Review MAMMOTH “The End”

Having a big name might help someone at the start of their career, but ultimately, it is the music that determines the future. In this case, the big name is Van Halen, and it is Eddie Van Halen’s son, Wolfgang, who started his own band, Mammoth, a few years ago.

Mammoth is Wolfgang Van Halen’s solo project, and it was the 2021 album “Mammoth WVH” that generated initial interest, particularly in North America. What helped Wolfgang Van Halen gain a foothold in Europe was touring with Alter Bridge in 2022 as the opening act. In late 2022, his second album, “Mammoth II” was critically acclaimed and well-received by rock music fans.

Almost two years after his first live show in Europe, Mammoth is launching its third album, entitled “The End”. Two singles have already been unveiled, starting with the title track. The song was released alongside a stunning video. With its iconic bass parts, the song is a great ambassador for the album. It features a frantic beat, shredding guitar and well-crafted vocal melodies from start to finish. “The End” showcases Van Halen’s talent for songwriting and their ability to create great songs. “The End” as a beginning.

‘The Spell’ is another song that has been released as a single. It is a contemporary rock composition that also demonstrates Mammoth’s emergence as a formidable entity within the realm of alternative rock. Touring with bands like Alter Bridge and Creed seems to have had an impact on Van Halen’s music, meaning that Mammoth’s sound is rather different to that of his father’s iconic band.

Developing his own musical identity and utilising his great talent has made the multi-instrumentalist a respected musician who is constantly expanding his fanbase.

“The End” is a very versatile album, opening with the darker “One of a Kind”. Its hypnotic nature draws you into the album. It is a powerful opener with a memorable chorus and modern appeal. Van Halen plays all the instruments and takes over the vocals on “The End” which showcases his talent, and songs like the pulsating “Same Old Song”, a rather fresh and dynamic track on the album, demonstrate this too.

If you think “Happy” is a light-hearted song, the first chords will prove you wrong. The track is a heavy rock song that sounds more like grunge than a celebration of colourful days, which illustrates the varied approach to music. It takes a while for “Better Off” to unfold its charm. There are some twists that might not be fully appreciated on first listening, while the pounding beat is another hypnotising factor. The latter is also part of “Something New” — the next ear-pleaser for fans of well-crafted rock music. With the punky “Selfish” and the melody-driven “All in Good Times”, the album provides a great finale, adding to the versatile flow of “The End”.

Mammoth’s third album is their most mature release to date. Showcasing Van Halen’s talent, it provides ten thrilling rock songs that offer much more than just a catchy melody. Van Halen has given each of the ten tracks its own identity and feel. Covering all bases in the alternative rock genre, the album is entertaining from start to finish. Well done, Wolfgang Van Halen.