Terra Firma

I have been listening to Wolfstone since the two albums before Unleashed, and I have seen their shows since 1999 in both Scotland and the States. I appreciate the band trying to go in a different direction, and I absolutely respect that effort, but for goodness sakes lads, you are pinning the needles on almost every song on this album, and the result is so much MUD instead of clear sound. A good example is the final two-song combination of "3AM in Edradour" and "The List:" It starts off wonderfully, with fantastic piping, and it builds in intensity throughout. But by the end of 'The List' (about 35 seconds before the end, when the guitars kick in), the music is all crammed together into just so much compacted noise.... I swear I can see the needles maxed out and suffering from over-stress. That said, I like the album overall. "These are the Days", "3am in Edradour", and "Paella Grande" stand out, but all songs are good. What piping there is here, is excellent. There are songs on here that Ivan Drever could not make work, and I think that shows the direction of the band. I would suggest remixing this potentially good album, and let the listeners themselves turn it up to 11, instead of the mixers. Bottom line Wolfstone -- go where you want, explore where you have to, but watch the mixing. (I saw you at Edincourt in 1999 to an audience of about a million people; and also, among other times, in Cleveland in 2005 to an audience of about 25 (you deserved better).)

Now I dont mean that last statement as an insult. All of their work before hand was just awesome and impactful. You just cant forget them. But just, wow! Duncan Chisholm and Stuart Eaglesham are true musical geniuses. No one could have predicted a great album like this one. It is their most vocal album to date in my opinion, in a good way. And the new singer Ross Hamilton was a good decision, especially with the sound of this album. Sad though that he had to leave the band so soon. I would have loved to hear him on other Wolfstone releases. But he never mad e the band to begin with, Duncan and Stuart did, and still do. Anyways, I loved this release. It is awesome. I even made a copy for my mom and she loved it, and she is 56 years old. But then again she raised me to love good music, so I am not surprised. Awesome job boys! You started out rocking when you started making music, you continued to rock , and now your rocking a new. Keeping rocking and keep making some of the greatest music in the world.

I've been a fan for while now and agree that they have strayed from their traditional style and are sounding like some other rock bands. Trying to find your niche isn't easy in this industry.... but I kinda like it. It's updated and interesting. It's not "Seven" but I still like it. Nice work guys!

I've been a fan since the first time I heard YEAR OF THE DOG. I've soaked up every single song I can find by this band and love it all. That being said, when Ivan Drever left the band, they really lost something. SEVEN and ALMOST AN ISLAND were good albums but there was no spark. With TERRA FIRMA the spark is back. This lineup kicks!!! I'm so glad to FEEL their music again, as well as hear it.

Are they trying to get on "American Idol"? Their new singer, Ross Hamilton, is 100% dreadful (for this style of music) and a horrible addition to what I consider to be one of my favorite bands. I'm all for bands trying to break into new territory, but not when they start sounding like everyone else. Bad choice, guys. Bring back Ivan Drever and Stuart as the lead vocalists and fire this new guy as quickly as possible. The instrumentation, on the other hand, sounds passable, though they have continued to progress away from their Celtic roots to sound more "hip" and radio friendly.

I love these guys. My husband and I have been fans for years and watched them go through alot of changes. They are some of the best musicians I have ever seen. They have put Celtic Rock on the map. With the addition of their new lead singer they have some fresh energy and new ideas. I wish them continued sucess. Everyone should give them a listen. They are new and different and fun. The combined rock music with traditional celtic sounds is very refreshing. Way to go boys!!

I have followed Wolfstone for years and enjoyed as they have branched out in new directions. This collection takes some from the traditional celtic music that they come from and adds new, up to date music for a crisp sound that breaks away from the every day music often carried on the radio. A must have for any wolfstone fan, new or old.