Release date: Sept. 5, 2025

One of Spain’s up and coming groups, HUNGER, is a speed/heavy metal band that was forged by guitarist Jara Solis in 2022. Hunger was instantly noticed throughout the New Wave of Trad. Metal community back in May of this year with their recently released single titled, “Hunger”; The single was a perfect way to introduce the band to the masses, and it was a representation to what HUNGER stands as a band, and what they are bringing into this new wave of heavy metal!

Since the release of their single, it has been met with lots of positive feedback from listeners all over the world! And now..Hunger are proudly set to release their entire EP through Jawbreaker Records, with the title, “Ruler Of The Wolves”! A six track EP packed with evil riffs, and that fast, loud and rude attitude throughout each one of the tracks that oozes pure speed/ heavy metal.

Review

The EP’s opener track, titled, “Descent Into Abyss” is a minute and a half instrumental, short but with a powerful kick to it already. It showcases the band’s undeniable talent, with the guitar riffs by Jara and Rudolf, and precise drumming by session drummer Fabio Alessandrini. It is a speedy piece that properly lays down the overall vibe and energy that the band is about to present throughout the rest of the EP as it blends into the next track..

Hunger is the second track on “Ruler Of The Wolves”, and as many know by now, it has been released back in May as a single! As previously mentioned, the track itself is a great introduction to the band as a whole. It is speedy, and jam packed with pure heavy metal undertones as well. It’s a fun track, i believe that it is an instant classic for the band. And if you have not yet checked it out, do so right now!

The third track, sharing the name with the EP’s title, “Ruler Of The Wolves” opens with a super nice, smooth sound of a bass intro, played by Vick Rodriguez. This opening reminded me of a classic Iron Maiden track or even the opening of “Conquistadores” by Running Wild with that bass line. That alone instantly got me hooked. This track may be my favorite in the whole EP, it is very “Running Wild”-esque. Especially with Dizzy D’s vocals that just fit perfectly into place with the instrumentation and overall vibe of the track. The track overall is bad ass, with that edgy sound all throughout while also being melodic.

In the second half of the EP, the fourth track is titled, “Sabotage” which quickly opens with an intense, fiery, and frantic tempo. It is an epic song, i believe It is also one of the more speedy ones in the EP. It is perfect for when you are in the mood to headbang, as it is heavy and raw. The guitar work on this song is also very electrifying and well done, just as the bass work and drumming do a great job with supporting the vocals and guitars. It does not disappoint at all!

The next track, “Evil Omen” is another short instrumental that begins with haunting church bells that are soon replaced with the melodic tones of the guitars,tight drum work and a strong underlying bassline as one of the pillars of support. Even though the track is short, it definitely helps the listener imagine what this “Evil Omen” could sound like because it gives that mystical yet evil/ wicked vibe, which is really awesome nonetheless !

The last and closing track to “Ruler Of The Wolves” is an awesome cover of “Beware the Demons”, a song by legendary German band, Stormwitch that was only performed live and never recorded in a studio. It is a great tribute to Stormwitch and Hunger did an amazing job with covering this track with their undeniable talent and passion for the music. It’s a really good cover, and Dizzy D’s vocals were a focus for me as I noticed that in certain parts they resembled Andy Aldrian’s vocals that are in the live performance recording. A definite great way to close the EP.

Conclusion

Hunger is definitely a band that I recommend to fans of classic maiden, Running Wild and everything in between. Since listening to the single a couple months ago, I knew that Hunger would absolutely deliver more gritty and kick ass tracks. “Ruler Of The Wolves” did not disappoint at all, and it very well may be one of my personal favorite releases of this year so far! Already eagerly waiting for even more new music down the line from this band. Do yourself a favor and make sure to check out their single, “Hunger” before the release of the EP!

TheNwothm Score: 9/10

Links

Bandcamp:https://jawbreakerrecords.bandcamp.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ChzQTZp7Z/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hungerheavymetal?igsh=MXBzZXVodTM2emN1Mg==

Label: https://www.jawbreaker.se