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Evergrey - Torn CD (album) cover

TORN

Evergrey

 

Progressive Metal

2.73 | 76 ratings

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Prog Leviathan
Prog Reviewer
2 stars 2 stars for my favorite Swedish gothic/black/heavy metal band this time around, with Torn doing little specific to prompt negative comments nor anything exceptional to warrant listening from those who aren't already fans of the band.

The group's heavy, energetic, dark metal playing is as heavy, energetic, and dark as ever, and fine displays of catchy metal musicianship abound throughout Torn. Guitar is the first thing one hears when coming to dine at Evergrey's table, and fans of a straightforward metal rocking will be given plenty to sink their teeth into; solos, riffing, and effects shred in each song. Equally prevalent are Englund's vocals, which are characteristically gravelly, powerful, and angsty. Lyrics are without exception dealing with loss, pain, failure, etc... sound familiar?

That's the problem-- Torn is everything one expects from Evergrey, and it's hard not to acknowledge that they're pretty much phoning this one in. Their key albums (In Search of Truth, Inner Circle, Recreation Day) feature strong themes and narratives-- making for unique and thoughtful listens. Torn is almost like a collection of outtakes the band prepared to insert into any of their previous concept albums; connected only by their gloomy nature. The result is a lack of variety and flow despite fine performances. There are few changes in dynamics or mood, and the album suffers from this feeling of directionless.

Newcomers and fans of metal are heartily encouraged to check out Evergrey-- but this collection of isolated songs makes for a poor example of their coolness. Fans of the group will be treading familiar ground, but since Evergrey is a sweet metal band, that isn't entirely a bad thing.

Songwriting: 2 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 2

Prog Leviathan | 2/5 |

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