Ok, let's get something out of the way first before I post my thoughts. I am an Evergrey fanboy. They are my favorite band in the world (ok..behind Buffett). I have enjoyed every single Evergrey disc to date, some more than others. I'm also the promoter of a show in which I booked them as a headliner and I want to sell tickets. There is no way that I can remain purely objective based on all of that. However I make NO apology for it either.
I love this disc. I love it because Evergrey decided to tweak the formula and take some chances while keeping the core sound/vibe in tact. Will some call it a sell-out based on one song? Of course. You can't have a metal fan base without having idiots in it. Will some be disappointed because it doesn't sound like ISoT (or insert your favorite Egrey release). Yes. That's the way metal fans are about beloved releases..obsessive to the point of not being able to enjoy anything new because they want another alien anal probe. Will some love MMA? Absofuckinglutely.
Now, let's get the sonic aspect out of the way. I am no audiophile. I don't go apeshit over the acoustics of the snare sound, the bass reverb, or the dryness of the vocals (whatever the fuck that is). If you are looking for that kind of stuff, head over to Sneap or Kernon's forums and pick their brains once this is released. All I know is that it sounds awesome to me so you may as well stop with the producer bitching. The ingredients are all still there: Tom's vocals, driving rhythm section (drums really have been taken up a notch), haunting piano/keys, riffs and soaring solos galore, and the lovely Carina providing some great backing vocals on several of the choruses.
Spoilers Below:
The following are random thoughts on each of the songs. They are not meant to be coherent, compressive descriptions for the most part. It's just how I felt while listening....
1. Monday Morning Apocalypse- The disc starts out with what is sure to be the most controversial track on the disc. This is the lead single and may indeed bring in the band a new legion of fans. Yes, it has a bit more of a modern feel. As you can tell from the clip, the vocals are processed throughout the verses of the song. I was a bit shocked myself. However, after hearing the entire song they work perfectly because they really enhance the clean chorus. Besides, it's just catchy as hell.
2. Unspeakable- The old guard can relax the sphincter now. This is the traditional Evergrey tune you are looking for. The intense build up is there followed by the pounding melodic chorus. This reminds me of some of the better moments from Recreation Day.
3. Lost- This one goes back to the IsoT formula: quick crunchy intro that slams to a halt with intense vocals backed by the choir. Fantastic. The chorus is a bit lighter than what you may be expect, but that's ok. This is where change is a good thing as it keeps things fresh. Wait till you hear the solo. It's what I call a clean, soaring type instead of some fast technical sweep.
4. Obedience- ROOOOOCCCCKKKKK!!! If the band had posted this as a sound clip, there would be no "hmmm" going on. This is the heaviest tune on the disc. The riffs bitchslap you and the chorus makes no apology afterwards. The shredheads will be happy here as well with the extended dual soloing.
5. The Curtain Fall- A great up-tempo number in the tradition of "Mark of the Triangle." This is another tune where their guitar tone is going to throw some people off.
6. In Remembrance- Doomy with shotgun style lyrics. That makes no sense as I type this, but once you hear it.... I love the lush atmosphere with the piano interlude. Tom's vocals rule.
7. At a Loss for Words- Hello vocal processing...hello awesome fucking song. It's heavy as hell and drips with attitude. This is my favorite chorus on the disc. Ranks right up there with "Obedience" as one of my faves.
8. Till Dagmar- Beautiful piano instrumental.
9. Still in the Water- The most "modern" sounding track as it grooves more than anything. I think you get the idea from the sample on the website.
10. The Dark I Walk You Through- Fuck..the lyrical theme of the disc is dark enough, but this is just despair ("He waved to her and turned, and that was the last time he saw her") The doomy guitar riffs don't lighten things either.
11. I Should- Intense. 'Nuff said.
12. Closure- Tom's most soulful vocal performance to date. It's just him and a piano and that's all it needs. The chill bumps hit me instantly. Hell, even my wife said...he sounds "amazing."
