Wolverine

Rank Wolverine high on the list of misleading band names because Cold Light of Monday sounds nothing like the vocalisations of a vicious and smelly little animal. Despite roots that reach back into melodic death, Wolverine’s first record for Elitist is prog in a very traditional sense. With feet deep in thick textures of metal and influences spiralling back to ’70s progressive rock, Wolverine have crafted something Dream Theater-esque. But Cold Light of Monday is a deeply emotional expression of expert musicality that manages not to degrade into self-indulgent excess. Perhaps it’s the cold and desolate atmosphere that keeps the drama under careful control, even in the midst of a lyrical concept chronicling abuse and dejection, but it could as easily be a great line-up and intelligent songwriting and arranging that keeps everything in place. Rich layers of harmonies (and a brief hint of growl) balance equally lush instrumentation and well-executed leads, guitars and vocals alike. So many pieces — "Sarah,” "Dusk,” "The Final Redemption” — leave lasting imprints on the memory, but they belong in a complete unit, each part feeding the strength of the whole. Beautiful in its restraint, Cold Light of Monday ends in a sense of hope, offering redemption in spirit as well as in word.