal quality. There are plenty of swampy riffs and widdling solos on offer, and it’s hard not to nod your head and enjoy, however, the songs are rarely better than ok and there’s little that sticks with you after the fact.

Much like fellow Californians Orchid, Blackwülf don’t shy away from their love of all things Sabbath. They do, however, mix things up a bit and draw in influences from somewhere other than the first five albums. The shades of Kyuss and Orange Goblin ensure there’s plenty of variety on the theme.

Plenty of riffs and groove, but ultimately little on essential listening. Better than their début and wouldn’t make a bad stocking filler.

6.0/10

DAN SWINHOE

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