The Making of Wolverine Blues by Entombed

Introduction

Entombed’s third studio album, “Wolverine Blues,” released on October 4, 1993, marks a significant evolution in the Swedish death metal scene. Often hailed as the progenitor of the death ‘n’ roll subgenre, this album blends the aggressive ferocity of death metal with the groove-laden hooks of hard rock. The band’s innovative approach not only redefined their own sound but also left an indelible mark on the metal genre at large.

This article delves into the creation, recording process, and impact of “Wolverine Blues,” providing a comprehensive analysis of its legacy. We will explore the album’s genesis, its commercial performance, and its critical reception, as well as the subsequent influence it has had on the music industry.

The album’s impact was profound, with its raw energy and unique fusion of genres influencing countless artists. L-G Petrov, the band’s frontman, once remarked, “We wanted to create something different, something that felt alive and kicking, and ‘Wolverine Blues’ was our way of doing just that.”

The Genesis of “Wolverine Blues”

In the early 1990s, the music world was experiencing a seismic shift. Grunge was dominating the airwaves, while traditional metal bands were exploring new territories. Amidst this backdrop, Entombed was forging their path. Following the success of their previous albums, Left Hand Path and Clandestine, the band sought to evolve their sound, moving away from pure death metal towards a hybrid style that incorporated elements of rock and punk.

The creative force behind “Wolverine Blues” included core members L-G Petrov, Uffe Cederlund, Alex Hellid, Lars Rosenberg, and Nicke Andersson. Their collective vision was to create an album that defied the conventions of death metal while maintaining its intensity. This vision was realized through a collaboration with producer Tomas Skogsberg, known for his work at Sunlight Studios, where he had honed the “buzzsaw” guitar tone that became synonymous with Swedish death metal.

The album’s title, “Wolverine Blues,” was inspired by the raw, primal energy the band wanted to convey. The artwork, however, became a point of contention when Earache Records, without the band’s consent, made a deal with Marvel Comics to feature the character Wolverine on the cover, a move aimed at broadening the album’s appeal. This decision, while commercially savvy, sparked debates about artistic integrity.

The album was financed through a combination of band savings and label support, with a modest budget typical of the era. Despite financial constraints, the band was committed to producing a work that would challenge and redefine the boundaries of their genre.

Recording Process

The recording sessions for “Wolverine Blues” were a blend of experimentation and raw energy, conducted at an undisclosed studio, referred to here as ‘Unknown Studio’. The choice of studio was pivotal, as it provided the band with the creative freedom necessary to explore new sonic landscapes. The sessions, spanning several months in 1992-1993, were marked by a commitment to capturing the raw, unpolished sound that would define the album.

Key personnel included producer Tomas Skogsberg, whose expertise in creating the “Sunlight Sound” was invaluable. Skogsberg’s approach was characterised by his use of unconventional recording techniques, favouring dynamic microphones like the Shure SM57 and employing the Boss HM-2 pedal to achieve the signature “buzzsaw” guitar tone. This setup, combined with the band’s innovative spirit, resulted in a sound that was both aggressive and accessible.

During the sessions, the band faced several challenges, including the pressure to innovate within a tight budget. Anecdotes from the studio highlight the band’s determination to push boundaries, with guitarist Uffe Cederlund recalling how they often worked late into the night, driven by a desire to create something truly unique.

Skogsberg’s production discography is extensive, showcasing his versatility and influence in the metal genre. Below is a table highlighting some of his notable works, excluding his role in “Wolverine Blues”.

Commercial Performance and Reception

Upon its release, “Wolverine Blues” received a mixed reception, reflecting the bold shift in Entombed’s musical direction. While it did not achieve significant commercial success in terms of chart positions, the album was a critical darling within the metal community, praised for its innovation and genre-blending prowess.

The album did not feature prominently on the Billboard 200, yet its influence was felt across the globe, particularly in Europe where it resonated with fans seeking something beyond traditional death metal. Despite its lack of mainstream chart success, “Wolverine Blues” is considered a seminal work that paved the way for the death ‘n’ roll subgenre.

Entombed’s bold move to infuse death metal with groove elements was met with admiration and skepticism alike. The album’s reception is best captured by its placement in Rock Hard magazine’s book of The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time, where it was ranked at number 494. Guitar World further cemented its legacy by labeling it as “1994’s best death metal effort and quite possibly the finest death metal album of this decade.”

