'Die About It' by Bad Wolves

Written by Ashleigh Koehn

November 17th, 2023

Dripping with intense lyricism in the hands of indulgent experimental arrangements, Bad Wolves takes a bite into toxic relationships and spits out the raw reality of social isolation in this modern age of social media and victim mentality with their transcendent album "Die About It."

The platinum-certified Los Angeles band has been blazing the hard rock music scene from the moment they set their music alight with their debut release “Disobey” making the top 25 of the Billboard 200 in 2018 including a platinum AND gold single. Building onto that accomplishment they released “N.A.T.I.O.N.” in 2019 and “Dear Monsters” in 2021, which gained critical acclaim from Billboard as the band’s “most diverse and far-reaching album to date”. “Lifeline” netted as their sixth #1 single at active rock radio with an additional acclaim from Hysteria Magazine stating that “the band has served up something truly monumental”.

Built by talented members including John Boecklin (drums), Daniel “DL” Laskiewics (lead vocals), Doc Coyle (lead guitar, backing vocals), Max Karon (guitar), and Kyle Konkiel (bass, backing vocals) the group has attracted an impressive online following totalling approximately one billion streams and has sold out headlining shows across the globe. Becoming known for their distinctive diversity, riveting riffs, enigmatic melodies, and heart- hitting hooks, Bad Wolves breaks out of the mould of conformity and introduces the next stage in their evolution with a reinvented sound for their latest release, “Die About It”.

Starting off with clean electric guitar goodness and mumbled vocals in “Intro”, the concept album progresses into heavy breakdowns expressing gut-punching truths about acceptance and learning to let go of toxic betrayal with direct lyricism. The unbridled creative process is felt as the tracks flow seamlessly into each other with operatic sonic landscapes, double bass drums, thick distortion, and world dominating screams.

“Legends Never Die” described by DL as “a song about our heroes, whether that's our

children, mothers, fathers, or the likes of, sending their stories into eternity, forever igniting spirits and imaginations of those who follow" incorporates a glorious refrain, uplifting harmonies and a gripping solo. “NDA” alternatively exudes themes of overthinking anxiety, but then calms down with a soothing saxophone solo impeccably arranged showing off the bands’ skill of sonic storytelling. “It’s You” featuring a collaboration with KILLBOY brings things down to a softer side with acoustic guitar elements and heartfelt vocals of Sara Skinner. Concluding the album in a message of strength, “Set You On Fire” delivers the final punch with melodic verses and an unwavering heavy chorus that lets out its last cry.

Photo Source: Bandcamp