The release of three previous singles has all been leading up to this moment. Encapsulating an eerie, spooky, post-apocalyptic vibe, Wolforna’s brand-new, five-track EP is a heavy rock sensation few can compete with. Why? Get comfy and plug into the sinister yet sublime ‘Tales of the Damned’ and you’ll find out…

Throughout, inspiration from Queens of the Stone Age and Deftones shines through, their own trademark Wolforna stamp firmly emblazoned on top. But on this EP, some exciting, nuanced differences not only set this batch of tracks apart from the rest of their back catalogue, but they show the band’s overwhelming progression. The thunderous might of the guitars here is owed to their producer stepping into a third guitarist’s position. You’ve also got the impeccable, complementing keys of a Rhodes piano, plus the jangling of actual chains, aptly, on ‘Chains’.

Those who’ve stayed up to date with Wolforna’s 2024 offerings so far will know that there’s been some synchronicity but some diversity. The first tune to land was the mysterious, danger-tinged ‘Your Tongue, My Teeth’; a story that traverses a sense of evil in a sultry, seductive fashion. Then, the contrasting infusion of makeshift sitar strings on ‘What’s That In Old Money?’ plunged the lads into radio-ready, playlist fodder through palpable catchiness. And only last month came ‘Chains’, a fierce rock beast if ever I heard one.

The remainder of the EP serves us the delicious duo of ‘Zombie Knife’ and ‘Copium’. The former may sound familiar to the OG Wolforna fans, as it made it into semi-popular setlist rotation last year. But believe me, it’s had one hell of a makeover since. Still a feisty stab at a political dig, it’s one of the paciest offerings. But its fretwork and drums have been tightened, and lead guitarist Adam has given Jack’s lungs a break to almost rap the vocals instead. 

Now we have ‘Copium’, too, previously named ‘The Joker’ (the boys felt that would’ve looked odd against one of their older songs, ‘Harlequin’ — right?). This piece ought to come with a warning, as you’ll hear those chugging riffs thudding around in your head for days to come. Talk about heavy rock at its finest. 

Make no mistake, ‘Tales of the Damned’ isn’t just a collection of five insanely ace tracks; it’s a novelistic journey of enigmatic perils. Music that could soundtrack dark thrillers. It cleverly never overtly states what the ‘damned’ relates to; it’s left palatably open to interpretation. They’ve gone to town to make sure this is their most artistic endeavour in turn, utilising transitions in the freakiest ways. Old-school recordings and media soundbites have been interwoven to their advantage, plus they’ve even created some from scratch for your listening pleasure. No venture is too much or outside this band’s wheelhouse — impressive is an understatement. 

Like what you hear? You and me both. Don’t miss Wolforna back on the gigging circuit this month after a bit of a live hiatus. Their EP launch show is at Headrow House, Leeds, on 1st November. Then they’ll be cutting their Live at Leeds teeth just over two weeks later during their festival debut on 16th November. Enjoy the shows — I know I will.