Alpha Wolf

Band History

Alpha Wolf is an Australian metalcore band formed in 2013 in Burnie, Tasmania. The band’s name originated from the film “The Grey,” as confirmed by founding bassist John Arnold. Currently based in Melbourne, Victoria, Alpha Wolf has released three studio albums, four EPs, and multiple singles through Greyscale Records and SharpTone Records.

Formation and Early Releases (2013-2016)

Alpha Wolf formed in 2013 with an initial lineup that included John Arnold (bass and vocals), Sabian Lynch (guitar), and Jackson Arnold (drums). The band released their debut EP “Origin” on June 9, 2014, through their own label. During this period, the band underwent several lineup changes, with Hayden Dargavel departing from bass duties in 2015 and Lloyd Hornidge briefly serving as lead guitarist from 2015 to 2016.

Mono and First Major Release (2017)

In July 2017, Alpha Wolf released their debut full-length album “Mono” through Greyscale Records. The album title, derived from “monochromatic,” addressed themes of trauma and depression. “Mono” reached number 29 on the ARIA Albums Chart, marking the band’s first appearance on the national charts. The album’s release cycle included singles “#104,” “Ward of the State,” and “Golden Fate; Water Break.”

Lineup Changes and Transition (2018)

A significant personnel change occurred in February 2018 when lead vocalist Aidan Ellaz departed from the band. In June 2018, Alpha Wolf announced two new members: Lochie Keogh as lead vocalist and Mitch Fogarty on drums. This restructuring established the lineup that would continue through subsequent releases.

Fault EP and Continued Development (2019)

The band released the “Fault” EP on April 19, 2019, through Greyscale Records. Guitarist Sabian Lynch described the EP’s thematic focus in a statement: “Fault is our way of opening up, and doing our best to show that it’s okay to mess up, it’s okay to fail, it’s okay make mistakes, as long as we can find ways grow from it.” The EP earned a nomination for Best Independent Heavy Album or EP at the 2020 AIR Awards.

A Quiet Place to Die and Recognition (2020-2021)

Alpha Wolf’s second full-length album, “A Quiet Place to Die,” was released on September 25, 2020. The album reached number 6 on the ARIA Albums Chart, surpassing their previous chart performance. The release garnered industry recognition with a nomination for Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Album at the 2021 ARIA Music Awards.

Collaborative Projects and EPs (2022-2023)

In 2022, Alpha Wolf collaborated with Holding Absence on a split EP titled “The Lost & the Longing,” released on August 15. The following year, on March 31, 2023, the band released the “Shh” EP, which included lo-fi remixes of their previous material.

Half Living Things and Recent Developments (2024)

Alpha Wolf’s third studio album, “Half Living Things,” was released on April 5, 2024. The album featured a notable collaboration with Ice-T on the single “Sucks 2 Suck.” The record achieved a position of number 19 on the ARIA Albums Chart. The band received an APRA Award nomination for “60cm of Steel,” their collaboration with Holding Absence, in the category of Most Performed Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Work.

Current Lineup

– Lochie Keogh – Lead vocals (2018-present)
– Sabian Lynch – Rhythm guitar (2013-present), former lead guitar (2013-2015)
– John Arnold – Bass, backing vocals (2016-present), former lead vocals (2013-2016)
– Scottie Simpson – Lead guitar (2016-present), former bass (2015-2016)
– Mitch Fogarty – Drums (2018-present)

Discography

Studio Albums

1. Mono (2017) – ARIA Chart Position: #29
2. A Quiet Place to Die (2020) – ARIA Chart Position: #6
3. Half Living Things (2024) – ARIA Chart Position: #19

Extended Plays

– Origin (2014)
– Fault (2019)
– The Lost & the Longing (2022, split EP with Holding Absence)
– Shh (2023)

Notable Singles

2014:
– “Death Bringer”
– “I Am; Horror”

2015-2016:
– “Dark Soul”
– “Blkrchrds”
– “Nail Biter”

2017:
– “#104”
– “Ward of the State”
– “Golden Fate; Water Break”

2018-2019:
– “Black Mamba”
– “No Name”
– “Sub-Zero”

2020:
– “Akudama”
– “Creep”
– “Bleed 4 You”
– “Restricted (R18+)”

2022-2024:
– “Aching Longing” (with Holding Absence)
– “Hotel Underground”
– “Bring Back the Noise”
– “Sucks 2 Suck” (featuring Ice-T)
– “Whenever You’re Ready”
– “Cannibal” (with RedHook)

Industry Recognition

Alpha Wolf has received multiple nominations from Australian music industry organizations:

AIR Awards
– 2020: Nominated for Best Independent Heavy Album or EP (“Fault”)

APRA Awards
– 2024: Nominated for Most Performed Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Work (“60cm of Steel” with Holding Absence)

ARIA Music Awards
– 2021: Nominated for Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Album (“A Quiet Place to Die”)

Record Labels

The band has released music through several labels:

– Alpha Wolf (self-released, 2014)
– Greyscale Records (2017-present)
– SharpTone Records (2020-present)