The best song, by far, on Deadlock's 2005 album, Earth. Revolt, was “Awakened by Sirens,” mainly due to the powerful female vocals of Sabine Weniger intertwined with the death metal growls of Johannes Prem. Thankfully, after six years of collaboration, Sabine became a full-time member of the band in 2006, esclating these Germans to a level where few can touch them on Wolves.

It's evident from the first line of “We Shall All Bleed,” when Prem barks, “Come on motherfuckers!” that Deadlock is serious business on this album. The music is melodic death metal in the vein of In Flames or Dark Tranquillity, incorporating dazzling keyboards and impressive guitar work. Weniger's vocals are not the angelic or ethereal style becoming so popular recently in metal, but more of an alternative rock style, working magnificently. Songs are fast but dynamic at the same time. “Loser's Ballet” features orchestration that sounds like a dark opera before giving way to a vicious Slayer “Reign in Blood”-type riff. “Code of Honor” or “Dark Cell” would have fit in on In Flames' Clayman release. Most songs follow the same basic formula, but the material is so exciting that it doesn't matter. There's so much going on, it's almost like you're playing a badass video game. Weniger lends a melodic vocal part, followed by various samples and cool keyboard effects before songs explode into melodic death metal romps. And don't miss the techno-beat breakdown mid-way through “End Begins,” another standout here with it's pulverizing, almost nu-metal-like riff. Techno? Nu-metal, you say? Yeah, but it works and only adds to the overall heaviness of Wolves, believe it or not. Wolves is not lacking aggression. Deadlock could easily tour and hang with the best extreme metal has to offer. And let's not forget the awesome guitar work of Sebastian Reichi and Gert Rymen. There's so much packed into this album, it almost makes you wonder what the hell they'll have left to do on their next offering. The only song somewhat out of place here is the closing ballad “To Where the Skies Are Blue.” Though not a metal song by any means, it allows Weniger to show off her solo singing skills. It's actually a unique way to close such a heavy monster of an album.

If you were familiar with Deadlock before, then you will no doubt be knocked on your ass with the massive musical strides they've taken on Wolves. And if you haven't yet heard this band, don't hesitate to pick this fucker up. It's one of the best extreme metal releases of 2007.