Wolf (Iced Earth song)

"Wolf" is a song by the American heavy metal band Iced Earth off their 2001 album Horror Show.

The song may be the heaviest song of the album, and also one of the most technical. It starts out in what can be described as almost like a jam session, with the minor key guitars setting the tone for virtually the rest of the album. At 00:45 the song changes direction, kicked off by a powerful F#5 delivered by vocalist Matt Barlow, which he harmonizes with a Bb5, his highest note ever recorded, then morphs the notes into wolfen howls and holds out until 1:00, when the first verse begins. At which time, the band comes together to create a gallop, backing the theatrical, now tenor stylings of Barlow.

During the chorus, the music becomes even more grueling than before, guitarist Jon Schaffer delivering a seemingly hyper-speed background rhythm, while other guitarist Larry Tarnowski returns to the minor-keyed parts from the beginning. This all is backed by drummer Richard Christy's equally fast double bass beat which closely matches Schaffer, and also sets the tone from for what he (Christy) will do for the rest of the album.

The lyrics deal with lycanthropy, the transformation of a man into a wolf. The song seems to refer to the Wolf Man horror movies and the chorus is taken from a poem repeatedly heard in the films (although slightly changed). As with most songs on the album, the lyrics seem intended to draw pity rather than disgust from the monster, using lines such as "Innocence tainted by pure lunacy", "Cursed by the moonlight/a doomed changling", and the final verse line "It's maddening/an innocent victim finds his peace."

Personnel

• Matt Barlow - lead vocals
• Larry Tarnowski - lead guitar
• Jon Schaffer - rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Steve DiGiorgio - bass
• Richard Christy - drums