EVERGREY

Fifth release in shoer amount of time, I guess in only 6-7 years since they formed, The inner circle from 2004 is another worthy album from their catalogue, but as I said before not an album reaches the beauty of In search for truth. From previous album Recreation day they become more and more a power metal band with prog metal leanings not vice versa as they were on first 3 albums, and this is their last solid album, after this they quite forgert to writte great prog metal music, at least for my ears. The inner circle has some very catchy dark gloomy arrangements, solid musicianship and some ok vocal parts. Ambassador is a killer piece where they still shine, great riffs and solos, another worthy one is The Essence Of Conviction, the rest are more or less good towards great, but nothing is special here. I prefere thier first phase when they were more prog metal and less power metal, still enjoyble for sure. 3 stars maybe rounded in places with 3.5 stars.

Second release of this well known prog metal band from Sweden, released in 1999 named Solitude, Dominave , Tragedy. Well, I might say I liked this one, but not a single album from their catalogue has the magic and solid , great ideas as are on In search of truth, to me that album is a masterpieces of prog metal. Good dark prog metal, with good vocals and all, but something is missing to really be a powerful release in prog metal field. Here and there some power metal passges take over but combined with that typical scadinavian prog metal parts the result is ok most of the time. The best track is opening one Solitude Within, the rest are more or less ok, but not one is bad in the end. 3 stars maybe 3.5 stars for some arrangements.

Of the literally hundreds of excellent metal bands hailing from Sweden, Evergrey is one of my favorites. The band's trademark mix of thrashy power metal, progressive metal, and gothic subtleties gives them a unique identity within the crowded prog metal genre, and the powerful and distinct vocal delivery from Tom Englund never fails to amaze me. On their 1998 debut, The Dark Discovery, the band's morose and edgy progressive power metal sound is firmly established, but it lacks the refinement that made some of their future efforts so outstanding. Evergrey's entrance into the musical world is flawed in many regards, yet the band exhibits a high level of promise that - thankfully - would be fulfilled over the course of their next few observations.

For those unacquainted with Evergrey, this Swedish act performs a style of progressive power metal with a thrashy, American-sounding edge and dark gothic atmospheres. Their sound has moved in a more commercial direction in recent years, but earlier efforts like this one have quite a few progressive overtones. The Dark Discovery is undoubtedly an original album given its time period, and the band's semi-straightforward and morose sound was a refreshing change of pace from the countless Dream Theater and Fates Warning clones that populated the prog metal scene in 1998. Most of the songs here linger in the four to five minute time frame, and these powerful and melodic mini-epics are all really well-composed and quite diverse. Some songs may take a few listens to draw any distinctions between, but a gothic power ballad in the form of "For Every Tear That Falls", for example, helps add some nice variation and memorability to this already solid album. Although the band would take their unique approach to new heights over the next few years, The Dark Discovery is a worthy listen for any fan of Evergrey.

In terms of complaints, the album's real shortcoming is in its tremendously weak production. The guitars sound muddy and unclear, the drums sound distant and blurred, and Tom Englund's otherwise spectacular vocal delivery is obscured by a poor mixing job. This is just a really amateurish sounding album in terms of production and delivery; in addition to the weak production, the band's technical skills weren't quite as sharp as they would soon become either. It's a bit of a shame, actually, because this is a very impressive album from a compositional standpoint. Still, the production does not ruin The Dark Discovery, and its assets are plentiful enough to warrant a listen from any progressive power metal aficionado. Though I'd recommend starting with a masterpiece like In Search of Truth if you're new to the band, The Dark Discovery is a recommended listen to any Evergrey veteran.

A nice compilation album!

Evergrey are a Swedish prog metal band who has been kicking asses since the latter 90s, since then, they have maintained in the scene in spite of the different line-ups, worth mentioning that for their last studio album released in 2011, they had a new line-up with three new members, along with older ones such as Rikard Zander and of course, Tom. S. Englund. In the same 2011, but later in November, the band released through Steamhammer/SPV a compilation album that celebrates "A Decade and a Half" of Evergrey's music.

Here they offer a commemorative 2-CD album in which 24 of their most representative songs are featured, songs that let us have a retrospective journey through their eight studio albums released so far, and with three tracks taken from their "A Night to Remember" live album. One of those three songs is "Blackened Dawn" which was originally released in their first album entitled "The Dark Discovery", so that is actually a classic of the band, and I love the live version they included here.

