from http://www.bravewords.com
by Kristian Forsell/Mark Gromen
Did you ever wonder how it might feel to have your head blown off? Well, the fourth album from Swedish metallers Evergrey, certainly comes close. Saturday, November 30th, Gothenburg's famed Studio Fredman, played host to an exclusive listening party for Recreation Day. Like its
predecessors, Recreation Day was recorded in Los Angered Recordings, but without (owner/producer) Andy LaRocque. Instead, production was handled by band members Tom Englund (vocals/guitar) and Henrik Danhage (guitar). Undoubtedly the heaviest platter yet from the band, the production allows lots of small details to shine through, for an enhanced listening experience. After the band greets me at the door, we move to the kitchen, where journalists from Europe's major metal magazines have already started sampling the beer and some snacks.
Englund plays the host, ushering the assemblage into the control room, so the listening session can begin. The first track aired also kicks off the album. A few seconds into 'The Great Deceiver', it's obvious from the looks on everyone's face that this is a stunner, the heaviest song Evergrey has penned, brutally fast, yet retaining an infectious chorus. Tom's voice is in a higher range than ever before, as a listen to the acoustic masterpiece, 'Madness Caught Another Victim' or their cover of Dilba's 'I'm Sorry', bears out.
Asked about the unconventional choice for a cover tune, Englund explained, "I want more people outside Sweden to hear it, because it's just too great to be forgotten and it totally fits the Evergrey sound." He's absolutely right. We move on, progressing to 'Blinded' and 'As I Lie Here
Bleeding', both representative of the best Evergrey material, built upon complex formulas, the omnipresent catchy chorus and the emotive Englund voice turning listeners to stone.
Before we continue, it's decided there will be an intermission, to freshen the drinks and give the journalists a chance to chat amongst ourselves. Everyone is in agreement (Although bold contradictory statements are rare at label-sponsored gatherings - the backstabbing is saved for the safety of the home office). Some already proclaim Recreation Day to be Evergrey's best album, and we've only heard five tracks! In the corner of the kitchen, the entire band stands laughing, as Tom and Henrik relate tales from their trip to the US, for ProgPower. The French journalists, in particular, are fascinated by the stories, but are eager to return to the control room, for the rest of the songs.
'Unforgivable Sin' is up next. It concerns murder, within an anti-religious context. Musically, it relies on a heavy dose of keyboards, backed by ultra-heavy guitars, and a massive choir at the end. It's sure to quickly become a live favorite. The title track is a dark, moody piece of beauty, where new keyboardist Rickard Zander gets the chance to show off his vocal abilities, on a few lines. Towards the end, there are massive choirs, including the incredible voice of Carina Kjellberg.
All total, the 11 songs keep the soul of Evergrey intact. It's difficult to judge an album after just one listen, but it feels like the catchy parts are even catchier and the complex parts are now even more complex. It's hard to describe. Everything has improved; the guitar playing, Tom's voice, drums, the overall sound and production. As with any masterwork, you have to sit back and fully concentrate on the listening, so I look forward to having a chance to revisit Recreation Day, again and again.
by Kristian Forsell/Mark Gromen
Did you ever wonder how it might feel to have your head blown off? Well, the fourth album from Swedish metallers Evergrey, certainly comes close. Saturday, November 30th, Gothenburg's famed Studio Fredman, played host to an exclusive listening party for Recreation Day. Like its
predecessors, Recreation Day was recorded in Los Angered Recordings, but without (owner/producer) Andy LaRocque. Instead, production was handled by band members Tom Englund (vocals/guitar) and Henrik Danhage (guitar). Undoubtedly the heaviest platter yet from the band, the production allows lots of small details to shine through, for an enhanced listening experience. After the band greets me at the door, we move to the kitchen, where journalists from Europe's major metal magazines have already started sampling the beer and some snacks.
Englund plays the host, ushering the assemblage into the control room, so the listening session can begin. The first track aired also kicks off the album. A few seconds into 'The Great Deceiver', it's obvious from the looks on everyone's face that this is a stunner, the heaviest song Evergrey has penned, brutally fast, yet retaining an infectious chorus. Tom's voice is in a higher range than ever before, as a listen to the acoustic masterpiece, 'Madness Caught Another Victim' or their cover of Dilba's 'I'm Sorry', bears out.
Asked about the unconventional choice for a cover tune, Englund explained, "I want more people outside Sweden to hear it, because it's just too great to be forgotten and it totally fits the Evergrey sound." He's absolutely right. We move on, progressing to 'Blinded' and 'As I Lie Here
Bleeding', both representative of the best Evergrey material, built upon complex formulas, the omnipresent catchy chorus and the emotive Englund voice turning listeners to stone.
Before we continue, it's decided there will be an intermission, to freshen the drinks and give the journalists a chance to chat amongst ourselves. Everyone is in agreement (Although bold contradictory statements are rare at label-sponsored gatherings - the backstabbing is saved for the safety of the home office). Some already proclaim Recreation Day to be Evergrey's best album, and we've only heard five tracks! In the corner of the kitchen, the entire band stands laughing, as Tom and Henrik relate tales from their trip to the US, for ProgPower. The French journalists, in particular, are fascinated by the stories, but are eager to return to the control room, for the rest of the songs.
'Unforgivable Sin' is up next. It concerns murder, within an anti-religious context. Musically, it relies on a heavy dose of keyboards, backed by ultra-heavy guitars, and a massive choir at the end. It's sure to quickly become a live favorite. The title track is a dark, moody piece of beauty, where new keyboardist Rickard Zander gets the chance to show off his vocal abilities, on a few lines. Towards the end, there are massive choirs, including the incredible voice of Carina Kjellberg.
All total, the 11 songs keep the soul of Evergrey intact. It's difficult to judge an album after just one listen, but it feels like the catchy parts are even catchier and the complex parts are now even more complex. It's hard to describe. Everything has improved; the guitar playing, Tom's voice, drums, the overall sound and production. As with any masterwork, you have to sit back and fully concentrate on the listening, so I look forward to having a chance to revisit Recreation Day, again and again.
