Wolf-Face Unleashes ‘Howl Alone’: A Deep Dive into Punk Rock Mythology, Sleep Paralysis, and Future Howls

Closing out the year not with a whimper but with a powerful howl, the hirsute punk rockers of Wolf-Face are once again captivating audiences with their latest music video, “Howl Alone.” This dynamic pack of musicians, known for their unique blend of raw energy and thematic depth, provides an exclusive look into the inspiration behind their newest visual offering, their ambitious plans for the upcoming year, and even unravels the perplexing mystery surrounding vegan pizza.

There’s an unsettling atmosphere permeating “Howl Alone,” the brand-new video from Florida’s Wolf-Face, though its true nature isn’t immediately apparent. The narrative unfolds as an unnamed gentleman, portrayed by Ryan Metcalf, returns home after an exhaustive day. Seeking solace, he puts on Still Golden – Wolf-Face’s critically acclaimed 2019 LP – and begins to unwind. However, his peaceful evening is soon disturbed by a shadowy presence that lurks within his modest one-bedroom apartment, becoming increasingly menacing as he attempts to fall asleep. The tension culminates when he awakens to find the ominous figure directly overhead, only for it to be dramatically revealed as none other than Michael J. Wolf himself, ready to transform the man’s terrifying night into an unforgettable party experience.

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In “Howl Alone,” Michael J. Wolf transcends being merely a lurking figure; he embodies something far more profound and, for some, genuinely frightening. “Our drummer Wolf-Fart has been grappling with sleep paralysis for several years,” Michael J. Wolf confided to HollywoodLife. He elaborated that the music video serves as the drummer’s powerful attempt to vividly capture this harrowing sensation. Michael J., who forms Wolf-Face alongside Wolf Fart, The Good Wolf (noted for hisMastodonskit fame), and Rain-Wolf, explained the genesis of the concept: “He felt like it has always been hard to describe it to people who haven’t experienced it, and there aren’t any good video depictions of the disorder. I guess he came up with the concept for this music video as a way to confront those demons, and the structure and timing of the song ‘Howl Alone’ seemed like a perfect fit for the idea.” This creative endeavor not only offers a glimpse into a deeply personal struggle but also transforms it into a universally relatable artistic expression, confronting internal fears with a punk rock spirit.

The video for “Howl Alone” also masterfully employs a clever thematic contrast. The song itself poignantly articulates moments of profound isolation and alienation from one’s peers. Lyrics such as “We used to be a team, now I’m flying solo / Now I stand alone in this locker room / This hell feels like home” vividly depict the struggle with loneliness. Similarly, lines like “I’ll still go to this dance / And if I’m dancing by myself / It doesn’t matter to me / I’ll be dancing for no one else” underscore a defiant self-sufficiency born out of solitude. Conversely, the accompanying music video presents a narrative where the protagonist is unequivocally not alone. Michael J. Wolf points out this intriguing duality to HL, stating, “[Howl Alone] lends itself to that contrast about feeling alone when maybe you actually are not; Michael J. Wolf is always with you, and he’s probably ready to party.” This unexpected companionship adds a layer of depth, suggesting that even in our most solitary moments, there might be a wild, werewolf spirit ready to turn isolation into celebration.

Wolf-Face, a band that celebrates complexity, showcases many facets to its identity. The music they have passionately crafted and shared with the world for the past decade, at first glance, appears deeply rooted in the iconic first two Teen Wolf movies of the 1980s. Michael J. Wolf humorously asserts that Hollywood brazenly “stole” their life story for the blockbuster starring Michael J. Fox, and its 1987 sequel featuring Jason Bateman. Yet, looking beyond this initial, playful premise, the band utilizes this unique wolf-shaped lens as a powerful medium to tackle a broad spectrum of deeply human themes. Through their high-octane punk rock anthems, Wolf-Face deftly explores concepts such as unwavering loyalty, as heard in tracks like “With Or Without Boof,” the challenging journey of self-acceptance in songs like “I Wanna Be A Homo(Sapien)” and “I’m So Much Better,” the vital role of reliance within a pack, fierce defiance against societal norms, and many other quintessential punk rock staples. This ingenious approach allows the band to go far beyond mere homage, skillfully using the Teen Wolf narrative to explore profound questions about what it truly means to be human and, perhaps more intriguingly, what distinctly separates a man from a beast.

Beyond their thematic explorations, the band consistently injects a healthy dose of humor into their craft, particularly evident in their engaging music videos. These visual accompaniments are often as memorable as the songs themselves, showcasing Wolf-Face’s playful spirit and knack for comedic storytelling. For instance, the video for “Owen Is A Dracula” presents a hilarious, albeit intense, showdown between a werewolf and a vampire, a classic monster movie trope given a punk rock twist. “With or Without Boof” transports viewers to a vibrant 1980s nightclub where the band, in full wolf attire, exuberantly dances alongside enthusiastic patrons, capturing the era’s joyous spirit. “I Wanna Be A Homo(Sapien)” hilariously places the entire pack in a retro aerobicize video, lampooning the fitness crazes of the past. Perhaps the only video in their extensive catalog that doesn’t feature an overt element of humor is the one for the Still Golden title track, unless one finds the peculiar sight of gnome murder particularly amusing, which is certainly a subjective matter.