Though the band is catalogued as a progressive metal one, I would say their spectrum is wider because we can also listen to some power metal themes, and even some more hard rock oriented ones. In this compilation we will listen to songs from their different line-ups; die-hard fans will really enjoy this and will surely have nostalgic moments, remembering their favorite songs from their favorite albums and favorite line-ups. The first CD starts with "The Masterplan" a cool catchy track from their "In Search of Truth" album. Some other songs featured here are "More than Ever", "A Touch of Blessing", "Broken Wings" (taken from older albums), and "Frozen" from "Glorious Collision". The CD finishes with an unreleased live unplugged version of "Wrong", nice.

And in the second CD we will have eleven tracks that will keep our metal mind satisfied with tracks such as "The Great Deceiver", "Wrong" (studio version), "Solitude Within", "Recreation Day", the live versions of "Wake up Blind" and "When the Walls go Down". This CD finishes also with an unreleased live unplugged version, this time of "Frozen", which makes a softer but very nice ending. What I like of this compilation is precisely that mixture of studio songs with some live highlights, and with those two new live versions that close both CDs.

This is a good commemorative album that I am sure will satisfy most Evergrey fans, and that can also work for people who want an introduction to the band, and though a studio album is always the best introduction, this compilation may be cool for beginners.

Enjoy it!

EVERGREY is the Swedish songwriter and singer Tom Englund first and foremost, who has produced eight studio albums so far, assisted by a bunch of changing musicians. He just had renewed his crew to produce the current workout 'Glourious Collision' which is pretty good. Not even one year later this compilation has been released on Steamhammer/SPV consisting of 24 songs, some of them presented live - a representative cross section of all the albums since they started with 'The Dark Discovery' in 1998.

Melodic power metal is the name of the game here, I would say - there are a lot of bands which bear a stronger prog essence. At least five songs are extracted from 'The Inner Circle' (2004) - this could mean Eklund himself considers this one the band's masterpiece (so far). They exemplarily represent the bandwith reaching from fierceness to sentimentality. Tom's unique and expressive vocals have a large share of course, similar to Daniel Gildenlöw maybe who dominates the Pain Of Salvation albums. Carina Englund's voice could have been much more present though, when she appears it's always a pleasant contrast.

With the previously unreleased unplugged versions of Wrong and Frozen they have a special offer for the hardcore fans - the originals are both featured on the current album 'Glorious Collision'. Besides the excerpts taken from this effort some other exceptional songs are the powerful live version of Blackenend Dawn while showing some symphonic appeal, Solitude Within including violin support and the emotional A Touch Of Blessing which I can remember from the past.

'A Decade And A Half' comes like a retrospective view going back through EVERGREY's musical history. For the first time I had the chance to get an overview music-wise. So I dare to say that their current regular album sounds a bit different. Okay, there is a new line-up of course, that makes sense. Overall Glorious Collision sounds more polished towards AOR, less raw, appeals to me more. The question remains: why exactly are they offering something like a best-of-compilation at this point? Don't intend to speculate, but I'm quite sure Eklund won't quit, does not intend to close this chapter. Never mind, here we have a proper collection of melodic metal tunes, every album is taken into account. A serious offer for newcomer who intend to explore the band's floor.

Leave It Behind Us

In the not to distant past Evergrey has released some amazing albums, most notably 'In Search of Truth' in 2001, but with this album they've seemed to leave it behind them and by doing so this album is a little weak. Granted, I still really like this album, but I definitely think that it could be better. The songs are quite simple for most of the time, and the couple of songs that are very good get drowned out by the rest. Also 'Glorious Collision' seems to be a little repetitive for its hour long time span.

Of everything on the album, my favorite thing would probably have to be Tom Englund's, which sounds a lot like Fish, from Marillion. Being the huge Marillion fan that I am, this adds a lot to the album, especially on songs such as 'The Phantom Letters' and 'Free'. His voice blends in very well with Evergrey's sound, and is a lone highlight on most of the songs. If I were to just listen to the first couple of songs this album would hold no interest to me at all, but, thankfully, the last six songs are really good, and salvage the album. Starting with 'The Phantom Letters', 'Glorious Collision' takes off on a new, and better path that would interest a listener much more than the first half.

