Wolfgang Van Halen, son of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen, has been making waves in the rock world with his band Mammoth WVH.

Recently, on the Rock Feed Podcast, Wolfgang opened up about the band’s new album *The End*, his creative process, touring with Metallica, and the unique experiences that come with forging his own identity in the shadow of a rock legend.

At just three albums in, Wolfgang’s discography is already impressive.

He revealed that Mammoth WVH operates on a roughly 18-month cycle between writing, recording, and touring.

“When you’re touring, you’re resting your brain from recording, and when you’re recording, you’re resting your brain from touring,” he explained.

This balance helps him maintain creativity without burning out.

Interestingly, Wolfgang is already thinking about ideas for the next album even though *The End* was released only a few weeks ago.

This forward momentum shows his dedication to evolving his sound and keeping the music fresh.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Mammoth WVH is that Wolfgang plays every instrument on the recordings.

This level of involvement requires immense patience and perseverance.

Wolfgang described the recording process as an “undertaking” that allows him to make a fully personal artistic statement.

“I want to be my own person and prove my own worth as an artist outside of what my dad did,” he said.

Despite his deep involvement in the performance and writing, Wolfgang trusts his producer Elvis Baskette and engineer Jeff Moll to handle the technical studio aspects.

This collaboration allows him to focus on what he does best—writing and performing.

Wolfgang shared that his musical inspirations come from a wide range of bands including Blink-182, Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails, Alice in Chains, Alter Bridge, Tool, Periphery, Tesseract, and Animals as Leaders.

He appreciates how these bands blend melody with heavy instrumentation, which is a hallmark of Mammoth WVH’s sound.

He emphasized the importance of melody, noting that even in heavy or aggressive songs, a catchy melody is crucial.

This approach has helped him carve out a unique identity that respects his heritage but stands on its own.

*The End* is Mammoth WVH’s first titled album, and Wolfgang described it as close to a concept album.

The writing process was influenced by personal struggles, including anxiety and panic attacks, as well as external events like the wildfires in Los Angeles during recording.

The album explores themes of finality and transition, reflecting both personal and artistic growth.

The title also metaphorically marks a turning point for the band, as they move away from the “WVH” moniker and fully embrace the Mammoth name, a change that took several years to secure legally.

One of the highlights Wolfgang shared was Mammoth WVH’s experience touring with Metallica on their M72 World Tour.

The opportunity came unexpectedly while they were in Zurich, Switzerland, opening for Halestorm and Alter Bridge.

Their manager informed them that Lars Ulrich had personally requested Mammoth WVH as an opener.

Playing stadiums alongside Metallica was both exhilarating and intimidating.

Wolfgang admitted initial fears about how their melodic style would be received by Metallica’s heavier, more aggressive fanbase.

However, the experience turned out to be incredible, and the band learned to navigate the large and unusual donut-shaped stage over time.

Metallica’s kindness and professionalism left a lasting impression.

Wolfgang was even given a “Perfect Attendance Award” plaque by Metallica, recognizing Mammoth WVH as the only opener to play every show on the tour.

This gesture reflected Metallica’s respect and care for their supporting acts.

Wolfgang acknowledged the challenges of building a rock band today, especially with the legacy of his family name.

“People think things are handed to me because of my last name, but that’s not how it works,” he said.

Mammoth WVH has been grinding for over four years, building their audience through hard work and genuine connection with fans.

He highlighted the diversity of Mammoth’s audience, noting that people of various ages and backgrounds attend their shows.

This connection is deeply rewarding and motivates him to continue pushing forward.

Throughout the interview, Wolfgang emphasized his commitment to letting the music speak for itself.

Like his father, he prefers to avoid drama and focus on creating and performing music.

“I’m not trying to hurt anybody, I just want to make music,” he said simply.

This grounded attitude, combined with his talent and work ethic, positions Wolfgang Van Halen as a rising star who respects his roots while forging a distinct path.

Wolfgang Van Halen’s journey with Mammoth WVH is a testament to dedication, artistic integrity, and resilience.

From the deeply personal themes of *The End* to the thrill of touring with Metallica, he continues to build a legacy that honors his past while confidently stepping into his own spotlight.

For fans of modern rock with a melodic edge, Mammoth WVH’s *The End* is a must-listen album that showcases Wolfgang’s multifaceted talents and vision.

As he looks ahead to future projects, the rock world eagerly awaits what this young artist will create next.