WOLVERINE

"Communication Lost" is an emotional, pulsating album that sounds like from the near future, without being really innovating.

Among all the Progressive Rock/Metal bands of the new decade, Wolverine are in some way simply one of the many, one that just stuck to the prog rules and released albums that were loyal to the genre, somewhat brave sounding and some innovating moments. With "Communication Lost", it is obvious that Wolverine have a distinct style, even though "Still", their previous album, sounded even more original and promising.

There is tons of melody and accessibility, which definitely contributed in making this band famous in the prog community; as a matter of fact, the experimentation isn't really that big of an element on this one. What we have here are good rock songs strongly blended with Progressive Metal elements, such as some heavy guitars, some interesting time changes, nice keyboard sounds, and pretty progressive-like song structures. Because of it's straight- forwardness, I can't help thinking at times of Alternative Rock as a big influence on this one. The moods here aren't exactly positive: some times, the music is quite depressing and sad. However, it is in many parts a beautiful portrait of hope. Between melancholic acoustic parts, dramatic keyboards, and surprising electronic bursts, "Communication Lost" is a greatly emotional album, definitely one of the most haunting sounding albums of 2011.

Wolverine are a band that take human emotions and make them the most modern sounding as possible, using elements in their music that just sound of the future. However, they manage to do that without being particularly innovative, as the melodies are at times predictable, even though the songwriting is mostly very strong. But the impact this album gives is quite unique, and the atmosphere it has is very enjoyable. This band shows their talent in songwriting with songs like "Into The Great Nothing", the song that starts off the album after the three minute intro, or the slower but quite beautiful "Poison Ivy", or the strongly emotional title track and "Pulse", with it's electronic beat that makes it an automatic standout.

"Communication Lost" is a great experience for whoever loves the genre, a little highlight and gem for today's Prog Rock.

Lyrically, the album is very well written "as usual" since it has been always a strength for wolverine, great images with loads of emotional metaphors.

Musically, the band pushed the borders and mount up their innovation threshold, the ability to express themselves through music became more solid, unique and creative. the dramatic full voice of the singer was always and still dominating the scene, his magical performance and articulation attracts and communicates the feelings on a very high level.

All these years, It was always been a concern to me searching for those who blend progressive music with emotions, feelings and personal message to mankind through music, not only doing technical, speed and complex songs structure -though I still respect and love-, and wolverine was a pioneer impressive act in such field.

The album began with a dark atmosphere and a recitation of some poem with beautiful background music and ended up similarly. The first song of the album clearly reveal wolverine imprint, catchy melodic and energetic riffs then continuing with album ranging between heavy and mellow moments, worth to be mentioned a song called "pulse" with its interesting electronic beat, and "in memory" which contain a piano and vocal part at 5:35 that making me hardly resists tears from pouring! And reminds me with pain of salvation Goosebumps moments -of course in their old albums :)

The last song in this album before the outro is "communication lost" which describe the difficult situations that we are living these days and the communication that is lost between individuals as well as between the individual and the true self/soul/needs.

Without hesitation I gave 4 stars to the album and if there was 4.5 stars it will surely be my evaluation mark..

"Downfall" and the next track "Into The Great Nothing" starts things off on a very high note.Two of my top three tracks right there.The first is dark and atmospheric as spoken words come in. Cello before 2 minutes when the words stop. It blends into the next one as the drums kick in right away and it sounds great. Riffs then vocals follow. It kicks in heavier after 2 1/2 minutes. It settles after 5 1/2 minutes then the vocals return. It kicks back in one more time.

"Poison Ivy" is okay but it's laid back with picked guitar, reserved vocals and cello. It does get fuller at times but..anyway it blends into "Your Favourite War" where it kicks in heavily right away. It settles back with vocals a beat and piano before a minute. I like the guitar after 3 minutes. Powerful stuff.

"Embrace" is too much like a ballad although I like the tribal-like drumming. "Pulse" is my other top three. It starts off in a reserved manner but it's catchy and dark.The tempo does pick up and guitar leads 4 minutes in.

"What Remains" is my least favourite. Piano, strings and reserved vocals go on for way too long. "In Memoery Of Me" is much better. Nice and heavy. It does settle back with vocals as the tempo continues to shift.

