Upon first glance Germany’s Deadlock might seem to be one of the many estrogen infused metal bands that are springing up all over the place as of late. What sets this band apart from all of the new double x chromosomers out there is that the technique and delivery of their feminine weapon, Sabine, is used correctly. Sabine has a very natural voice that is akin to Sharon den Adel. She doesn’t sing operatically nor does she scream and shout. Sabine sings high and powerful in a rich clean tone. During previous engagements with Deadlock she was a “guest musician” but has apparently joined full time for Wolves. That right there shows that this band has its foundation planted firmly in something much for stable than a simple gimmick and that foundation is heavily inspired technical melodic death metal. Male vocalist Johanne carries a brutal tone similar to Johan Liva, former Arch Enemy singer. He’s angry and has a low deep growl that comes from the gut. Both singers enjoy plenty of air time but each do get extended sections in certain songs. During the opener We All Shall Bleed it’s full on death growls for the majority of the lyrics. Loser’s Ballet is another Johanne exclusive but since she isn’t singing Sabine decides to stretch her keyboard skills to make up for it. You know, I really enjoy the electronic effects and spacey sounds that the rest of the album has in spades, but these orchestral passages sound like a poor man’s Nightmare Before Christmas session rather than being grand and epic.

Enough with the vocals how does the heart of the band sound? With yet another distinguishing feature, Deadlock not only employ some traditional twin lead melodies, they have full on guitar solos in many of their songs. Code Of Honor is one of the better examples because of its extended solo section that Jesper Stromblad circa 1998 would be proud of. Where bands like Within Temptation and Lacuna Coil prosper with relatively simplistic music that use the voice of Sharon or Cristina as the spotlight and the main carrier of hooks, Deadlock are quite capable of releasing memorable riffs and recallable guitar melodies.

Wolves is a long way from being without imperfections. I mentioned the wimpy orchestral keyboards and I’ll emphasize it here again, these are not a strong point of the bands sound. I have given the dude vocals some credit and I stand by my statement that Johanne is similar to a rougher Johan Liva. Like Liva this Johanne tends to blend into the webwork of the songs after repeated plays. Dark Cell is a terrific track but is impeded by the verse vocal melodies which seem to force their way into the song and plow through hard and thoughtlessly. Some variety in the future and more emphasis on male vocal melodies should be taken into thought. Despite these shortcomings Wolves is still an album that has surprised me with how fun it is to listen to. I was just starting up rants with my friends about how all these half assed chick bands are coming out of nowhere. I hope they don’t fall into the wayside like all the rest of them because Deadlock are actually worthy of a record deal and your time.