Album Review: Mammoth – The End

Chris Collett
Nov 7
2 min read

Release Date: 2025

Label: BMG

Mammoth’s The End feels like a statement record. From the first riff of “One of a Kind,” it’s clear Wolfgang Van Halen isn’t chasing nostalgia or trying to live in his father’s shadow. This album is all about proving what Mammoth can do as its own force. The guitars hit with power, the vocals are confident, and every layer feels intentional. It’s the kind of record that rewards you when you listen through headphones because you can pick up all the details that make it work.

The title track “The End” pulls back a bit from the heavy riffs and puts more focus on feel and groove. The finger-picked guitar work is sharp, clean, and full of tone, while the bass moves with a swagger that gives the song its pulse. Wolfgang recorded every instrument himself again, and it’s wild how locked in everything sounds. You can tell he’s not just performing but crafting every part with precision.

“The Spell” is one of the standout moments. It mixes classic rock melodies with a funk-inspired rhythm that gives it real movement. There’s an energy here that nods to the past but still sounds modern. “I Really Wanna” keeps that going with a huge chorus and a guitar tone that feels both raw and clean at the same time. It’s catchy without losing any edge.

Then comes “Happy,” a track that starts off in a darker, more offbeat space. It has flashes of Alice Cooper’s theatrical style mixed with a grungier tone that gives it a little attitude. It builds into a heavy, emotional moment that feels cathartic, almost like Wolfgang letting something out. “Better Off” slides back into more of that layered, alternative rock space where Mammoth really shines. It’s proof that the project isn’t limited to one sound.

“Something New” is exactly what the title promises. It starts simple but keeps unfolding the more you listen. The layers are subtle, and the songwriting feels focused. “Selfish” continues that flow, while “All in Good Time” closes the record with something smoother and more reflective. It’s a softer landing that fits perfectly after the intensity of everything before it.

The End feels like the next step for Mammoth. It’s cleaner, sharper, and more confident than the debut. Wolfgang doesn’t just carry his legacy forward; he builds something of his own. The production is tight, the songs are balanced, and the playing is elite. It’s the kind of record that reminds you rock can still sound fresh when it’s done with purpose.

Rating: 8.5 / 10

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