Influences are discussed in Chapter 3 of the Age Of Wolves Lockdown 20/21 documentary. The band members each having their own background and taste in music, come together with that history and try to create their own fresh sound. The range of styles vary from heavy metal to classic rock and pop music which results in a pleasurable experience for both the listener and the group. The video also showcases the song “Avernus” which was filmed during their October 2020 live performance at The Back Stage in Windsor, Ontario.
“Avernus” was the first song the Pack wrote. Its seeds were planted during that initial gathering in the Den on October 6, 2019. Once the introductions and pleasantries were taken care of that day, the next order of action was to come to a consensus over which tuning the band would use for their guitars. Immediately following that decision, Al suggested that this band should try to write new music from a much broader perspective. In unanimous agreement, a conscious effort would be made to explore ALL things ‘heavy’. Somewhat to the Pack’s surprise, ‘Avernus’ was born.
A Motown-driven beat interwoven with half-tempo, melodic verses. This song would serve as a perfect example of the thought process for this new band. To think and write outside the box, and draw on the many influences of the veteran musicians within. Certainly not a song most people would expect…but definitely a song which represents the creative spirit of the band. It serves as the ground work for every song that followed afterwards.
Regarding “Avernus”, vocalist/frontman Mike Edwards had this to say:
‘Avernus’ lyrically, is about something more than just choice riffs with a DIO-esque window dressing. Its about the consequences of a life spent blaming anyone or everyone else for your poor behaviour. Motherfuckers like that eventually pay… one way or another… those lives become a hell of its own.”
Check out Lockdown 20/21 Chapter 3 below or click HERE
ICYMI, check out Lockdown 20/21 Chapter 1 HERE and Chapter 2 HERE
About Age Of Wolves:
Growing up across the river from Motown/Detroit Rock City, and living in the afterglow of the home of the Big 8 CKLW,
Windsor, Ontario has a solid rock and roll history that cannot be denied. A person can’t help but be influenced by the cultural and musical diversity of the area, and surrounding Rust Belt region. The 4 members of Age Of Wolves are a direct byproduct of this. Being veteran musicians who’ve recorded and performed throughout the area and beyond, the original intention was to create a band as diverse as the individuals’ own influences. Drawing from the likes of Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, MC5, Motörhead, Soundgarden, Clutch and ALL styles and flavours in between, the original vision of the band was to encompass and infuse as many of the different styles of ‘heavy’…as tastefully possible.
To sound like every band you’ve ever heard, but not one in particular was the goal. This mission was definitely accomplished with the first 8 songs, before the world changed…
Isolation in what would later become known as the Wolf Den, is where Age Of Wolves began. Ironically, the band will now have to be unveiled in the midst of isolation from a global pandemic.
The Pack Formation
Times have vastly changed since mid September of 2019, when vocalist Michael Edwards (formerly of LoDown), drummer Dwayne Laframboise (formerly of My Terminal Ritual), and bassist Ray Solomon (formerly of My Terminal Ritual) parted ways with their previous bands to pursue something that was more dedicated to their own vision.
In those first couple weeks, through word of mouth, they would garner the attention of a handful of local guitar players, but it wasn’t until AL Yeti Bones (Gypsy Chief Goliath, The Mighty Nimbus, Georgian Skull) entered the room in early October, that things started to take form. Originally only slated as a 3 song demo, the chemistry in the room was instantaneous as The Pack formed, and quickly took shape. So much so, that recording equipment was installed to avoid ‘riff-loss’. As a result, hours of music was sifted through to form the first few songs.
The Pack quickly realized the 3 song demo would have to be more than just that. With a plan to record a 6 song E.P. in early March 2020, everything would be put on hold due to the Covid 19 crisis. Fortunately…the first 4 songs were demo’d in the Wolf Den back during the Christmas holidays, and when things had eased up, the band wrote 4 more, to establish the band, and an album.
Plans began to morph into something incredibly busy during the midst of a pandemic. Age Of Wolves began production on a documentary, and even a live performance. However, time will tell as the world adjusts to a new reality, a new normal as they say, but one thing is for sure, the documentary has captured a fragment in our lives that we will forever remember.
Each week, we will be releasing a new chapter of the documentary exclusively, and we hope you all enjoy. Much more Age Of Wolves to come.
