A DARKENED SUN

'A Darkened Sun', a well sought out title. Here we have a WOLVERINE mini album, offered in a rather uncommon manner. They have chosen the form of a music video with round about 28 minutes running time. Comprised of four chapters, each covered by one song. That said, for what I know, neither a physical release in vinly or CD format is planned, nor a regular digital album for download purposes. Hence I had to place a donation via PayPal, the sole possibility to financially support this production. Worth the money, my recommendation. Four years ago the prior highly acclaimed regular album 'Machina Viva' appeared to the scene as quite a big hit. WOLVERINE are able to follow up on their predecessor, that's for sure.

The line up hasn't changed, magnificent lead singer Stefan Zell is ruling, still. He has one of the most impressing voices when it comes to the progressive rock realm. Melancholy pure! The visual aspect, well, technically, artistically demanding in fact. To be honest, maybe call me ignorant, I can't get much from the overall pessimistic dark mooded scenes. Of course this somehow corresponds to the lyrics, and finally the sound also. Anyway, for me the music as such strikes, that counts, comes first. At best when I put my headphones on, close my eyes, letting my own mental cinema running free. Seems to be contradictive, you may say. But it works for me, simply fantastic.

And so, similar to 'Our Last Goodbye' they admittedly are providing a rather Doom drenched entry into this effort, though the instruments will unfold soon after with alternating ebb and flow. The Breach showcases hard working sawing metal guitar riffs complementing the rhythm branch. More mellowness, the soulful Dead As The Moon can be seen as the album's centerpiece for good reason. 'Help Me, Save Me!' - expressing some forward looking positive vibe the groovy Hibernator then closes this sonic adventure. Great emotional music in any case! So hopefully this is more than solely a mandatory sign of life. So much the more the necessary intermediate step while indicating to a follower, a new full-fledged studio album. Please go ahead.