Wolves At The Gate is a Christian-based, post-hardcore band out of Columbus, Ohio. Since 2008, the band has built a reputation on a foundation of lyrical authenticity and sonic evolution. Their growth is evident: from their unrelentless commitment to music in their early days to being signed to a major label--Solid State Records--to now producing their own mixes. The five-piece band has been an amazing supporting act for big-name rock bands, such as August Burns Red, Memphis May Fire, and RED to name a few. Wolves At the Gate have also headlined several of their own tours.
It's no secret that Wolves At The Gate has become a staple name in the Christian-based rock and metal scenes. Clean singer Steve Cobucci's vocals and unmatched lyric writing have been a foundation since the band's formation. Bass guitarist Ben Summers has also been a driving force since the band's early days.
When unclean vocalist Nick Detty joined the group, the heaviness in their music was accentuated by his ferocious screams. The band's two newest members--Abishai Collingsworth on drums and Joey Alarcon on lead guitar--form the most cohesive line-up the band has had so far.
Wolves At The Gate has released five studio albums, one independent record, and four EPs. Their EPs are beautiful acoustic remasters of their songs. The band excels at stripping back the heavy and focusing on the tender side of their music, too. With the recent release of Eulogies, their fifth and possibly best album yet, I want to highlight some of the best songs from their albums so far. Don't forget to add them to your playlist.
"Weight of Glory" (Eulogies)
"Weight of Glory," an explosive song from Wolves At The Gate's latest record, Eulogies, carries a weight of lyrical depth. In it, the band explores the difficulty of living out our days on a cursed earth. But with the hope that we will rise above when our calling to heaven comes. I particularly love the "live" studio version below.
"Drifter" (Eclipse)
The band's fifth album, Eclipse, is a deeper dive into the band's melodic side of their post-hardcore and metalcore styles. Some of the band's most polished and cleanly mixed songs can be found on this record. One of the songs that prove this is "Drifter." The anthemic chorus is quick to get stuck in your head, yet the meaning is deeply personal to the band, especially Nick. The song is about Nick's struggles with his faith and battle with doubts. He explained in a livestream once that when he listens to this song, it reminds him of dark times and encourages him to press on. I hope this song can do the same for you.
"War in the Time of Peace" (Types & Shadows)
Types & Shadowsis probably the band's most polarizing record, simply because it has one of the most distinct soundscapes across their albums so far. With the extra string elements and unique guitar arrangements, the album feels both refreshing and familiar. And the songwriting is as superb as always. In "War in the Time of Peace," Steve writes from the perspective of a soldier in the time of peace who longs for war. He disobeys orders and rushes onto the battlefield, where he falls into a trap. But his captain rescues him, despite his actions. The song is a beautifully written concept and allegory for our faith journeys.
"The Father's Bargain" (VxV)
From VxV, the most elegant depiction of the Gospel in modern Christian metal is given to us in "The Father's Bargain." This six-minute-long musical journey takes the first-person perspective of God, the Father speaking to Jesus. This conversation, in the form of melodic heavy music, explores the possible conversation points and perspectives that God could have had regarding mankind's sinful nature and what must be done about it. Steve himself has said that this song is possibly his favorite because it paints the Gospel so clearly--and this is true. This song is one of the band's signature songs.
"Slaves" (Captors)
The band's breakthrough album, Captors, is their most hardcore-influenced record. From the barnstormer of an opening track, "The Harvest," to the emotive closer, "Man of Sorrow," the record is full of highs and lows. One of the band's earliest showcases of unique storytelling elements is in the lyrics of "Slaves." The song gives a gut-wrenching look at someone lost and hopeless, running from Christ. As the song progresses and grows heavier, it matches the more somber lyrics developing in the story. It ends with a proclamation of freedom.
"Oh, The Depths" (We Are The Ones)
The early days of Wolves At The Gate prove that throughout it all, they have always been focused on their goal of making Jesus famous and helping people in their struggles. From the album, We Are The Ones, we see Steve's gift of songwriting has always been the band's foundation. An exemplary track is "Oh, The Depths." The chorus is a soaring proclamation of the Gospel amid introspective verses. It's songs like these that help us reflect on the goodness of God's love.
"Lowborn" (Single)
I love it when Wolves At The Gate release Christmas-themed songs. Not many metal bands would contribute to holiday-themed music, but this band has done so several times over. These contributions started with "The King" in 2012, followed by the "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" cover on the compilation album, Midnight Clear. Their 2021 Christmas song, "Lowborn," is perhaps the best of the three. It focuses on the humility that Jesus showed by coming to earth as one of us. It's truly a highlight in their discography.
Ryan Adams lives with his family in Montana. He has been NRT's Rock Reporter since 2019.
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