Photos by Daniel DeSlover

Head bangers were first introduced to Wolfgang Van Halen as the David Lee Roth reunion era bassist for the iconic family band, followed by time shaping many shades of metal in Creed/Alter Bridge offshoot act Tremonti.

However, his personal artistic vision was finally realized with the formation of Mammoth WVH, an ambitious project where he sings and plays every instrument in the studio, but is supported by a live band on the road.

Those who packed The Sylvee in Madison, Wisconsin were able to witness his impressive evolution firsthand throughout nearly 90 minutes, split fairly evenly between 2021’s self-titled debut and the current “Mammoth II” collection.

Though Van Halen’s always been a top notch musician, which in this instance found his focus on vocals and guitar, there was an elevated sense of seasoning as a performer, starting with the likes of his latest single “I’m Alright.”

Despite temporarily being down a member with the absence of second guitarist Frank Sidoris, the four-piece edition of Mammoth WVH nonetheless dug deep into its collective chemistry to crunch through “Like A Pastime” and “Think It Over,” the latter said to be a favorite of its leader’s late father/legend Eddie Van Halen.

Yet Wolfgang refused to rest on any past or paternal laurels, whether it was the solo acoustic “Distance” or plugging back in for the searing “You’re To Blame,” the grungy “Take A Bow” and the galvanizing grand finale “Don’t Back Down.”

Opener Nita Strauss, whose axe-grinding resume includes everyone from Alice Cooper to Demi Lovato, was worth the early arrival as she too focused on acclaimed solo work rather than remakes.

Cuts off “The Call Of The Void” and earlier lived up to her guitar goddess reputation and complemented Mammoth WVH’s commitment to revitalizing all the most gratifying aspects of aggressive rock.

For additional information on Mammoth WVH, visit MammothWVH.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at The Sylvee include Static-X and Sevendust (Feb. 26); Slander (Mar. 1); Flogging Molly (Mar. 2); Greensky Bluegrass (Mar. 3); Chelsea Cutler (Mar. 5); Waterparks (Mar. 6); Flatland Calvary (Mar. 7); Ricky Montgomery (Mar. 8); Beartooth (Mar. 9); Ministry and Gary Numan (Mar. 10); Danny Brown (Mar. 21); Sleater-Kinny (Mar. 22); Flipturn (Mar. 23) and Lany (Mar. 27). For additional details, visit TheSylvee.com.

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