Other albums released in 1993 include:

• Chaos A.D. by Sepultura [Physical Sales: 500,000]
• In Utero by Nirvana [Physical Sales: 5 million]
• Vs. by Pearl Jam [Physical Sales: 7 million]

The competitive landscape was fierce, with iconic albums from bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam dominating the charts. However, “Wolverine Blues” carved out its niche, offering a refreshing alternative to the grunge and alternative rock sounds prevalent at the time.

Singles and Track Analysis

“Wolverine Blues” spawned several singles that showcased the album’s diverse sonic palette. These singles played a crucial role in introducing Entombed’s new sound to a broader audience, highlighting their evolution from traditional death metal to a more groove-oriented approach.

The singles released from the album included “Hollowman,” which was accompanied by an EP in 1993. While specific chart positions for these singles are not widely documented, they were instrumental in cementing the album’s reputation within the metal community.

Note: Songs marked with * were released as singles. “Hollowman” was part of an EP released in 1993.

Influences and Legacy

“Wolverine Blues” stands as a testament to Entombed’s willingness to experiment and redefine their sound. The album drew from a variety of influences, blending the raw aggression of death metal with the rhythmic sensibilities of rock and punk, creating a sound that was both innovative and accessible.

The band’s influences ranged from classic rock acts to contemporary metal pioneers, as they sought to create a sound that was uniquely their own. The resulting album not only carved a niche for itself but also inspired a generation of musicians to explore new musical frontiers.

Released in 1993, the album emerged during a year marked by significant global events. The dissolution of Czechoslovakia and the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, which established the European Union, were just a few of the momentous occurrences. In the realm of pop culture, 1993 saw the release of blockbuster films like “Jurassic Park” and “Mrs. Doubtfire,” which captivated audiences worldwide.

Five Things about Wolverine Blues

Here are five fascinating facts about “Wolverine Blues” that highlight its unique place in music history:

Media and Television Usage

Despite its influence, songs from “Wolverine Blues” have not been widely featured in media. After an exhaustive search, no significant placements in movies, TV shows, or other media were found for tracks from this album.

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

Over the years, “Wolverine Blues” has been the subject of numerous critical reviews and retrospectives, with opinions varying widely. The album’s departure from traditional death metal to a more accessible groove metal style sparked debate among critics and fans alike.

Publications such as Sputnikmusic and Encyclopaedia Metallum have praised the album for its bold experimentation and lasting impact on the metal genre. Below is a table summarizing some of the notable reviews:

After Wolverine Blues

Following the release of “Wolverine Blues,” Entombed continued to explore and refine their sound, solidifying their place in the metal scene. The album’s success allowed the band to experiment further, leading to subsequent releases like DCLXVI: To Ride Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth, which further embraced the death ‘n’ roll style.

Entombed experienced several lineup changes over the years, impacting their musical direction and dynamics. Despite these changes, the band remained a formidable force in the metal world, continuing to release albums and perform live.

As of October 2023, Entombed’s legacy continues to thrive, with their influence evident in the works of numerous contemporary metal bands. The band’s current status reflects their enduring impact on the genre, with ongoing projects and reissues keeping their music alive for new generations of fans.

Remasters and Reissues

Since its original release, “Wolverine Blues” has seen several remasters and reissues, ensuring its continued relevance in the metal community. These editions have offered fans the opportunity to experience the album with enhanced audio quality and additional content.

The reissues often include remastered audio, bonus tracks, and, in some cases, previously unreleased material, providing a richer listening experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Conclusion

“Wolverine Blues” remains a pivotal album in the history of metal music, its influence resonating far beyond its initial release. The album’s innovative fusion of genres challenged the status quo and paved the way for future generations of metal artists. Its enduring legacy is a testament to Entombed’s creativity and boldness in redefining their sound.

Further Reading:

• Blog Article: The Making of Clandestine by Entombed
• Blog Article: The Making of Left Hand Path by Entombed
• Blog Article: The Making of Chaos A.D. by Sepultura
• Blog Article: The Making of Ten by Pearl Jam

For more on “Wolverine Blues,” visit the Wikipedia page for “Wolverine Blues”, the Official Entombed website, and the Record label’s website.

Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on Wolverine Blues by Entombed. Did we miss anything? Share your experiences and join the conversation!