Matt Wolejsza promises to be your favourite new indie artist with just one album out. On his debut, he not only explores genres but also opens a book to his capabilities as a composer and a one-man band through and through. From hard rock to thrash metal, Matt is able to bring an aesthetic to his music that is truly his own. This one is called ‘The Beast I’m Meant to Be‘, and he’s taken his time to unleash this.
With a hard rock opening, Stupidity Gone Viral is how Matt Wolejsza introduces himself to the world. Like a rocker from punk (reminding me of Iggy Pop and Henry Rollins), Matt keeps the performance raw while giving us an incredibly catchy rocking rhythm section. A powerful opening leads into another guitar-dominated number – the title track. A sinister lead opens the track, while a thrashy tempo keeps the song revving like a 5-speed gearbox. It has this old-school aesthetic while also showing how much effort Matt puts into his production and instrumental polish.
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I’m enjoying the solo attempt by Matt to create this album from scratch, all by himself. Matt Wolejsza is ready to take all the risks and combine the best of his favourite genres. The Lion Must Roar seemed to flow into Deep Purple territory, especially with that Blackmore tone and doom metal progressions also bleeding in. instead of compromising intensity. The range in the music is clearly heard, especially when you press play on When A Heart. It reminds you of Ride the Lightning Metallica years, especially Hetfield’s rhythm guitar tone during the opening. While combining the kind of thrash we grew up with, Matt becomes an artist that can find his niche in his own right.
The Clear Check Blues might be one of my favourite riffs. It’s easy to groove to; you feel like picking up the guitar as well. Percussion has a bullet-like punch even during the verse section. It promises the kind of virtuosic guitar playing that seems to be missing in newer generations. The lack of rigid structure allows Matt Wolejsza to perfect certain tones and deliveries that might befit a theme. He always allows the track to breathe, especially in dramatic openings like Winding Road. They can become completely different, meaty and dark riff-playing numbers, but retain that power of showing an artist take command of the music he is composing.
From Melvins to the pioneers of thrash, Matt pays respect to everyone that ever inspired him while making his own way. With collaborations coming in featuring Clydeman, Wolejsza shows us that he’s a one-man show with the debut album itself. His attention to detail for each instrumental section and lyrical and vocal values is commendable. This is how you deliver music:
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