The Pledge (2001)

Swedish progressive band Wolverine was formed in 1995 by vocalist Stefan Zell and drummer Marcus Losbjer.
The 2016 album is a natural progression from their last album Communication Lost, inviting the listener into the melodic yet dark and moody world of Wolverine. Machina Viva is perhaps the band's most dynamic album to date; from the 14-minute epic and powerful "The Bedlam Overture" and the dark electronic landscapes of "Machina", to the naked and organic nature of "Pile of Ash" and "Sheds". Machina Viva is the next step in Wolverine's explorations in the progressive field.

Cool Norway seems to be the most efficient hothouse for new talents in Europe in recent years. Vocalist Solveig Slettahjell is by no means a new talent, but only now is her third solo disc, with her Slow Motion Quintet, being distributed outside of Norway. Slettahjell was a student of renowned Norwegian vocalist Sidsel Endresen, with whom she collaborated recently in Jon Balke's Batagraf ensemble (Statements, ECM, 2005). She recorded with the experimental all-female vocal quartet Kvitretten, with jazz singers Eldbjørg Raknes, Kristin Asbjörnsen and Tone Åse, and teaches jazz singing at the Norwegian Academy of Music.