Who Are Bad Wolves? Los Angeles Heavy Metal Since 2017
If you first heard Bad Wolves through their take on Zombie, you are not alone. But there is a lot more to the band than one cover. Here's a quick guide for new fans and old ones.
Where are Bad Wolves from?
Bad Wolves are an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 2017. Drummer John Boecklin started writing the songs that became the first album back in 2014, and the first line-up was Tommy Vext on vocals, Doc Coyle and Chris Cain on guitar, Kyle Konkiel on bass and Boecklin on drums.
What made them famous?
Zombie. Their cover of The Cranberries' Zombie came out in January 2018. Dolores O'Riordan had planned to sing on it, but she died before she could record her part. In May 2018 the song went to No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, the first of several No. 1s there for the band.
Which albums should I start with?
- Disobey (2018): the debut, with Zombie, Remember When and No Masters.
- N.A.T.I.O.N. (2019): the second album, with Killing Me Slowly and Sober.
- Dear Monsters (2021): the third, with Lifeline and If Tomorrow Never Comes.
- Die About It (2023): the fourth, with Bad Friend, Legends Never Die and the title track.
Who is in Bad Wolves now?
The line-up has changed a lot over the years. John Boecklin is the one founding member still in the band, and in 2026 Bad Wolves released Paint It Red with a new singer.
Why do fans love them?
Bad Wolves mix heavy, groove-driven metal with big choruses you can sing back. They can go from a crushing riff to a ballad in one record, and their fans follow them both ways.
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