"In The Quiet" features vocals and a beat early on. A calm with vocals after 2 minutes then it turns heavier. "Communication Lost" kicks in before a minute.Vocals after 2 minutes and some relaxed guitar after 4 1/2 minutes. "A Beginning" has these spoken words like the opening track then the atmosphere rolls in after they stop.

Before I did this review tonight I took the time to listen to their three previous albums just to see how this stands up and I still feel that the others are better.That's just my taste in music of course as it seems many herald this as their best.

Just when I thought all of the fresh talent in prog metal was hiding towards the more extreme side of the spectrum, I am introduced to this band, the Swedish quintet Wolverine. Although this is the band's fourth album to date, 'Communication Lost' will likely be the first that many hear of the band, due to the greater publicity they have received for it. Although I am rarely one to fall into the trap of hype, Wolverine was certainly a band I had heard great things about from more than a couple music experts.Although I was expecting Wolverine to fall into the same rut of Dream Theater or Symphony X that so many melodic prog metal bands do, the change of pace here is refreshing, and while not an entirely new breath of fresh air than what I have already heard in the style, Wolverine do plant themselves as one of the last vestiges of hope in a style that I personally think got tired over a decade ago.

My personal cynicisms for melodic prog metal aside, Wolverine are a truly impressive act, and the fact that I find myself so endeared to them with all things considered should be a testament to their strength as an act. Musically, Wolverine is not such a far cry from compatriots Pain of Salvation; their music is heavy at times, but always melodic, and resists the temptation to become an overly technical wankfest a la Dream Theater. Instead, Wolverine bases 'Communication Lost' around the long lost art of proper songwriting; their music uses sometimes complex musicianship, but it is always based in a tight composition, and this really grabs my attention. The vocals here are often the center of attention atop tasteful instrumentation, the atmosphere is kept somewhat dark and melancholic throughout, and- coming as a surprise to someone that was expecting a metal album- tastefully mellow. Wolverine is instead heavy prog rock throughout most of this, although I would have to say that the vocals keep a metallic tinge to the music. Stefan Zell's voice is generally a lower register tenor, with a stern tone to his delivery. His real highlights are when he goes and hits higher notes, which he does beautifully; one really wonders why he doesn't sing up there more, because his high register stuff is much more impressive.

The songwriting here is generally the highlight of the album. Everything is beautifully produced and polished, but the sound stays organic; a sure sign of a successful studio job. The songwriting really caught my attention from the first listen onwards though; while the atmosphere that Wolverine makes on 'Communication Lost' rarely becomes upbeat or cheery, they get the sadness across with a variety of different sounds. 'Pulse' is one of the most memorable tracks here, using some lively electronics to create a hook. 'Into The Great Nothing' makes perfect use of those upper pitch vocals that Stefan Zell does so well, and gets fairly heavy, only to be trailed by a nice acoustic passage in 'Poison Ivy'. The highlight moments on 'Communication Lost' are brilliant, although it would have been nice to hear even a couple more of them as the album progresses. The album is one of the most consistent records I have heard throughout the year, but it does feel like Wolverine keeps their sound a little too restrained; still a vast preference from the overindulgent noodling that the Dream Theater clones adhere themselves to, but 'Communication Lost' could have used a little more of the great, powerful heaviness that they only seem to hint at here. All the same, it gets me excited to see what else that the band has in store.

Wolverine are a band that I was not expecting to impress me, but they did well to leave an impression on me; 'Communication Lost' is an expansive collection of tracks that all succeed in delivering some sort of dark quality to them. Although I could still draw some Pain of Salvation comparisons to the band, they do have a more adventurous sound going for them than much prog metal, and they have been placed on the map for me after hearing what they have to offer from 'Communication Lost'.

There are albums that will impress on first listen. "Communication Lost" is one of them. I had never heard of before Wolverine (animal and only Marvel character), but this brilliant album made ​​me want to know the other works of this amazing band.

The sound here, unlike that most prog-metal bands play, is not a mere clone of Dream Theater. It's derived from Riverside, in relation to the use of electronic effects and dense atmosphere of the songs. Even Stefan Zell's voice resembles that of Mariusz Duda.

