Album Review: Mammoth II
via Mammoth WVH / Youtube
Wolfgang Van Halen deserves credit for carving his own path rather than closely following his father’s footsteps. The late guitar icon Eddie Van Halen’s 32-year-old son departs from the Van Halen classic rock sound, where he played bass in the band’s last years. Instead, Wolfgang opts for a more polished form of hard rock that was popular in the early 2000s.
By composing and playing every song on his second album as Mammoth WVH, Wolfgang once more assumes the position of a one-man band. With its spirited riffs, readily understood lyrics, and impassioned vocals, Mammoth II adheres to the model set out in his debut album from 2021. The record doesn’t have much uniqueness, but it also stays away from anything offensive. With pride, Wolfgang continues the family tradition.
Uninhibited Creativity in the Album
Mammoth II enables Wolfgang to be more at ease and concentrated than before because it is not bound by any commitments or worries associated with his previous album. Wolfgang now has greater leeway to experiment with many musical directions because to the open sound that commonly characterizes solo ventures. Considering that this genre of music doesn’t need lengthy studio reworking, producer Michael Baskette’s contribution is modest.
However, it’s clear that Wolfgang paid attention to the details in Mammoth II, from the engaging drums in the opening track “Right?” to the layered harmonies in the closing song “Better Than You.” The lyrics are somewhat abstract, allowing for broad interpretation, which fits well with this genre of music.
Notable Tracks from Mammoth WVH
The standout tracks are the ones that deviate from the expectations imposed on Wolfgang early in his career. These include the snappy and lively “Another Celebration at the End of the World,” the almost-pop vibes of “Miles Above Me,” and the seven-minute riff-driven “Take a Bow,” which features a guitar solo played on Eddie’s old equipment. This track serves as both a tribute to his father and a step forward for Wolfgang, setting a template for his future while still honoring his past.
Check out his latest official music video below.
