Wolverine Cold Light Of Monday
Elitist Records MOSH908CD October 2003
By Russell Garwood
Swedens Wolverine recently signed a four album contract with Elitist Records. This, their third release (and debut for the label), is a dark progressive rock piece, with strong emo and metal influences. Cold Light Of Monday follows the story of Sarah, a victim of domestic violence. As such the subject matter itself is affecting, and the emotion is amplified by bleak and melancholy music.
The vocals of Stefan Zell are excellent, providing great melody and demonstrating an accomplished singer, whose ability to reflect the storys emotion is used to great effect. Infrequent growls are provided by drummer Marcus Losbjer, while his percussive contributions are solid, helping form a tight and effective rhythm section. Carefully chosen dynamics help emphasise the contrast between conflicting emotions and atmospheres. The bass of Thomas Jansson is good, and the keyboards of Andreas Bagllen are subtle and well placed. This leaves the guitars of Per Broddesson and Mikael Zell which are of a high standard. Clean tones and light distortion are used for mellow moments, while solos demonstrate technical proficiency, and heavier sections retain melody but add a harsher edge to the laid-back songs.
Cold Light Of Monday is an impressive release, demonstrating mature songwriting, and a well constructed concept. I also feel the band deserve much recognition for handling a difficult subject so successfully. Fans of progressive metal, rock and emo will appreciate Wolverines efforts greatly.
Elitist Records MOSH908CD October 2003
By Russell Garwood
Swedens Wolverine recently signed a four album contract with Elitist Records. This, their third release (and debut for the label), is a dark progressive rock piece, with strong emo and metal influences. Cold Light Of Monday follows the story of Sarah, a victim of domestic violence. As such the subject matter itself is affecting, and the emotion is amplified by bleak and melancholy music.
The vocals of Stefan Zell are excellent, providing great melody and demonstrating an accomplished singer, whose ability to reflect the storys emotion is used to great effect. Infrequent growls are provided by drummer Marcus Losbjer, while his percussive contributions are solid, helping form a tight and effective rhythm section. Carefully chosen dynamics help emphasise the contrast between conflicting emotions and atmospheres. The bass of Thomas Jansson is good, and the keyboards of Andreas Bagllen are subtle and well placed. This leaves the guitars of Per Broddesson and Mikael Zell which are of a high standard. Clean tones and light distortion are used for mellow moments, while solos demonstrate technical proficiency, and heavier sections retain melody but add a harsher edge to the laid-back songs.
Cold Light Of Monday is an impressive release, demonstrating mature songwriting, and a well constructed concept. I also feel the band deserve much recognition for handling a difficult subject so successfully. Fans of progressive metal, rock and emo will appreciate Wolverines efforts greatly.
