Wolves At The Gate: “Wasteland” Album Review
For years, Wolves At The Gate has dominated the Christian metal genre. Hailing from Ohio, the five piece metal band released their sixth album, Wasteland in May. This is their first venture into crafting a hard-hitting, immersive concept album, which follows a musical journey through a dystopian society while wrestling with the concept of sin. Ultimately, they find redemption and hope, while in a world filled with pain and suffering.
I had the pleasure of seeing them live at Uprise Festival last year, where they debuted multiple songs off this record. The same energy and hard hitting messages that were felt during that performance were transcribed perfectly onto this album. They have become a mainstay in the Christian metal scene and Wasteland just adds to an already impressive catalogue
Wasteland Album Review
Tracks: 13
Length: 35 minutes
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Label: Solid State Records
The “INT[r]O” sets the dystopian tone of the album, starting with an eerie and unsettling guitar riff, leading right into hard hitting “(The Wasteland) PAIN.” It has the familiar sound of a Wolves at the Gate song, with passionate lyrics crafted by both Nick and Steve pouring themselves into writing this first song. I love the line:
“Why are we shocked by the dark of this age? Hearts made for beauty are poisoned with rage…Against our Maker, we’re poisoned with rage.”
This song shines a mirror on the state of our current society. We have drifted away from God and His true purpose. This theme weaves throughout the entire album, the idea that living without God, living in sin, is comparable to living in a wasteland. The album continues with “Parasite", a heavy guitar and dynamic vocal driven track. Just like “(The Wasteland) PAIN,” the well crafted lyrics drive home the grim wasteland/sin comparison.
When I heard the song “Synthetic Sun” for the first time, I almost thought it was a Linkin Park song. From the drum-heavy intro to the grungy guitar riffs, this is sure to get the crowd moving in live concerts! There were times when I was impressed with the quick-fire pacing of Nick’s screams to match Steve’s melody, which seemed to draw comparisons to Chester and Mike of Linkin Park.
To keep the listener immersed in their dystopian world, Wolves At The Gate uses interludes to connect songs. “Wandering,” “Withering,” “Wasting,” and "Wanting” are instrumentals filled with dystopian synths, reminiscent of an end-of-the-world sci-fi movie. Along with these electronic samples, spoken word portions help push the storyline through from song to song.
Progressing through Wasteland, “Law of the (Waste) Land” will definitely get the pit moving in their live shows. Whether you like old fashioned moshing or getting in a little two-step hardcore dancing, the dynamic riffs and double bass would suit either fancy. “Smoke (False Devils)” and “Death Clock” are fast paced songs that showcase the musical and lyrical talent that WATG offers. The driven basslines and melodic riffs will be sure to have you headbanging along. These songs translate very well from a recorded album to live concerts. Aside from the musical talent, the lyrics that Steve writes makes you ponder and question what you’re doing with your life.
Moving towards the end of the album, the constant message leading up to this point is how can there be any hope in this wasteland? Where is the good amongst the destruction? We are self-destructive and in need of something to believe in. “Wasting” brings the transition in the theming with the spoken word, “another voice sings a chorus of hope.” This leads into “Memento Mori,” which is a passionate plea for the gospel.
“You could never go too far away from the hands that hold our sorrows. You feel the walls closing in, but you are not alone.”
Every time I’ve seen WATG live, Steve has always given a passionate plea for people to turn to the gospel and devoting their lives to Jesus Christ. This is the mission and vision of WATG, to see people come to know Christ and have Him change everything about their life. The album ends with “Unrest.” From the opening scream to Steve’s smooth voice, this song starts out aggressively to smoothing out, as if the listener was caught in the struggle between leaving and going back to the wasteland. I love the lines in this song about the hope that we find in Christ:
“Come out of the wasteland. I’ll take you by my hand. I know your heart is pressed. So come to me and find your rest.”
We’re not perfect. We still struggle. But, God knows this and He is there for us. In the moments when we struggle, those are moments we need to reach out to God and ask for help.
Overall, Wasteland is one of the best records of the year. Wolves at the Gate is unapologetically passionate about what they believe in. They’re not pushy, but they certainly want you to know that they believe in God, while offering that hope to others. In this album, Steve and Nick prove why they are incredible writers. Each song packs a punch, encouraging us to examine ourselves and our willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to come in and change our lives.
If you get a chance this fall, they’re setting out on tour with Emery for select dates, so catch them on the road. Be sure to take the time to listen to this album, because every single second is worth listening to! It’s got everything, from distorted riffs that make you want to move, to grooves that will get you bouncing. They took a risk with a concept album and it paid off perfectly! I would give this album 5 out of 5 stars. Great lyrics, great music, great concept. Loved every single minute of it!
