IT has been six years since the release of ?Black Mantra,? considered to be one of Wolfgang?s best albums. The group sampled a new song, ?Deathsquad,? at last year?s concert. Inspired by fans? positive response, Basti Artadi and Manuel Legarda went on to finish the new album?s remaining songs?albeit on and off?since they both have ?day jobs.?

?My inspiration grew out of Manuel?s music,? Artadi shared. ?He presented me with the music bed for what was to become ?Deathsquad.? After I heard it, it was full-speed ahead!?

Lyrics

Wolfgang?s lyrics always give listeners something to think about. The songs in the new album, ?Villains,? are no exception, according to Artadi, who shares the spotlight with guitarist Legarda and bassist Mon Legaspi.

?This is the first Wolfgang album where you can hear the bass,? he told us. ?Mon is a fantastic player, and you can hear all the things he?s doing! It?s a shame that a lot of people haven?t really heard him play, because, in our previous albums, he was usually so low in the mix.?

Artadi feels that the latest album is the next logical step for the group after ?Mantra.? The group?s distinct sound is still there, but it?s more updated. The product of the trio?s collaboration makes for something that sounds new but still familiar.

?You can expect a very good collection of new songs!? Legarda beamed. His role in making it happen is huge. ?I got into this project with the intention of putting together a great album,? he enthused. ?We hope that ?Villains? does well enough to allow us to continue doing what we do best.?

As much as possible, Wolfgang tries to stick to their music. ?Hopefully, that works for us again this time around,? Legarda added. ?We have a sound that people can identify with, but we also take chances with our music?we don?t follow trends.?

In the concert, ?Black Christmas Project,? on Dec. 10 at Eastwood City Central Plaza, Libis, Wolfgang will be joined by another iconic band, ?Razorback.? Once again, Francis Aquino will play the drums. He said it was scary at first to work with his idols. He describes the experience as ?surreal. I still get star-struck!? Wolfgang will also rock Cebu on Dec. 12.