IN SEARCH OF TRUTH

Well, my first introduction to Evergrey was with this album, and at the time, I was newly discovering the progressive metal genre with Dream Theater, Pain of Salvation, Threshold, Psychotic Waltz and Ayreon.

All of these aside.

I hesitated quite a bit before buying this album, as I have with many others that gave me immense satisfaction. In the end, I took the dare.

Instrumentally (and within the boundaries of the Triangle);

Suberb. Simply suberb, advanced and amazing. The fat, puffy tones of the guitars give the dark mood quite a profound addition; they stress the sharpness of the insanity that is introduced within the lyrics. Keyboards and additional instruments, combined with the choir passages ("Dark Waters" and "The Masterplan") give the album a dark, melancholic and sometimes, even eerie atmosphere. Combined with synth and piano, "Different Worlds" introduce a completely amazing piece within the album. The vocals, well... the vocals are not the best I have heard, but Tom Englund makes it easy to go by, so it's not a very weak point. Additional tape recorder passages contribute quite honestly to the story, and the album, generally, carries a very high atmosphere; an anxiety, some kind of energy burst that makes one want to scream. The drums are dynamic, sometimes ordinary, but on others, they are simply mind- blowing.

Lyrically (and in Different Worlds);

"In Search Of Truth"s songs have certain letters in them, that allows them to form "SEARCH" which is highlighted in the album's backside. On the other hand, the story in itself is about a man whom thinks that aliens have abducted him, and either keep abducting him at dissonant intervals, or they are always around, watching observing. I must admit that the lyrics are self-disgusted, paranoid, desperate, pained, confused, and finally, ashamed. It kicks off with "The Masterplan", and gives you an insight on the story which is much like an X-Files episode. Until "State of Paralysis", we are given the concept of something between insomnia and hypersomnia combined; never being sure whether one is awake or sleeping (I've been there). Then, up until "Misled", a paranoia settles in, and the lyrics turn a bit frightening. And then, the grand finale leaves you with your jaw on the ground.

To sum up, this album feels like home after you've memorized everything there is to it, and then, its still a very great piece to listen to. The only thing is, after a while, you get bored with Englund's vocals.