Swedish band Wolverine were formed back in 1995 and has during that time released three demos. "Fervent Dream" from 1998 is their most recent one. This demo has four songs, all clocking in over the 7 minute mark. This band is mainly a progressive metal band, but what I find interesting and unique is their ability to blend several musical influences to their music.
Track one, "Whispers on the wind", open with some real proggy rhythms with superb guitars and drums followed by good clean vocals from Stefan Zell and a superb catchy chorus. It`s easy to see that this band is influenced by many different music styles and it`s good to hear that they are not afraid to use their other influences too in their musical approach. As the music mainly can be categorized as melodic prog metal, their influences shine through on the whole demo. The main vocals are clean, but the use of death vocals on some parts of these songs is very effective and contribute to make their music powerful and interesting. The songs are at times very symphonic where both the guitars and the keyboards dominate. Even some gothic influences shine through on some occasions. This is to be heard especially in some of the guitar work, which is really tasty by the way, and the use of violins on track two. The band show that they can be very proggy and varied. The songs are utterly melodic, properly heavy, and they also have the ability to slow it down once in a while with great floating symphonic parts where the keyboards really come to it`s right.
For a demo tape the sound is good and the mix between each instrument is very good and competent. I`m impressed by this bands ear for melodies, the way they have blended their musical influences naturally into each song and the ability not to repeat themselves.
Each song is a melodic masterpiece of progressive metal with symphonic influences, and should appeal to all fans of melodic prog metal. I just can`t understand why this band isn`t signed yet. Based on the songs on this demo, these guys are ready for the studio. Their music deserve to be brought to a wider audience. To all labels, please pick this band up!