WOLVERINE is a Progressive Metal band formed in 2005 by Stefan Zell and Marcus Losbjer. They released their debut full-length in 2001, followed by a sophomore release in 2003. It's been five years now since their last release. Their newest, "A Darkened Sun," contains four tracks.

"Phoenix Slain" opens the album, and it's a nine-minute opus. It begins with tense, harsh tones and a slow, plodding rhythm. The vocals are smooth and emotive, as the heaviness drops off to clean guitars. It picks back up approaching the half-way mark, with soaring vocals and audible bass notes. It takes a darker turn at around the ¾ mark, followed by a guitar solo, then the sound drops to some soft, pensive piano notes for a few bars, and it finishes in a grand, weighted fashion.

"The Breach" is just over five-minutes in length. It's another slower moving song with dark tones in the background. At this point, the album is bordering on mire for me. They need to get out of the overly murky waters and swim for the shore. The guitar solo saves the song for me...very well done. The ending sequence is heavy and interesting as well. "Dead as the Moon" is close to seven-minutes in length. It opens with some piano, bass and light drumming. The vocals here are again consternating, but I really like the piano and key elements here. The harmonized vocals are sweet and vulnerable. This is a very smooth song with just enough Progressive elements to peak your enthusiasm.

"Hibernator" closes the album. It begins with some spacey keyboards and light drumming. Vocal harmonies come in along with bass and guitars. But I was completely unprepared for that big, catchy chorus. Another fantastic guitar solo plays in unison with keyboards. What a great closing song. If you like the softer, more introspective side of Progressive music, I think you will find this to your liking. Upon a second listen, the album grew on me some more. It's a dark affair mostly, and while all four tracks sharing a similar tempo did wear on me a bit, that closing track stuck with me for a while. It they can bottle that magic, they are really onto something.