Doomed Confessionary: Jeff Cole (Wolftooth)
Hailing from Richmond, Indiana, heavy metal worshippers Wolftooth erupted onto the scene in late 2017. Their crushing blend of NWOBHM energy and stoner doom riffage immediately caught the ear of Cursed Tongue Records, who released their 3-track debut EP. This led to their acclaimed self-titled debut album in 2018. Forged on the road through relentless touring with icons like Crowbar, Black Label Society, and The Obsessed, Wolftooth built a formidable reputation as a must-see live act.
The band refined their powerful sound on 2020’s sophomore full-length »Valhalla«, showcasing cleaner production and epic, catchy choruses. This momentum catapulted them to a signing with Napalm Records and their first European tour in support of 2021’s »Blood And Iron«. Now, having returned to their roots at Ripple Music, Wolftooth is poised to unleash their fourth chapter »Wizard’s Light« in November 2025, promising another masterclass in pure, unadulterated heavy metal.
Forging ahead without abandoning their roots, the album sees the band heavily dial in on their foundational rock and classic metal influences, resulting in ten fist-pumping anthems and their heaviest work to date. »Wizard’s Light« is a call to arms that fans of everything from Iron Maiden to Ghost and The Sword should love!
Wolftooth are Chris Sullivan (vocals, guitar), Jeff Cole (guitar), Jeremy Lovins (guitar), Terry McDaniel (bass) and Shane Shook (drums).
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Wolftooth is a heavy metal band from Richmond, Indiana U.S.A. All of us cut our teeth in the metal underground and have played in various bands throughout the years. We are all friends and decided to get together and form a band in 2017. Since then we have released 3 albums, »Wolftooth« (2018) through Cursed Tongue Records, »Valhalla« (2020) through Cursed Tongue and Ripple Music, and »Blood And Iron« (2021) through Napalm Records. Our upcoming album »Wizard’s Light« will be released through Ripple Music on November 21st, 2025.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Probably just getting our name out there, which is the biggest challenge for any band. The whole industry has changed with the advent of social media. When we were young you relied on fanzines and tape trading to find out all the new upcoming bands. Now everything is at your fingertips but you have to worry about content creation and being at the mercy of certain algorithms.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Being able to create music that would get the attention of record labels is still pretty crazy to us, considering we started as a band just to jam on the weekends and write some songs. Since the first album was released we’ve also had the pleasure of performing with some of our favorite bands which were also proud moments.
What was your biggest regret?
No regrets. The music business has it’s ups and downs just like regular life.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We haven’t done an official tour yet, but we have done a few short runs with Crowbar and Spirit Adrift that were great. We also have done Desert Fest London which was a highlight.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
It’s a pretty small scene doing what we do. All of the fans are really loyal and live and breath for the music. As far as the bands are concerned, everyone that we have dealt with have been very accepting and helpful. So that’s always a great thing. People in the scene really help each other out.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Man it’s always changing. Right now I’ve been on an old-school death metal kick. So, bands like Unleashed, Obituary, Death, Asphyx etc. Also the usual suspects like Dio, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and the like. The NWOBHM bands are always in rotation.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Don’t give up your publishing and always write music for yourself.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Anything chocolate and bad B-Movies.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Richmond, IN?
We live in the state of Indiana here in the U.S. The scene here is really diverse with stoner/doom/sludge and heavy metal bands. Everyone helps getting shows together and helping each other out. We have a lot of really talented bands in this state.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
No tours this year. The album comes out in November so, next year we hope to get on a good tour.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
To keep writing music and putting out albums. As long as there is an audience, we will continue to do what we do.
How can people best support your band?
The best way to support us is through Bandcamp and our social media. And of course come see us play when we are in your area!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Yes, thank you for all the support, coming to shows and buying our stuff! It means the world to us to have such great fans!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well