667 ...THE NEIGHBOUR OF THE BEAST

I've followed this bands career almost since it's interception. I was there when they were just a cover band, playing almost exclusively in their home towns. I was there when they did an all Kiss-tribute show at a Kiss Expo in Halden, Norway, long before this debut album was out. And it was a thrill when they finally got around to record something. Heck, I have even somewhat followed the band members individual careers since the 80's. Guess what member was once a part of a band that first called themselves Bathory, but had to change it when they found at that a Swedish dude was also using this name? Well, this might all be a little digression, but it's part of my history with Wig Wam. So even though they started their career playing other bands songs, they are all still quite capable to come up with something of their own. Being brought up on the musical legacy of the hard rock and metal scene of the 70's and 80's, it was only natural their own music should be more than a nod back to that era. "667..." is high octane hard rock 'n' roll, created over the same musical ideas of their idols in Kiss, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Aerosmith etc. It's about having fun! But it's also about writing catchy tunes, and memorable songs. It's about the guitar-hero, but also the over-the-top front man. Wig Wam embodies these elements to the fullest, and even though it started as a tribute and throw-back, I have to say that when this album came out, the band took the step into a more serious mode. This is not a spoof, it's the real deal. These guys can play and sing! The album is filled with party rockers, such as "Crazy Things", "Hard To Be A Rock 'n Roller" (later to become the title for the CD upon it's many re-releases) and "Bless The Night". But we also get more subtle tunes, such as "Out Of Time" and "Tell Me Where To Go". The only track I think is a bit unnecessary here is the cover of ex-Spice Girls' Mel C's "I Turn To You". Ok, so it's fun when the band does it live, but on the album it sticks out like a sore thumb. "667..." is an album that makes me proud have been a part of this bands history. My CD is singed by Flash, Teeny and Glam.

Killer tracks: Crazy Things, Out Of Time, Mine All mine, Bless The Night, No More Living On Lies

Review by Metal Metropolis
www.metal-metropolis.com