Review Summary: Nostalgies.
Wolverine has been largely absent from the public’s consciousness for the last ten years. At least for me, it was a case of “out of sight, out of mind.” There was a passable EP “A Darkened Sun” published back in 2021, but I personally barely registered the fact of existence of that release. Strangely enough, it doesn’t feel like the band is back after ten years of silence. Instead, it feels like
I’m the one who has been gone for a long while and have just returned to a place that is not quite home but is still very welcoming and familiar. This whole album feels like the band is greeting me with open arms. “Where have you been, dear, what took you so long, why didn’t you revisit our old records every once in a while? Anyways, we are so happy to have you back!”
What is it about “Anomalies” that invokes this warm, homely feeling, though? Well, it’s certainly not heaviness. Even though the album opens with a signature Wolverine riff in a song titled “A Sudden Demise,” which is the most Wolverine song title ever, it is clear that this time the band’s primary goal was not to make a heavy album. In fact, “Anomalies” are even more keyboard-based than “Machina Viva” was. And yet, where that album felt tired and occasionally even dull, the band’s newest LP feels vibrant and inspired. I can see several reasons for that difference in perception.
I’ll start with a secondary but still important factor. I was never sure how I felt about Stefan Zell’s vocals, but outside of my personal menstruations he always did an objectively good job and this time he decided to level up. He retains his usual style, but his voice sounds richer, fuller, and clearer than ever before. Like I said, he was always good, but this time he sounds especially inspired. It also helps that “Anomalies” is probably the catchiest album Wolverine ever made. They did not dumb down their sound and are still steering clear from the basic “verse-chorus-verse” structure even on shorter tracks, but when they do get to a chorus, it is normally a genuine ear-worm.
The most important thing though is the album’s overall vibe and feeling. The third song “Circuits” is probably the best example to illustrate my point. The band is no stranger to fully keyboard-based songs, but they used to be rather moody and melancholic, like “Sleepy Town” from Wolverine’s 2006 album. However, “Circuits” is probably the warmest and kindest song ever written by Wolverine. It sounds like a spry and lively mountain creek cheerfully flowing down its path. It does not, however, project the sensation of dumb, mindless fun, but rather feels like a quiet smile, careful admiration, or an unassuming act of kindness. There are several instances of the band returning to their usual more dramatic sound, particularly at the beginning and closer towards the end of the album (although “Scarlet Tide” closes the record in a peaceful and blissful fashion), but overall this is pretty much a detour from the band’s usual brooding and moody endeavors. Where the band’s previous albums mostly felt like dark explorations of human nature, “Anomalies” is more like a tour through an art gallery or exhibition led by an enthusiastic guide. Look at that nice chorus of “My Solitary Foe” accentuated by cinematic strings! Such tasty guitar solos we have in the latter half of “Nightfall,” complete with an even catchier chorus! Please, take your time to admire the synth galore of “This World and All its Dazzling Lights.” Or, if you will, please consider the serene beauty of that Floydian acoustic section that emerges amidst all the drama of “Loosing Game.” Thus, a fascinating tapestry of sound is created with the band masterfully applying lighter hues and brighter colors where gloom used to reign in the past. Some songs should hit immediately, some take their time to open up after a few listens, but they all merge into a wonderful musical kaleidoscope.
I’ve always respected Wolverine and admired a lot of their work, but I’ve never felt any kind of special connection with the band. That’s why I am surprised to have these strong nostalgic feelings when listening to their newest album. Thus, my perception of “Anomalies” is highly subjective, and I obviously cannot guarantee that you’ll feel the same way. Surely, some listeners may discard the album due to its lack of heaviness and brighter mood. But for me the most important thing about Progressive Rock/Metal music is the presence of actual progression. Creating a lighter and kinder album was one of the ways for Wolverine to move forward and avoid creating a copy of “Communication Lost,” and they pulled it off without sacrificing the core identity of their music. Believe it or not, Wolverine are having their Nicepool moment, and it feels really good to have them back.
