Review WOLVERINE “Anomalies”

Wolverine is the brainchild of Stefan Zell and Marcus Lösbjer. They founded the band in 1995 and remain its driving forces to this day. However, their beginnings were far from progressive music. Wolverine began their career as a thrash/death metal band before moving on to a more diverse musical approach.

The title of Wolverine’s new album is “Anomalies”, and it is their first full-length album in ten years. “A Darkened Sun”, an EP, was released to bridge the gap while fans waited for “Anomalies”, but it took another four years for the new record to hit the shelves.

The nine songs on “Anomalies” are superb musically and touching lyrically. Wolverine has created songs that are both intense and musically rich. Take “My Solidary Foe” as an example. This song addresses the struggles of life and the lessons it teaches you. The music perfectly complements the lyrics. The calmer verses and energetic chorus are the main pillars of a song that also features a great melodic approach.

Melodies are an important characteristic of Wolverine’s music. The first song to be revealed was “A Perfect Alignment”. This lead single combines intricate sound structures with the already mentioned melodic quality. This combination enables listeners to connect with the song immediately and engage with the lyrics.

“A Perfect Alignment” is not only the lead single. It is also the first part of a trilogy. Together with “Circuits” and “A Sudden Demise”, it forms the complete trilogy. These songs have their roots in a time 20 years ago, when the band worked on a concept album that never saw the light of day.

“Anomalies” features music that is a treat for the ears and mind. From the dramatic opener, “A Sudden Demise”, to the grand finale, “Scarlet Tide”, Wolverine offers music that captivates with its emotional depth. “Anomalies” is an emotional and introspective album. A certain basic melancholy pervades each of the songs. At the same time, dynamic and colourful soundscapes bring variety to the album. Swedish sound architects Wolverine are back with “Anomalies”, a release that fans of progressive music should check out.