WASTELAND: Full of Value| Posted June 03, 2025 What You Need To Know WASTELAND is the eighth studio album from the legendary Christian metalcore band Wolves At The Gate. This album marks a departure from the band's traditional songwriting, embracing an emotive and conceptual style. The album features several interludes and an electronic influence.
What It Sounds Like WASTELAND differs from previous efforts in several ways, such as the presence of electronic elements and interludes between some songs. But there's no denying that the heart of the band's sound, which has been expertly crafted over 15 years, is still there. Steve Cobucci's clean vocals are as emphatic as always, and Nick Detty's screams are more ferocious than ever. The band continues to show why they're a household name in the Christian metal world.
Spiritual Highlights The songwriting on this record takes a different style, as Steve's vision for this one is more conceptual, with a theme that runs through the album rather than just a collection of biblically inspired songs. As such, there are less obvious biblical messages, but that does not mean they are departing from their faith.
Songs like "PARASITE" tackle the concept of an addiction, whether substance or sin, even though, as mentioned, it doesn't take a blatantly biblical approach. However, a song like "MEMENTO MORI" is a much more positive one, with a chorus that echoes God's love, saying, "You could never go too far away/from the hands that hold our sorrows." And even the closing track, a heart-wrenching cry that asks, "How can I live like hell and ask Heaven to come save me?"
Best Song There's no shortage of great songs on WASTELAND. However, the choices are fewer than you might expect, as five of the tracks are interludes, leaving you with only eight songs, half of which were singles. However, the hidden gem here is definitely "MEMENTO MORI."
This song is a perfect example of the blending of styles that the band has crafted over the years. The melodic, softer intro builds up to the emotive chorus that was highlighted earlier. It also features some of the new electronic elements, giving it a strong ambiance. While it may not be as musically heavy, it remains a gripping song both vocally and instrumentally.
Bottom Line WASTELAND isn't a departure of faith for Wolves At The Gate, despite some fans accusing them of straying with the shift in songwriting style. It is rather a declaration that the band is far more creative and talented than previously thought. This album even follows their cover album, Lost In Translation, just two years later. The point is clear: Wolves At The Gate continues to evolve but won't leave their faith behind—and the result is one of their best records yet.