The keyboards on this album, played by Rikard Zander, are very good and highlight the melodies very good with their lighter sound. That's the one cool thing about Evergrey that has stayed the same; they know how to infuse different genres into their music. In the past they have released both progressive and power metal albums, and, in my opinion, 'Glorious Collision' is a good mixture between the two. With more progressive sounding songs such as the ballad '...And The Distance' and 'Free', they show their diverse talent, while they also show they can get the job done with nice, heavy power metal songs like 'Frozen' and 'I'm Drowning Alone'.

The production is very polished, and almost too perfect, but I find my self liking it. Englund's voice sounds great with it, and the guitars sound pretty good, too.

While hardcore Evergrey fans will probably be disappointed with this new release, there's not too much to complain about. It has great musicianship, wonderful choruses, and great melodies. I found myself liking this album a lot, but as I said before, if you're just getting into Evergrey this might not be the place to start. I got this at around the same time I got 'In Search of Truth', my first introduction to Evergrey, and it was amazing at the difference. For their good, yet lacking release Evergrey gets 3 stars.

13 songs in one hour of solid blasting power metal from Evergrey.

Evergrey are a melodic power metal band that have the key features of strong melodies, awesome riffing and incredible passionate vocals from Englund. They remind me of Symphony X or Theocracy at times, and are focussed on creating memorable melodies and riffs with some scorching lead breaks played with razor sharp precision and speed.

There are some fantastic tracks on this new album, a dark somber atmosphere throughout but very strong melodies. The excellence is not consistent but I would rate this a 3 and a half star album, not quite 4 stars but still very good.

It begins with a brain blaster on heavy distorted galloping guitars. Leave It Behind cranked into my cranium and I couldn't get it out of my head, it just haunts you after it is over. The signature sound is well known to Evergrey fans, and I was astounded at the ferocity of the distortion and the way vocals plead through low tones and exceptional high register singing; "it's your silence that makes you so hollow, all things that we don't know are danger and we should leave it behind us, everything changes, we wait for the darkness". The techno keyboards add another dimension to the sound.

You is one of the best tracks due to that melodic power metal and a blistering lead break and choppy rhythmic distorted blasts. It is the longest song at 6:24 and the best for me, with a beautiful minimalist piano section. Worth listening to any day, any mood.

Wrong has wonderful verses sung with passion and powerful organ passages, with a crunching chorus with a strong melody.

Frozen has a hammering riff that is rather intricate with an odd time signature. Overall the track is a raucous thrasher with some moments of slow chord changes and everpresent are those powerful vocals. The chorus is majestic and epic, and then the instrumental break is an effective twin lead guitar harmony. The time sig changes are inspirational, and there is even a break away with some spacey keys before one more powerdriving chorus.

Restoring The Loss begins softly with phased keyboards and then a galloping chunk of metal blasts drive it forward.

To Fit the Mould absolutely floored me for its unusual structure and the wonderful melodic metal, the power riffs are stunning and these are some of the most uplifting vocals from Englund. An absolute highlight of the album and unforgettable epic chorus.

The Phantom Letters has to be mentioned for the dynamic vocals "and the ashes fall from heaven", and the incredible fret melting lead work.

It Comes From Within is a killer track, and begins with an ethereal haunting female vocal and then launches into break neck speed riffs and lead guitar fills. The darkened atmosphere is consistent with heavier vocals; "It's taking me over, making me weak, I belong to the shadows, to the ones?". The lead guitar is explosive on this track, it woke me up after a few mediocre moments and this nailed me to the wall with blistering lead work and crunchtastic distortion. The eerie female ghosts lift it to a progressive edge.

Free begins with sombre organ and heartfelt well executed vocals. The softer sound is welcome after the blitzkrieg of previous tracks. The bass pounds like a heartbeat and it builds to a clean guitar and beautiful ambience. Another very good track among the best on the album.

I'm Drowning Alone is back to the gut wrenching distorted crunches of pure Evergrey. The riff is fantastic driving and powerful, with a higher vocal register from Englund. You have to love that melody in the chorus; "Release from darkness, release me from all that chains me here, I'm drowned in your silence, I hate to ask but I wouldn't if I didn't mean it, I'm much stronger on my own, but so much weaker, I need you to help me." There is a keyboard pad underneath the power metal and a weird section that chills me sounding like children singing.

And The Distance has one of the best vocal performances, passionate and full of the pain of loss and regret. The guitar swells are divine over a melancholy piano. When it builds to the metal section the atmosphere lifts; "you're keeping your distance, you're pushing me away, you never let me say the words I want to say, our circumstances change, because you never let me say the words I want". There is a time change and a ferocious instrumental, with Carina's female vocals that sound so pleasant with vocals. The harmonies as good as you may hear on an Ayreon album.