Delving into the creation of their compelling visuals, Michael J. Wolf shared insights into the making of the “Still Golden” video. “Our friend, actor/comedian Garrett Jamieson, did the first music video for ‘Still Golden,’” he revealed. “He’s a wonderfully talented person and a genuinely nice guy, which I guess shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone since he is Canadian.” Michael J. reflects on the video’s underlying tone: “I think that video might actually be sort of a tragedy, but it’s also totally impossible not to giggle whenever Garrett is in a scene.” This statement perfectly encapsulates Wolf-Face’s ability to blend poignant narrative with unexpected comedic timing, a hallmark of their artistic expression that resonates deeply with their devoted fanbase.

Considering that Still Golden was released three years ago, a natural question arises: does “Howl Alone” signify the conclusion of music videos for the album? Michael J. Wolf addresses this with a characteristic grin, suggesting a playful denial of time’s passage. “Isn’t it nice to pretend 2020 never happened at all? So, let’s call it two years,” he quipped. More seriously, he elaborated on the band’s unique perspective on release schedules, a philosophy that sets them apart in the music industry. “Seriously though, as immortal beings, we aren’t nearly concerned with the sort of release schedules and timelines most bands have to manage. If there’s a brilliant idea for a new music video, you can bet your ass Michael J. Wolf is going to open his checkbook and make it happen, no matter how old or new the track might be.” This commitment to creative impulse over conventional timelines ensures that fans can expect new visual content whenever inspiration strikes, regardless of an album’s age.

While the concept of time might be fluid for the immortal lupine beings that comprise Wolf-Face, for their dedicated human fanbase, 2023 holds a particularly special significance. This year proudly marks the monumental tenth anniversary of their groundbreaking debut LP, Still A Son Of A Bitch. To commemorate this milestone, Michael J. shared exciting news: “If luck were to truly shine on the world, we’ll see a re-pressing of Still a Son of a Bitch vinyl in 2023. It’s been sold out for several years,” he stated, acknowledging the high demand from collectors and new fans alike. This re-release is highly anticipated, promising to bring this seminal work back into the hands of those who cherish Wolf-Face’s origin story and gritty punk rock spirit.

Reflecting on the remarkable decade since the initial release of Still A Son Of A Bitch and the band’s consistent growth in finding a devoted global following since their very first gigs, Michael J. offered a thoughtful perspective to HL. “I understood the staying power of our poetry when we released SaSoaB ten years ago, but I am definitely thankful the songs have resonated with so many adoring fans around the world,” he expressed. This gratitude highlights the deep connection Wolf-Face has forged with its audience, a bond built on shared experiences and the timeless appeal of their unique narrative and powerful musical expression. The band’s ability to transcend niche appeal and capture the hearts of a diverse international fanbase speaks volumes about the universality of their themes.

Looking ahead, Michael J. added a touch of humor and profound insight into the band’s evolving identity. “We are getting close to the point where we will no longer be ‘teenage’ werewolves,” he mused, referencing their initial Teen Wolf-inspired persona. However, he quickly underscored the enduring quality of their songwriting: “but the staying power of the songs has shown that the message will remain relatable for years to come and will continue to be discovered by future generations, Homosapien or otherwise.” This powerful statement encapsulates Wolf-Face’s confidence in the timelessness of their art, asserting that the raw emotion, satirical wit, and underlying human (or lupine) struggles embedded in their music will continue to connect with listeners long after their “teenage” years are a distant memory, resonating across species and generations.

With all profound insights and future plans discussed, there remains one peculiar, burning question from the behind-the-scenes featurette about the making of the “Howl Alone” video: what exactly was on that weird vegan pizza? Michael J. Wolf’s reaction was immediate and relatable. “I was asking the same question when he opened that pizza box!” he exclaimed, his voice tinged with amusement. He went on to describe the culinary curiosity with vivid, if not entirely appetizing, detail. “There were a handful of vegans on the crew; much respect to our vegan pack mates but their pizza was loaded with all sorts of stuff that just looked like people turds.” He continued, drawing a stark contrast: “The other pizza was regular cheese and didn’t look like people turded on it.” Despite the unsettling appearance of the plant-based pie, Michael J. concluded with characteristic good humor and acceptance: “But our vegan pack mates enjoyed their pizza very much so if they’re happy eating turd pizza, Michael J. is happy they’re happy!” This lighthearted anecdote perfectly rounds out the Wolf-Face interview, showcasing their blend of edgy humor and genuine affection for their diverse pack, even when faced with the perplexing mysteries of vegan cuisine.