Wolver – Act II: Scene I – Birth of an Empire EP
Wolver – Act II: Scene I – Birth of an Empire EP
Rexius Records
Release Date: 03/10/2025
Review by Beth Morait
10/10
Now, if like me, you love the theatrics of “The Greatest Showman” but wish it was darker, and delivered in the style of Queen, if they’d got together with Muse and Mika, and written songs for Eurovision, then bloody hell my friends, you’re in luck! Admittedly, it’s a niche thought to have, I know. But I’m kinda cooky like that! This new EP from Swedish Modern Theatrical Rockers is just an absolute joy, and it makes me, yet again, ask what the hell they put in the water in Sweden to keep churning out so many absolutely bloody brilliant musicians.
In this succinct offering of 5 tracks we have everything from Queen, to Muse, to Scissor Sisters, all wrapped up in a flamboyantly camp and theatrical box. It takes everything that is good and joyous from the world of Modern Rock, and Musical Theatre, and slams it all together with some canny synths, and exquisite performance, to make what is possibly going to be a curveball for my favourite release of 2025. And the best bit – this is the second part of a concept work by the Swedish trio, with a plot just like a film. It follows three characters, The Protagonist, The Brawler, and The Bard, all outcasts guided by a raven in their fight against an oppressive force known as ‘The Master’.
Opening with ‘COLOSSEUM’ we’re instantly treated to the same anticipation of a magical, awe-inspiring travelling show, that Hugh Jackman emulated in the opening song of “The Greatest Showman”, only it’s Muse through and through. It’s got an Industrial EDM edge to it, building suspense and tantalising the listener.
Next up, ‘same2me’ moves into Queen territory, akin to the more frivolous tracks from the “Night At The Opera” album, but with added Mika, before launching into a Scissor Sister-esque chorus. Everything here is completely on point. Musically, it’s clever, well constructed, and played perfectly. Vocally, the range and dynamics are absolutely spot on, showing a great understanding of the voice as an instrument for storytelling, switching from grandiose to gentle and understated so fluidly that changes are seamless.
‘Vegas Hustler’ just makes me think ‘soundtrack to a slow-motion montage of casino sleaze’. It’s got that ‘slightly sexy, bad boy with BrylCream Smoltz’ to it. Whereas ‘soapboX Preacher’ feels in total contrast, both musically and thematically. It’s a more urgent, frustrated track, with crunchier, scuzzier guitars, and a raft of effects banged on the vocals.
The EP comes to a close with ‘prophecy’. This is a gentle, melancholic ballad, that instantly conjures an image of the main protagonist sat lonely on the dusty steps of a stage door, lamenting about the woes beset on his shoulders, while a janitor with desires to perform tinkles on a the old and past it piano that’s been dumped backstage, forgotten about in the fickle world of musical hall.
The imagery painted in this 15-minute experience is astonishing, and Wolver have absolutely and intricately encapsulated everything they’ve set out to do. For me, I don’t think I will hear a more perfect musical experience this year, and I am absolutely going to search up their previous work, so I can get the first instalment of the story. Amazing, amazing, amazing. That is all.
TRACKLISTING:
01. COLOSSEUM
02. same2me
03. Vegas Hustler
04. Soapbox Preacher
05. Prophecy
LINKS:
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