Overall this Evergrey album is full of melodic powerful songs, some absolutely inspired moments. I enjoyed the journey and look forward to hearing more from this dynamic prog metal band.

Ah yes, another Evergrey album has arrived. I must admit that when I heard that 3 members of the band were leaving I was shocked but then I remember what happened last time there was a major member change, back in 2001. We got In Search of Truth which many consider to be Evergrey's finest hour. The frustration and high emotions which entrench themselves during a breakup, usually find a way of emerging through the music(which is good for the listener). Overall, I am fairly happy with this album. (Changed my mind, it sucks) After hearing Torn, I was worried that the band had ran out of inspiration. It really felt generic and tedious, and you can almost tell that band was disintegrating. Well here comes new guys and new energy, and there are some real highlights on Glorious Collision, but still it comes off as generic. I was listening to it today and actually got bored, and turned it off. These long drawn out choruses are driving me nuts like "I'm Frooooooooooozeeeeeen" instead of just saying I'm frozen. Its just not that interesting. I enjoyed the first listen just for the novelty of it, but it wore off way faster then I expected, so I guess this is the point where I wash my hands of Evergrey. P.S. dumb album name and kinda cheesy album art, but whatever. Should've named it "From the ashes" or something referencing new life and rejuvenation, but whatever. (Changed my mind, it sucks)

Another sad release for Evergrey pretty much extinguishes any last hope of a return to form. Sadly future albums are just not worth the listen (3 strikes, your out).

The above statement makes me sad as only a few years ago Evergrey was easily at the top of my favorite bands list. Great old school riffing with a fresh modern sound, strong front man and strong musicianship with enough prog elements to have something really unique. I also had the privilege of seeing them live and they were fantastic.

So what's gone wrong? Monday Morning Apocalypse was the beginning of a move in a commercial direction that has not stopped. But I forgave them for this, it was a different album but still had a great riffs. Ironically many people have voted Torn a better album but to me although Torn may not have been quite so obviously commercial as Monday morning, it didn't really have any catchy riffs to it to hold your attention. Both of these albums dulled down the keyboards - a trend that has continued to Glorious Collision (even the album names have become lame & uninspired).

Having seen Everygrey in action there was little doubt Tom Englund desperately wants the whole rock god thing but I doubt he's destined to get it. Everygrey's music still remains too heavy for the average cross-over or rock charts fan and the songs are becoming more repetitive, predictable, sappy and dull. The original fan base and prog lovers alike are fleeing like rats from a ship while new metal heads see Everygrey's music as too obviously try-hard commercial. In short they aren't finding any real audience.

Glorious Collision offers pretty much nothing (except the same safe old formula if that's what you want). Nothing really stands out, nothing is new, the whole album meanders along at a constant pace. It is completely uninspired.

Everygrey is definitely a band beyond it's expiry date which is a shame. Having put out earlier masterpieces that in my book dominated the progressive metal scene this really is disappointing and I suspect attributable to Tom Englund's clearly gigantic ego. Keyboard players of worth long gave up trying to be an active part of the Everygrey sound and now all we have is a repetition of uninspired riffs.

I do hope one day a miracle can turn things around and Englund sees the light. (2.5 stars)

Well Evergrey are back... what's left of them... And it is a magnificent comeback!

We all knew their problems after "Torn". And the question was how Tom and Rikard could continue with this. But let's face it, Tom is the heart of this band. And maybe since the departure of the other three members there was more space for Zander's keys. So with a new rhythm section they are releasing Glorious Collision.

I must confess, although their first albums till The Inner Circle are more of what we use to say Prog, I always liked Torn. There was a certain familiar to me mood there. So is the new one better? Equal to the old ones? I will not do the comparison. They don't deserve this, not at all. Honestly, I think that the new one is a great album, great melodies, great orchestrations, GREAT solos, with their style that we love.

The keys are more in the front, spreading their sound, giving new dimensions. The lyrics speak to you, it goes really deep sometimes. Tom' s voice just shouts "I am back". And the new players are up to the task, powerful drumming, nice bass lines and heavy riffing.

This is an awesome album, an emotional trip and heavy as always. Five stars, cause this is a great effort and cause we need bands like Evergrey, keep it going!