Released: 2007, Lifeforce Records 

Death metal, 80s rock melodies, gothic vocals, techno and an orchestra - a recipe for chaos?  Not in the hands of German six-piece Deadlock and especially not on 2007‘s Wolves.



Their third album is an underrated scorcher, switching from brutality to melody with unerring ease.  Even the Euro-dance, which splits the album’s mid-track 'End Begins', doesn’t seem too divergent.  In fact, the variety of its 11 tracks makes it one of those rare albums that holds the attention enough to listen to in full every time.



The LP’s most memorable moments come when female vocalist Sabine Weniger extends herself.  Emotive, clean vocals cut through the visceral death metal growls to stunning effect on 'Code of Honour', 'Crown of Creation' and 'Dark Cell'.  And the album concludes with the beautiful 'To Where The Skies Are Blue' - just her soaring voice and a piano.  Think Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil with a hint of tearfulness. 

The metal never disappoints either, with Sebastian Reichl’s lead guitar solos blistering on 'Bloodpact' and 'Crown of Creation' in particular.  Listen out also for the stirring 80s-style interlude 'Praeludium II'.



The band were on tour with metalcore band-of-the-moment All That Remains this year.  Lord knows what the crowd made of them.  In reality their latest album, Manifesto, probably takes the mish-mash of styles a bit far - they’ve got a saxophone and rapper involved.



But if they play tunes from Wolves they are bound to win some new fans.