Wings of Steel

The Zoo Crew is spinning the hard-hitting track "Wings of Steel" by Wings of Steel, from their self-titled debut EP, and the Zoo Freaks are surely headbanging to its raw energy. This song, a cornerstone of the band's 2022 EP, embodies the classic heavy metal spirit with its soaring vocals and blistering guitar riffs. In an interview with Filthy Dogs of Metal, guitarist Parker Halub shared that the track was crafted to capture the band’s old-school influences, drawing from legends like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, while infusing their unique Los Angeles flair. Fans on Bandcamp have praised the song’s epic fantasy vibe, with one listener, SLADESNAKE, describing it as evoking a “D&D game where I am the hero slaying demons and ghouls.” The song’s high-energy composition, paired with Leo Unnermark’s dynamic vocals, makes it a standout for metal purists and newcomers alike.

Another tidbit about "Wings of Steel" comes from its vinyl release, which became a collector’s gem. According to the band’s official website, the EP’s first pressing on 180gr vinyl was limited to just 275 black copies on Bandcamp, with exclusive white and dark blue variants available through Underground Power Records in Europe. The vinyl includes a 12"x12" insert with lyrics and credits, adding to its appeal for diehard fans. On Facebook, the band posted about the meticulous mixing process by Damien Rainaud, which gave the track its polished yet gritty sound. The song’s lyrical themes of rebellion and power resonate with the “warrior spirit,” as noted by a fan on Bandcamp, making it a rallying cry for the Zoo Freaks tuning in.

Wings of Steel was born in 2019 in Thousand Oaks, California, when vocalist Leo Unnermark and guitarist Parker Halub decided to channel their love for 70s and 80s heavy metal into a new project. According to their bio on Bandcamp, the duo aimed to create a “refreshing throwback” to the golden era of hard rock and heavy metal. Unnermark, with his bluesy yet powerful vocal range, and Halub, known for his bombastic riffs, quickly crafted a sound that echoed influences like Dio and Whitesnake. Their debut EP, released in 2022, marked their arrival on the scene, followed by the full-length album Gates of Twilight in 2024. The band’s commitment to live performances, as Halub emphasized in a Filthy Dogs of Metal interview, helped them build a grassroots following, with plans for European tours to connect with fans across the globe.

You can keep up with Wings of Steel through their official channels: their Facebook page, with nearly 2,900 likes, buzzes with updates on new releases and merch like their durable tri-blend t-shirts. On Instagram, they share behind-the-scenes glimpses of their studio sessions and live shows, while their X account keeps the conversation flowing with fans. For deeper engagement, check out the band’s Bandcamp page, where fans like MetalJohn and Warrior rave about their epic sound. While no specific fan-run websites or Facebook groups dedicated to Wings of Steel were found, the band’s active presence on Encyclopaedia Metallum and communities like r/armoredcore on Reddit show a growing fanbase. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can dive into this metal journey with Wings of Steel leading the charge.