I've said my piece and I'm sure some will disagree with me once they hear the disc. However, music is a personal experience for me. I don't need anyone else's approval in order to love Evergrey.
Cheers,
Glenn H.
I love this disc. I love it because Evergrey decided to tweak the formula and take some chances while keeping the core sound/vibe in tact. Will some call it a sell-out based on one song? Of course. You can't have a metal fan base without having idiots in it. Will some be disappointed because it doesn't sound like ISoT (or insert your favorite Egrey release). Yes. That's the way metal fans are about beloved releases..obsessive to the point of not being able to enjoy anything new because they want another alien anal probe. Will some love MMA? Absofuckinglutely.
Now, let's get the sonic aspect out of the way. I am no audiophile. I don't go apeshit over the acoustics of the snare sound, the bass reverb, or the dryness of the vocals (whatever the fuck that is). If you are looking for that kind of stuff, head over to Sneap or Kernon's forums and pick their brains once this is released. All I know is that it sounds awesome to me so you may as well stop with the producer bitching. The ingredients are all still there: Tom's vocals, driving rhythm section (drums really have been taken up a notch), haunting piano/keys, riffs and soaring solos galore, and the lovely Carina providing some great backing vocals on several of the choruses.
Spoilers Below:
The following are random thoughts on each of the songs. They are not meant to be coherent, compressive descriptions for the most part. It's just how I felt while listening....
1. Monday Morning Apocalypse- The disc starts out with what is sure to be the most controversial track on the disc. This is the lead single and may indeed bring in the band a new legion of fans. Yes, it has a bit more of a modern feel. As you can tell from the clip, the vocals are processed throughout the verses of the song. I was a bit shocked myself. However, after hearing the entire song they work perfectly because they really enhance the clean chorus. Besides, it's just catchy as hell.
2. Unspeakable- The old guard can relax the sphincter now. This is the traditional Evergrey tune you are looking for. The intense build up is there followed by the pounding melodic chorus. This reminds me of some of the better moments from Recreation Day.
3. Lost- This one goes back to the IsoT formula: quick crunchy intro that slams to a halt with intense vocals backed by the choir. Fantastic. The chorus is a bit lighter than what you may be expect, but that's ok. This is where change is a good thing as it keeps things fresh. Wait till you hear the solo. It's what I call a clean, soaring type instead of some fast technical sweep.
4. Obedience- ROOOOOCCCCKKKKK!!! If the band had posted this as a sound clip, there would be no "hmmm" going on. This is the heaviest tune on the disc. The riffs bitchslap you and the chorus makes no apology afterwards. The shredheads will be happy here as well with the extended dual soloing.
5. The Curtain Fall- A great up-tempo number in the tradition of "Mark of the Triangle." This is another tune where their guitar tone is going to throw some people off.
6. In Remembrance- Doomy with shotgun style lyrics. That makes no sense as I type this, but once you hear it.... I love the lush atmosphere with the piano interlude. Tom's vocals rule.
7. At a Loss for Words- Hello vocal processing...hello awesome fucking song. It's heavy as hell and drips with attitude. This is my favorite chorus on the disc. Ranks right up there with "Obedience" as one of my faves.
8. Till Dagmar- Beautiful piano instrumental.
9. Still in the Water- The most "modern" sounding track as it grooves more than anything. I think you get the idea from the sample on the website.
10. The Dark I Walk You Through- Fuck..the lyrical theme of the disc is dark enough, but this is just despair ("He waved to her and turned, and that was the last time he saw her") The doomy guitar riffs don't lighten things either.
11. I Should- Intense. 'Nuff said.
12. Closure- Tom's most soulful vocal performance to date. It's just him and a piano and that's all it needs. The chill bumps hit me instantly. Hell, even my wife said...he sounds "amazing."
I've said my piece and I'm sure some will disagree with me once they hear the disc. However, music is a personal experience for me. I don't need anyone else's approval in order to love Evergrey.
Cheers,
Glenn H.