If you are looking for weight and aggressive riffs, this album is not for you. But if you enjoy a melodic progressive metal, heavy (for cellos emotional throughout the album) and atmospheric (many spacey influences in this album), will love "Communication Lost".

4.5 stars for sure.

Wolverine plays a style of atmospheric progressive metal with influences from acts like Pain of Salvation, Porcupine Tree, Fates Warning, and Pink Floyd. Communication Lost certainly isn't the heaviest prog metal album you'll ever hear, and a good portion of it is pure atmospheric prog rock. Every track here is extremely melancholic and dark, from a musical and lyrical perspective. The lyrics, dealing with heavy topics like addiction and abuse, help add to the overall somber feeling present throughout the entire album. The music, as previously mentioned, is generally soft and not too technical. Acoustic guitars, mellow synth tones, powerful vocals, piano, and a strong rhythm section dominate much of Communication Lost. There are also a fair amount of cello sections - a bit surprising for a prog metal album, but is remarkably beautiful during the piano-led sections (particularly on "What Remains"). Every song here is absolutely beautiful, particularly "Embrace", "What Remains", and "In The Quiet Of Dawn". There are a few heavier (but still absolutely beautiful) tracks like "Communication Lost", "Your Favorite War", and "In Memory of Me". This album flows wonderfully and I'd actually consider every song to be a masterpiece. Communication Lost is one of the very few 70-minute albums without a second of filler; that really shows what fantastic songwriters Wolverine are.

Although Wolverine are not as technically-oriented as the majority of prog metal bands out there, they still certainly have some fantastic chops and (most importantly) are capable of injecting soulful emotion into every note on the album. The keyboard playing from Per Hendriksson especially stands out for me; his atmospheric synth playing and terrific piano mastery are an integral part of the music on Communication Lost. Stefan Zell's vocals also stand out to me, seeing that he has the power of Ray Alder and the beauty and diversity of Daniel Gildenlöw. It's hard to think of a better prog metal vocalist than that! The production is also spectacular on Communication Lost. It's clear, powerful, professional, and sets the perfect atmospheric feel to fit Wolverine's music.

I'm absolutely ecstatic about Communication Lost, and I sincerely hope that these feelings were shining throughout my review. This album is a tremendous statement from Wolverine; one that hopefully gets them the recognition that they deserve among the prog metal community. Seldom do I come across an album this beautiful, touching, and well- crafted. Wolverine really have outdone themselves this time, and created one of the most recommendable progressive metal albums ever released. 5 stars are well-deserved for this essential masterpiece. I can guarantee that Communication Lost will be in my top five albums of 2011 - it really is that good. Even with new Opeth and Dream Theater albums on the horizon, I have a feeling that Communication Lost may remain unsurpassed as the year's best prog metal album. Essential!

Yes, despite a promising name and art cover, this Wolverine has plastic teeth and rubber claws. A bit of a let down I suppose, but these bands can improve with time. I'll give'em another chance.

The album starts with the magnificent A House of Plagues, a super-song charged with power (excellent keyboards and riffs) and emotions, it kicks off very well. Alas, the album never reaches that level again. It falls into a softer and blander music, even departing from the progressing metal genre. Although I have to give them praise for the song Nothing More, reminding me the peaceful atmosphere of Camel's Snow Goose! I know! It surprised me too!!

Some bands give everything in one album, sometimes in one single song. Wolverine lack energy in many songs and the songs are dull by moments. Just common stuff, done robotically and predictable patterns.

If their new album is not improving, I'll be quitting this boat thinking this band needs more edge.

An album not anywhere near as heavy as "Still; more melodic and complex. It certainly took a few listens to sink in fully but with the magical vocals of Stefan Zell still on top form it is difficult to criticise.

The opening passages reminded me so much of The Big Red Spark by Tinyfish, but such comparisons soon end and the uniqueness that is Wolverine soon take over. An album dominated by the incredible singing voice, wonderful keyboard/piano segments and seemingly effortless guitar work, this new composition has certainly put a smile on my face.

