Rough Edge: Evergrey CD Reviews

EVERGREY

"Torn" (SPV; 2008)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Swedish melodic metal machine Evergrey re-emerge with "Torn," a solid 11-track affair that finds the group rediscovering their progressive roots while keeping subtle hints from the mainstream metal style found on their last few offerings intact.

Tracks like "When Kingdoms Fall" and the In Flames-esque "Nothing is Erased" showcase this squad's prowess to nimbly straddle the line between genres without irking the diehards, while "Numb" and "Fail" prove this unit's ability to create tracks that are perfectly balanced between brooding and heavy.

While the amount of truly memorable songs found here is a bit low, the superior quality of the songwriting, the sterling musicianship displayed across the board, and the rekindling of their early sound makes "Torn" a surefooted step in the right direction for Evergrey.

For more information visit http://www.evergrey.net.

"In Search of Truth" (InsideOut Music America; 2001)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

Over the past couple of years I'd seen countless Evergrey interviews in many of the East Coast print 'zines dedicated to the power/prog scene. I'd always known that I would eventually have to check these guys out. Well, here's my chance: Evergrey's "In Search Of Truth" hit my desk for immediate review and my high expectations were met. Evergrey is Swedish prog-metal that combines the best of Pain Of Salvation with the best of Shadow Gallery in both musical terms and willingness to link their songs with a storyline.

"In Search Of Truth" starts off with a trio of up-tempo rockers, hits a brief emotional high with "State Of Paralysis" before resuming the crushing prog-metal journey into the dark sides of life that we might not always think about. "In Search Of Truth" has a bit of alien abduction or just plain ol' conspiracy theories as thematic threads (depending on your point of view, of course). "In Search Of Truth" does a great job of making the story specific enough to paint pictures in your mind, but vague enough so that each listener has a different interpretation each time he or she hears it.

The rest of "In Search Of Truth" winds its way back and forth like a good story should. "In Search Of Truth" always keeps the listener's interest with a revealing moment interspersed with other elements of mystery that will leave you guessing at all turns. When the lyrics are matched with spirited and emotional delivery you've got a winning combination.

"In Search Of Truth" rocks a bit harder than Dream Theater for those of you in the progressive realm looking for something to compare Evergrey to. Evergrey keep their prog-metal in the same vein as the previously mentioned Pain Of Salvation and Shadow Gallery. Slowly, but surely, I'm beginning to see the value in concept-based CDs to help a musical story move from logical beginnings to not so logical endings.

Simply put, "In Search Of Truth" is one of the best surprises and most complete releases of 2001. Fans of Pain Of Salvation, Shadow Gallery, Dream Theater, and Digital Ruin will want to check out "In Search Of Truth."

"In Search Of Truth" was produced by Andy LaRocque and Tom S. Englund; "In Search Of Truth" was recorded at Los Angered Studios.

Evergrey is Tom S. Englund on vocals and guitar, Patrick Carlsson on drums and percussion, Michael Hakansson on bass, Sven Karlsson on keyboards, and Henrik Danhage on guitars.

Evergrey is joined by The Mercury Choir and Carina Kjellberg on vocals.

For more information visit http://www.evergrey.net.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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