Wig Wamania – Hair Metal Mayhem [uk]
5 / 5 - Norwegian kings of glam Wig Wam are back with a vengeance. Their new album, 'Wig Wamania', debuted at ..10 on the Norwegian charts, and with good reason! I first discovered Wig Wam while watching, of all things, the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest. They represented Norway and finished 9th - an outrage in my opinion that they didn't finish higher - however a massive effort considering the nature of the Eurovision Song Contest and the audience it attracts. Their song from said contest, 'In My Dreams', achieved great success in Europe, however the accompanying album (Hard To Be A Rock N Roller) left a bit to be desired. The potential was there, but clearly hadn't been realised.
That brings us to 2006, and sees the release of their sophomore effort, 'Wig Wamania'. To say the least, they put a massive snake skin boot right into the arse of the 'difficult second album' theory. At first listen, this album has all the makings of an absolute glam rock classic. Whether that can be achieved in today's rap and MTV driven music world is another thing. But for the informed members of the hard rock community throughout the globe, this should strike a chord.
The album kicks off in great fashion with 'Rock My Ride'. The similarities to their big Eurovision hit are evident, and you may get the feeling that you're in for much of the same. Wrong. 'Slave To Your Love' comes next, and it becomes obvious that Wig Wam have hit their straps as far as the production of glam rock goes. This is backed up by the first single from the album, 'Gonna Get You Someday', which is probably the most traditional sounding glam rock song I have heard since the late 80's. 'Daredevil Heat', 'A RnR Girl Like You', 'Can't Get Her Out Of My Bed' are all more than enough to keep the most avid glam fan happy, but it's not all upbeat rock songs. What would every classic glam rock album be if it wasn't sprinkled with a cheesy ballad or two? 'Bygone Zone' and 'At The End Of The Day' have all the right hooks and melodies to make the ladies cry, and the men wave their lighters in the air.
When talking about this album, I can't leave out a single song. Notable mention goes to the tongue in cheek track, which seems very Twisted Sister inspired, 'Breaking All The Rules'. And if the anthemic 'Kill My Rock n Roll' doesn't get you throwing a fist or two in the air, then it's probably time to check your pulse. If thats not enough for you, and you think its all fun and games with these guys, they've even thrown in 'The Riddle', which is a rollicking instrumental track, and one can't help but think it belongs on a David Lee Roth era Van Halen record.
Wig Wamania takes so many influences on board, but to give you an idea, if you put the members of Van Halen, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister and Warrant all in a room at their peak and asked them to write an album, then this would be it.
Hey, glam rock isn't for everyone. This album is cheesy, probably riddled with stolen ideas, and doesn't bring to us anything we're unfamiliar with. But if you want a good, fun album that packs a punch and gets you singing along with infectious vocal lines, then get your hands on this album as soon as you can.
I for one love the record. Take it as it is, and you won't be disappointed.
Reviewed by: Sheppo - Hair Metal Mayhem
That brings us to 2006, and sees the release of their sophomore effort, 'Wig Wamania'. To say the least, they put a massive snake skin boot right into the arse of the 'difficult second album' theory. At first listen, this album has all the makings of an absolute glam rock classic. Whether that can be achieved in today's rap and MTV driven music world is another thing. But for the informed members of the hard rock community throughout the globe, this should strike a chord.
The album kicks off in great fashion with 'Rock My Ride'. The similarities to their big Eurovision hit are evident, and you may get the feeling that you're in for much of the same. Wrong. 'Slave To Your Love' comes next, and it becomes obvious that Wig Wam have hit their straps as far as the production of glam rock goes. This is backed up by the first single from the album, 'Gonna Get You Someday', which is probably the most traditional sounding glam rock song I have heard since the late 80's. 'Daredevil Heat', 'A RnR Girl Like You', 'Can't Get Her Out Of My Bed' are all more than enough to keep the most avid glam fan happy, but it's not all upbeat rock songs. What would every classic glam rock album be if it wasn't sprinkled with a cheesy ballad or two? 'Bygone Zone' and 'At The End Of The Day' have all the right hooks and melodies to make the ladies cry, and the men wave their lighters in the air.
When talking about this album, I can't leave out a single song. Notable mention goes to the tongue in cheek track, which seems very Twisted Sister inspired, 'Breaking All The Rules'. And if the anthemic 'Kill My Rock n Roll' doesn't get you throwing a fist or two in the air, then it's probably time to check your pulse. If thats not enough for you, and you think its all fun and games with these guys, they've even thrown in 'The Riddle', which is a rollicking instrumental track, and one can't help but think it belongs on a David Lee Roth era Van Halen record.
Wig Wamania takes so many influences on board, but to give you an idea, if you put the members of Van Halen, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister and Warrant all in a room at their peak and asked them to write an album, then this would be it.
Hey, glam rock isn't for everyone. This album is cheesy, probably riddled with stolen ideas, and doesn't bring to us anything we're unfamiliar with. But if you want a good, fun album that packs a punch and gets you singing along with infectious vocal lines, then get your hands on this album as soon as you can.
I for one love the record. Take it as it is, and you won't be disappointed.
Reviewed by: Sheppo - Hair Metal Mayhem
