Review by Jack on June 1, 2002.

Ouch. This is one engrossing album. Everything about Wolverine and their latest album, “The Window Purpose” is so meticulously prepared and executed that it is absolutely phenomenal. Even with the finest modern albums of today you can usually bank on a few minor faults. Wolverine are clearly firm believers of the school of thought that subscribes success to a complete and total package. One only has to look to the artwork on “The Window Purpose” to see how universal the concept of “The Window Purpose” is. Every page is finely detailed with unique details and subtle usage of vibrant colors. I believe careful design and implementation of graphics and art on an album goes a long, long way to throwing across a band’s message.

I’ll be the first to say that progressive metal/rock isn’t my preferred form of music within the metal field, but just lately my perceptions of the genre has been rising higher and higher with each listen (hear Into Eternity for another great example of metal and progressive rock). Wolverine, I feel is the epitome of the progressive field of music. “The Window Purpose” is full of expert and precise application of devious guitar hooks that it becomes thoroughly infatuating. I say devious because Wolverine to me are masters of insidious and shrewd song compositions that draw a listener in so completely that they hardly know they are dependent on the song.

In addition to the addicting nature of guitarists Per Broddesson and Mikael Zell are the charismatic vocals of Stefan Zell (also responsible for bass guitar). This guy really knows how to spellbind an audience through his sorcery in the vocal arts. The lyrics on “The Window Purpose” are all fairly accomplished, flanking around somber romantic and dark concepts on the nature of humanity. These competent tales would surely be undone if it were not for the storytelling capacity of Stefan. The man is the maestro of Wolverine.

Throughout the ten prescribed tracks on “The Window Purpose”, Wolverine play each song like it is their last attempt to leave their mark upon the world. Wolverine put their all into every note, lyric, and overall base dynamics of each song. Every song is a winner and potential CD single, if Wolverine decided to go that way. Without any exceptions, “The Window Purpose” weaves and rotates a full spectrum of progressive expertise, while all the time tugging and prodding at the audience; tempting and taunting them, till they are fully absorbed.

Finally, to add to my earlier mention of the influence of the artwork, it is the real nitty-gritty or intangible features of “The Window Purpose” that help elevate them well above the pack.

Bottom Line: I can say with unequivocal ease that this is a rare album with very, very little musical faults.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8
Originality: 10
Overall: 9.5

Rating: 9.1 out of 10