4 stars easily....no weaknesses. I'm confident that this is an album that will mature with every listen. Let's hope we don't have to wait another 5 years for the next album! That would be a real shame because Wolverine have a prominent space on my progressive rock CD shelf. A band deserving more attention, let's hope that their communication hasn't been lost!

The music isn't particulary complex and its easy to listen to though it make take a couple of spins. Starts off with the mid-tempo A HOUSE OF PLAGUE, with it opening acoustic intro and becomes a more heavy entity the longer it goes on, the actual quite good vocals of Stefan Zell shine through the whole album.

BLEEDING beginning with a heavy riff continues into a darker vibe thanks to the keyboardist Per Hendriksson TASTE OF SAND starts of quite slowly but when it gets going it becomes a good song (this and the previous song reminds me of Porcupine Tree as the vocals sound similar to Steven Wilson, which isn't a bad thing actually) as is very well written.

NOTHING MORE is a dreamy moody song it sounds similar to Anathema actually. SLEEPY TOWN a nice melodic poppy song its kinda daring and does what it says and puts you on the road to 'sleepy town'

LIAR ON THE MOUNT starts with an speech from George Bush (which actually puts me off the song a bit and end up skipping it usually) and its the worst song song on the album, I wouldn't rate it very highly it just doesn't hold up to the other songs. HIDING another melodic song all about hiding ourselves within, its a nice sombre song with sets up the final two songs.

THIS COLD HEART OF MINE and AND SHE SLOWLY DIES finish the album with both songs clocking in at almost 8 minutes are both great songs which show just what Wolverine can do and the most recommended listening out of all the songs.

Its good, but hardly original or breathtaking. 3 stars

It begins with "End" which brings us to this man's funeral after he has committed suicide.The wind is blowing and a Preacher is gving a few words. "My Room" brings us to the beginning where the boy was the object of abuse. It kicks in heavily before settling a minute in as Stefan Zell starts to sing. It kicks in again before 2 minutes as these contrasts continue. I really like the way this sounds both the dark atmospheric sections and the heavy riffs with passionate vocals. Great sound 4 1/2 minutes as it kicks in again. Nice guitar and some powerful synths. "His Cold Touch" has some heart-breaking lyrics about the fear and loneliness that this boy experienced. "And though he fears his father's eyes, that's nothing compared to the cold touch of his hands".This song starts off mellow with reserved vocals with outbursts of power in contrast. Amazing sound before 5 minutes with the synths and heavy undercurrent as the guitar starts to solo over top. Growly vocals follow in anger. It's actually uplifting before 9 minutes then it turns sad and dark. It ends with piano. An absolutely fantastic track ! "..." is an instrumental of intricate guitar and drums. Gorgeous.

"Leaving Yesterday" is when he's older and has met a woman and falls in love. This sounds more positive and uplifting.The vocals sound really good and we get some female vocals helping out too. Piano 4 1/2 minutes in with tender vocals.This song reminds me of PAIN OF SALVATION. "Towards Loss" is him dealing with everyday life, trying to forget his past but losing the battle and losing his love in the process. Love how this sounds when it kicks in, it reminds me of FATES WARNING a little. The synths are great. Growly vocals come in revealing how frustrated he is. Clean vocals follow. I really like the heavy sections in this song. "The Storm Inside" has lyrics like: "Like a raging storm, my past keeps coming on. Like a thousand daggers, my memories pierce me. My body and soul unite in pain." The music is dark and heavy with powerful synths. It settles with vocals before 2 minutes. Growls 4 1/2 minutes in. Killer guitar after 6 minutes. Great tune ! "Coma" is where he's kept alive by a machine in the hospital after an attempted suicide. It deals with his thoughts as he lies there helpless. Lots of atmosphere in this one. It gets pretty intense though after 5 minutes. I like the synths that follow. Lots of bottom end here. "Release" is where he dies. It's a short instrumental of piano, strummed guitar and drums. A peaceful track. "Post Life" deals with the letter his love finds after he's gone. Strummed guitar and reserved vocals. An absolutely beautiful soundscape 2 1/2 minutes in as it gets fuller. Powerful stuff.

A meaningful and emotional album that I hope will help someone get through their personal storm.