Wolverine Blues by Entombed: A Death ‘n’ Roll Masterpiece or a
Death Metal Sellout?
If you're a metal fan, you've probably heard of Wolverine Blues, the third album by Swedish band Entombed. Released in 1993, this album is considered one of the pioneers and classics of death 'n' roll, a genre that combines death metal and hard rock. But what is death 'n' roll and why is it so controversial? How does Wolverine Blues compare to previous Entombed albums and other bands and genres? Is it a metal masterpiece or a death metal sellout? In this blog post, I will try to answer these questions and give you my personal opinion about this album.
What is Death ‘n’ Roll?
Death 'n' roll is a term describing a style of metal that combines elements of death metal and hard rock. Death metal is a subgenre of metal that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, characterized by fast, aggressive, and complex riffs, blasting beats, distorted guitars, and growling vocals. Hard rock is a genre of rock music that arose between the mid-1960s and early 1970s and is characterized by simple, catchy, bluesy riffs, heavy drums, electric guitars, and melodic vocals.
Death 'n' roll combines these two genres by integrating the speed, brutality, and distortion of death metal with the groove, catchiness, and simplicity of hard rock. Death 'n' roll also draws influences from other genres such as punk, rock 'n' roll, and blues. As one of the Wolverine Blues reviews states:
Death N Roll is basically death metal with a heavy dose of hard rock influence. Think Motorhead meets Black Sabbath meets AC/DC meets Entombed. (Sputnikmusic)
Why is Death ‘n’ Roll Controversial?
Death 'n' roll is controversial because it deviates from traditional death metal norms and expectations. Death metal fans and critics often accuse death 'n' roll bands of burning out, watering down, or betraying their roots. They argue that death 'n' roll is less original, less innovative, less technical, less brutal, and less serious than death metal. They further claim that death 'n' roll is influenced by mainstream or commercial genres that are incompatible with the underground or extreme nature of death metal.
Entombed addressed these allegations when it released Wolverine Blues in 1993. Entombed were one of the earliest and most influential bands in the Swedish death metal scene, alongside bands like Dismember, Grave, and Unleashed. Their debut album, Left Hand Path (1990), is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most important albums in death metal history. Their second album, Clandestine (1991), was also well-received and praised for its technicality and complexity.
However, with Wolverine Blues, Entombed drastically changed their sound and style. They ditched their fast, complicated, melodic riffs for slower, simpler, groovier riffs. They replaced their explosive beats with half-time drums. They toned down their distortion and added bluesy solos. The voice moved from low growls to higher roars. The lyrics changed from occult or horror themes to more mundane or humorous ones.
These changes shocked and disappointed many fans and critics who expected Entombed to be another classic death metal album. Some of them accused Entombed of selling themselves out to gain more popularity or money. Others dismissed Wolverine Blues as a death metal joke or parody. The most extreme denied Wolverine Blues as part of Entombed's discography.
However, not everyone hated Wolverine's blues. Some fans and critics appreciated Entombed's experimentation and advancement. They recognized Wolverine Blues as an influential and important album in the metal scene. They also praised Wolverine Blues for its groove, catchiness, and fun factor. In addition, they championed Wolverine blues as a legitimate form of death metal that doesn't deny its roots.
How Does Wolverine Blues Compare to Other Albums?
Wolverine Blues differs from Entombed's previous albums in a number of ways. As I said before, it has a different sound, style, structure, vocals, lyrics, production, and atmosphere than Left Hand Path or Clandestine. It is also different from other albums in the death metal or death 'n' roll genre.
Wolverine Blues differs from other death metal albums in that it contains more hard rock elements than death metal elements. It has more groove than speed, more catchiness than complexity, and more simplicity than technicality. It also has more intelligible vocals than growling vocals, more humorous lyrics than occult lyrics, and more bluesy solos than distorted solos. It's less brutal, less aggressive, less dark, and less serious than most death metal albums.
Wolverine Blues is a unique
and original album that mixes death metal and hard rock in a balanced and
effective way. It's not Death Metal or Hard Rock, it's a perfect mix of both.
It's not a sellout or a hoax, it's a great metal record.
What are the Strengths and Weaknesses of Wolverine Blues?
Wolverine Blues has many strengths and weaknesses that
make it a great or a bad album depending on your perspective and preference.
Here are some of them:
Strengths
- Wolverine Blues production and sound quality are excellent. The album sounds clear, powerful, and heavy. Entombed's signature guitar tone, which they created using a Boss HM-2 pedal and Sunn amp, is one of metal's best and most recognizable sounds. The drums that enter in the mid-tempo give the album unspeakable sonic weight. Bluesy riff choruses add an irresistible touch of melody and groove. Some examples of songs that showcase these elements are "Eyemaster" and "Wolverine Blues".
- Wolverine Blues' vocals and lyrics are fantastic. The return of L-G Petrov, who left the band after Left Hand Path, was a great decision. Petrov has a fierce and understandable style that fits the album perfectly. It roars with passion and aggression, but also with clarity and humor. He delivers memorable lines that are catchy, funny, or shocking. Some examples of songs with great vocals and lyrics are "Blood Song" and "Out of Hand".
- The writing and structure of Wolverine Blues are superb. The album has a good flow and rhythm that makes it easy to listen to and enjoy. The songs have simple but effective verses and choruses. They have memorable snippets that stick in your head and make you want to sing or headbang. Some examples of songs with great composition and structure are "Demon" and "Full of Hell".
Weaknesses
- The lack of variety and excitement in Wolverine Blues is a problem. The album sounds too similar and monotonous throughout. Most of the songs have the same tempo, riff pattern, vocal rendition, and chorus structure. There's not a lot of variety or experimentation on the album. There aren't many surprises or challenges on the album. Some examples of songs that sound similar or boring are "Heavens Die" and "Contempt".
- Wolverine Blues' muted version of death metal is a disappointment. The album loses some of the essence and spirit of death metal that made previous Entombed albums so great. The album sacrifices some of the speed, aggression, complexity, brutality, and darkness of death metal in favor of groove, catchiness, simplicity, fun, and humor. It doesn't have the same impact nor the same intensity as Left Hand Path or Clandestine. The album doesn't have the same sharpness or attitude as other death metal albums.
- Some of Wolverine Blues' shortcomings in production, songwriting, and vocals are noticeable. The album has sound quality issues that make it muddy or loud at times. There are some songwriting issues that make it sloppy or lazy at times. The vocals sound strained or boring at times. Some examples of songs with these issues are "Rotten Soil" and "Hollowman".
What is My Opinion on Wolverine Blues?
My opinion on Wolverine Blues is mixed. I like some aspects of the album, but I hate others. I appreciate the influence and importance of the album in the metal scene, but I also understand its controversial reception by fans and critics.
I like the writing and
structure of Wolverine Blues. I think they are a great feature of the
album. The flow and pace of the album are great which makes it easy to listen and enjoy. I like the verses and choruses, simple but effective. I dig the crazy rhythm that makes me want to dive into a mosh pit.
However, I dislike the lack of variety and excitement in Wolverine Blues. I think that's one of the main problems with the album. The album sounds too similar and repetitive throughout its duration. Most songs have the same tempo, riff pattern, vocal rendition, and chorus structure. I also dislike the fact that there's not a lot of variety or experimentation on the album.
There are flaws in Wolverine Blues' production, writing, and vocals. I think these are
minor but noticeable issues affecting the quality of the album. Some of
the sound quality issues sometimes make it sound fuzzy or noisy.
Overall, Wolverine Blues is a mixed bag for me. It has some great aspects that make it a classic and influential album in metal history, but it also has some downsides that make it a disappointing and controversial album in Entombed's discography.
Should You Listen to Wolverine Blues?
If you are interested in death 'n' roll or Entombed, you should definitely listen to Wolverine Blues. It is one of the best and most important albums of this genre and of this band. Truly a unique and original album that combines death metal and hard rock in a balanced and effective way. This is a fun album that will have you headbanging or singing.
However, if you're looking for pure death metal or something more original or innovative, then Wolverine Blues is best skipped. It's not a "true" death metal album or something that blows your mind or defies your expectations. In a way, it's a watered-down version of death metal that borrows heavily from other bands and genres.
At the very least, give Wolverine Blues a chance and form your opinion about it. You may like or hate it or feel indifferent about it. You can agree or disagree with me or other fans or critics. You may find something new or interesting that others have missed or ignored.
Whatever your opinion, feel free to share it with me and other readers in the comments section below. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Wolverine Blues or death 'n' roll in general.
Thank you for reading my blog post!
Comments